Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dracontomelon duperreanum</Emphasis> Leaf Litter on the Growth and Photosynthesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis>

This study investigated the use of Dracontomelon duperreanum leaf litter extract (DDLLE) in inhibiting the growth and photosynthesis of the algae Microcystis aeruginosa. The goal of the study was to evaluate a potential solution for cyanobacterial bloom prevention. M. aeruginosa was exposed to extract concentrations from 0.4 to 2.0 g L^?1. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) content and photosynthesis levels were assessed using pulse amplitude modulated fluorimetry phytoplankton analyzer. Results suggested that the extract could efficiently suppress M. aeruginosa growth. The content of Chl-a was only 19.0 µg L^?1 and achieved 96.0% inhibition rate when exposed to 2.0 g L^?1 on day 15. Growth rate in response to different extract concentrations were consistent with changes in the photosynthesis efficiency (alpha), maximal relative electron transport rate and maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F _v /F _m ). Furthermore, several kinds of volatile chemicals and their concentrations in DDLLE had been identified by GC–MS, which of them play major role to suppress the growth of M. aeruginosa should be further studied.     

How does a 10-fold pulse increase of aircraft-related NO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> impact the global burdens of O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and secondary organic aerosol (SOA)?

Aircraft emissions are an important and growing global source of nitrogen oxides (NO _x ). At cruising altitude, the atmosphere is particularly NO _x -sensitive and aircraft emissions contribute to ozone (O₃) production and oxidation of volatile organic pollutants that ultimately produce secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Rapid growth of the global fleet of aircraft and the number of flights require a careful investigation on the atmospheric impact of potential increases in total aircraft-emitted NO _x . In this study, we simulated atmospheric composition before, during and after two 10× pulses of total aircraft NO _x emissions, one in winter and one in summer of 2007. Results showed that the initial NO _x enhancement (up to 3.25% averaged over the globe) was removed after the first 2 months and the change in O₃ burden increases for 5 months (up to 3.1 and 2.7% averaged over the globe, respectively, for winter and summer perturbations). The NO _x and O₃ enhancements follow previously observed temporal patterns, but SOA showed strong season-specific results. During the summer, the NO _x pulse decreased total secondary organic gases (SOGs) and SOA burdens, suggesting an inverse relationship with enhanced oxidation. During the winter, the NO _x pulse increased the SOG and SOA burdens with SOA lagging SOG. The SOG enhancement has a spatio-temporal pattern similar to NO _x . The highest changes in SOA and SOG burdens of different regions during the summer and winter pulse increases were below 1.6%. However, O₃ pollution with burden increases as high as 8% in the winter months and 6% in the summer months of the northern hemisphere may even represent an air quality concern.     

Effects of Low-Frequency Ultrasound on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis> from Cell Inactivation to Disruption

Ultrasound can be used to induce cell resonance and cavitation to inhibit cyanobacterial growth, but it can also lead to increase in dissolved nutrients because of cell disruption. This study investigated the process from cell inactivation to disruption of Microcystis aeruginosa. Algal cells were sonicated (at 35 kHz) under various intensities and durations. Results showed that chlorophyll a content and F_v/F_m values decreased slightly within the first 5 min. Superoxide dismutase activity was stimulated and its peak value appeared at the fifth minute. After 20 min, considerable number of ruptured cells were observed and the concentrations of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus increased rapidly. Finally, ammonia and nitrate merely composed a small portion of dissolved nitrogen. This study demonstrated that excessive ultrasound treatment can significantly rupture algal cells and lead to the release of cellular inclusions, which may cause ecological issues or public health problems. Based on our findings, ultrasonic intensity controlled at 0.035 W/mL and applied for a duration of 20 min delivers the optimal result in effectively inhibiting physiological activities of Microcystis aeruginosa without marked cell disruption. This will ultimately help to achieve algal control, while conserving energy and preserving the environment and human health.     

Levels of Organotin Compounds in Selected Fish Species from the Arabian Gulf

In the present work, data on the levels of hazardous Organotin compounds in eight commercially important fish species, caught from Arabian Gulf, has been reported. Highest levels of tributyltin (TBT) (98.5 ng/g dry weight) were detected in Epinephelus Tauvina whereas minimum (43.7 ng/g) were found in Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus. Highest levels of triphenyltin (TPT) were detected in Lethrinus Miniatus (107.5 ng/g) whereas lowest were encountered in Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus (64.9 ng/g). Highest value of total butyltin compounds (∑BT) were found in emperors (Lethrinus Miniatus) (228.4 ng/g) whereas minimum was found in Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus (126.4 ng/g). Similarly highest value of total phenyltin compounds (∑PT) was encountered in Epinephelus Tauvina (281.9 ng/g) followed closely by Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus (281.7 ng/g). In addition, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the local population from consumption of these fish was also evaluated. Highest EDI was found to be 10.8 ng/kg bw/day for epinephelus microdan. The data are also compared internationally.     

Examining some potential actions in mitigating gaseous emissions from vehicles,case study: Tehran

Pollutant emission from vehicles is known as a major air pollution source in metropolitan areas. Efficiency of several solutions was quantified and compared to introduce the best solution for decreasing greenhouse gases and air pollutant emissions: (1) inspection and maintenance (I/M) of vehicles, (2) restriction of air conditioner usage, (3) injecting better quality fuel (removing sulfur), and (4) replacing older vehicles with new ones were modeled by International Vehicle Emissions (IVE) model as potential solutions. Restricting air conditioner usage makes an insignificant contribution in pollutants’ emission. The idle inspection/ maintenance system can reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH ₄) emission by about 10.7 and 3.8 %, respectively. The loaded I/M system reduces nitrogen oxides (NO _x ), CO, volatile organic carbon (VOC), and CH ₄ emission by 8.6, 11.5, 3.4, and 7.6 %, respectively. Effect of I/M programs depends on the types of vehicles and target pollutants needed to be reduced. Sulfur emission into the atmosphere would be reduced remarkably (about 98 %) if its concentration was reduced in fuels. Substitution of old vehicles with new vehicles makes a noticeable contribution in improving air quality (about 53 % reductions in CO, 52 % in VOC, and 58 % in CH ₄ emission for light-duty vehicles). Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was utilized to identify the most feasible solution for reducing air pollution. Fuel quality improvement and replacing old cars with newer ones are the most tangible solutions, respectively. This paper demonstrates that each policy has its own impact on emission and we can apply each of them in cases in which the pollutants concentrations are high.     

Incorporating environmental variables as precursor background variables of the theory of planned behavior to predict quitting-related intentions: a comparative study between adult and young adult smokers

Background

As previous studies suggest that the theory of planned behavior (TPB) is open to the inclusion of further predictors, identifying a number of additional background variables within the context of the TPB may help improve the predictive power of the theory. The purpose of this study is to incorporate environmental variables as precursor background variables of the TPB to predict quitting-related intentions.

Methods

This study consists of two sub-studies. Sub-study 1 and 2 analyzed different data sets and were conducted using the similar methodology for the comparison. A total of 395 Texas adult smokers (sub-study 1) and 379 university student smokers (sub-study 2) were analyzed using multiple structural equation modeling.

Results

The extent of agreement with regulating smoking in public places had positive indirect effects on intention to quit through subjective norm among both Texas adult smokers (β?=?0.03, p?<?.01) and university students (β?=?0.01, p?<?.05), and through attitude among Texas adult smokers only (β?=?0.02, p?<?.01). The number of smokers among 5 closest friends had negative indirect effect on intention to take measures to quit through subjective norm among Texas adult smokers (β?=???0.02, p?<?.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that environmental variables need to be considered as precursor background variables of the TPB to predict quitting-related intentions.

     

Mercury Concentrations in the Fish Community from Indrawati River,Nepal

This study quantified concentrations of mercury (Hg) and its trophic transfer along the fish community in the Indrawati River, Nepal. Stable isotope ratios of nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) and carbon (δ¹³C), complemented by stomach contents data were used to assess the food web structure and trophic transfer of Hg in 54 fishes; 43 Shizothorax richardsonii and 11 Barilius spp. [B. bendelisis (1), B. vagra (3) and B. barila (7)]. Sixty-one muscle samples (including six replicates) were used for the analysis of total mercury (THg) and stable isotopes. Mean THg concentrations in B. spp. and the more common species S. richardsonii was observed to be 218.23 (ng/g, ww) and 90.82 (ng/g, ww), respectively. THg versus total length in both S. richardsonii and B. spp. showed a decreasing tendency with an increase in age. Regression of logTHg versus δ¹⁵N among the fish species showed a significant positive correlation only in S. richardsonii indicating biomagnification along the trophic level in this species.     

Ensuring Implementation Fidelity of a 10-Week Home Visiting Program in Two Randomized Clinical Trials

Introduction Implementation fidelity is a challenge for the adoption of evidence-based programs within social service broadly and child welfare specifically. However, implementation fidelity is critical for maintaining the integrity of clinical trials and for ensuring successful delivery of services in public health settings. Methods Promoting First Relationships ^® (PFR), a 10-week home visiting parenting intervention, was evaluated in two randomized clinical trials with populations of families in child welfare. Seven providers from community agencies participated in the trials and administered PFR. Fidelity data collected included observational measures of provider behavior, provider records, and input from clients to assess training uptake, adherence to content, quality of delivery, program dosage, and participant satisfaction. Results In mock cases to assess training uptake, providers demonstrated an increase in PFR verbalization strategies and a decrease non-PFR verbalizations from pre to post PFR training, and overall this was maintained a year later (Mann–Whitney U’s?=?0, p’s?<?.01). Adherence to content in actual cases was high, with M?=?97% of the program elements completed. Quality of delivery varied across providers, indicated by PFR consultation strategies (Wilks’ Lambda F?=?18.24, df?=?15, p?<?.001) and global ratings (F?=?13.35, df?=?5, p?<?.001). Program dosage was high in both trials (71 and 86% receiving 10 sessions), and participant satisfaction was high (M?=?3.9, SD?=?0.2; 4?=?greater satisfaction). Discussion This system of training and monitoring provides an example of procedures that can be used effectively to achieve implementation fidelity with evidence-based programs in social service practice.     

Investigation of chemical reactivity and active components of ambient VOCs in Jinan,China

An analysis of 55 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere was conducted to identify the active components and to determine the potential reactivity using 2 years of air pollution monitoring data in a city in east of China. The results show that the atmospheric hydroxyl radical consumption rate (L ^OH) and ozone forming potential (OFP) of the VOCs corresponded directly to the concentration profiles. The values of L ^OH and OFP were found to be higher in summer than other seasons. The hydroxyl radical loss rate constant (k ^OH) of the VOCs by regression analysis was much higher than that of ethylene, while the maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) of VOCs was similar to that of ethylene. Alkenes were found to be the key active components identified in atmospheric pollution, and vehicle exhaust was considered to be the major source of the VOCs in Jinan’s atmosphere.     

Health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: role of cognitive appraisals of self,illness and treatment

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is considered an important measure of treatment and rehabilitation outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In this study, we used multivariate regression analysis to examine the role of cognitive appraisals, adjusted for clinical, socioeconomic and demographic variables, as correlates of HRQoL in MS.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included 257 MS patients, who completed Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Treatment Beliefs Scale, Actually Received Support Scale (a part of Berlin Social Support Scale) and Socioeconomic Resources Scale. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were collected with a self-report survey. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between the variables.

Results

Five variables, illness identity (β = 0.29, p ≤ 0.001), self-esteem (β = ?0.22, p ≤ 0.001), general self-efficacy (β = ?0.21, p ≤ 0.001), disability subgroup “EDSS” (β = 0.14, p = 0.006) and age (β = 0.12, p = 0.012), were significant correlates of HRQoL in MS. These variables explained 46 % of variance in the dependent variable. Moreover, we identified correlates of physical and psychological dimensions of HRQoL.

Conclusions

Cognitive appraisals, such as general self-efficacy, self-esteem and illness perception, are more salient correlates of HRQoL than social support, socioeconomic resources and clinical characteristics, such as type and duration of MS. Therefore, interventions aimed at cognitive appraisals may also improve HRQoL of MS patients.

     

Functional Measures Developed for Clinical Populations Identified Impairment Among Active Workers with Upper Extremity Disorders

Purpose Few studies have explored measures of function across a range of health outcomes in a general working population. Using four upper extremity (UE) case definitions from the scientific literature, we described the performance of functional measures of work, activities of daily living, and overall health. Methods A sample of 573 workers completed several functional measures: modified recall versions of the QuickDASH, Levine Functional Status Scale (FSS), DASH Work module (DASH-W), and standard SF-8 physical component score. We determined case status based on four UE case definitions: (1) UE symptoms, (2) UE musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), (3) carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and (4) work limitations due to UE symptoms. We calculated effect sizes for each case definition to show the magnitude of the differences that were detected between cases and non-cases for each case definition on each functional measure. Sensitivity and specificity analyses showed how well each measure identified functional impairments across the UE case definitions. Results All measures discriminated between cases and non-cases for each case definition with the largest effect sizes for CTS and work limitations, particularly for the modified FSS and DASH-W measures. Specificity was high and sensitivity was low for outcomes of UE symptoms and UE MSD in all measures. Sensitivity was high for CTS and work limitations. Conclusions Functional measures developed specifically for use in clinical, treatment-seeking populations may identify mild levels of impairment in relatively healthy, active working populations, but measures performed better among workers with CTS or those reporting limitations at work.     

Uptake of Urea Nitrogen by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oocystis borgei</Emphasis> in Prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Litopenaeus vannamei)</Emphasis> Aquaculture Ponds

The goal of this study was to assess the rate of urea nitrogen uptake (ρ) by Oocystis borgei and the relationship between environmental factors and ρ. Light intensity, temperature, pH, salinity, and algal concentration, were used to construct an empirical model. The results showed that light intensity, algal concentration, pH and salinity had significant effects on ρ, and the optimal combination of environmental conditions for ρ was a temperature of 25°C, pH of 7.0, light intensity of 81 µmol m^?2 s^?1, salinity of 15‰, and algal concentration of 4.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1–5.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1. The model equation was ρ?=?2?×?10^?5?×?(A^0.363B^0.783C^0.045D^?0.503E)?+?0.0017, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.83. No significant difference in variance was observed between the model-predicted values and the measured values (F?=?0.238, p?>?0.05), which demonstrated the high fitting degree of the simulation equation. This study provided valuable insight into the reduction of urea nitrogen levels in aquaculture water by O. borgei.     

Characterization and source identification of ambient VOCs in Jinan,China

For 2 years, the concentrations and variance of 56 VOCs were continuously monitored with an on-line gas chromatography and the data were analyzed to characterize the local volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere and identify the major sources of the pollutants. The abundant VOCs were found to consist of C3~C5 alkanes, propylene, cis-2-butene, toluene, and m/p-xylene. The results showed that the seasonal average concentrations of VOCs followed in decreasing order: summer > winter > autumn > spring. In summer, the alkane pollution was the most severe. The diurnal variation of alkanes, alkenes, and VOCs showed a bimodal distribution with two peaks, one in the morning and one in the evening. This profile was consistent with local traffic rush hours, and the average hourly toluene/benzene ratio was less than two. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA), it was found that the major sources of VOCs were consistent with automobile exhaust, industry, and biomass combustion in this study.     

Analysis of fungal contamination in vehicle air filters and their impact as a bioaccumulator on indoor air quality

Studies on air quality within automotive vehicles are an emerging research area in Brazil, especially in the city of São Paulo, one of the most polluted cities in the world and with the largest fleet of vehicles in the country. Indoor air quality is an indicator of environmental health that takes into account, in addition to thermal comfort, factors that interfere in precarious air conditions, such as the presence of fungi, bacteria and carbon dioxide in indoor air-conditioned environments. The objective of the present study was to analyse the fungal contamination in air-conditioning filters collected from 21 automotive vehicles and the study found 17 fungal genera in all samples collected (100%), including toxigenic fungi such as Penicillium, Fusarim and Aspergillus, indicating that indoor air quality can compromise the health of a portion of the population, such as professional drivers. Among the Aspergillus genus, the results showed the presence of the A. flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, A. ochraceus and A. clavatus species, which cause severe allergic and pulmonary respiratory diseases. Air in artificially heated environments should provide comfort to its occupants but it may pose a risk to human health if the car filtration system is contaminated by pathogenic fungi.     

Systematic viewing in radiology: seeing more,missing less?

To prevent radiologists from overlooking lesions, radiology textbooks recommend “systematic viewing,” a technique whereby anatomical areas are inspected in a fixed order. This would ensure complete inspection (full coverage) of the image and, in turn, improve diagnostic performance. To test this assumption, two experiments were performed. Both experiments investigated the relationship between systematic viewing, coverage, and diagnostic performance. Additionally, the first investigated whether systematic viewing increases with expertise; the second investigated whether novices benefit from full-coverage or systematic viewing training. In Experiment 1, 11 students, ten residents, and nine radiologists inspected five chest radiographs. Experiment 2 had 75 students undergo a training in either systematic, full-coverage (without being systematic) or non-systematic viewing. Eye movements and diagnostic performance were measured throughout both experiments. In Experiment 1, no significant correlations were found between systematic viewing and coverage, r = ?.10, p = .62, and coverage and performance, r = ?.06, p = .74. Experts were significantly more systematic than students F _2,25 = 4.35, p = .02. In Experiment 2, significant correlations were found between systematic viewing and coverage, r = ?.35, p < .01, but not between coverage and performance, r = .13, p = .31. Participants in the full-coverage training performed worse compared with both other groups, which did not differ between them, F _2,71 = 3.95, p = .02. In conclusion, the data question the assumption that systematic viewing leads to increased coverage, and, consequently, to improved performance. Experts inspected cases more systematically, but students did not benefit from systematic viewing training.     

Soziale Unterstützung und Arbeitszufriedenheit

Objectives

The present study takes a closer look at the relationship between social support at work and job satisfaction. The focus lies on differences between different working areas.

Materials and methods

The introduction of an occupational health management in the responsibility of the German Federal Ministry of Defense gave the opportunity to conduct surveys in different departments.

Results and discussion

The response rate was 22.4%; employees in combat units (n = 684), in military command units and the Ministry of Defense (n = 493), in administration offices (n = 375) and in a military hospital (n = 403) were surveyed. A regression model was conducted for every working area. Explained variance was high in every model (0.334 < R ²  < 0.451) and perceived support by colleagues and superiors had a significant impact on job satisfaction across all working areas. The impact of perceived support by colleagues on job satisfaction differed between working areas. It was especially strong in administration offices and the hospital. Perceived support by superiors had a strong impact on job satisfaction across all working areas.

     

Cost and Budget Impact Analysis of an Accurate Intraoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Diagnosis for Breast Cancer Metastasis

Background

Conventional intraoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer (BC) has limitations in establishing a definitive diagnosis of metastasis intraoperatively, leading to an unnecessary second operation. The one-step nucleic amplification assay (OSNA) provides accurate intraoperative diagnosis and avoids further testing. Only five articles have researched the cost and cost effectiveness of this diagnostic tool, although many hospitals have adopted it, and economic evaluation is needed for budget holders.

Objective

We aimed to measure the budget impact in Japanese BC patients after the introduction of OSNA, and assess the certainty of the results.

Methods

Budget impact analysis of OSNA on Japanese healthcare expenditure from 2015 to 2020. Local governments, society-managed health insurers, and Japan health insurance associations were the budget holders. In order to assess the cost gap between the gold standard (GS) and OSNA in intraoperative SLNB, a two-scenario comparative model that was structured using the clinical pathway of a BC patient group who received SLNB was applied. Clinical practice guidelines for BC were cited for cost estimation.

Results

The total estimated cost of all BC patients diagnosed by GS was US$1,023,313,850. The budget impact of OSNA in total health expenditure was ?US$24,413,153 (?US$346 per patient). Two-way sensitivity analysis between survival rate (SR) of the GS and OSNA was performed by illustrating a cost-saving threshold: y ? 1.14x ? 0.16 in positive patients, and y ? 0.96x + 0.029 in negative patients (x = SR–GS, y = SR–OSNA). Base inputs of the variables in these formulas demonstrated a cost saving.

Conclusion

OSNA reduces healthcare costs, as confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

     

Microcystin Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Fish at Different Trophic Levels from the Eutrophic Lake Chaohu,China

The spatial and temporal variations of microcystins (MCs) in fishes with different trophic levels were studied monthly in Lake Chaohu in 2014. MCs content in muscle was highest in phytoplanktivorous Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (H. molitrix), followed by omnivorous Carassius auratus (C. auratus), and was lowest in herbivorous Parabramis pekinensis (P. pekinensis) and carnivorous Coilia ectenes (C. ectenes). MCs concentration in liver was highest in C. auratus, followed by H. molitrix, and was lowest in P. pekinensis and C. ectene. The main uptake routes of MCs for C. auratus and H. molitrix were via the diet. The mechanism to counteract MCs had not been well developed in C. ectenes. H. molitrix and C. auratus from the western region as they had higher mean concentrations of MCs than fishes from the eastern region. The estimated daily intakes of MCs in 45.4% of muscle samples were higher than the provisional tolerable daily intake set by WHO.