Dry Weight Loss Research Articles

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) production of a subpolar rhodolith bed: Methods of estimation, effect of bioturbators, and global comparisons

Rhodolith beds are major biogenic calcium carbonate producers, with production rates that can be similar to those of coral reefs. Production rates vary latitudinally because of differences in abiotic and biotic drivers, but the different methods used to estimate CaCO3 production rate may also explain some of the wide variation among estimates. We used a 378-day manipulative experiment in a subpolar Newfoundland rhodolith bed to: (1) quantify and compare gross and net rhodolith CaCO3 production rates; (2) compare production estimates derived from branch extension and weight change methods; and (3) test the hypothesis that bioturbators increase rhodolith branch extension [growth] and CaCO3 production. We also reviewed published estimates of CaCO3 production rates in rhodolith-forming, coralline red algae from polar to tropical realms to place our findings within a global context. Gross (806.1 g CaCO3 m−2 y-1) and net (196.2 g CaCO3 m−2 y−1) rhodolith CaCO3 production rates estimated from rhodolith weight change and rhodolith density (individuals m−2) in the bed were similar to those in European beds and lower than in subtropical and tropical beds. The latter net production rate was lower than carbonate production estimated from rhodolith biomass (g m−2) in the bed divided by calculated rhodolith age (based on branch extension rate and physical dimensions, 325.7 g CaCO3 m−2 y−1). Rhodolith minimum age estimates ranged from 35.8 y (based on use of the branch extension method), to 37.9 y (gross weight change) to 115.1 y (net weight change), indicating that different methods can under- or over-estimate age by up to three times. Bioturbators, known to affect sediment load, did not affect branch extension rate (0.541 mm y−1) or weight change (1.64 g y−1) of live, stained, or unstained rhodoliths. Our results imply that gross CaCO3 production by living rhodoliths is far greater than net estimates, in which dry weight loss by dead rhodoliths may account for as much as 75% of gross production. CaCO3 production rates reported in the present study are similar to other rhodolith beds in the polar and subpolar carbonate realms, but there is a marked discrepancy among studies because of the variety of methods of estimation used.

Flower senescence and some postharvest considerations of Amaryllis belladonna cut scapes

A study involving flower senescence (tepal senescence) and evaluation of the efficacy of certain chemical formulations on vase life (of its cut scapes) was conducted in Amaryllis belladonna. For studies related to senescence, flower development has been divided into easily recognizable six morphological stages (stages I to VI) and changes in some important morphological and biochemical parameters including fresh and dry weight, MSI, soluble protein content and soluble solid content were recorded. SDS-PAGE of crude protein extract was also performed. Moreover, the cut freshly cut healthy scapes were subjected to different chemical formulations (provided as vase solutions) including sugar source (sucrose) and antimicrobial compounds [Al2(SO4)3 and CoCl2] for assessing the efficacy of these chemicals in improving their postharvest performance. The results indicate that the loss of floral fresh and dry weight, decline in MSI, decline in the content of soluble proteins and changes in the soluble solid content (sugar status and phenolics) may be considered as important parameters of tepal senescence in Amaryllis and that postharvest performance in cut scapes can be improved to a great extent by the combined application of antimicrobial compounds and sugar source at given concentrations in vase solutions.

Estimating reed loss caused by Locusta migratoria manilensis using UAV-based hyperspectral data

Locusta migratoria manilensis has caused major damage to vegetation and crops. Quantitative evaluation studies of vegetation loss estimation from locust damage have seldom been found in traditional satellite-remote-sensing-based research due to insufficient temporal-spatial resolution available from most current satellite-based observations. We used remote sensing data acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over a simulated Locusta migratoria manilensis damage experiment on a reed (Phragmites australis) canopy in Kenli District, China during July 2017. The experiment was conducted on 72 reed plots, and included three damage duration treatments with each treatment including six locust density levels. To establish the appropriate loss estimation models after locust damage, a hyperspectral imager was mounted on a UAV to collect reed canopy spectra. Loss components of six vegetation indices (RVI, NDVI, SAVI, MSAVI, GNDVI, and IPVI) and two “red edge” parameters (Dr and SDr) were used for constructing the loss estimation models. Results showed that: (1) Among the six selected vegetation indices, loss components of NDVI, MSAVI, and GNDVI were more sensitive to the variation of dry weight loss of reed green leaves and produced smaller estimation errors during the model test process, with RMSEs ranging from 8.8 to 9.1 g/m;. (2) Corresponding model test results based on loss components of the two selected red edge parameters yielded RMSEs of 27.5 g/m2 and 26.1 g/m2 for Dr and SDr respectively, suggesting an inferior performance of red edge parameters compared with vegetation indices for reed loss estimation. These results demonstrate the great potential of UAV-based loss estimation models for evaluating and quantifying degree of locust damage in an efficient and quantitative manner. The methodology has promise for being transferred to satellite remote sensing data in the future for better monitoring of locust damage of larger geographical areas.

A Case of Small Cell Carcinoma of Lung Presenting as Opaque Hemithorax

The most common cause of an Opaque Hemithorax is Pleural Effusion. It is a rare occurrence to find patients with extensive mass leading to an opaque hemithorax. Thorough search of literature did not yield any case with such a large lung mass leading to opaque hemithorax, without the presence of pleural effusion. Lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed worldwide and has predominantly been attributed to tobacco smoke exposure. Of the several types, small cell lung cancer differs from others by its early spread and extensive dissemination leading to metastatic classification at the time of diagnosis. Here, is a case of a 50-year-old female patient who presented to the outpatient department with dry cough, weight loss and appetite loss since five months. Her chest radiograph revealed a right-sided homogeneous opacity involving the entire right hemithorax and left-sided pleural-based homogenous mass. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) thorax revealed an enlarged hemithorax with evidence of large, ill-defined heterogeneously enhancing multilobulated soft-tissue density mass lesion occupying the entire right hemithorax. Biopsy was suggestive of Small Cell Carcinoma of Lung (SCLC), chemotherapy was given and patient is under regular follow-up.

Valorization of sugarcane bagasse by chemical pretreatment and enzyme mediated deconstruction

After chemical pretreatment, improved amenability of agrowaste biomass for enzymatic saccharification needs an understanding of the effect exerted by pretreatments on biomass for enzymatic deconstruction. In present studies, NaOH, NH4OH and H2SO4 pretreatments effectively changed visible morphology imparting distinct fibrous appearance to sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Filtrate analysis after NaOH, NH4OH and H2SO4 pretreatments yielded release of soluble reducing sugars (SRS) in range of ~0.17–0.44%, ~0.38–0.75% and ~2.9–8.4% respectively. Gravimetric analysis of pretreated SCB (PSCB) biomass also revealed dry weight loss in range of ~25.8–44.8%, ~11.1–16.0% and ~28.3–38.0% by the three pretreatments in the same order. Release of soluble components other than SRS, majorly reported to be soluble lignins, were observed highest for NaOH followed by H2SO4 and NH4OH pretreatments. Decrease or absence of peaks attributed to lignin and loosened fibrous appearance of biomass during FTIR and SEM studies respectively further corroborated with our observations of lignin removal. Application of commercial cellulase increased raw SCB saccharification from 1.93% to 38.84%, 25.56% and 9.61% after NaOH, H2SO4 and NH4OH pretreatments. Structural changes brought by cell wall degrading enzymes were first time shown visually confirming the cell wall disintegration under brightfield, darkfield and fluorescence microscopy. The microscopic evidence and saccharification results proved that the chemical treatment valorized the SCB by making it amenable for enzymatic saccharification.

Micro plastic Characteristics and Removal of Ammonia Nitrogen in Batch Culture

Plastic waste has become a sensitive issue in the world since this material needs a longer time to degrade. This material will take a month to a thousand years to decompose. Thus, would contribute to the environment pollution, which will affect human health and aquatic life. This research study focused on the biodegradation process of micro-plastic (PE, PP, PET and PS) in the batch culture system using a colony of bacteria obtained from leachate in Ayer Hitam Landfill, Puchong. After the batch experiment of micro-plastic degradation, percentage removal of ammonia-nitrogen, chemical structure and percentage weight loss were examined and evaluated. Succeeding through the incubation of micro-plastic in batch culture for fourteen (14) days period, biodegradation was verified by the estimation of the dry weight loss. From the result obtained, dry weight loss of polyethylene (PE) is the highest (3.46%) in 14 days and polyethylene (PE) shows the greater removal of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) (44.17%). Besides that, polystyrene (PS) micro-plastic showed a significant change in chemical structural which was obtained by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Here, the new absorption peak C=O (aldehydes) was present in PS micro-plastic. Furthermore, PS micro-plastic has a high percentage mass loss in the second stage of thermal degradation by Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. It can be concluded that incubation time is needed to optimize the micro-plastic in the biodegradation process.

Selection of Plastic Degradation Indigenous bacteria Isolated from Tamangapa Landfill Macassar City

Plastic is the most widely used polymers in all aspects of human life, including food packaging and pharmaco-cosmetics. The complex structures with long and repetitive chains make plastic difficult to be degraded naturally. Consequently, it will accumulate in landfills and the soil. One solution that can be done to overcome this problem is by biodegradation using microorganisms. This study aims to select bacterial isolates that are able to degrade plastics which are isolated from soil samples at Tamangapa landfill in Makassar City. Sampling of soil containing plastic waste used purposive sampling method at 5 different points at Tamangapa Landfill. Isolation of bacteria was conducted using Nutrient Agar (NA) which added 2% Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and selection of degradation ability was carried out with liquid Mineral Salt media containing HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) media. The degradation ability was observed based on the optical density value (OD) at a wavelength of 600 nm and loss of plastic dry weight for 14 days of incubation. The results of isolation and selection obtained 6 bacterial isolates that were able to degrade HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) plastics. T7 isolates showed the highest degradation ability of 6% for 8% HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) plastic and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) compared to the other five bacteria isolates.

Antimycotal Activity ofCollimonasIsolates and Synergy-Based Biological Control of Fusarium Wilt of Tomato

In a continued effort to discover microorganisms with plant-protective properties, we characterized a collection of bacterial isolates from multiple geographic origins and belonging to the genus Collimonas, for their ability to inhibit in vitro the growth of a wide range of plant-pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. Isolate Collimonas arenae Cal35 showed the greatest all-round performance and was the single-best inhibitor of several of the tested pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of tomato. In greenhouse trials, neither C. arenae Cal35 nor the control treatment, i.e., the commercially available Bacillus-based biofungicide Serenade Soil, was able to prevent symptom formation on tomato plants challenged with F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. However, a mixture of Cal35 and Serenade Soil (referred to as Collinade) significantly reduced vascular discoloration and F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici-induced loss of shoot dry weight. In replicated field experiments, a Collinade application reduced vascular symptoms as well as the relative abundance of F. oxysporum in the root endosphere of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici-challenged plants. We discuss the emerging property of “biocombicontrol” by Collimonas and Bacillus in the context of synergy-based formulations for the protection of crops against pathogens.

Bisphosphonates for the Treatment of Calcitriol-Induced Hypercalcemia

Calcitriol excess is a less common cause of hypercalcemia than hyperparathyroidism. Hypercalcemia due to calcitriol excess is usually managed acutely with intravenous (IV) fluid administration and dietary calcium restriction. Steroids and ketoconazole are second-line agents. There is evidence supporting the role of bone resorption in the genesis of hypercalcemia in vitamin D intoxication and for a rapid response of hypercalcemia to treatment with bisphosphonates. We seek to demonstrate the utility of bisphosphonates in calcitriol-induced hypercalcemia (CIH). We present the case of a patient with recurrent CIH from a follicular lymphoma who achieved normalization and subsequent stabilization of serum calcium levels following bisphosphonate administration. A 77-year-old woman with a history of non-small cell lung cancer was admitted with dry mouth, polyuria, weight loss, and fatigue. She was found to have a calcium level of 14.7 mg/dL (normal range is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL), 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 47 ng/mL (normal range is 30 to 60 ng/mL), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D of 89 pg/mL (normal range is 18 to 72 pg/mL), and parathyroid hormone of 19 pg/mL (normal range is 15 to 65 pg/mL), which recurred despite treatment with IV fluids and strict low-calcium diet. She received 5 mg of IV zoledronic acid and normocalcemia was maintained thereafter, without any diagnosis-specific treatment for >3 months. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography eventually showed new innumerable foci of increased uptake in the skeleton and lymph node biopsy revealed grade 3A follicular lymphoma. The first choice for CIH is treating the underlying cause. Bisphosphonates are, however, useful until a diagnosis is made, as they may be safer than steroids and can provide rapid relief even with a single treatment with minimal side effects.

Interactive effects of CO2 and nitrogen supply on growth and physiological traits of millet cultivars under drought stress

ABSTRACTAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of irrigation regimes (irrigation after 40 and 75% depletion of available soil water) and nitrogen levels (0 and 85 mg N kg−1 soil) on millet cultivars (Bastan and Pishahang) under two atmospheric CO2 concentrations (390 ± 50 and 700 ± 50 µmol mol−1). Evaluation of different biochemical traits at 50% flowering stage and measurement of dry matter weight at milk stage revealed that water shortage reduced shoot dry weight as the consequence of decreasing chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, leaf area, membrane stability index, and root dry weight but it increased not only the production of H2O2 but also MDA and antioxidant enzyme activities. Drought conditions with elevated levels of CO2 and nitrogen supply, however, partly relaxed limitations observed under water shortage conditions so that H2O2 and MDA production decreased but chlorophyll content and leaf area increased, leading to reduced loss of shoot dry weight. Increased CO2 had a greater effect on the reduction of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase in Bastan, while in Pishahang it had more effect on the reduction of malondialdehyde. Results showed that elevated CO2 and nitrogen supply depended for their effects on both irrigation regime and the genotype grown.

Effects of feeding Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product to transition Holstein cows on performance and health

Two experiments examined the effects of Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product (AO; Amaferm®; BioZyme Inc., St. Joseph, MO, USA) on productive variables in transition dairy cows. In experiment 1, 33 Holstein cows (22 multiparous and 11 primiparous) were enrolled from −21 to 60 days in milk (DIM). Cows were individually fed either a control total mixed ration (TMR) diet consisting of primarily alfalfa hay and steam-flaked corn [62:38 and 59:41, forage:concentrate (F:C) for prepartum and postpartum phases, respectively] or the control diet along with 15 g d−1 of AO. In experiment 2, 455 multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled from −21 to 121 DIM. Cows were group-fed either a control TMR diet (n = 228) consisting primarily of corn silage and rolled corn (44:56, F:C) or the control diet (n = 227) with 15 g d−1 of AO. In experiment 1, cows fed AO had increased (P < 0.05) milk production compared with controls (37.7 vs. 34.6 kg d−1). Milk composition, dry matter intake, body weight (BW), and BW loss both prepartum and postpartum did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments. Cows fed AO tended to have decreased plasma nonesterified fatty acids levels (14%, P < 0.10), but plasma glucose concentration did not differ (P = 0.89). In experiment 2, cows fed AO had decreased milk yield (43.0 vs. 43.8; P < 0.05), and increased milk fat content (3.50% vs. 3.38%; P < 0.01) but similar quantities of 3.5% fat-corrected milk (42.5 vs. 42.7 kg d−1; P > 0.10). Results suggest that AO has the potential to improve aspects of milk production efficiency, but the percentage and types of forage utilized may influence the response.

An efficient and gentle enzymatic digestion protocol for the extraction of microplastics from bivalve tissue

Standardized methods for the digestion of biota for microplastic analysis are currently lacking. Chemical methods can be effective, but can also cause damage to some polymers. Enzymatic methods are known to be gentler, but often laborious, expensive and time consuming. A novel tissue digestion method with pancreatic enzymes and a pH buffer (Tris) is here presented in a comparison to a commonly applied digestion protocol with potassium hydroxide. The novel protocol demonstrates a highly efficient removal of bivalve tissue (97.7 ± 0.2% dry weight loss) already over-night. Furthermore, it induces no impairment in terms of ability to correctly identify four pre-weathered plastic polymers and six textile fiber polymers by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy after exposure. The high-throughput protocol requires minimal handling, is of low cost and does not pose risk to the performer or the environment. It is therefore suggested as a candidate for a standardized digestion protocol, enabling successful analysis of microplastics ingested by bivalves.

Effects of experimental frost–thaw cycles on sandstones with different weathering degrees: a case from the Bingling Temple Grottoes, China

Numerous ancient sandstone grottoes remain in northwest and central China, and weathering issues have significantly influenced their preservation conditions. The dramatic naturally cyclic changes in water content and temperature in the environment have been considered to be the main drivers of the physical weathering that commonly occurs at these archaeological sites. Therefore, comparing and understanding the behaviors of sandstone with different weathering degrees under variable environmental conditions would be helpful for further study on predicting the type, location and extent of deterioration of sandstone relics in a small region (such as the surrounding rock of grottoes). This study examines Cretaceous sandstones with two weathering degrees from Bingling Temple Grottoes, China. Standard thin section photomicrographs provide petrographic and mineralogical data and show that the sandstones have identical lithologies. Three types of specifically designed frost weathering tests are then conducted on the samples. After every six weathering cycles, the weathering processes are suspended, and the corresponding parameters, such as dry weight loss, dry density, effective porosity, porosity, P wave velocity, surface hardness and drilling resistance, are measured. At the end of the weathering cycles, the sample variations in grain size distributions are compared, and statistical tests are performed to show the statistical significance of the results. The results indicate that similar deterioration patterns occur on the samples with two weathering degrees under the same weathering tests. The increase in effective porosity surpasses that of the porosity only when the weathering effect is large enough. Furthermore, sandstone with a high degree of weathering might be more susceptible to changes in the internal pores due to its greater initial interconnectivity. In an open system, physical weathering (frost–thaw and dry–wet cycles) would cause the superficial grain size distributions of different rocks to become relatively uniform. Finally, when exposed to the same weathering process, the decreases in the overall mechanical strength in the two sandstones do not differ significantly, but the loss of superficial strength may be different.

Effect of ground water level on the release of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus during decomposition of Carex. cinerascens Kükenth in the typical seasonal floodplain in dry season

From November 2016 to April 2017, the decomposition of Carex. cinerascens Kükenth litter along the natural gradients of groundwater level at Poyang Lake wetland beach were simulated using litterbag technique. The depth of the underground water table of the G-L was −25 to −50 cm, while those of G-ML, G-MH and G-H ranged from −15 to −25 cm, −5 to −15 cm, and −5 to 5, respectively. Additionally, the dry weight loss rate increased gradually with increasing days, with that of G-H being highest, followed by G-MH, G-ML and G-L. The decomposition rate of the four gradients increased rapidly to day 30, then decreased slowly until stabilizing. Additionally, the decomposition rate was highest in G-H, followed by G-MH, G-ML and G-L. The Olson negative exponential model could simulate the decomposition good and predicted the time required for 50% decomposition of the G-H, G-MH, G-ML and G-L gradients was about 166, 197, 205 and 247 days, respectively, while required for 95% was about 1.97, 2.23, 2.43 and 2.92 years, respectively. The overall trend in the relative return index of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus increased with increasing decomposition days, and the order was G-H > G-MH > G-ML > G-L. Differences in soil pH, bulk density, soil total nitrogen, soil organic matter, microbial biomass carbon and soil sand content in the decomposed environment due to groundwater had a significant impact on decomposition and nutrient release. The relative return index of carbon was significantly positively correlated with soil pH, but significantly negatively correlated with soil bulk density, soil nitrogen content, microbial biomass nitrogen and soil organic matter. The above results show that groundwater is the key factor influencing litter decomposition in Poyang Lake wetland during the dry season, with higher groundwater levels promoting the decomposition.

Comparison of the Responses to NaCl Stress of Three Tomato Introgression Lines

We aimed to examine the response of three tomato introgression lines (IL925.3, IL925.5 and IL925.6) to NaCl stress. These lines originated from a cross between M82 (Solarium lycopersicum) and the wild salt-tolerant tomato Solarium permellii, each line containing a different fragment of the S.pennellii genome. Salt-sensitive phenotypes related to plant growth and physiology, and the response of antioxidants, pig-ments and antioxidant enzymes were measured. In general, salt stress decreased the fresh weight of leaves, leaf area and leaf number and an increase of Na+ accumulation in aerial parts was observed, which caused a reduction in the absorption of K+ and Ca2+. Salt stress also induced a decrease in chlorophyll, carotenoids and lipid peroxidation (MDA) and an increase in anthocyanins and reduced ascorbate, although some differences were seen between the lines, for example for carotenoid levels. Guaiacol per-oxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase activity enhanced in aerial parts of the lines, but again some differences were seen between the three lines. It is concluded that IL925.5 might be the most sensitive line to salt stress as its dry weight loss was the greatest in response to salt and this line showed the high-est Na+ ion accumulation in leaves.

MiR-96 promotes collagen deposition in keloids by targeting Smad7.

The abnormal upregulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has been demonstrated to initiate keloid formation and progression. Keloid is a type of benign skin tumor that may occur following sustaining skin injury. microRNA-96 (miR-96) serves an important role in the progression of various malignant diseases. Using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the present study demonstrated that miR-96 was overexpressed in keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFs). Luciferase reporter assay revealed mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)7, which is one of the important inhibitory factors in the TGF-β pathway, as a direct target of miR-96. miR-96 was initially observed to be correlated with the deposition of type I collagen in KFs in vitro. The miR-96 antagomir, was directly added into the keloid organ culture (OC) to find its significant antifibrotic potential, such as keloid OC shrinkage, exhibited by its dry weight loss and improved dermis architecture, exhibited by Masson's staining. Following miR-96 antagomir treatment, a reduction in the mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen type I α 1 chain and collagen type 3 α 1 chain within keloid OC tissues was observed. The present study revealed that miR-96 serves an important role in pathogenic keloid formation, suggesting that miR-96 antagomir has the potential to prevent keloid progression.

TB, OR NOT TB, THAT IS THE QUESTION: LARGE BILATERAL CAVITARY LESIONS IN THE LUNG FROM A CLEVER MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS MIMIC

SESSION TITLE: Chest Infections 3 SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: 10/09/2018 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM INTRODUCTION: Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are a group of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. M. abscessus complex group (MAG: subsp. abscessus, bolletii and massiliense) is ubiquitous in soil and water and makes up 80% of pulmonary RGM infections. Patients with bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and prior tuberculosis are most affected. Cavitary lesions make up 16-42% of radiological findings. MAG is slowly progressive but can prove fatal due to respiratory failure with a 15% mortality rate when treated with combination antibiotic regimens with or without surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53 year old male presented to the ER from his doctor’s office with tachycardia for 1 hour. He had had dry cough and weight loss of 20 lbs over 2 months. PMH: HIV, alcoholic liver disease, hypertension. On exam: BP:101/56 mmHg, HR:179/min, RR:18/min, T:98.7˚F and O2 Sat: 98% on room air. He had scleral icterus, hepatomegaly, abdominal distension and pedal edema. EKG showed SVT which was managed with adenosine. WBC:12,000/cu mm, Alk. Phos:351 IU/L, AST:74 IU/L, ALT:18 IU/L, Total Bilirubin:5.1 mg/dl, Cr:0.66 mg/dl, INR:2.1, CD4:473. CT Chest: large cavitary lesions measuring 6 and 4 cm in bilateral lung apices, with reticulonodular and tree-in-bud opacities. Sputum culture grew acid-fast bacilli in 2 samples. Quantiferon Gold:negative. Isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol were started. Sputum PCR was negative for M.Tuberculosis and MAC with negative morphology for M. gordonae. M. kansasii was considered, so pyrazinamide was discontinued. Liver function worsened. 12 days after admission, M. abscessus was isolated from sputum. Rifampin, isoniazid and ethambutol were discontinued. Oral azithromycin and IV amikacin were started with plan to transition to oral antibiotics in 2 weeks, with total 12 months of therapy. DISCUSSION: While M. tuberculosis and M. kansasii were differentials in our patient with bilateral pulmonary cavitary lesions, a diagnosis of M. abscessus is a reminder to consider this potentially fatal condition that has nuanced management in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sputum samples should be acquired swiftly to allow differentiation between M. TB and MAG, as public health surveillance requirements for tuberculosis do not apply to MAG. MAG is resistant to antituberculous drugs and unnecessary treatments with them increases risk for hepatotoxicity, as in our patient. Identification of MAG subspecies has implications too, because subspecies abscessus and bolletii have an active erm gene that causes resistance to macrolides but they are usually susceptible to IV amikacin, cefoxitin and tigecycline. Informing the laboratory of possible MAG allows timely identification by specialized methods. Reference #1: Lee, M.-R., Sheng, W.-H., Hung, C.-C., Yu, C.-J., Lee, L.-N., & Hsueh, P.-R. (2015). Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Infections in Humans. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 21(9), 1638–46. https://doi.org/10.3201/2109.141634 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Carlos Marin Ramirez, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Mariam Mir, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Diana Miranda Ruiz, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Nehan Sher, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Siddharthan Vaithilingam, source=Web Response

تاثیر کمپوست چای و پتاسیم هیومات بر مقاومت گیاه آفتابگردان (.Helianthus annuus L) به سمیت سرب

Introduction Lead is an unnecessary elements that have highly toxic effects on plants and humans. Severe effects of this heavy element on physiological and morphological aspects of seedling have been reported. Lead prevents the seed germination, root elongation and seedling development, so creates disruption in essential elements uptake such as magnesium and iron, and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide capture. In contaminated soils poor establishment and thus reduce plant biomass, reduces the efficiency of phytoremediation. The seed priming is one of the important ways of seed enhancement before planting. Which that seeds are emerged into the water or osmotic solution and then soaked seeds remains in lag phase and don’t sprout. Materials and methods This research was conducted in research greenhouse, college of agriculture, University of Shahrekord in 2016. Sunflower seeds was purchased from Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. To study the effect of potassium humate and compost tea on sunflower seedling tolerance to toxic concentrations of lead factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications done. Treatments were control, potassium humate and compost tea and four levels of lead concentrations (0, 200, 400 and 600 mg of lead/kg of soil). The concentration of compost tea (1: 5) and potassium humate was 300 mmol/L. Results and Discussion Results showed that increasing of lead concentration significantly reduced the root dry weight, stem dry weight and leaf dry weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and increased carotenoids, proline content and electrolyte leakage. Seed priming with potassium humate and compost tea alleviated the damage effect of contaminated soil with lead on mentioned parameters. In lead stress, potassium humate increased root dry weight (733 mg), leaf dry weight (73 mg), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and lead concentration of root and aboveground of sunflower. However, compost tea increased proline (27 µm/l) and carotenoids (0.7 mm/g fw) and decreased electrolyte leakage (5.54 %) compared with control. Generally in past researches indicated that reducing of seedling weight can be due to decline of essential nutrients uptake such as K, Ca, Mg and Fe (Gogorcena et al, 2002) and decline of biomass production due to disruptions in the photosynthesis, respiration and nitrogen metabolism (Balestrasse et al, 2001) induced by toxic concentrations of lead. Potassium humate in the most toxic lead concentration prevented the loss of dry weight of roots and leaves by 51% and 28% in compared to control, respectively. Because the potassium increases permeability of cell walls, which makes it facilities the translocation of seed reserves from the endosperm to the embryo axis. Additionally it causes the synthesis of proteins, nucleotides, and more growth of embryo (Umair et al, 2010) and resulted increasing of seedling weight. In general, the replacement of lead instead of magnesium in the chlorophyll causes chlorophyll degradation. Iincrease of concentrations of chlorophyll a (171%) in the most toxic lead and chlorophyll b (381%) at 400 mg/kg of lead by ppotassium humate can be related to the role of potassium. Potassium increases chlorophyll concentration and enhances the CO2 fixation. Conclusions In general, it can be concluded that with potassium humate and compost tea with increasing photosynthesis pigments and proline content and reducing electrolyte leakage increased of sunflower tolerance in contaminated soils with lead.

Genotypic variation in pre- and post-anthesis dry matter remobilization in Iranian wheat cultivars: associations with stem characters and grain yield

The amount of carbohydrate accumulation and remobilization in the wheat stem can be estimated by monitoring changes in stem dry matter. Eighty-one wheat cultivars were examined in the Moghan region of Iran during the 2010–2011 and 2013–2014 growing seasons. Pre- and post-anthesis dry matter remobilization was quantified in the tested cultivars and their associations with stem characteristics and grain yield were investigated. There was substantial variation in stem length, weight, and specific weight among the tested cultivars. The majority of the cultivars did not show pre-anthesis dry matter remobilization in the stem or internodes. In contrast, most of them used stem dry matter that had been stored after anthesis, suggesting that under the given conditions, current photosynthesis along with post-anthesis dry matter remobilization could meet most of the sink demand. Generally, there were no significant associations between stem length and dry matter remobilization (r = –0.05 to 0.03; P ≥ 0.05). Stem weight (r = 0.42 to 0.65; P ≤ 0.01) and specific stem weight (r = 0.44 to 0.60; P ≤ 0.01) measured at 16 days after anthesis correlated positively and significantly with dry weight loss from the stem. Intriguingly, no clear relationships were found between dry matter remobilization and grain yield (r = –0.13 to 0.04; P ≥ 0.05), suggesting that there are no simple relationships between these traits. The association between dry matter remobilization and grain yield may be different depending on the examined cultivars.

Techno-economic analysis of geopolymer production from the coal fly ash with high iron oxide and calcium oxide contents.

In this work, we firstly examined the technical feasibility of geopolymer synthesis from the coal fly ash with high iron oxide (48.84 wt.%) and calcium oxide (22.15 wt.%) contents. The heat resistance of geopolymer was represented by the dry weight loss which ranged from 2.5 to 4.9% and was better than that (11.7%) of OPC. However, the high iron oxide content made the acid resistance (13-14%) of geopolymer inferior to OPC. The economics of geopolymer production changes significantly upon the variation in the arrangement of material use and geopolymer price. The costs of Na2SiO3 and NaOH and the benefit of geopolymer selling were the major factors affecting the economic feasibility of geopolymer production. When the Na2SiO3 price was around 400 USD/ton, the geopolymer production will be profitable even if the geopolymer price was as low as 50 USD/ton. It is possible to improve the economics of geopolymer production by varying the arrangement of material use while not impairing the performance of geopolymer.