Min Of Treatment Research Articles

MP65-13 AMBULATORY PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY PERFORMED IN A FREE-STANDING SURGERY CENTER: OUTCOMES OF 1000 CASES

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Surgical Therapy V (MP65)1 Sep 2021MP65-13 AMBULATORY PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY PERFORMED IN A FREE-STANDING SURGERY CENTER: OUTCOMES OF 1000 CASES MD Meagan Dunne, , MD Natalia Ariasvillela, DO Joel Abbott, and MD Julio Davalos MD Meagan DunneMD Meagan Dunne More articles by this author , More articles by this author , MD Natalia AriasvillelaMD Natalia Ariasvillela More articles by this author , DO Joel AbbottDO Joel Abbott More articles by this author , and MD Julio DavalosMD Julio Davalos More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002105.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a procedure that has traditionally been performed in an inpatient setting with at least an overnight stay. Many surgical procedures have evolved over time from an inpatient setting to an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting. Feasibility of Ambulatory PNL (aPNL) was shown in our initial pilot series of 25 cases [1]. This 1000 case series is reviewed to further evaluate outcomes with a more robust data set. METHODS: We present our series of 1000 patients who underwent PNL in an ASC from April 2015 to January 2021. Each aPNL was performed by one of two surgeons with the same operative team. All procedures were performed with the urologist obtaining renal access and all procedures were performed tubeless (ureteral stent without a nephrostomy tube). All patients also had hemostatic plugs placed into the access tract with a local intercostal block to aid with pain control. [2] All cases were reviewed and demographic data and case details were analyzed. RESULTS: 1000 consecutive aPNL cases were reviewed, identifying 488 men and 512 women, 460 right side and 535 left, mean age 57 years (15-86), mean BMI 30 (15-49), mean ASA of 2.3 (1-4) and mean stone burden 31 mm (4-170), mean fluoroscopy time 84 sec (0-322). Mean OR time was 95 min (32-305) and mean treatment time was 14.9 min (1-262). Mean PACU time was 91 min (37-247). A mini-PNL (mPNL) procedure was conducted in 255 (25.5%) patients. The remaining 745 cases were standard tract size of which 449 were 30Fr and 296 were 24Fr. Stone free rate was 83%. Thirty nine patients had complications ranging from Clavien II-IVa, of which 15 were hospital transfers. CONCLUSIONS: These consecutive 1000 cases may serve as a landmark series demonstrating the feasibility of aPNL. Transitioning PNL to an ambulatory setting is a paradigm shift in the treatment of complex kidney stones. 39 patients experienced complications of Clavien II or higher. Each complication that occurred was managed in an appropriate fashion and the site of service did not lead to an alteration in the outcomes of the adverse events. With an experienced surgeon, well trained operative team and with modifications to the procedure focusing on post-operative pain control, PNL can be safely and effectively performed in a free standing ASC. 1. Davalos JG, Abbott JE. Ambulatory PCNL: Initial Case Series. J Urology. April 20162. Abbott JE, Cicic A, Jump R, Davalos JG. Hemostatic Plug: Novel Technique for Closure of Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tract. J Endourol. March 2015 Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e1124-e1125 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information MD Meagan Dunne More articles by this author More articles by this author MD Natalia Ariasvillela More articles by this author DO Joel Abbott More articles by this author MD Julio Davalos More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) removal from coking wastewater with efficient vanadium-titanium magnetite particle electrodes by 3D/EC/KPS system: Optimization, performance, and mechanism

In this study, vanadium titanomagnetite (VTM) was used as the dual action of three-dimensional particle electrode and activator, combined with electrochemical oxidation, to activate and degrade coking wastewater. First, the characteristics of VTM were analyzed by SEM-EDS, XRD, and XPS. Next, effects of VTM dosage, potassium persulfate (KPS) dosage, current density, and reaction time on COD, UV254, and DOC removal of coking wastewater were investigated, respectively. Regardless of the initial pH, the current density is 15 mA/cm2, COD, UV254 and DOC could be degraded effectively (94.15%, 86.10% and 57.67%, respectively) with the fixed VTM (4 g) and KPS (4 mmol/L) dosage after 30 min treatment due to the coupling effect in 3-dimensional/electrochemical/persulfate (3D/EC/KPS) system. In addition, the formation of free radicals was indirectly demonstrated by detecting the residual amount of S2O82−. On this basis, the degradation mechanism of coking wastewater by 3D/EC/KPS system was proposed comprehensively. In short, the electrochemical oxidation process coupled with VTM as particle electrode activating KPS technology shows a significant coupling effect in enhancing degradation of coking wastewater.

Preparation of nano-xylan and its influences on the anti-fungi performance of straw fiber/HDPE composite

Degradation due to wood rot fungi is one of the most severe threats to the long-term performance of plant fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite. This study aims to enhance the anti-fungi performance of the straw fiber/HDPE composite with synthesized nano-xylan. The nano-xylan was prepared with corn xylan through the ultrasonically assisted alkaline treatment. It was found that the maximum yielding rate (25.7 %) can be obtained with 280 W ultrasonic power, 8% NaOH solution, 100 °C treatment temperature, and 150 min treatment time. In addition, the dimension of the nano-xylan decreases with increasing treatment temperature. The anti-fungi effects of the nano-xylan on the corn straw bast fiber and straw fiber/HDPE composite were then examined by analyzing the microstructure with SEM, and measuring the mass loss and strength loss. The findings suggest that after a 12-week infection, The nano-xylan treated corn straw bast fiber can retain its integrity after a 12-week infection and the formation of hyphae clusters inside the cell cavity can be prevented. The mass loss and strength loss of the composite can also be minimized through nano-xylan treatment. The results in this study may provide an environment-friendly protocol to enhance the durability of the composite.

Removal of microplastics from water by magnetic nano-Fe3O4

Microplastics (MPs) have been widely detected in aquatic environments, and become emerging contaminants of growing concern. It is urgently needed to explore how to effectively remove MPs from water. This study first established an alternative method of removing MPs by magnetic nano-Fe3O4. Results showed that 1.3 g·L−1 nano-Fe3O4 and 150 min treatments caused optimal magnetization of MPs via surface absorption. Then, magnetized MPs in water can be conveniently removed by suction of the magnet. The average removal rate of four common types of MPs including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate in size of approximately 200–900 μm was 86.87 ± 6.92%, 85.05 ± 4.70%, 86.11 ± 6.21%, and 62.83 ± 8.34%, respectively. The removal rate varied among polymer- and size-different MPs, and was positively related to the density of nano-Fe3O4 absorbed on MP surfaces. In addition, the removal rate of MPs in artificial seawater was relatively high in comparison to pure water. Furthermore, the established approach was effectively applied to remove MPs in environmental water bodies including river water, domestic sewage, and natural seawater, with the removal rate of higher than 80%. Altogether, this study provided a novel and simple removal approach to remove MPs in water, which has a certain application prospect.

Degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in aqueous via combined dielectric barrier discharge plasma and Fe–Mn doped AC

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma coupled with Fe–Mn doped AC (Fe–Mn/AC) was used to enhance the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) wastewater. Fe–Mn/AC catalysts with different Fe/Mn molar ratios were prepared by hydrothermal method, and the physical and chemical properties of the samples were explored by different characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM and XPS. The results showed that the combination of DBD with Fe2–Mn1/AC system had the highest effect, and the degradation efficiency of TCH could reach 98.8 % after 15 min treatment, which was 25.5 % higher than that of DBD-only. With the increase of discharge voltage and catalyst dosage, the degradation efficiency of TCH promoted. And initial pH had little effect on the degradation of TCH. In the combined system, the Fe2–Mn1/AC catalyst could retain an excellent stability and reusability. The addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) showed that ·OH participated in the TCH degradation. The generated O3 might be catalyzed by Fe–Mn/AC catalyst to produce more ·OH. And more H2O2 was produced in DBD-only system than that in DBD-catalytic system. Nine main degradation intermediate products in the combined system were detected by HPLC-MS, and three possible degradation pathways were proposed.

Simultaneous Cu-EDTA oxidation decomplexation and Cr(VI) reduction in water by persulfate/formate system: Reaction process and mechanisms

The heavy metal-organic complexes and heavy metal ions pose great threats to human health, and their elimination from water environment is quite urgent. Simultaneous decomplexation of heavy metal complex Cu-EDTA and reduction of Cr(VI) was performed in a persulfate (PS)/formate (FA) system. Oxidizing species and reductive species were simultaneously produced in this PS/FA system, which realized 96.6% of Cu-EDTA decomplexation and 100% of Cr(VI) reduction within 90 min treatment under the solution pH 3.60. Higher solution temperature and acidic conditions favored Cu-EDTA decomplexation and Cr(VI) reduction. There existed an appropriate molar ratio of FA and PS to simultaneously realize high-efficient Cu-EDTA decomplexation and Cr(VI) reduction. SO4•-, •OH, and 1O2 drove the Cu-EDTA decomplexation, which destroyed the chelating sites of Cu and EDTA, and finally it was oxidized to small molecular alcohols, organic acids, and Cu2+. Reductive species CO2•− was produced by the reaction of SO4•− and FA, as well as •OH and FA, which dominated the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr3+. Carbonates, hydroxides, and oxides including Cu(OH)2, CuCO3, Cu2CO3(OH)2, CuO, Cr(OH)3, and Cr2O3 were the main composites in precipitates after Cu2+ and Cr3+ were precipitated. Furthermore, Cu-EDTA decomplexation and Cr(VI) reduction processes induced by PS/FA were put forward.

P–171 Automated oocyte and zygote denudation using a novel microfluidic device supervised by a computer vision algorithm

Abstract Study question Is it possible to remove cumulus cells using a 16-well microfluidic device with automated flows to facilitate vitrification, ICSI, NI-PGT or non-invasive metabolomics analysis? Summary answer The designed automated system and protocol efficiently denude 16 samples simultaneously with a x10 lower shear stress than the manual process and without human intervention. What is known already Most processes involved in IVF such as insemination, washing, denudation, embryo culture and selection are still manually performed, labor-intensive and require highly skilled professionals. This leads to a significant variability in the clinical outcomes achieved by different embryologists and labs. The automation of these processes is a promising approach to reduce costs and improve the accessibility to assisted reproductive therapies. Although a simple procedure, standardization of cumulus oocyte complex (COCs) and zygotes denudation is key to facilitate ICSI, vitrification and to avoid DNA contamination for NI-embryo testing (PGT or metabolomics), while avoiding damage to the oocyte by excessive shear stress. Study design, size, duration A total of 160 cow COCs were used due to their size similarity with human COCs. Half were denuded 16–20 hours post-insemination and half pre-insemination for 5–10 minutes. COCs were classified as partially denuded if fertilization assessment, ICSI or vitrification was possible, and completely denuded if no cumulus cells remained. COCs controls were manually denuded (Stripper® capillary 145μm ID) to compare shear stress between procedures. This study was conducted during 2020 – 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods We developed a customized microfluidic biochip that exerts a particular fluid motion while avoiding egg entrapment within microfluidic channels. The denudation efficacy was established by subjectively scoring images of bovine oocytes after generating a continuous “Push & Pull” fluid motion inside the biochip wells. A Computer Vision model was developed in parallel in order to optically assess denudation completion. The model used was a Pytorch implementation of Faster-RCNN with ImageNet pretrained weights Main results and the role of chance 96 bovine COCs were microfuidically handled post insemination achieving complete (56/96) or partial (40/96) removal of the cumulus cells on day 1, while for day 3 double denudation group, 89/96 (92.7%) were completely denuded while the rest remained partially denuded. In comparison, 80/80 (100%) of manually denuded cow COCs, achieved complete denudation (50% post-insemination group and 50% pre-insemination group). In addition, 48/64 (75%) cow COCs treated pre-insemination were partially denuded, enough to carry out ICSI after 5–10 min of treatment. The results here obtained indicate that media needs to flow through the device at a rate that can generate enough shear to strip off the cumulus-corona cells while avoiding emptying of the reservoirs containing the fertilization or culture medium. The shear stress of our design was calculated to be smaller than 4.4 Pa, about ten times lower than the one applied by the manual process (∼44Pa). The deep learning algorithm was tested on 20 unseen human oocytes on day 1, with 10 true positives 9 true negatives, and 1 false negative (95% accuracy). Limitations, reasons for caution The success of the denudation procedure was dependent on the design of the biochip wells and the microfluidic protocol used. The accuracy of our findings is still limited because of the difficulty in manufacturing prototype biochips. Wider implications of the findings: Complete denudation is key to avoid DNA contamination for NI-PGT or metabolomics analysis, while avoiding damage to the oocyte by excessive shear stress. Our device, which has the potential of scaling up and treat each oocyte individually, can improve automation and increase efficiency of current ART procedures Trial registration number NA

Release and conformational changes in allergenic proteins from wheat gluten induced by high hydrostatic pressure

The gluten proteins of wheat are major causative agents of harmful immune responses. This study investigated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (200, 300, 400, and 500 MPa), treatment time (5–25 min) and protein concentration (1%-5% protein weight/volume) on the structures underlying the allergenicity wheat gluten. The results showed that a combination of 400 MPa, 20 min treatment time and 3% protein reduced the wheat gluten allergenicity by 72.2%. Moreover, a Western blotting showed that the allergenicity of 26, 28, 48, 68 kDa and high molecular weight glutenin was sharply reduced. Fourier infrared spectroscopy and surface hydrophobicity indicated that gluten molecules aggregated after HHP treatment. Intermolecular forces indicated that gluten aggregated mainly through hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds but not by hydrogen bonds after HHP treatment. These results suggest that structural changes contributed to the reduction of wheat gluten allergenicity and that HHP may enhance safety for susceptible individuals.

Pyrene contaminated soil remediation using microwave/magnetite activated persulfate oxidation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important mutagen prevalent in the contaminated sites, bringing potential risks to human health. Iron oxides are important natural components in soils. Pyrene removal in soil using persulfate (PS) oxidation activated by microwave (MW) and magnetite (Fe3O4) was investigated. Fe3O4 significantly promoted pyrene removal in the soil; 91.7 % of pyrene was degraded within 45 min treatment. Pyrene removal rate in the Fe3O4/MW/PS system was 5.18 and 3.00 times higher than that in the Fe3O4/PS and MW/PS systems. Increasing in Fe3O4 dosage, PS concentration, MW temperature, and soil moisture content in the selected range were conducive for pyrene degradation. SO4•−, •OH, O2•−, and 1O2 were responsible for pyrene degradation, and the conversion of Fe (Ⅱ) in the Fe3O4 to Fe (Ⅲ) contributed to the formation of O2•− and 1O2. Characteristic bands of pyrene were more obviously destroyed by the Fe3O4/MW/PS oxidation, in comparison with MW/PS oxidation. Ring hydroxylation and ring-opening reactions were the main degradation pathways of pyrene. The toxicities of the formed byproducts were significantly reduced after treatment. This study provided a promising option for pyrene contaminated soil remediation.

Effect of Two Essential Oils From the Asteraceaes Family Against Ectomyelois Ceratoniae Zell. (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae): Case Of Artemisia Herba-Alba Asso. And Artemisia Compestris L.

The current work was done Artemisia herba-alba and Artemisia compestris essential oils harvested from the Eastern Algerian Sahara, their insecticidal characteristics against the eggs and adults of the date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae. Indeed, two treatment modes were used; by contact application on eggs and by inhalation against adults. It appears from the results that the hatch rates were less than the hatching rate recorded in the control (96% ±00.00). The hatching rate reported on eggs treated by the highest dose (160 μl/ml) of Artemisia herba-alba and Artemisia compestris essential oils are 16.66 ± 08.81 and 37.77 ± 13.47 respectively. Statistical treatment results by the Chi-square test (χ2), attest that the treatment by A. herba-alba and Artemisia compestris essential oils at the same dose (160 μl/ml) affect significantly (χ2 = 35.62, p = 0.00 and χ2 = 21.17, p = 0.00 respectively) the hatching rate compared to the control. The sensitivity of adults to essential oils is expressed by 100% mortality rates obtained after 10 min of treatment by the highest doses (80 μl/ml and 160 μl/ml) of A. herba-alba essential oils, the same mortality rates (100%) were notified with the same doses (80 μl/ml and 160 μl/ml) after 20 min and 15 min of treatment by Artemisia compestris essential oils respectively. The dose-dependent mortality data revealed that there was a significant difference between the five doses of A. herba-alba essential oil tested except at the last treatment time (20 min) for which it was appeared p = 0.571, while for A. compestris essential oil, a significant difference was recorded with p varying between 0.00 and 0.003. The lowest LD50 value (0.09 μl/ml and 16.71 μl/ml) were noted during the longest treatment time (20 min), while the highest LD50 value (75.85 μl/ml and 263.7 μl/ml) were found during the shortest time (5 min) of A. herba-alba and A. compestris respectively. J. Bio-Sci. 29(2): 09-17, 2021 (December)

Ultrasound intensification of Ferrochelatase extraction from pork liver as a strategy to improve ZINC-protoporphyrin formation

The enzyme Ferrochelatase (FeCH), which is naturally present in pork liver, catalyses the formation of Zinc-protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a natural pigment responsible for the typical color of dry-cured Italian Parma ham. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using high power ultrasound in continuous and pulsed modes to intensify the extraction of the enzyme FeCH from pork liver. US application during FeCH extraction led to an improved enzymatic activity and further increase in the formation of ZnPP. The optimal condition tested was that of 1 min in continuous US application, in which time the enzymatic activity increased by 33.3 % compared to conventional extraction (30 min). Pulsed US application required 5 min treatments to observe a significant intensification effect. Therefore, ultrasound is a potentially feasible technique as it increases the catalytic activity of FeCH and saves time compared to the conventional extraction method.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of Chloroindoles Against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a food-borne pathogen recognized as the prominent cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis globally, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. This study examined the antimicrobial and antivirulence properties of indole and 16 halogenated indoles on V. parahaemolyticus. Among them, 4-chloroindole, 7-chloroindole, 4-iodoindole, and 7-iodoindole effectively inhibited planktonic cell growth, biofilm formation, bacterial motility, fimbrial activity, hydrophobicity, protease activity, and indole production. Specifically, 4-chloroindole at 20 μg/mL inhibited more than 80% of biofilm formation with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 μg/mL against V. parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi. In contrast, 7-chloroindole inhibited biofilm formation without affecting planktonic cell growth with a MIC of 200 μg/mL. Both chlorinated indoles caused visible damage to the cell membrane, and 4-chloroindole at 100 μg/mL had a bactericidal effect on V. parahaemolyticus within 30 min treatment, which is superior to the effect of tetracycline at the same dose. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses revealed that chloro and bromo at positions 4 or 5 of the indole are essential for eradicating the growth of V. parahaemolyticus. These results suggest that halogenated indoles have potential use in antimicrobial and antivirulence strategies against Vibrio species.

Multimodal rheumatologic complex treatment in patients with spondyloarthritis - a prospective study

IntroductionAim of this study was to prospectively assess the effects of multimodal rheumatologic complex treatment (MRCT), a special concept of in-patient physical treatment (PT) for treating spondyloarthritis (SpA), namely radiographic (r-) and non-radiographic (nr-) axial (ax-) SpA and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methodsr-, nr-axSpA and PsA patients receiving a 16-day MRCT were eligible. MRCT was delivered to participants over 64 PT sessions of various modalities with a minimum of 1,400 min of treatment. Primary outcome was a change in pain levels measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0 - 10) between baseline and discharge. Secondary outcomes were assessments of i) disease activity ii) functional disabilities iii) serum cytokine levels iv) analgesic usage v) patient global health assessment and patients’ satisfaction with their therapeutic response to MRCT from baseline to discharge and over a 12-week follow-up. Results50 patients completed the study and were analysed. Pain levels were improved significantly (p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval -2.25 to -0.8,). Further analyses revealed no influencing factors or relevant inter-group differences. Positive effects of MRCT lasted up to 12 weeks after discharge. Analgesic usage was reduced compared to baseline. Patient global health assessment continued to be improved throughout the whole follow-up. No MRCT-related harms were recorded. ConclusionMRCT as a multimodal treatment concept with a strong emphasis on PT reduces pain in SpA meaningfully and facilitates reduced analgesic usage.

Optimum Preparation Conditions for Highly Individualized Chitin Nanofibers Using Ultrasonic Generator.

α-Chitin derived from crab shells was treated with 30% sodium hydroxide to prepare partially deacetylated chitin with a deacetylation degree of 36%. Partially deacetylated chitin nanofibers were prepared by applying weak ultrasonic energy generated by a domestic ultrasonic cleaner. The deacetylated chitin was easily disintegrated into nanofibers with the aid of electrostatic repulsion and osmotic pressure effect of amino cations on the chitin surfaces. The nanofibers were characterized in terms of yield, morphology, crystallinity, viscosity, and dispersibility. After a series of characterizations, ultrasonication with 45 kHz frequency and 20 min treatment was found to be the optimum conditions for obtaining fine nanofibers with a high yield.

Altered Root Growth, Auxin Metabolism and Distribution in Arabidopsis thaliana Exposed to Salt and Osmotic Stress.

Salt and osmotic stress are the main abiotic stress factors affecting plant root growth and architecture. We investigated the effect of salt (100 mM NaCl) and osmotic (200 mM mannitol) stress on the auxin metabolome by UHPLC-MS/MS, auxin distribution by confocal microscopy, and transcript levels of selected genes by qRT-PCR in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia-0 (Col-0) and DR5rev::GFP (DR5) line. During long-term stress (13 days), a stability of the auxin metabolome and a tendency to increase indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were observed, especially during salt stress. Short-term stress (3 h) caused significant changes in the auxin metabolome, especially NaCl treatment resulted in a significant reduction of IAA. The data derived from auxin profiling were consistent with gene expressions showing the most striking changes in the transcripts of YUC, GH3, and UGT transcripts, suggesting disruption of auxin biosynthesis, but especially in the processes of amide and ester conjugation. These data were consistent with the auxin distribution observed in the DR5 line. Moreover, NaCl treatment caused a redistribution of auxin signals from the quiescent center and the inner layers of the root cap to the epidermal and cortical cells of the root elongation zone. The distribution of PIN proteins was also disrupted by salt stress; in particular, PIN2 was suppressed, even after 5 min of treatment. Based on our results, the DR5 line was more sensitive to the applied stresses than Col-0, although both lines showed similar trends in root morphology, as well as transcriptome and metabolome parameters under stress conditions.

Organic Amendment vs. Mineral Fertilization under Minimum Tillage: Changes in Soil Nutrients, Soil Organic Matter, Biological Properties and Yield after 10 Years

Conservation tillage is recognized as a sustainable management practice, however its combination with organic residues application still constitutes a challenge in some areas. A field trial was established in a semiarid agro-ecosystem to study the effects of different crop nutrient sources under minimum tillage (MT). Application of organic amendments at the beginning of a five-year crop rotation (ORG treatment) was evaluated and compared to the control plot where wheat was continuously grown with traditional mineral fertilization (MIN treatment). In addition to wheat yield and biomass, several soil properties were measured (pH, soil nutrients (i.e., Olsen P, exchangeable K, and mineral N), soil organic matter (i.e., C, N, C/N ratio), potentially mineralizable nitrogen, total microbial activity and heavy metals) throughout the 10-year study. The wheat yield was significantly higher under the ORG treatment than under the MIN, although climatic conditions (e.g., rainfall) exerted a great influence too. The organic amendments increased soil nutrients content mainly right after their application but the levels were adequate for the whole crop rotation. Plots under organic amendment application did not accumulate significantly more soil organic matter than those mineral-fertilized, probably due to the low protective capacity of coarse-textured soils. The application of organic amendments under MT resulted in a promising management agro-ecosystem compared to the mineral fertilized because crop nutrients came from organic wastes, no herbicides were applied while the yields were higher.

Effect of pulsating microwave treatment on wheat parboiling: Comparative assessment and structural characterization

The current study focusses on investigating the impact of pulsating microwave (MW) treatment to develop an efficient wheat parboiling method through comparative assessment with conventional parboiling. Three independent variables i.e., MW power level, effective treatment time, and pulsating mode on–off combination were tried for the process optimization. Higher moisture gain was observed during pulsating MW treatment, irrespective of the power level. The optimised gelatinization was obtained at 900 W power level and 9 min treatment time with on–off combination of 30 s –120 s considering specific energy absorption, water quality and degree of gelatinization. The microwave parboiled sample showed no major difference in molecular rearrangement, surface morphology and starch deformation as compared to the conventionally parboiled (CP) samples analysed using XRD, SEM, and FTIR study, whereas slight variation in protein conformations were noticed. This technological and structural study revealed that the proposed method can effectively replace the CP method.

Degradation of organophosphorus pesticide diazinon by hydrodynamic cavitation: Parameters optimization and mechanism investigation

Diazinon (DZN), a broad-spectrum and highly effective organophosphorus pesticide, is widely being used in agricultural production and household environments. However, massive DZN effluent can be generated during the DZN production process, which will cause devastating effects on the ecosystem and damage human health due to the improper dispose of pesticide effluent before discharging. In this work, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), a new advanced oxidation technology, was used to degrade DZN in wastewater for the first time. The influences of DZN initial concentration (5.0–15 mg/L), solution pH (4.0–10), temperature (30–50 °C) and some orifice plate geometric parameters (orifice numbers and orifice half angles) on the degradation effect of DZN were investigated. It can be observed that the DZN in solution can be effectively degraded in orifice plate HC system based on three orifices with 45° convergent half angle and the degradation ratio can reach 50.52 % under the operation conditions of 150 min treatment time, 30 °C temperature and pH = 4.0 acidity. Subsequently, the studies of intensifying DZN degradation were also carried out through adding different inorganic oxidants such as potassium peroxodisulfate (K2S2O8), potassium periodate (KIO4) and sodium perchlorate (NaClO4). The maximum DZN HC degradation extent (81.92 %) can be achieved in the presence of K2S2O8 under the optimized conditions. The generated intermediate products in DZN HC degradation process are some low-toxic and low-active substances. And that, these intermediate products can be further mineralized to H2O, CO2 and inorganic ions. On the basis of cavitational yield, the energy consumption analysis has been performed. Overall, this work demonstrates that the HC combined with oxidant K2S2O8 may be a promising strategy for the large-scale treatment of organophosphorus pesticide wastewater.

Toxicity reduction of reverse osmosis concentrates from petrochemical wastewater by electrocoagulation and Fered-Fenton treatments

In this work, both Electrocoagulation (EC) and Fered-Fenton (FF) technologies were used to treat reverse osmosis concentrates (ROC) from petrochemical production. The toxicity reduction capacity and mechanism were comparatively assessed during these two treatments. The results showed that FF exhibited higher capacity to reduce toxicity than EC in the 30 min treatment, which could be attributed to the removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals. The results showed that the ROC contained organics with molecular weight of 1200 g mol−1 and 220 g mol−1, which mainly consisted of the soluble microbial by-product-like and humic acid-like substances. The removal of these organics directly led to the noticeable toxicity reduction. Alkanes, haloalkanes, ketones, PAHs, and other four organic pollutants were the dominant species in the ROC, and the removal of small molecular weight organic pollutants played an essential role in reducing toxicity. FF exhibited stronger capacity to remove PAHs, BTEXS and haloalkanes, and the removal efficiencies for the PAHs were in the following order: 5-ring > 4-ring > 3-ring > 2-ring. The promotion of heavy metals removal appeared to be favorable for decreasing toxicity in ROC. This study illustrated the mechanism of the toxicity reduction and the characteristics of pollutants removal during FF and EC treatments, and provided valuable guidance for petrochemical manufacturing to the toxicity reduction and operation of wastewater treatment facilities.

Improving energy storage ability of acid-treated carbon fibers via simple sonication and heat treatments for flexible supercapacitors

Fiber-type supercapacitor (FSC) is indispensable for soft electronics. Modifying substrate without depositing electroactive material can prevent electroactive material from peeling off and enhance flexibility of FSC. Acid treatment is one of the most effective methods to enhance energy storageability of carbon fiber (CF) via inducing functional groups and creating defects for charge accumulation. In this work, it is firstly to apply sonication and heat treatments on CF electrodes in acid mixture to enhance hydrogen ion diffusion path and acid etching rate. The highest specific capacitance (CL) of 319.0 mF/cm is obtained at 20 mV/s for the CF electrode prepared using full sonication for 45 min and heat treatment at 80 °C at last 25 min, while the untreated CF electrode only shows CL value of 8.3 mF/cm. The FSC with optimized CF electrodes shows maximum energy density of 12 μWh/cm at 250 μW/cm. After 10,000 times repeated charge/discharge process, CL retention of 78% and Coulombic efficiency of 88% are achieved. Excellent flexibility is attained with high CL retentions with bending angle of 180° and bended for 1000 times. Other energy supplying methods are expected to promote the acid treatment on CF and create more efficient FSC in near future.