Odor Treatment Research Articles

Odorous Compound Removal Performance and Water Properties of a Biotrickling Filter Installed in a Piggery

Highlights We evaluated the performance of a two-stage biotrickling filter in a pig facility. A short empty bed residence time lowered the secondary filter removal efficiency for many odorous compounds. The removal efficiency of some compounds increased when the pH in the secondary water tank decreased. Low-odor-threshold compounds such as MT, n-BA, n-PA, and p-cresol were indicated as targets for optimization. Abstract . Odor is a major problem in pig production, and it is important to minimize odor emissions. To determine the factors influencing variations in odor removal efficiency, we analyzed the performance of a biotrickling filter installed in growing-finishing pig rooms on a commercial farm. Over 16 months, we conducted measurements of representative odorous compounds, namely sulfur compounds (hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide), volatile fatty acids (propanoic acid, 2-methylpropanoic acid, butanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and pentanoic acid), and ammonia. The average removal efficiencies of methanethiol, dimethyl disulfide, volatile fatty acids, and ammonia were 83% to 89%, with 50% for hydrogen sulfide and 18% for dimethyl sulfide. For many, but not all, odorous compounds, removal efficiency declined significantly with decreasing empty bed residence time (EBRT). From an analysis of the correlations of odorous compounds’ removal efficiency with the properties of the trickling water, we hypothesized that water properties such as pH, free ammonia, free nitrous acid, ionic species (Na+, Ca2+) concentrations, temperature, electrical conductivity, and biological oxygen demand, in addition to EBRT, were associated with fluctuations in removal efficiency during full-scale operation. The pH in the secondary water tank was negatively correlated with the removal efficiencies of methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, butanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, pentanoic acid, and ammonia. Our identification of key odorous compounds indicates the importance of the secondary filter in odor treatment. Biotrickling filters for air in pig facilities could be further optimized by targeting low-odor-threshold compounds such as methanethiol, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, and p-cresol, in addition to ammonia. Keywords: Ammonia, Biotrickling filter, Pig facility odor, Sulfur compound, Trickling water, Volatile fatty acid.

The Liver histopathology structure of Wistar rats on the acute toxicity test of Kapulaga Seeds extract (Amomum cardamomum)

One-third of the Indonesian population uses herbs for alternative medicine empirically. One of them is Kapulaga (Amomum cardamomum) which known as a spice and traditionally used for the treatment of rheumatic, fever, cough, sore throat, and mouth odor. The clinical use of herbs must be supported by scientific evidenced-based and its safety profile. The risk of exposure to a substance in humans can be identified through the toxicity tests on animals. The liver histopathological structure is one of the parameters of the acute toxicity test. This study to determine the acute toxicity of Kapulaga seeds extract (Amomum cardamomum) based on the liver histopathological structure of Wistar rats.
 The sample selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria in the OECD 420 guideline. The research consisted of a preliminary and the main test. One rat was used in the preliminary test with an initial dose of cardamom seed extract 300 mg/kg BW and followed by a maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg BW after 48 hours. The main test used 10 rats that were randomly divided into control and treatment groups. Based on the result of the preliminary test, the treatment group was given a single dose of cardamom seed extract 2000mg /kg BW, whilst the control group was given distilled water. Observations of any toxic signs or dead were conducted every 30 minutes in the first 4 hours and continued once per day until 14thday. Assessment of the degree of liver damage was done using the liver damaged scoring and compared using the Mann Whitney test (α = 0.05).
 The average liver damage score of control and treatment groups is 0.96 ± 0,856 and 0.96 ± 0,604, respectively, and did not show any statistically significant differences (p>0,05).
 Kapulagaseeds (Amomum cardamomum) had no acute toxic effect based on the liver histopathological structure of Wistar rats.

Removing the apocrine sweat glands with nasal endoscope assisted suction cutter: a new technique in the treatment of axillary odor

Objective Removing the apocrine sweat glands with nasal endoscope assisted suction cutter is a new technique that we have explored for the treatment of axillary odors. The aim is to introduce this new technique, compare it with traditional treatment and study the efficacy and patients satisfaction it brought about. Method A total of 82 patients (164 sides) with axillary odor were treated, 49 patients (98 sides) were treated with subcutaneou endoscopic assisted suction cutter, and 33 patients (66 sides) were treated with small-cut trimming. The efficacy of postoperative recovery was evaluated according to Tung grading method, and postoperative complications and satisfaction rate were also included in the comparative evaluation. Result The combined efficiency of nasal endoscope assisted suction cutter [100% (98/98)] was significantly higher than that of small-cut trimming [89.39% (59/66)] χ 2 = 10.857, p < .01. The complications in the nasal endoscope assisted suction cutter group [4.08% (4/98)] were significantly lower than those in the small-cut trimming group [25.76% (17/66)]. χ 2 = 16.596, p < .01. Patients satisfaction of nasal endoscope assisted cutting aspirator group was higher. Conclusion Remove the apocrine sweat glands with nasal endoscope assisted suction cutter, as a new feasible technology, is more effective than small-cut trimming method in the treatment of axillary odor.

Predator pheromone elicits a temporally dependent non‐consumptive effect in prey

The influence of predator cues on the behaviour of prey is well supported in the literature; however, a clear understanding of how predator cues affect prey in variable environmental conditions and over longer time scales is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. Here, we measure how predator odors affect herbivore colonization, abundance, oviposition, and plant damage across two growing seasons. The study system consisted of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle) as prey, and the aggregation pheromone of live Podisus maculiventris (spined soldier bug) as the predator cue in a potato field. In 2016, the amount of feeding damage by early beetle colonists was lower in predator odor‐treated plots, reducing plant damage by 22%. Larval abundance was also reduced in treated plots in 2016. Beetle abundance and damage in 2017 was similar in the treatment and control plots. Two mechanisms were investigated to better understand why prey response to the predator odor treatment weakened over the first season, including changes in predator odor cue strength and prey habituation. Predator odor cue strength emerged as a likely explanation, as dispensers, which released a synthetic predator pheromone over the entire season, reduced the probability of finding damage more consistently than the live predator treatment. These results suggest that temporal patterns of predator cue release and strength may drive prey response across the season, underscoring the importance of cue release‐rate and consistency in both species interactions and for the future application of modifying insect behaviour using non‐consumptive effects in agricultural systems.

Ameliorative effect of green odor against UVB-induced immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to the eye induces photoimmunosuppression. In here, we examined the effect of green odor against immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity in the eye induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Systemic immunosuppression was induced in ICR mice sensitized with 0.5% oxazolone through the skin by a single exposure to UVB. Consecutive green odor treatment significantly counteracted UVB irradiation-induced immunosuppression of the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response. The green odor treatment increased dopamine and β-endorphin levels in the brain and the plasma, respectively, and decreased the plasma corticosterone concentration in the oxazolone-sensitized mice after UVB irradiation to the eye, in contrast with that in acetone-treated mice (treatment negative control). Green odor prevented UVB irradiation-induced photoimmunosuppression of the CHS response by regulating the dopamine/β-endorphin/corticosterone pathway.

Principles of "ecological living water" to purify sewage and its application in black and smelly water treatment of Yangzhou

To explore the fundamental way of black and odorous water treatment, based on the study of the purification function of natural water body and the analysis of root cause and direct cause of black and odorous water body, we elaborated the scientific connotation and ecological function of "ecological living water", and fully revealed the scientific principle and technical advantages of "ecological living water" for sewage treatment. "Ecological living water" was the original ecological water control in situ. Through the rapid water reaeration, the micro-ecosystem of living water was created. Meanwhile, with the support of micro-speed circulating water, the continuous and efficient purification was realized. The practice of black and odorous water treatment in Yangzhou showed that, 3-5 days after the treatment of "ecological living water", the black and odorous water was completely eliminated and transformed into "green water". 15-20 days after the treatment, water quality reached the national surface water class 3 water standard. Therefore, "ecological living water" may be a kind of sustainable water control technology system with investment of less resources and equipment, fast pollution control speed, low operation cost, good water control effect and both symptoms and treatment.

Ethnopharmacological Survey and Physiological Evaluation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Contents of Indigenous Plants Used for Treatment of Toothache and Mouth Odour in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Ethnopharmacological Survey and Physiological Evaluation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Contents of Indigenous Plants Used for Treatment of Toothache and Mouth Odour in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Behavioural response of specific larval endoparasitoid, Apanteles machaeralis (Wilkinson) to volatile cues from its host insect, Diaphania indica (Saunders) and the host plant (Cucumis sativus L.)

Apanteles machaeralis (Wilkinson), a braconid specialist larval endoparasitoid of Diaphania indica occurs naturally causing significant levels of parasitism. The present study explores the response of the A. machaeralis to odour cues from D. indica damaged cucumber plant as well as host larvae. Different odour treatments namely , D. indica larval body volatiles (T 1 ), volatiles from larval excreta (T 2 ), volatiles from larvae + excreta (T 3 ), volatiles from D. indica body wash (T 4 ), volatiles from the healthy, mechanically damaged and D. indica infested cucumber plants (HIPVs) were collected using headspace analysis and the response of female A. machaeralis was studied using olfactometer assays. Results of the study conclusively indicated that A. machaeralis is highly attracted to host larval body wash as parasitic wasps spent significantly more time made more entries into the treated region in single as well as dual choice assays. The electoantennographic response (EAG) further supported the olfactometer bioassays. The GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in the volatile emissions of different treatments studied. The utilization of host insect body cues and HIPVs in the host recognition by the specialist endoparasitoid A. machaeralis is discussed in detail.

A novel strategy for gas mitigation during swine manure odour treatment using seaweed and a microbial consortium

Gas emissions from swine farms have an impact on air quality in the Republic of Korea. Swine manure stored in deep pits for a long time is a major source of harmful gas emissions. Therefore, we evaluated the mitigation of emissions of ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and amine gases from swine manure with biological products such as seaweed (Sargassum horneri) and a microbial consortium (Bacillus subtilis (1.2 × 109 CFU/mL), Thiobacillus sp. (1.0 × 1010 CFU/mL) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2.0 × 109 CFU/mL)) used as additives due to their promising benefits for nutrient cycling. Overall, seaweed powder masking over two days provided notable control of over 98%–100% of the gas emissions. Furthermore, significant control of gas emissions was especially pronounced when seaweed powder masking along with a microbial consortium was applied, resulting in a gas reduction rate of 100% for NH3, amines and H2S over 10 days of treatment. The results also suggested that seaweed powder masking and a microbial consortium used in combination to reduce the gas emissions from swine manure reduced odour compared with that observed when the two additives were used alone. Without the consortium, seaweed decreased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. The proposed novel method of masking with a microbial consortium is promising for mitigating hazardous gases, simple, and environmentally beneficial. More research is warranted to determine the mechanisms underlying the seaweed and substrate interactions.

Detection of prey odours underpins dietary specialization in a Neotropical top-predator: How army ants find their ant prey.

Deciphering the mechanisms that underpin dietary specialization and niche partitioning is crucial to understanding the maintenance of biodiversity. New world army ants live in species-rich assemblages throughout the Neotropics and are voracious predators of other arthropods. They are therefore an important and potentially informative group for addressing how diverse predator assemblages partition available prey resources. New World army ants are largely specialist predators of other ants, with each species specializing on different ant genera. However, the mechanisms of prey choice are unknown. In this study, we addressed whether the army ant Eciton hamatum: (a) can detect potential prey odours, (b) can distinguish between odours of prey and non-prey and (c) can differentiate between different types of odours associated with its prey. Using field experiments, we tested the response of army ants to the following four odour treatments: alarm odours, dead ants, live ants and nest material. Each treatment had a unique combination of odour sources and included some movement in two of the treatments (alarm and live ants). Odour treatments were tested for both prey and non-prey ants. These data were used to determine the degree to which E. hamatum are using specific prey stimuli to detect potential prey and direct their foraging. Army ants responded strongly to odours derived from prey ants, which triggered both increased localized recruitment and slowed advancement of the raid as they targeted the odour source. Odours from non-prey ants were largely ignored. Additionally, the army ants had the strongest response to the nest material of their preferred prey, with progressively weaker responses across the live ant, dead ant and alarm odours treatments respectively. This study reveals that the detection of prey odours, and especially the most persistent odours related to the prey's nest, provides a mechanism for dietary specialization in army ants. If ubiquitous across the Neotropical army ants, then this olfaction-based ecological specialization may facilitate patterns of resource partitioning and coexistence in these diverse predator communities.

Synthetic mustelid semiochemicals depress survival of long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus) populations and feeding damage

Microtus and Myodes continue to be major pests in agricultural and forest production in many temperate and boreal ecosystems of North America and Eurasia. However, voles may also be keystone species because of their predator-prey dynamics and feeding linkages in many networks. As an alternative to rodenticides, exploration continues for a suitable fear-based method to reduce vole damage to crops. This study tested the hypotheses (H) that a “neat” formulation of synthetic anal-gland compounds of the short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea L.) would reduce (H1) abundance, reproduction, survival, body mass, and movement of long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus Merriam) populations; and (H2) feeding damage to coniferous seedlings by voles in forest plantations. Vole populations were live-trapped on replicate sites from May 2005 to June 2006 during a peak year in abundance near Golden, British Columbia, Canada. Synthetic weasel odour was continually present on treatment sites from June 2005 to June 2006. Overwinter mortality to planted coniferous seedlings from vole feeding was measured on all sites in May–June 2006.Synthetic weasel odour compounds did not reduce mean abundance of M. longicaudus but, in fact, resulted in significantly higher numbers of voles in the treatment sites owing to a major pulse of transient (single capture) animals. Mean number of successful pregnancies and total recruits were also higher in treatment than control sites, but early juvenile survival, movements, and body mass were all similar between control and weasel-odour sites. However, mean Jolly-Seber 28-day total survival rates were higher (2.9–3.9 times) on control than treatment sites for both male and female voles during the overwinter-spring 2005–06 period. Much of the reduced survival was due to transient animals which tended to have a higher proportion of adults to juveniles in treatment than control sites. Some degree of disruption presumably occurred on the treatment sites perhaps owing to increased breeding intensity by females in the face of perceived predation or the presence of various mammalian predators attracted to the weasel odour and preying upon voles. This disruption may be linked to the use of synthetic weasel odour in suitable release devices that maintain the odour even in high quality habitats for voles. Despite the difference in abundance, voles seemed to feed less on plantation trees in the treatment than control sites. If this population disruption is real, we suggest that large-scale (e.g., 10+ ha) application of synthetic weasel odour in areas requiring crop protection from voles would be a worthwhile endeavour. This prediction is particularly germane for M. longicaudus where weasel odour treatment might be able to disrupt substantially their one population fluctuation on newly clearcut sites.

Ethnopharmacological Survey and Physiological Evaluation of Nutritional and Phytochemical Contents of Indigenous Plants Used for Treatment of Toothache and Mouth Odour in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

The use of herbs for improvement of oral hygiene is increasing in many communities in Nigeria despite the usage of other dental care products. On the basis of this the present study was conducted to assess indigenous plants used to manage dental condition and mouth odour and to evaluate nutritional, phytochemicals and antinutrient content of the plants. A survey was conducted to document plants used for treatment of toothache and mouth odour in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area. Using random sampling technique, a total of one hundred structured questionnaire was administered to Traditional Health Practitioners in three major markets of the study area. Nutritional, phytochemical and anti-nutrient contents of most used plants were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance (p &lt; 0.05). A total of twenty-three (23) plants belonging to sixteen families were enumerated out of which Capsicum frutescens, Piper guineense fruits and Zanthoxylum zanthoxloides roots were the most exploited for management of the conditions. Crude fibre (8.86 %), fat (1.12%) and ash contents (4.73%) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in Z. zanthoxloides roots while moisture (25.75 %) was significantly higher (p &lt;0.05) in C. frutescens fruits. Calcium (192.10 mg/100g), phosphorus (108.50 mg/100g), sodium (51.33 mg/100g), iron (4.85 mg/100g), Zinc (3.94 mg/100g), manganese (1.15 mg/100g) and copper (2.12 mg/100g) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in Z. zanthoxloides roots compared C. frutescens and P. guineense fruits. Vitamin A (600.00 µ/100g), vitamin B (0.07.00 mg/100g), vitamin C (94.54 mg/100g) and vitamin E (720.00) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in C. frutescens than Z. zanthoxloides and P. guineense. Results also showed that tannin (6.40 %), oxalate (30.00%), phytate (0.40%) and trypsin inhibitor (20.00 %) were significantly higher in frutescens than Z. zanthoxloides roots. Similar significant (p&lt;0.05) increase were observed in the quantity of flavonoid (3.25%), saponnis (1.30%), phenol (0.60%) and anthocyaninns (0.23%) in Z. zanthoxloides compared with C. frutescens and P. guineense.

Optimising targets for tsetse control: Taking a fly's-eye-view to improve the colour of synthetic fabrics.

The savannah tsetse flies, Glossina morsitans morsitans and G. pallidipes, are important vectors of Rhodesian human African trypanosomiasis and animal African trypanosomiasis in East and southern Africa. We tested in Zimbabwe whether robust, synthetic fabrics, and innovative fly’s-eye-view approaches to optimise fabric colour, can improve insecticide-treated targets employed for tsetse control. Flies were caught by electrocution at a standard target comprising a 1m x 1m black cotton cloth panel with 1m x 0.5m black polyester net panels on each side. Catches were subdivided by species and sex. Tsetse catches were unaffected by substitution of the black cotton with a blue polyester produced for riverine tsetse targets. Exchanging the net panels for phthalogen blue cotton to simulate the target routinely used in Zimbabwe significantly reduced catches of female G. m. morsitans (mean catch 0.7 times that at standard), with no effect on other tsetse catches. However, significantly greater proportions of the catch were intercepted at the central panel of the Zimbabwe (means 0.47–0.79) versus standard designs (0.11–0.29). We also engineered a new violet polyester cloth using models of tsetse attraction based upon fly photoreceptor responses. With and without odour lure, catches of females of both species at the violet target were significantly greater than those at standard (means 1.5–1.6 times those at standard), and typical blue polyester targets (means 0.9–1.3 times those at standard). Similar effects were observed for males under some combinations of species and odour treatment. The proportions of catch intercepted at the central panel of the violet target (means 0.08–0.18) were intermediate between those at standard and typical blue polyester. Further, the reflectance spectrum of violet polyester was more stable under field conditions than that of black cotton. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of photoreceptor-based models as a novel means of improving targets to control tsetse and trypanosomiases.

Variations in microbial community structure and functional gene expression in bio-treatment processes with odorous pollutants

Engineered microbial ecosystems in biofilters have been widely applied to treat odorous gases from industrial emissions. Variations in microbial community structure and function associated with the removal of odorous gases by biofilters are largely unknown. This study performed a metagenomic analysis to discover shifts in microbial community structures in a commercial scale biofilter after treating odorous gas. Our study identified 175,675 functional genes assigned into 43 functional KEGG pathways. Based on the unigene sequences, there were significant changes in microbial community structures in the biofilter after treating odorous gas. The dominant genera were Thiobacillus and Oceanicaulis before the treatment, and were Acidithiobacillus and Ferroplasma after the treatment. A clustering analysis showed that the number of down-regulated microbes exceeded the number of up-regulated microbes, suggesting that odorous gas treatment reduced in microbial community structures. A differential expression analysis identified 29,975 up- and 452,599 down-regulated genes. An enrichment analysis showed 17 classic types of xenobiotic biodegradation pathways. The results identified 16 and 15 genes involved in ammonia and sulfite metabolism, respectively; an analysis of their relative abundance identified several up-regulated genes, which may be efficient genes involved in removing odorous gases. The data provided in this study demonstrate the changes in microbial communities and help identify the dominant microflora and genes that play key roles in treating odorous gases.

Simultaneous mitigation of methane and odors in a biowindow using a pipe network

In this study, a biowindow with a piped gas collection network is proposed as an area-efficient landfill gas treatment system. A 9-m2 biowindow was constructed for treating landfill gas collected from an area of 450 m2 in a sanitary landfill, and its performance was evaluated for 224 days. The methane removal efficiency was 59–100% at 146.3–675.1 g-CH4 m−2 d−1. Odorous compounds were also removed by the biowindow, with a complex odor intensity removal rate of 93–100%. In particular, the removal efficiency for hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol, major contributors to the complex odor intensity, was 97% and 91%, respectively. Metagenomic analysis showed that the dominant bacterial genera shifted from Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas to Methylobacter and Methylocaldum due to the high concentration of methane. A high bacterial diversity was maintained, which may have contributed to the robust performance of the biowindow against environmental fluctuations. At 1/50th of the size of conventional biocovers, the proposed biowindow can greatly reduce the required installation area and represents a competitive method for the simultaneous treatment of methane and odor in landfills.

Avian and rodent responses to the olfactory landscape in a Mediterranean cavity community

Animals rely on cues informing about future predation risk when selecting habitats to breed in. Olfactory information may play a fundamental role in the assessment of predation threats, because predators produce characteristic body odours, but the role of odours in habitat selection has seldom been considered. Here, we test whether fear of predation induced by odour cues may affect the settlement pattern of a Mediterranean cavity-dependent community of rodents and non-excavator hole-nesting birds. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally manipulated the perception of predation risk on a scale of patch by applying either odours of a carnivore predator (risky odour treatment), lemon essence (non-risky odour treatment) and a control non-odorous treatment and studied bird and rodent settlement patterns. Nest-box occupation probability differed across treatments so that species in the community settled in more numbers in control than in non-risky and than in risky odour-treated nest boxes. Concerning settlement patterns, control nest boxes were occupied more rapidly than nest boxes with odour information. Birds and rodents settled earlier in control than in risky odour-treated nest boxes, but their settlement pattern did not significantly vary between risky odour and non-risky odour-treated nest boxes. Our findings demonstrate that olfactory cues may be used to assess habitat quality by settling species in this community, but we cannot pinpoint the exact mechanism that has given rise to the pattern of preference by nest boxes.

Research on mechanism of charred hawthorn on digestive through modulating “brain-gut” axis and gut flora

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHawthorn is a traditional Chinese medicine for high-calorie-diet-induced dyspepsia (HC-DID) for thousands of years old. Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and clinical and non-clinical trials, its stir-frying processed product, charred hawthorn, possesses better effect. At present, most research mainly focuses on chemical constituents of hawthorn before and after stir-frying process, but there is no relevant action-mechanism study about fragrant odor promoting HC-DID during the stir-frying process of the hawthorn. Aim of the studyThe purpose of the present study is to research on mechanism of hawthorn decoction coupled with odor of charred hawthorn on digestive in rats with HC-DID. Materials and methodsThe SPF Kunming (KM) mice and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: control group, model group, cisapride group, hawthorn group (HT), charred hawthorn group (CHT), odor of charred hawthorn (OCHT), CHT + OCHT group. The rats were modeled as HC-DID, whose treatment by intragastric administration and odor administration. Obvious symptoms of HC-DID were observed. Gastrointestinal motility were detected. Histopathology was performed in hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract. Related brain-gut peptides were assayed in serum, hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract. Illumina Miseq platform was used for 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing to detect the intestinal flora structure of the caecum of rats. ResultsTraditional Chinese medicine decoction of hawthorn (HT and CHT) regulated the body weight, food intake, gastrointestinal motility and abnormal secretion of brain-gut peptides in rats with HC-DID, and the odor of charred hawthorn also had good curative effect for it. Moreover, the intestinal dysbiosis was induced by high-calorie diet in rats with dyspepsia, and hawthorn decoction could ease this trend. ConclusionThe above study showed that hawthorn decoction coupled with the odor of charred hawthorn effectively alleviate HC-DID in rats by regulating the “Brain-Gut” axis and gut flora. Odor treatment of hawthorn could be a potential therapeutic approach for HC-DID.

A Study of Efficacy of Benzoyl Peroxide Regimens in Treatment of Unpleasant Foot Odor

A Study of Efficacy of Benzoyl Peroxide Regimens in Treatment of Unpleasant Foot Odor

The Treatment of Axillary Odor: A Network Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundAxillary osmidrosis (AO) is common in plastic surgery. But there is no perfect way to treat AO. We systematically compared the efficacy of 10 AO treatments with network meta-analysis in order to provide reference for the clinical treatment of axillary odor.Material/MethodsChinese and English databases were searched by computer. Some relevant studies were collected for network meta-analysis.ResultsWe identified 56 studies, including a total of 8618 patients for meta-analysis. The network meta-analysis showed that 21 out of 45 pairs of 10 AO treatments had no statistical significance. In statistical comparison, subcutaneous curettage and swelling suction subcutaneous pruning were better than a single treatment. In addition, the effects of both laser and electric ion therapy were inferior to those of other treatments. The order of therapeutic effects predicted by surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA), curve was swelling aspiration+subcutaneous pruning >subcutaneous pruning >subcutaneous curettage+subcutaneous pruning >spindle excision >botulinum toxin A injection >swelling aspiration >subcutaneous curettage >YAG laser therapy >CO2 laser therapy >electric ion therapy.ConclusionsIn operative treatment of AO, swelling aspiration+subcutaneous pruning is the best operative treatment, and botulinum toxin A injection is the best in non-operative treatment. Overall, the effect of surgical treatment was more significant than that of non-surgical treatment.

The effects of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta)

Olfactory stimulation has been demonstrated to enhance welfare in a range of captive species through increasing behavioural diversity or decreasing frequencies of abnormal behaviours. Despite meerkats being commonly kept in many animal collections, research into methods of enrichment for captive meerkats is minimal and to date, the effects of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of meerkats have not been explored. This study investigated the effects of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of five meerkats (four females, one male; all captive-born) in response to five individual odour treatments: lavender, rosemary, catnip, prey odour and a no-odour control. Odours were presented individually on cloths in the animals’ enclosure for a period of three days per stimulus and meerkat behaviour was recorded using a scan-sampling technique. There was no significant effect of individual olfactory stimulation on the meerkats’ interaction with the cloth or general behaviour, although when odour versus no odour conditions were considered, higher levels of vigilance and eating behaviour were exhibited in the presence of olfactory stimuli. Overall, our findings suggest that olfactory stimulation in the form of odour-scented cloths does not greatly influence the behaviour of captive meerkats. However, further investigation using a larger sample size, different methods of odour presentation and more biologically relevant odours is recommended in order to fully explore the potential application of olfactory stimulation as enrichment in captive meerkats.