Residual Rate Research Articles

Pesticide residues and associated health effects in marketed fruits in Saudi Arabia

AimThis study evaluated the pesticide residues in some fruits collected from different markets in Saudi Arabia (SA) and determined potential health risks associated with them. MethodsConcentrations of pesticide residues in 12 types of fruits from local markets in SA from 2020 to 2022 were collected and evaluated. Multiple residue extraction method QuEChERS followed by LC-MS/MS and GC–MS/MS, were used to analyze 161 samples. ResultsOnly 10 out of 161 samples (6.2 %) were free of pesticides. A total of 132 (87.4 %) pesticide residues were below MRLs, with 19 (12 %) of samples exceeding MRLs. Detected pesticide residues belonged to different chemical classes of pesticides including organophosphates, pyrethroids, organochlorines, neonicotinoids and fungicides. Risk assessment of human exposure to pesticides via the intake of the fruit types was performed. Hazard index (HI) for most fruit types were found to be less than 1. Oranges, grapes and pomegranates were the most consumed fruit types (31.6 g/day,15.8 g/day,10.8 g/day) and were contaminated with pesticide residues. Fluopyram, imazalil, chlorpyrifos, finamiphos and indoxacarb had HIs (1.32, 2.76,3.6,3.6,1.5) showed high risk index suggesting risk for systemic toxicity in consumers dependent on the amount of consumption. ConclusionIn summary, high detection rate of pesticide residues was found in different fruits sold in local markets in SA. Regular biomonitoring programs for food crops in SA markets should be enforced, particularly in identified crops with His >1 to increase food safety within the SA community.

Clinical efficacy and immune response of BCL-2 inhibitors combined with hypomethylating agents in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

ObjectiveAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant clonal proliferative disease with a high mortality rate. The combination therapy of BCL-2 inhibitor Venetoclax (VEN) and hypomethylating agents (HMAs) has significant anti-leukemia activity.MethodsWe analyzed the efficacy, safety and immune response characteristics of AML patients who were unfit for high-dose chemotherapy and accepted the medication of VEN + HMAs.ResultsAfter VEN + HMAs treatment, 31 newly diagnosed AML patients had the morphologic leukemia-free state rate (MLFS%) of 80.6% (25/31), complete response rate (CR%) of 54.8% (17/31), the minimal residual disease negative rate (MRD-%) of 51.6% (16/31), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) of 14 months. After treatment, the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells, the MRD level, white blood cell (WBC) count, fibrinogen (FIB) level and the proportion of B cells were significantly decreased. The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB) level, platelet count (PLT) count, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), the proportion of total T cells, CD8 + T cells and the IFN-γ level were significantly increased. After VEN + HMAs treatment, 12 relapsed AML patients had a MLFS% of 50% (6/12), CR% of 33.3% (4/12), MRD-% of 25% (3/12), and a median PFS of 7 months. After treatment, the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells and MRD level were slightly decreased, the proportions of CD8 + T cells and NK cells were significantly increased, the proportion of B cells and IL-10 level were significantly decreased. 12 AML patients who receive microtransplantation (MST) treatment using VEN + HMAs as a pretreatment regimen had a PFS of 20.5 months, which was much greater than VEN + HMAs group alone. Hematological recovery was better in the MST group with significantly increased RBC count, HGB level and PLT count. The most common adverse events were myelosuppression, agranulocytosis, infection and cardiovascular toxicity. No fatal adverse events were reported.ConclusionThe combination of BCL-2 inhibitors and HMAs had good efficacy and safety in AML patients who were unfit for high-dose chemotherapy, which may improve the immune microenvironment and enhance anti-leukemia immune response.

Photo-assisted conversion of tetracycline in regulated persulfate system: Multiple roles of natural dissolved organic matter

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using persulfate system can effectively remove organic pollutants. However, dissolved organic matter (DOM) has multiple effects on AOPs efficiency, and the influence of DOMs from natural sources on AOPs is still unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of soil DOM (SDOM) and fertilizer DOM (FDOM) on tetracycline (TC) removal by persulfate systems. DOMs introduction decreased light transmittance, slightly increased the pH of the systems, and destroyed original adsorption–desorption equilibrium. SDOM promoted most reactive species generation in the initial stage, thus improving the initial TC degradation rate. However, introduction of SDOM and FDOM increased the final TC residual rate. FDOM produced more obvious inhibitory effects on TC degradation. The final TC residual rates in systems containing 7.5 and 15 mg L-1 FDOM (F7.5-TC-PS and F15-TC-PS, respectively) were 25.85 % and 25.52 %, respectively. The inhibitory effects of FDOM on TC degradation were related to the combination between TC and FDOM, with humic acid-like component in FDOM being the main contributor. Besides, the main components in DOMs underwent transformation in the persulfate systems. This study sought to provide insights into the regulatory effects of DOM on TC photo-assisted conversion by AOPs.

Techno-Economic Feasibility Study of Tractor Pto Operated Shredder Cum Pulverizer

India's agricultural sector faces a challenge of widespread crop residue burning. An estimated 90-140 million tonnes of crop residues are burned annually by farmers across the country. The shredder cum pulverizer focuses on the shredding and pulverizing of coconut husks and fronds (Cocos nucifera), corn stalks (Zea mays L.) and subabul branches (Leucaena leucocephala). This shredded and pulverized crop residue is used to prepare the vermin compost, biomass production and various other purposes. The experiment was conducted at the IGKV, Raipur (C.G.). The detailed specifications parameters were optimized for each unit of the shredder cum pulverier. This study was conducted with four levels of feed rate varies with four levels of different speeds of operation at four moisture content) as the independent parameters. Their effects were studied on dependent parameters. The detailed data were analyzed statistically by SPD (Split Plot Design) with the three replications. The various performance parameters were also calculated. The result of the experiments showed that the shredding capacity and size of reduction of the shredder cum pulverizer with different feed rates of crop residues of coconut husks, coconut fronds, corn stalks, and subabul branches at different feed rates are 79.65 kg/h, 86.98 kg/h, 82.65 kg/h, and 94.64 kg/h, respectively, and the resultant size reductions of crop residues are 1.26mm, 2.66mm, 1.73mm, and 2.57mm, respectively. The result showed that the maximum shredding capacity 94.64kg/h was found on subabul branches were observed at 400kg/h feed rate, 40m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content and the maximum size of reduction 1.26mm was found on coconut husks were observed at 600kg/h feed rate, 70m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content. The cost of operation of shredder cum pulverizer was observed to be 983.25 Rs/h.

The influence of tensile stress on the strength and residual stress of C19400 alloy under ultrasonic vibration treatment

The C19400 alloy strip used for etching lead frames was studied, and the evolution law of its mechanical properties, residual stress, and microstructure under the ultrasonic vibration and tensile stress treatment was studied. The influence mechanism of ultrasonic vibration and tensile stress on the strength and residual stress of C19400 alloy was determined. The results show that high strength, high conductivity and low residual stress of C19400 alloy can be obtained under the coupling effect of ultrasonic vibration and tensile stress. The tensile strength is 430.57 MPa, the electrical conductivity is 57.73 % IACS, the transverse direction residual stress is −1 MPa, and the rolling direction residual stress is −21 MPa, and the residual stress relief rates are 97 % and 68 %, respectively. Under the coupling effect of alternating load and tensile stress, dislocations are annihilated and reorganized, the dislocation configuration tends to be uniformly arranged, and the dislocation density decreases. Compared with the original cold rolled state, the proportion of high angle grain boundaries of the alloy is slightly increased, and the texture strength is significantly reduced. These results have guiding significance for producing high strength, high conductivity and low residual stress of C19400 alloy.

PSX-18 Long term implanting of finished Angus Hereford steers: examining the relationship between feed and water efficiency

Abstract Herein, we investigate the effects of a long-term release trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant (200 mg and 40 mg respectively, Revalor-XS; Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ) on implanted [IMP; n = 9, body weight (BW) = 473.13 kg ± 25.22] and non-implanted (NIMP; n = 9, BW = 481.13 kg ± 21.78) finished Angus Hereford steers fed a single diet three times daily (0600, 1100, 1600 h). The objectives were to identify water and feed efficiency parameters and mechanisms of IMP and NIMP steers. Parameters evaluated included daily dry matter intake (DMI), freshwater intake (FWI), average daily gain (ADG), animal water units (AWU), drinking behavior, feed conversion (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), water conversion (WC), water conversion ratio (WCR), residual growth rate (RGR), and Kleiber index (KI). Linear mixed models were fitted to analyze the data under assumption of a completely randomized design, and variable relationships examined through partial correlation networks and principal component analysis. Implanted animals were more feed efficient than NIMP for FC (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.00), FCR (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.29), RGR (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.0.02), and KI (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.00). When evaluating water efficiency, IMP animals had less WCR (P < 0.001; SEM = 1.54) and greater WC (P < 0.001; SEM = 0.001). No differences were observed on marbling and carcass grades, but carcass weight, final BW, and rib eye area were greater for IMP groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively). For IMP, multivariate variable contribution (values > 10) appeared to associate FWI on the first and second eigenvectors with DMI, FC, and FCR. For NIMP, FWI was associated with WC, WCR, and AWU. The FWI of Implanted animals was associated with AWU, WCR, while NIMP was associated with AWU. Feed conversion ratio and DMI had the greatest node strength for the IMP animals, whereas for NIMP, KI was the only node with strength greater than 2. Our results indicate that feed and water efficiencies may share mechanistic pathways. We present a simple metric that accurately remains relevant in evaluating water requirements for both IMP and NIMP steers as AWU. We show how relationship strength is related to gain and efficiency for IMP animals, whereas metabolic activity, potentially in relation to body composition changes, drives the variation and relationships for NIMP animals.

Half substitution of mineral N with fish protein hydrolysate enhancing microbial residue C and N storage and climate benefits under high straw residue return

The widespread utilization of straw return was a popular practice straw disposal for highly intensive agriculture in China, which has brought about some negative impacts such as less time for straw complete biodegradation, aggravation of greenhouse gas evolution, and lower efficient of carbon accumulation. It was urgent to find an eco-friendly N-rich organic fertilizer instead of mineral N as activator to solve the above problems and lead a carbon accumulation in long tern management. Besides, microbial necromass was considered as a crucial contributor to persistent soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pool. How organic fertilizer activators influence microbial residue under different amount of crop residues input remained unclear. Thus, soils incorporating moderate and high rate of rice straw residue with additions of half and full of organic activators (fish protein hydrolysates vs. manure) were incubated for measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, microbial community and necromass. It was found that soil CO2 emission was rapidest during the first 13 days of straw decomposition but remained lowest in the treatments of 50% mineral N substituted by fish protein hydrolysate. There were that 81%–89% of total CO2 release and 59%–65% of total N2O emission occurred within 60 days of incubation period, and bacterial community and nitrate positively affected soil CO2 and N2O release respectively. Straw incorporation amount and organic activator application interactively influenced soil CO2 emission but not affected soil N2O emission. After 360 days of incubation, the difference of bacterial necromass was noticeable but fungal necromass remained almost unaltered across all treatments. All treatments showed generally comparable contribution of microbial necromass N to the total N pool. The treatment of 50% mineral N substituted by fish protein hydrolysate under high rate of straw input (HSF50) promoted the highest proportion of microbial necromass C in soil organic C because of alleviating N limitation for microorganisms. Finally, HSF50 was recommended as an eco-friendly strategy for enhancing microbial necromass C and N storage and climate benefits in agroecosystems.

Effect of ammonium polyphosphate on flame retardancy of bio-based rigid polyurethane foams

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) has attracted a lot of attention as a multifunctional material. However, the use of fossil fuels in various fields is limited due to their flammability and excessive consumption in the preparation process. In order to solve this problem, a sustainable bio-based RPUF was prepared by ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and lignin-based polyol flame-retardant modification. The impact of APP on the smoke characteristics, flame retardancy, and thermal behavior of lignin-based polyol RPUFs was examined. The modified RPUF (RPUF-20) with 20 wt.% APP had the greatest starting temperature and residual rate. The maximum activation energy (E) and best thermal stability were found in the pyrolysis kinetics calculation utilizing the thermogravimetric trajectory compared with other specimens. Cone showed that when RPUF-20 was compared with RPUF-0, the peak heat release rate was lowered by 79.43%, 72.79%, and 67.91%, and the total heat release was reduced by 50.59%, 56.29%, and 37.14%, respectively. In addition, RPUF-20 had the lowest smoke density, according to the statistics. The current results showed that RPUF-20 had low smoke toxicity and outstanding flame retardancy, which gave rise to a novel notion for RPUFs following flame-retardant modification using biomass.

Epoxy resin gel particles with adjustable stickiness and deformability for pesticide delivery

It is essential to develop a pesticide delivery system with a simple preparation process and strong leaf retention capability. In this study, epoxy resin (ER) was modified with alcohols with different carbon chain lengths through a one-step reaction to synthesize modified prepolymers (ModER). Among these, the ER modified by dodecanol (ER/Dodecanol) exhibited high flexibility, exceptional stickiness and the highest surface free energy. Subsequently, the organic phase containing emamectin benzoate (EB) and ModER was directly mixed with the aqueous phase containing sodium lignosulfonate (SL) to instantaneously obtain pesticide-loaded epoxy resin gel particles (ModERMP) through self-emulsification and electrostatic interaction. ER/Dodecanol loaded with EB (EB@ER/Dodecanol) had excellent flexibility. The particles underwent significant flattening, transitioning from micron-sized spherical particles to “biscuit-type” particles with nanoscale thickness. EB@ER/Dodecanol exhibited outstanding stickiness, enabling it to adhere to the mouthparts and legs of insects, thereby impacting their feeding behavior. Compared with that of the control, the leaf feeding rate for the experimental group was decreased by 9.36%. EB@ER/Dodecanol also had affinity for foliar micro/nanostructures while displaying excellent washout resistance. Following washing, the residue rate increased by 33.7% compared to that of the emulsifiable concentrate (EC). Furthermore, EB@ER/Dodecanol had excellent insecticidal activity both before and after washout. ModERMP represents a simple preparation process with robust washout resistance, thereby enhancing pesticide utilization rates.

Nutrient Dynamics in Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems: Effects of Stocking Rates and Nitrogen System Fertilization on Litter Decomposition and Release

Current fertilizer recommendations often neglect nutrient cycling across crop rotations. This study aimed to assess the decay rate and nutrient (N, P, K) release patterns of sorghum, black oat, and corn residues (omitido) in an integrated crop–livestock system. The experiment used factorial treatments based on two sward heights (high and low) and two nitrogen fertilization levels (N-pasture at 200 kg N ha−1 and N-corn at 0 kg N ha−1). Litter bags were collected at various intervals from each crop to measure nutrient release patterns and decomposition rates. The results showed that pasture height and nitrogen fertilization significantly influenced decomposition and nutrient release, affecting the subsequent grain crop phase. Potassium was released rapidly and in high amounts. Nitrogen fertilization during the pasture phase prevented nitrogen and phosphorus immobilization in black oat residue and reduced immobilization in corn residue. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for nutrient cycling and decomposition rates in fertilization strategies to enhance the sustainability of integrated crop–livestock systems.

Stepwise dechlorination and co-pyrolysis of poplar wood with dechlorinated polyvinyl chloride: Synergistic effect and products distribution

With the combination of stepwise dechlorination and co-pyrolysis techniques, this study conducted polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dechlorination experiments and co-pyrolysis experiments of poplar wood (PW) with dechlorinated polyvinyl chloride (DPVC) by thermogravimetric analysis and a fixed bed reactor. Stepwise pyrolysis effectively removed Cl from PVC with a dechlorination efficiency of 99.84 % at 360 °C for 30 min. Thermogravimetric tests and thermokinetic variables were employed to describe the co-pyrolysis process's thermodynamic behavior, where co-pyrolysis significantly diminished the activation energy of the initial pyrolysis stage (9.65–21.62 kJ/mol) and increased the reaction rate (0.02–0.09 %/°C). The synergistic effect of co-pyrolysis enhanced the yield and quality of liquid oil and reduced the solid residue rate, with the maximum change in solid residue rate (−2.36 wt%) occurring at PW:DPVC = 3:7. The optimal conditions for the synergistic effect are a raw material ratio of 3:7 at 500 °C. Co-pyrolysis efficiently reduced the content of oxygen-containing compounds of phenols, ketones, and acids in oil, and elevated the selectivity of aromatics. The research methods avoid the drawbacks of bio-oil and plastic oil and improve the quality of pyrolysis oil in a concise and efficient manner, which provides some new ideas for the resource and clean utilization of municipal waste.

Mechanism of reinforced interfacial adhesion between steel slag and highly devulcanized waste rubber modified asphalt and its influence on the volume stability in steel slag asphalt mixture

The volume expansion risk of steel slag is a predominant challenge hindering its usage as an alternative aggregate in road pavements. In this study, the interfacial adhesion properties of base asphalt-basalt, base asphalt-steel slag, rubber modified asphalt (RMA) -basalt and RMA-steel slag were compared employing both experiment and molecular dynamics simulation. The volume stability and road performance of the asphalt mixture was also explored. The results showed that the residue rate of the RMA asphalt mixed with steel slag aggregates showed an increase from 87.5 % to 95.7 % compared to base asphalt after 100°C boiling water test. The interfacial adhesion between steel slag and asphalt surpasses that of basalt and asphalt, with the use of rubber modified asphalt further enhancing the adhesion with steel slag aggregates, as investigated through quantitative evaluation of interface adhesive work. The enhanced interaction between steel slag and RMA was primarily due to the integration of acidic functional groups from rubber chain with the alkaline active constituents (f-CaO) of steel slag aggregates, as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations and accurate density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, the volume stability and road performance of the steel slag stone mastic asphalt were also greatly improved compared with basalt asphalt mixture. The dynamic average stability of RMA steel slag mixture was 9218 cycles/mm and the expansion rate of steel slag asphalt mixture under did not exceed 1.2 % after 216 hours water immersion. Therefore, this study provides an alternative aggregate for road pavement and a sustainable recycling strategy for the steel slag waste.

Comparison of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection and hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection for small colorectal polyps: a randomized controlled trial

Incomplete resection rates vary among endoscopists performing cold snare polypectomy. Cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection (CS-EMR) is the technique of cold resection after submucosal injection to reduce incomplete resection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CS-EMR for small colorectal polyps compared to hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection (HS-EMR). Preplanned sample size required 70 polyps to CS-EMR group or HS-EMR group, respectively. Patients with polyps sized 6–9 mm were randomly allocated to either the CS-EMR or the HS-EMR group. The primary outcome was residual or recurrent adenoma (RAA) rate. A total of 70 and 68 polyps were resected using CS-EMR and HS-EMR, respectively. In the intention-to-treat population, the RAA rate was 0% in the CS-EMR group and 1.5% in the HS-EMR group (risk difference [RD], − 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 4.34 to 1.39). En bloc resection rate was 98.6% and 98.5% (RD, − 0.04; 95% CI − 4.12 to 4.02); the R0 resection rate was 55.7% and 82.4% (RD, − 27.80; 95% CI − 42.50 to − 13.10). The total procedure time was 172 s (IQR, 158–189) in the CS-EMR group and 186 s (IQR, 147–216) in the HS-EMR group (median difference, − 14; 95% CI − 32 to 2). Delayed bleeding was 2.9% vs 1.5% (RD, 1.37; 95% CI − 3.47 to 6.21) in both groups, respectively. CS-EMR was non-inferior to HS-EMR for the treatment of small colorectal polyps. CS-EMR can be considered one of the standard methods for the removal of colorectal polyps sized 6–9 mm.

A novel method for gas-solid contact visualization and efficiency quantification in dry fixed-bed desulfurization

A novel method for the visualization of gas–solid contact states and the quantitative evaluation of contact efficiency in the dry fixed-bed desulfurization process is proposed in this study. This method utilizes the chromogenic properties of phenolphthalein (PP) on the surfaces of various sodium salt products during the sodium bicarbonate dry desulfurization process, enabling visualization of gas–solid contact status. Samples of desulfurization products are photographed, and ImageJ software is employed for image processing to calculate color residual rates, thereby quantifying gas–solid contact efficiency. The specific operating conditions that produced the best visualization effect of gas–solid contact states were determined through experimentation, including: an appropriate PP solid content of ≤ 0.336 % for ultrafine NaHCO3 with D90 = 6.14 μm; a steam volume ratio of approximately 13.94 % to 24.46 %, a temperature inside the reactor of 110 °C–175 °C. Moreover, the fading effect of the indicative sodium-based absorbent was consistent across SO2 concentrations from 850 mg/m3 to 5100 mg/m3, with higher concentrations reducing the time needed for visualizing gas–solid contact and quantifying efficiency. The gas–solid contact efficiency (Egs = 87.85 %) calculated by the method showed a small deviation of only 0.55 % from the efficiency (E’gs = 88.4 %) calculated based on sulfur capacity, validating the method’s reliability. The study’s outcomes present a novel method for analyzing the gas–solid contact state, which can serve future efforts in the design optimization of dry fixed-bed desulfurization reactors.

Thermal, mechanical property and flame retardant analysis of bio-based rigid polyurethane foam modified with expandable graphite

As an energy-efficient building material, rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) has attracted attention. However, there are still great challenges in how to easily prepare RPUF materials with good mechanical properties, flame retardant properties, thermal insulation and other properties. In the current work, expandable graphite (EG)-modified lignin-based polyol (RPUF) was prepared by a one-step method. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the pyrolysis of modified foams under nitrogen conditions. It was found that the RPUF-4 with an EG of 10 wt% had the highest the apparent activation energy (E), integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT), initial temperature and residue rate. And RPUF-4 also had excellent thermal insulation properties. In addition, RPUF-4 exhibited excellent flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties (peak heat release rate (RHRR), total heat release rate (THR) and Ds were 65.46 %, 23.92 % and 45.94 % lower than those of the unadded RPUF, respectively). At the same time, RPUF-4 also had good mechanical properties and energy absorption properties. These results will lay the foundation for the development and application of RPUF in the field of building insulation.

356. TUMOUR BURDEN CORRELATES WITH THE RISK OF RECURRENCE AFTER PIECEMEAL ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION OF EARLY-STAGE ADENOCARCINOMA IN BARRETT’S OESOPHAGUS

Abstract Background Endoscopic resection (ER) is curative for Barrett’s oesophagus-related early-stage oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) without high-risk features, such as lymphovascular invasion (LVI), positive margins (R1), and deep submucosal invasion (T1bsm2-3). Piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (pEMR), often used for lesions larger than 15mm, prevents assessment of lateral margins and therefore complicates precise risk estimation for residual EAC at the first post-ER endoscopy. Thus, we investigated alternative clinical factors that could potentially be used to assess the risk for residual and recurrent EAC post-ER. Methods We performed a longitudinal cohort study of patients who underwent ER between 2006-2023. Inclusion criteria were: T1a or well/moderately differentiated T1bsm1 EAC; LVI-, and R0 resection. ER was categorised as pEMR (n=106) or en-bloc ER (n=22 en-bloc EMR, n=9 endoscopic submucosal dissection). The primary outcome was residual EAC at first post-ER endoscopy. Secondary outcomes were residual HGD at first post-ER endoscopy, EAC and HGD recurrence at any post-ER endoscopy, and remission of EAC, HGD and intestinal metaplasia (IM) at latest endoscopy. Multivariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristics, chi-squared, and Kaplan Meier analyses were performed to investigate possible associated risk factors. Results Rates of EAC/HGD recurrence were higher post-pEMR versus en-bloc ER (p=0.019), with residual EAC at first post-ER endoscopy accounting for 34% of post-pEMR recurrence. The percentage of pEMR specimens with EAC (p=0.022) and T1bsm1 staging (p=0.013) were independent risk factors for residual EAC at first post-pEMR endoscopy (Table 1). A 53.5% cut-off of involved pEMR specimens was identified as the optimal threshold for residual EAC prediction (specificity=0.68, sensitivity=0.67). Indeed, residual (p=0.012) and recurrent (p=0.00077) EAC rates were higher when EAC involvement was >53.5%. However, rates of EAC (p=0.13), HGD (p=0.19) and IM (p=0.76) remission were unaffected by high EAC burden. Conclusions High burden of EAC on pEMR specimens correlates with increased risk of residual and recurrent EAC at post-pEMR endoscopy. Post-pEMR site check is recommended prior to endoscopic ablation, particularly in patients where more than 50% of pEMR specimens show EAC and in cases of flat subtle lesions. This will ensure eradication of any residual disease and high success rates for treatment of early EAC using endotherapy.

Open-type cholesteatoma is the predictive factor for residual disease in congenital cholesteatoma treated with TEES

ObjectiveTo determine the predictive factors for residual disease occurring after surgical removal of congenital cholesteatomas and whether these predictive factors differ between microscopic ear surgery (MES) using data from the literature and transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) using data from our own institution. MethodsTwenty-three patients with a congenital cholesteatoma who underwent surgical treatment at Yamagata University Hospital between December 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively investigated. We divide TEES into three different approaches: non-powered TEES, powered TEES and dual MES/TEES. Main outcome measures were Potsic stage, closed or open congenital cholesteatoma type, TEES surgical approach, appearance of residual disease, tympanoplasty type and hearing outcome. ResultsA logistic regression analysis was conducted on the Potsic stage, closed or open type, TEES surgical approach and age to obtain the odds ratio for residual disease. The chance of residual disease significantly increased in the presence of an open-type congenital cholesteatoma (odds ratio: 30.82; 95 % confidence interval: 1.456–652.3; p = 0.0277), but not for any of the other factors including Potsic stage. The timing of the confirmation of residual disease after ossicular chain reconstruction was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. The residual disease rate was significantly higher with an open-type congenital cholesteatoma (log-rank test, p < 0.05). In addition, all residual disease occurred within three years after surgery. ConclusionsOur results showed that an open-type congenital cholesteatoma is the strongest predictive factor for residual disease when removing a congenital cholesteatoma by TEES.

Impact of crop residue removal on crop production, feedstock quality, and theoretical ethanol production in the Mid‐Atlantic United States

AbstractCellulosic biomass‐to‐bioenergy systems provide fuel, reduce emissions, and offer economic benefits. Corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residues could be used as feedstocks for biofuel production. However, the impact of residue removal on crop productivity in the Mid‐Atlantic region has not been thoroughly assessed. A trial was conducted to assess crop yield and quality response to different biomass retention rates in grain cropping systems during 2015–2017. Various combinations of corn stover (0–10 Mg ha−1) and wheat straw (0–3 Mg ha−1) were applied in a corn–wheat/soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation in New Kent, VA. In Blacksburg, VA, corn stover (0–20 Mg ha−1) was applied in the continuous corn system. Residues were applied after grain harvest over two production cycles for each system. Residue retention showed no significant impact on grain or crop residue yields or nutrient uptake in either system. Treatment minimally impacted feedstock quality, except wheat straw's sulfur (S) concentration, optimized at around 70% retention in New Kent. Theoretical ethanol potential (TEP) and yield remained unaffected by total residue rates in New Kent. In Blacksburg, over 2 years, a minimum TEP for corn stover corresponded to a retention rate of approximately 30%. A retention rate of more than 30% increased TEP, likely due to improved feedstock quality. Nutrient replacement costs for primary macronutrients and S uptake ranged from $18.3 to $36.9 ha−1 for corn stover and $6.1 to $11.8 ha−1 for wheat straw. Residue harvest or addition did not harm short‐term biomass yield in Virginia's grain‐based cropping systems.

Evaluation of postoperative residual curarization: a prospective clinical study

Background: Reversal of neuroblockade in general anesthesia is important to prevent possible complications. Currently, neostigmine and sugamedex are the agents of choice. The reversibility of blockade is evaluated by TOF (train-of-four ) as well as clinical observation. Our goal is to research and evaluate both agents in terms of complications and residual blockade. Materials and Methods: Our prospectively designed work included 100 cases operated under general anesthesia. demographic data, OF values, and complications were recorded. Results: A total of 100 patients, 63 neostigmine and 37 sugammedex, were consisted of in the search. The mean age of the sufferers was 41.9±16.9 years. When age was compared between the groups, it was found that the neostigmine (N) group was younger (p=0.027). There was a likeness between the groups in terms of surgical time, BMI (body mass index), Spo2, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and total rocuronium consumption. The TOF value of the group N was 1(0.87-1), while that of the group sugamedex (S) was 1(0.91-1) and was found to be significant (p=0.045). There was no difference in TOF between cases who received an additional dose of rocuronium and those who did not receive an additional dose of rocuronium. Conclusions: As a result of the TOF values we obtained, we found that both agents were effective in removing the blockade, but the residual rate was statistically significantly lower in the sugamedex group, although not clinically significant. We did not encounter any complications in our study and we think that sugamedex is safer in terms of residual blockade.

Formaldehyde-free biomass adhesive based on industrial alkali lignin with high strength and toughness

The preparation of industrial lignin-based adhesives generally requires the use of large amounts of petrochemical products or toxic and hazardous reagents, which severely limits their widespread application in the wood-based panel industry. In this study, we present a novel approach for synthesizing an eco-friendly lignin-based wood adhesive using aminated alkali lignin (AAL) and epoxy-terminated hyperbranched polyester (EHBP). The AAL was prepared by aminating alkali lignin through a green and formaldehyde-free method. The EHBP was synthesized by grafting epichlorohydrin onto biomass-derived hyperbranched polyester. The resulting adhesive performed excellent bonding strength of 2.41 MPa and debonding work of 0.711 J, which were 3.63 and 15.2 times higher than those of the pure lignin adhesive, respectively. This exceptional bonding strength surpassed that of most previously reported biomass adhesives. The moisture uptake value of the adhesive decreased by 75.6 % and the residual rate increased by 239.2 %. In addition, the prepared adhesive exhibited enhanced mold resistance. Importantly, the adhesive was primarily composed of biomass materials and their derivatives and was less costly than most commercial formaldehyde-based and bio-based adhesives. This work presents new possibilities for the high-value utilization of industrial lignin and the development of formaldehyde-free and environmentally friendly adhesives.