Evaluation of compost quality and the environmental effects of semipermeable membrane composting with poultry manure using sawdust or mushroom residue as the bulking agent.

Herein, the effects of different bulking agents (sawdust and mushroom residue), on compost quality and the environmental benefits of semipermeable film composting with poultry manure were investigated. The results show that composting with sawdust as the bulking agent resulted in greater efficiency and more cost benefits than composting with mushroom residue, and the cost of sawdust for treating an equal volume of manure was only 1/6 of that of mushroom residue. Additionally, lignin degradation and potential carbon emission reduction in the sawdust group were better than those in the mushroom residue group, and the lignin degradation efficiency of the bottom sample in the sawdust group was 48.57 %. Coupling between lignin degradation and potential carbon emission reduction was also closer in sawdust piles than in mushroom residue piles, and sawdust is more environmentally friendly. The abundance of key functional genes was higher at the bottom of each pile relative to the top and middle. Limnochordaceae, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were the core microorganisms involved in coupling between lignin degradation and potential carbon emission reduction, and the coupled relationship was influenced by electric conductivity, ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen in the compost piles. This study provides important data for supporting bulking agent selection in semipermeable film composting and for improving the composting process. The results have high value for compost production and process application.

A Clinical Learning Curve Study of Polydimethylsiloxane Urolastic for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Does Safety Improve when Expertise Grow?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to characterize the learning curve of bulk injection therapy polydimethylsiloxane Urolastic (PDMS-U) for stress urinary incontinence. DESIGN: Secondary analysis from three clinical studies on efficacy and safety outcomes of PDMS-U was performed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: PDMS-U-certified physicians who performed ≥4 procedures were included. The primary outcome was the number of PDMS-U procedures needed to achieve acceptable failure rates for "complications overall," "urinary retention," and "excision," using the LC-CUSUM method. For the primary outcome, physicians who performed ≥20 procedures were used. For the secondary outcome, logistic and linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between number of procedures, complications (complications overall, urinary retention, pain, exposure, excision of PDSM-U), and duration of treatment. RESULTS: In total, 203 PDMS-U procedures were performed by nine physicians. Five physicians were used for the primary outcome. For "complications overall," "urinary retention," and "excision," two physicians reached a level of competence: one at procedure 20 and one at procedure 40. The secondary outcome showed no statistically significant association between procedure number and complications. There was a statistically significant increase in the duration of treatment with more physician experience (mean difference 0.83 min per 10 additional procedures, 95% CI: 0.16-1.48). LIMITATIONS: One limitation is that retrospectively collected data might have underreported the number of complications. Secondly, there was variation in the way the technique was applied between physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' experience in the PDMS-U procedure did not influence safety outcomes. There was large inter-physician variability and most physicians did not reach acceptable failure rates. There was no relationship between PDMS-U complications and the number of performed procedures.

Comparing Single-Incision Midurethral Sling with Bulking Agents for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: Rationale for a Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Midurethral slings are considered the gold standard for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), with an efficacy up to 80%. Another therapeutic option is the use of bulking agents, which create an artificial mass in the urethral submucosa, with an efficacy varying from 64% to 74%. Although bulking agents have a lower risk of complications than midurethral sling surgery, they are mainly used in case a midurethral sling is not an option or if midurethral sling surgery failed to cure stress urinary incontinence. In this study, we offer all patients with SUI in secondary care a choice between a single-incision midurethral sling procedure and treatment with a bulking agent. We want to examine patient preference and patient satisfaction for both procedures. We expect that offering both interventions in combination with standardized counselling will result in high patient satisfaction. DESIGN: In this non-randomized controlled trial, 266 patients will be objectively counselled for both interventions, after which all patients will choose between single-incision midurethral slings and polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG), followed by the standard care procedure for women with SUI. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: From January 1, 2021, onward, all consecutive adult patients (between 18 and 80 years of age) attending the outpatient gynaecology department with objectively confirmed, moderate to severe SUI will be eligible for enrolment in this non-randomized study. The primary outcome is patient satisfaction at 1 year, measured by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement; secondary outcomes are patient satisfaction at 3 months, objective and subjective cure at 3 months and 1 year, adverse events, post-operative pain, and cost-effectiveness. Differences in outcome measures will be assessed through logistic and linear regression analyses, both unadjusted and adjusted with covariate adjustment using the propensity score. RESULTS: No results are available yet. LIMITATIONS: The major disadvantage of this study design is the potential confounding bias. We intend to eliminate this bias by applying propensity scoring. CONCLUSION: By designing a non-randomized patient preference trial, we not only expect to demonstrate high patient satisfaction with both interventions but also provide insight into the possible role of PAHG-injections in the treatment of female SUI as a first-choice non-conservative treatment.

Endoscopic injection of bulking agents in pediatric vesicoureteral reflux: a narrative review of the literature.

In the last 20 years, endoscopic injection (EI) has affirmed as a valid alternative to open surgery for management of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This study aimed to investigate and discuss some debated aspects such as indications, bulking agents and comparison, techniques of injection and comparison, predictive factors of success, use in specific situations. EI is minimally invasive, well accepted by patients and families, with short learning curve and low-morbidity profile. It provides reflux resolution rates approaching those of open reimplantation, ranging from 69 to 100%. Obviously, the success rate may be influenced by several factors. Recently, it is adopted as first-line therapy also in high grade reflux or complex anatomy such as duplex, bladder diverticula, ectopic ureters. The two most used materials for injection are Deflux and Vantris. The first is absorbable, easier to inject, has lower risk of obstruction, but can lose efficacy over time. The second is non-absorbable, more difficult to inject, has higher risk of obstruction, but it is potentially more durable. The two main techniques are STING and HIT. To date, the ideal material and technique of injection has not yet clearly established, but the choice remains dependent on surgeon's preference and experience.

Pyrolysis characteristics of biodried products derived from municipal organic wastes: Synergistic effect of bulking agents and modification of biodegradation.

Derived from the biodrying of municipal organic wastes (MOWs), biodried products (BPs) are widely identified as renewable energy sources. In this study, for efficient energy recovery, the pyrolysis characteristics of BPs were investigated by comprehensive kinetic analysis, with special focus on the synergistic effect of bulking agents and the influence of biodegradation. Compared with theoretical raw materials (RMs), it was suggested that the synergistic effect of organics and lignocelluloses in RMs promoted decomposition in Stage 1 (400-570 K), especially for the pyrolysis of RM using sawdust, during which the positive effect achieved decomposition in advance with lower overlap ratio (0.9264) and ΔW (-9.50% at 619.0 K) values. Furthermore, compared with RMs, it was indicated that the kinetic indices (Ea and ln A values) of the BPs were upward in Stage 1 and decreased in Stage 2 due to biodegradation. The results of ΔH, ΔG and ΔS indicated that BP pyrolysis required more heat supply as the reaction progressed but formed a more organized activated complex. In addition, biodegradation observably decreased the generation of gas products and typical functional groups of volatiles during BP pyrolysis, such as CO2 and CO, which presented decreasing ratios of 32.18-42.47% and 30.25-46.47%, respectively. In general, the pyrolysis of BPs was intensified by bulking agents and modified by biodegradation.

Bacterial dynamics and functions driven by bulking agents to enhance organic degradation in food waste in-situ rapid biological reduction (IRBR).

This study investigated the effects of different bulking agents (i.e., sawdust, wheat straw, rice straw, and corncob) on bacterial structure and functions for organic degradation during food waste in-situ rapid biological reduction (IRBR) inoculated with microbial agent. Results showed that the highest organic degradation (409.5 g/kg total solid) and volatile solids removal efficiency (41.0%) were achieved when wheat straw was used, largely because the degradation of readily degradable substrates and cellulose was promoted by this bulking agent. Compared with other three bulking agents, the utilization of wheat straw was conducive to construct a more suitable environmental condition (moisture content of 18.0-28.2%, pH of 4.91-5.87) for organic degradation during IRBR process, by virtue of its excellent structural and physiochemical properties. Microbial community analysis suggested that the high-moisture environment in rice straw treatment promoted the growth of Staphylococcus and inhibited the activity of the inoculum. By contrast, lowest bacterial richness was observed in corncob treatment due to the faster water loss. Compared with these two bulking agents, sawdust and wheat straw treatment led to a more stable bacterial community structure, and the inoculated Bacillus gradually became the dominant genus (36.6-57.8%) in wheat straw treatment. Predicted metagenomics analysis showed that wheat straw treatment exhibited the highest carbohydrate metabolism activity which improved the pyruvate, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and thereby promoted the organic degradation and humic substrate production. These results indicated that wheat straw was a more desirable bulking agent, and revealed the potential microbial organics degradation mechanism in IRBR process.

Urethral bulking agents for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: A systematic review.

AIMS: To perform a systematic review to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of all urethral bulking agents (UBAs) available for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. A systematic search was conducted using the Ovid Medline, Embase and PubMed databases. Studies were included if they involved women who underwent either Bulkamid®, Macroplastique®, Durasphere®, Coaptite®, or Urolastic® injections for the treatment of SUI. A total of 583 articles were screened with 56 articles included. A qualitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: The newer synthetic UBAs are not inferior to Contigen®, with variable mean success rates of 30%-80% in the short-term. Better long-term success rates were found with Bulkamid® (42%-70%), Coaptite® (60%-75%), and Macroplastique® (21%-80%) on qualitative review. Urinary tract infection rates were similar between bulking agents (4%-10.6%) although temporary acute urinary retention was more commonly associated with Coaptite® (mean: 34.2%), and de novo urgency in Durasphere® (mean: 24.7%). Significant complications such as migration into lymph nodes was reported with Durasphere®. Erosion was reported with Macroplastique®, Coaptite®, and Urolastic®, with a rate as high as 24.6% in one study of Urolastic®. CONCLUSION: Available data support the use of Bulkamid® and Macroplastique®, which has shown a short-term efficacy of 30%-90% and 40%-85% respectively, and long-term efficacy of 42%-70%, and 21%-80%, respectively. Bulkamid® appears to have a more favorable safety profile, with no cases of erosion or migration of product associated with its use. Direct comparisons of UBAs have not been performed.

Safety and efficacy of polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique®) in women with stress urinary incontinence: analysis of data from patients who completed three years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to report 3-year completed follow-up of the safety and efficacy of Macroplastique® (MPQ) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of all women who completed 3-year follow-up post-MPQ injection(s) at ten medical centers. We used the ROSE registry data report of Macroplastique® [Macroplastique® Real-time Observation of Safety and Effectiveness (ROSE) registry P040050/PAS001 on 2017]. Subjective incontinence outcome and adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS: The study included all patients (n = 70) who completed 3-year follow-up after the last MPQ injection. Twenty-four of 70 (34%) patients had two injections; 21/70 (30%) patients reported Stamey grade 0 and 28/70 (40%) reported Stamey grade 1. The overall patient satisfaction was 68% who completed 3-year follow-up. The composite success rate (I-QoL, PGI-S, and Stamey grade improvement) was 51.4%. No serious adverse events (AE) were reported within the completed 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: MPQ was found to be safe and efficacious for the treatment of SUI secondary to ISD in women. The overall high satisfaction rate was sustained from baseline to 3 years post-injection. Most complications were minor and transient without sequelae.

Probing changes in humus chemical characteristics in response to biochar addition and varying bulking agents during composting: A holistic multi-evidence-based approach.

Despite the various benefits of humus, the changes in its chemical characteristics during composting in response to biochar addition and varying bulking agents remain to be further explored. In this study, three treatments were conducted, in which swine manure, bulking agent, and biochar were mixed at ratios of 4:1:0, 8:1:0, and 8:1:1. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C-NMR), three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM), and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) were employed to characterize the chemical and structural properties of humus from multiple perspectives. The 3D-EEM spectra in this study showed a larger increase in humic acids (HAs) content (56%) and HAs to fulvic acids ratio (128%) during composting, indicating stronger humification in biochar-amended treatment. FTIR, 13C-NMR, and NEXAFS all confirmed the essential properties of HA as the core agronomic functional substance with rich aromatic and carboxyl groups, and that its aromaticity increased gradually during composting. In addition, 13C-NMR demonstrated that biochar addition and a relatively higher bulking agent ratio aided an increase in the carboxyl C proportion in HA after composting. In particular, NEXAFS revealed that biochar addition promoted the diversification of C, N, and O species in HA, with the emergence of quinone C and O-alkyl C as the main representatives. This work suggests that biochar addition and a relatively high bulking agent ratio could enhance humification and improve the agronomic function of humus.

Outcomes of Macroplastique injections for stress urinary incontinence after suburethral sling removal.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate outcomes following urethral Macroplastique (MPQ) injection in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following suburethral sling removal (SSR) for synthetic sling complications. METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, charts of non-neurogenic women with SUI after SSR who underwent MPQ injection(s) and had at least 6 months minimum follow-up were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Demographic data, questionnaire (Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 [UDI-6] and Quality of Life) scores, and pad usage were recorded. Patients were followed with repeat questionnaires and three-dimensional ultrasound evaluating MPQ volume. Success following MPQ was defined as a composite score of a UDI-6 question 3 score of 0 to 1 at last visit and no additional anti-incontinence therapy. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2018, 70 women with mean age 62.7 years met study criteria. At a mean follow-up of 46.4 ± 1.5 months, the success rate after the first MPQ injection was 46%. Following a repeat MPQ injection when indicated, the overall success rate for the entire cohort was 69%. Despite the objective failure, the majority of patients reported subjective improvement (83%) and reduced pad usage (78%). On multivariate analysis: age, body mass index, previous hysterectomy, hormone replacement therapy, type of sling removed and baseline urodynamics (UDS) parameters were not predictors of MPQ failure. Higher parity was a predictor of MPQ failure (hazard ratio = 1.980; P = .032). CONCLUSION: MPQ injection is a durable and effective management option for SUI following SSR, although a second injection may be required to achieve the desired success.

Perlite as the partial substitute for organic bulking agent during sewage sludge composting.

Composting is an efficient and cost-effective technology for sewage sludge treatment, and bulking agents are essential in sewage sludge composting. In this study, perlite was chosen as inorganic bulking agent to partially substitute for the organic bulking agent. Variations in the temperature, bulk density, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were detected during sewage sludge composting. The treatment with a mass ratio of spent mushroom substrate to perlite at 3:1 exhibited the highest pile temperature and the best effect on reducing bulk density and moisture content. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that perlite promotes the degradation of organic matter during the composting process, and the germination index showed that the compost from all treatments was safe for agricultural application. When the mass ratios of spent mushroom substrate and perlite at 3:1 and 2:2 were chosen as bulking agents, the sewage sludge compost product could be used to produce plant cultivation substrate, and economic benefits could be obtained from sewage sludge composting according to comprehensive cost analysis.

Bulking for stress urinary incontinence in men: A systematic review.

AIMS: An updated literature review on outcomes in men treated with currently commercially available bulking agents was performed to determine whether this is a reasonable option in selected patients. METHODS: The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework of systematic reviews. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase was undertaken. Abstracts were independently screened by two investigators to include men with stress urinary incontinence treated with a peri-urethral injection of bulking agents currently available in the market. RESULTS: Only eight original articles met the inclusion criteria. The bulking agents used were Macroplastique in five studies (total 123 patients), Opsys, Durasphere, and Urolastic in one study each (10, 7, and 2 patients, respectively). Only one study was randomized; Macroplastique vs AUS in men with mild or total incontinence. The included populations were heterogeneous and encompassed endoscopic, perineal, abdominal and laparoscopic prostate surgery as well as spinal cord injuries and urethral sphincter insufficiency. Significant dissimilarity was evident for the duration of incontinence (9-108 months), mean volume of bulking agent used (2.3-13.5 mL), number of cushions (1-5), depth and position of the cushions. The outcomes varied significantly, with reported dry rates between 0% and 83%. Outcomes were limited by relatively short follow-up in most studies. CONCLUSION: Following initial enthusiasm and then dismay with collagen-based compounds, sparse and heterogeneous literature data were produced on newer non-migrating and nonabsorbable bulking agents. Some studies have suggested encouraging, if short term outcomes, however, future studies are needed in this field to support recommendations for widespread use.

How cure rates drive patients' preference for urethral bulking agent or mid-urethral sling surgery as therapy for stress urinary incontinence.

AIMS: To assess the patients' median-accepted threshold of cure rate for urethral bulking agent (UBA) treatment compared to mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Secondly, to determine the correlation between treatment trade-off point and patient characteristics. METHODS: Women older than 18 years, with predominant SUI, seeking treatment, underwent a structured interview. The treatment trade-off point was determined in scenario one: UBA vs transobturator standard MUS surgery (SMUS) performed under general/spinal anesthesia with one-night hospital stay, and scenario 2: UBA compared to single-incision MUS surgery (SIMS) performed under local analgesia (with sedation) in a daycare setting. The treatment trade-off point was assessed by decreasing the cure rate of UBA from 85% to 10% with steps of 2% until the patient's treatment preference switched to SMUS/SIMS. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients were interviewed. Mean age was 52 years (SD, ±13.4). The median trade-off point for scenarios 1 and 2 was 79% (interquartile range [IQR]: 69, 85) and 85% (IQR: 71, 85), respectively. Patients with longer duration of SUI symptoms were willing to trade more efficacy to prefer UBA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SUI are willing to trade a lower cure rate to prefer UBA over SMUS to avoid hospitalization and general anesthesia. When SIMS is performed in a daycare setting under local analgesia, the majority of patients with SUI are of the opinion that cure rates of UBA should be at least as high as SIMS to be worth considering. The treatment preference is not strongly correlated with the patients' characteristics.

Agreement between simple catheter method and 3D transperineal ultrasound for assessing urethral length measurement before stress urinary incontinence treatment.

AIMS: Optimal placement of periurethral material has an important role in treatment efficacy with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The validity of methods for determining urethral length and the precise location of the mid-urethral complex for SUI treatment have been sparsely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between urethral lengths measured with a catheter and by transperineal ultrasound. METHODS: Fifty-seven women with SUI or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with predominant stress symptoms were recruited. The urethral length was assessed with 3D transperineal ultrasound and measurements were taken offline from the postero-inferior margin of the pubic symphysis to the bladder neck. Then, it was measured with a foley catheter by another evaluator, blinded to the ultrasound data. The distance between the inflated balloon and the urethral meatus was considered. RESULTS: Thirty-three women (58%) had SUI and 24 (42%) had MUI. The mean urethral length evaluated with ultrasound and the catheter were 3.03 ± 0.34 cm and 3.02 ± 0.41 cm (P = 0.857), respectively. Agreement between the two methods as assessed by the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.90 (CI0.82-0.94, P ≤ 0.001). Limits of agreement (Bland-Altman) were +0.46 to -0.45 cm, with a mean difference of -0.01 ± 0.23 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study, reveal an excellent agreement between a simple catheter technique and ultrasound assessment for measuring urethral length, with a small mean bias and clinically acceptable limits of agreement. This provides relevant information in clinical practice for determining optimal placement of periurethral material or mid-urethral tape for SUI treatment.

Results of an innovative bulking agent in patients with stress urinary incontinence who are not optimal candidates for mid-urethral sling surgery.

AIMS: To assess the efficacy and safety of peri-urethral bulking injections (PBI) with an innovative bulking material (PDMS-U) in women with stress-urinary incontinence (SUI) who are not optimal candidates for mid-urethral sling surgery. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in women with SUI who, for several reasons, have a relative contraindication for a mid-urethral sling procedure. These reasons include: (i) recurrent SUI after a prior SUI surgical procedure; (ii) a history of oncologic gynaecological surgery; (iii) a history of neurologic disease resulting in voiding problems; (iv) a maximal flow rate of less than 15 mL per second or; (v) women with a contraindication for surgery with general or regional anaesthesia. All women were treated with PBI consisting of PDMS-U, a bulking agent that polymerizes in situ. The primary outcome was subjective improvement, defined as "a little better" to "very much better" on the PGI-I. Secondary outcomes included objective cure, disease specific quality of life and adverse events. RESULTS: Subjective improvement was reported by 18 (90%) of the 20 included patients. The subjective cure rate was 56% and the objective cure rate was 65%. There was a statistically significant improvement of all domain scores of the UDI-6, IIQ-7, and PISQ-12 at 6 months follow up. Abnormal post voiding residual volume (>150 mL) was the most common adverse event (40%), but persisted in only one patient, based on the patient's preference for a catheter. CONCLUSIONS: PBI with PDMS-U is a viable treatment option in women with a relative contra-indication for mid-urethral sling surgery.

Formulation for a novel inhaled peptide therapeutic for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

A caveolin-1 scaffolding domain, CSP7, is a newly developed peptide for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. To develop a CSP7 formulation for further use we have obtained, characterized and compared a number of lyophilized formulations of CSP7 trifluoroacetate with DPBS and in combination with excipients (mannitol and lactose at molar ratios 1:5, 70 and 140). CSP7 trifluoroacetate was stable (>95%) in solution at 5 and 25 °C for up to 48 h and tolerated at least 5 freeze/thaw cycles. Lyophilized cakes of CSP7 trifluoroacetate with excipients were stable (>96%) for up to 4 weeks at room temperature (RT), and retained more than 98% of the CSP7 trifluoroacetate in the solution at 8 h after reconstitution at RT. The lyophilized CSP7 formulations were stable for up to 10 months at 5 °C protected from moisture. Exposure of the lyophilized cakes of CSP7 to 75% relative humidity (RH) resulted in an increase in the absorbed moisture, promoted crystallization of the excipients and induced reversible formation of CSP7 aggregates. Increased molar ratio of mannitol slightly affected formation of the aggregates. In contrast, lactose significantly decreased (up to 20 times) aggregate formation with apparent saturation at the molar ratio of 1:70. The possible mechanisms of stabilization of CSP7 trifluoroacetate in solid state by lactose include physical state of the bulking agent and the interactions between lactose and CSP7 trifluoroacetate (e.g. formation of a Schiff base with the N-terminal amino group of CSP7). Finally, CSP7 trifluoroacetate exhibited excellent stability during nebulization of formulations containing mannitol or lactose.

Efficacy of batch mode rotary drum composter for management of aquatic weed (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle).

Invasive aquatic weed management is one of the biggest challenges in the field of solid waste management. Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle pose some of the world's most noted aquatic weed problems. Previously reported studies on management of H. verticillata, a submersed aquatic plant, have shown that temporary removal, chemical treatment or biological control methods each have advantages and disadvantages. Removal programs that propose to compost harvested H. verticillata biomass may provide a novel technique to manage this issue. However, the properties of such compost as an agriculture resource are unclear. This study presents the different mix proportions of H. verticillata, cow dung and sawdust used for the composting of 550 L rotary drum composter. This work characterizes the biological, physicochemical, and respirometry properties of the various mixes over a 20-day composting period. The results suggest that the biomass of H. verticillata can be beneficially utilized to produce stable compost for potential use in agricultural systems.

Effects of adding bulking agents on the biodrying of kitchen waste and the odor emissions produced.

The effects of adding a bulking agent on the performance and odor emissions (ammonia and eight sulfur-containing odorous compounds) when biodrying kitchen waste were investigated. Three treatments were considered: the addition of either cornstalks (CS) or wood peat (WP) to kitchen waste as a bulking agent before biodrying, and a control treatment (CK). The water-removal rates for CK, CS, and WP treatments were 0.35, 0.56, and 0.43kg/kg, respectively. Addition of bulking agents to kitchen waste produced less leachate, higher moisture-removal rates, and lower consumption of volatile solids. The CS treatment had the highest biodrying index (4.07), and those for the WP and CK treatments were 3.67 and 1.97, respectively. Adding cornstalks or wood peat decreased NH3 emissions by 55.8% and 71.7%, respectively. Total sulfur losses were 3.6%-21.6% after 21days biodrying, and H2S and Me2SS were the main (>95%) sulfur compounds released. The smallest amounts of sulfur-containing odorous compounds were emitted when cornstalks were added, and adding cornstalks and wood peat decreased total sulfur losses by 50.6%-64.8%.

Intraurethral bulking agents for the management of female stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The object of this review was to assess the efficacy and safety of urethral bulking agents (UBA), principally Macroplastique and Bulkamid, in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: MEDLINE® and EMBASE® databases were systematically searched up to June 2016. Year of publication, study type, outcome measures, urodynamics before and after the procedure, number of participants, procedure complications, proportion requiring repeat injections or surgical procedures, frequency of follow-up, and results were analysed. RESULTS: The use of Bulkamid and Macroplastique for the treatment of female SUI was described in 26 studies. Studies used modalities including the visual analogue scale, Likert scale, International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ), Patient Global Improvement Questionnaire (PGIQ) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) and showed success rates ranging from 66% to 89.7% at 12 months follow-up. Objective improvements in patient symptoms were measured using urodynamics, 24-h pad tests, cough tests and voiding diaries. Studies showed variable objective success rates ranging from 25.4% to 73.3%. Objective findings for UBAs remain less well documented than those for the midurethral sling procedure. CONCLUSIONS: There are a range of complications associated with UBAs, the most common being urinary tract infection. However, it remains a very well tolerated procedure in the majority of patients. UBAs should be considered as an alternative in patients unsuitable for more invasive procedures and those willing to accept the need for repeat injections. The majority of the literature focuses on subjective improvement measures rather than objective improvement measures. Further randomized controlled trials directly comparing UBAs are required to indicate the most effective agent.