Validity and Reliability of Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-Derived 3D Joint Kinematics in Persons Wearing Transtibial Prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: A validity and reliability assessment of inertial measurement unit (IMU)-derived joint angular kinematics during walking is a necessary step for motion analysis in the lower extremity prosthesis user population. This study aimed to assess the accuracy and reliability of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system compared to an optical motion capture (OMC) system in transtibial prosthesis (TTP) users. METHODS: Thirty TTP users were recruited and underwent simultaneous motion capture from IMU and OMC systems during walking. Reliability and validity were assessed using intra- and inter-subject variability with standard deviation (S.D.), average S.D., and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The intra-subject S.D. for all rotations of the lower limb joints were less than 1° for both systems. The IMU system had a lower mean S.D. (o), as seen in inter-subject variability. The ICC revealed good to excellent agreement between the two systems for all sagittal kinematic parameters. CONCLUSION: All joint angular kinematic comparisons supported the IMU system's results as comparable to OMC. The IMU was capable of precise sagittal plane motion data and demonstrated validity and reliability to OMC. These findings evidence that when compared to OMC, an IMU system may serve well in evaluating the gait of lower limb prosthesis users.

Investigation of the in vivo estrogenicity of the UV-filters 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and octyl methoxy cinnamate in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The estrogenic activity of the chemical UV-filters, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and octyl methoxy cinnamate (OMC) was investigated in an in vivo rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) assay. Plasma vitellogenin concentrations were quantified by means of an Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) in juvenile rainbow trout before and after intraperitoneal injection of the test compounds. Injection of 4-MBC on day 0, 3, 6 and 10 in the exposure period caused dose and time dependent increases in the concentration of plasma vitellogenin. Significant elevation of vitellogenin concentrations in plasma was demonstrated from 151 mg 4-MBC kg-1 injection-1. Logistic regression analysis relating the percentage of responding fish to the injected dose of 4-MBC resulted in ED10, ED50 and ED90 values of 37, 115 and 194 mg kg-1 injection-1, respectively, after 14 days of exposure (4 injections). Injections with OMC (up to 202 mg kg-1 injection-1) did not result in a statistically significant response in groups of exposed fish, although some individual fish showed elevated concentrations of vitellogenin in plasma. The results confirm that 4-MBC is estrogenic in fish in vivo.

Accuracy Verification of Spatio-Temporal and Kinematic Parameters for Gait Using Inertial Measurement Unit System.

Inertial measurement unit systems are wearable sensors that can measure the movement of a human in real-time with relatively little space and high portability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) system for gait analysis by comparing it with measurements obtained using an optical motion capture (OMC) system. To compare the accuracies of these two different motion capture systems, the Spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters were measured in young adults during normal walking. Thirty healthy participants participated in the study. Data were collected while walking 5 strides on a 7 m walkway at a self-selected speed. Results of gait analysis showed that the Spatio-temporal (stride time, stride length, cadence, step length) and kinematic (knee joint peak to peak of movement) parameters were not significantly different in the participant. Spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters of the two systems were compared using the Bland-Altman method. The results obtained showed that the measurements of Spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters of gait by the two systems were similar, which suggested that IMU and OMC systems could be used interchangeably for gait measurements. Therefore, gait analysis performed using the wearable IMU system might efficiently provide gait measurements and enable accurate analysis.

Trade of aquatic animals and aquatic animal products: the use of OIE international standards for devising sanitary measures.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) develops international standards for the prevention, detection and control of aquatic animal diseases as well as the safe international trade of amphibians, crustaceans, fish, molluscs and their products. The Competent Authorities of importing and exporting countries should implement the OIE international standards by adopting the required legislation as this provides the basis for setting sanitary measures that ensure safe international trade, while avoiding unjustified sanitary barriers to trade. Based on an analysis of legislation notified by countries to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the context of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), the authors explore how and to what extent Member Countries use the OIE international standards when developing sanitary measures. The study develops an analytical framework for collecting and presenting countries' legislation to determine if a direct link can be demonstrated between national legislation and OIE international standards. Results show that OIE international standards are implemented through different categories of legislation which range from more general (those providing a general sanitary framework) to more specific (those setting requirements for the import of aquatic animals and aquatic animal products). However, the study illustrates the difficulty of identifying direct links between countries' legislation and OIE international standards. Nonetheless, this study is the first step in the design of an approach to better understand how OIE international standards are used by Member Countries to devise sanitary measures in the context of international trade. It further notes that increased transparency of national sanitary legislation can facilitate efforts to improve knowledge on the implementation of OIE international standards.

L'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OIE) prépare et publie des normes internationales relatives à la prévention, la détection et le contrôle des maladies des animaux aquatiques et à la sécurité sanitaire des échanges internationaux d'amphibiens, crustacés, poissons, mollusques et produits issus de ces espèces. Les Autorités compétentes des pays importateurs et exportateurs doivent procéder à la mise en œuvre de ces normes par le biais d'une législation appropriée, celle-ci fournissant la base pour élaborer des mesures sanitaires destinées à garantir la sécurité sanitaire des échanges internationaux et à éviter l'imposition d'obstacles injustifiés au commerce. À partir d'une analyse des notifications adressées par les pays à l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) concernant les dispositions de leur législation relevant de l'Accord sur l'application des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires (Accord SPS), les auteurs explorent comment et dans quelles mesures les Pays membres utilisent les normes internationales de l'OIE pour développer des mesures sanitaires. Un cadre analytique a été élaboré pour les besoins de cette étude afin de recueillir et de traiter les données relatives à la législation des pays en vue de déterminer l'existence ou non d'un lien direct entre la législation nationale et les normes internationales de l'OIE. Les résultats montrent que la mise en œuvre des normes internationales de l'OIE fait appel à diverses catégories d'instruments législatifs qui vont du plus général (ceux qui fournissent un cadre sanitaire général) au plus spécifique (dispositions relatives aux importations d'animaux aquatiques et de leurs produits). Cette étude fait néanmoins état des difficultés à déceler un lien direct entre la législation d'un pays et les normes internationales de l'OIE. Malgré tout, cette étude marque une première étape dans l'élaboration d'une approche destinée à mieux comprendre comment les Pays membres utilisent les normes internationales de l'OIE lorsqu'ils instaurent des mesures sanitaires dans le contexte des échanges internationaux. Elle fait également ressortir que l'amélioration de la transparence de la législation sanitaire d'un pays est un élément facilitateur pour mieux comprendre tous les aspects de la mise en œuvre des normes internationales de l'OIE.

La Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OIE) elabora normas internacionales que regulan la prevención, la detección y el control de las enfermedades de los animales acuáticos, así como la seguridad del comercio internacional de anfibios, crustáceos, peces y moluscos y los productos derivados de ellos. Las autoridades competentes de los países importadores y exportadores deben aplicar las normas internacionales de la OIE adoptando la legislación necesaria, pues esta sienta las bases para establecer medidas sanitarias que garanticen un comercio internacional seguro, evitando a la vez toda barrera sanitaria al comercio que no esté justificada. Los autores, partiendo del análisis de los textos legislativos comunicados por los países a la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) como parte del Acuerdo sobre la Aplicación de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias (Acuerdo MSF), explican cómo y en qué medida los Países Miembros utilizan las normas internacionales de la OIE al definir medidas sanitarias. Como parte del estudio se elaboró un marco analítico destinado a recopilar y presentar la legislación de los países y a determinar, a partir de ahí, si existe un nexo directo entre la legislación nacional y las normas internacionales de la OIE. Los resultados demuestran que las normas internacionales de la OIE se implementan mediante diferentes categorías de instrumentos legales, que van desde lo más genérico (textos que sientan un marco sanitario general) hasta lo más específico (textos que establecen requisitos para importar animales acuáticos y sus derivados). Sin embargo, el estudio evidencia también la dificultad de encontrar nexos directos entre la legislación de los países y las normas internacionales de la OIE. Con todo, el estudio aquí presentado supone el primer paso hacia la concepción de un método que ayude a comprender mejor el modo en que los Países Miembros utilizan las normas internacionales de la OIE para definir medidas sanitarias que se apliquen al comercio internacional. Además, pone de manifiesto que un mayor grado de transparencia de la legislación sanitaria nacional puede facilitar los esfuerzos por conocer con mayor profundidad la forma en que se aplican las normas internacionales de la OIE.

On-Line Raman Spectroscopic Study of Cytochromes' Redox State of Biofilms in Microbial Fuel Cells.

Bio-electrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells and microbial electrosynthesis cells depend on efficient electron transfer between the microorganisms and the electrodes. Understanding the mechanisms and dynamics of the electron transfer is important in order to design more efficient reactors, as well as modifying microorganisms for enhanced electricity production. Geobacter are well known for their ability to form thick biofilms and transfer electrons to the surfaces of electrodes. Currently, there are not many "on-line" systems for monitoring the activity of the biofilm and the electron transfer process without harming the biofilm. Raman microscopy was shown to be capable of providing biochemical information, i.e., the redox state of C-type cytochromes, which is integral to external electron transfer, without harming the biofilm. In the current study, a custom 3D printed flow-through cuvette was used in order to analyze the oxidation state of the C-type cytochromes of suspended cultures of three Geobacter sulfurreducens strains (PCA, KN400 and ΔpilA). It was found that the oxidation state is a good indicator of the metabolic state of the cells. Furthermore, an anaerobic fluidic system enabling in situ Raman measurements was designed and applied successfully to monitor and characterize G. sulfurreducens biofilms during electricity generation, for both a wild strain, PCA, and a mutant, ΔS. The cytochrome redox state, monitored by the Raman peak areas, could be modulated by applying different poise voltages to the electrodes. This also correlated with the modulation of current transferred from the cytochromes to the electrode. The Raman peak area changed in a predictable and reversible manner, indicating that the system could be used for analyzing the oxidation state of the proteins responsible for the electron transfer process and the kinetics thereof in-situ.

Efficiency or compensation? The global economic crisis and the development of the European Union's social policy.

How has the global social policy agenda evolved since the global economic crisis? To shed light on this question, this article looks at the discourses in European Union (EU) social policy. It draws on two rival theoretical approaches from the literature on globalisation and the welfare state, the efficiency and compensation hypotheses, and links these approaches to two fundamental rationales underlying the discourse in EU social policy. Based on an analysis of key documents from two Open Methods of Coordination (OMCs), the article shows that the logic underlying the efficiency hypothesis can be extended to discourses in EU social policy. While policy debates in one OMC remained largely unchanged, the discourse significantly shifted towards the economic rationale during and after the crisis in the other OMC. This suggests that the crisis at least partly strengthened the view that social policy should be geared towards economic efficiency, growth, and the creation of jobs.

Amperometric catechol biosensor based on laccase immobilized on nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (N-OMC)/PVA matrix.

A functionalized nitrogen-containing ordered mesoporous carbon (N-OMC), which shows good electrical properties, was synthesized by the carbonization of polyaniline inside a SBA-15 mesoporous silica template. Based on this, through entrapping laccase onto the N-OMC/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film a facilely fabricated amperometric biosensor was developed. Laccase from Trametes versicolor was assembled on a composite film of a N-OMC/PVA modified Au electrode and the electrochemical behavior was investigated. The results indicated that the N-OMC modified electrode exhibits electrical properties towards catechol. The optimum experimental conditions of a biosensor for the detection of catechol were studied in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the sensitivity of the biosensor was 0.29 A*M-1 with a detection limit of 0.31 µM and a linear detection range from 0.39 µM to 8.98 µM for catechol. The calibration curve followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the apparent Michaelis-Menten [Formula: see text] was 6.28 µM. This work demonstrated that the N-OMC/PVA composite provides a suitable support for laccase immobilization and the construction of a biosensor.

Our Experience of OSAKA Regimen (Bladder Preservation) in Patients with Advanced Bladder Cancer.

Introduction and Objectives: OSAKA regimen is a novel bladder preservation therapy involving balloon-occluded selective arterial infusion of radio-sensitizing chemotherapeutic agent with concurrent hemodialysis (HD), followed by radiation therapy. Objectives are to study the feasibility of this novel regimen in patients with advanced cancer bladder (Ca Bladder). Methods: Two patients having advanced Ca Bladder with cisplatin ineligibility and poor performance status were managed with OSAKA regimen. Patients undergo super selective catheterisation of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery, followed by concurrent instillation of cisplatin (100 mg) via microcatheters and hemodialysis. Within 72 h, definitive radiation therapy is given. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) with Helical Tomo using an Accuracy Radixact Tomography machine was used. 60 Gray/30 fractions is given to the bladder and nodes (50 Gray to bladder and nodes plus margin, with a boost of 10 Gray to bladder plus margin). Response is monitored by 3 monthly fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) imaging. Results: Our first patient tolerated the procedure well and showed a complete response at 3 months of FDG PET imaging, but unfortunately, 1 year of FDG PET showed bony metastases, and the patient was managed accordingly. Our second patient also tolerated the regimen well, showed a complete response at 3 and 12 months of FDG PET imaging, and is under follow-up. Conclusions: The OSAKA regimen, as a bladder preservation strategy, is feasible and safe in selective advanced Ca Bladder patients.

Correlation of patient-reported symptom outcomes and treadmill test outcomes after treatment for aortoiliac claudication.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between objective treadmill test outcomes and subjective symptom outcomes among patients with claudication treated with stent revascularization (ST) compared with supervised exercise (SE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five scales of the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire and Walking Impairment Questionnaire were correlated with peak walking time and treadmill claudication onset time. RESULTS: The correlation between change in disease-specific quality of life (QOL) and change in peak walking time differed according to treatment group, with statistically significant correlations for all five scales for the ST group and weaker trends for the SE group, only one of which was statistically significant. In contrast, improvements in disease-specific QOL correlated well with increases in claudication onset time, with no significant interaction with treatment group for any of the five scales. CONCLUSIONS: Disease-specific QOL results at 6 months in the Claudication: Exercise Vs. Endoluminal Revascularization (CLEVER) study show that improved maximal treadmill walking in patients with claudication treated with SE correlated poorly with self-reported symptom relief. Conversely, patients treated with ST showed good correlation between improved maximal treadmill walking and self-reported symptom improvement. The correlation between claudication onset time and self-reported symptom relief was good across treatment groups. This finding indicates that traditional objective treadmill test outcomes may not correlate well with symptom relief in patients with claudication. Future studies should investigate these data and improve understanding of patient relevance of traditional objective treadmill-based treatment outcomes.

The Variations in Deviation of Nasal Septum and their Impact on Maxillary Sinus Volume and Occurrence of Sinusitis.

To study the effect of variations in deviation of the nasal septum and their impact on maxillary sinus volume and occurrence of sinusitis. This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of ENT, Head &Neck surgery GMC Jammu from August 2021 to November 2022. 130 patients (90 males, 40 females), with age range of 18-47 years with DNS were included in the study. Grade of DNS was classified according to Mladina's classification and volume of maxillary sinus was calculated using geometric formula by performing 256 slice CT Scan. In our study mean age of the males was 32.8 ± 6.99 years and females was 33.7 ± 7.26 years with Male: Female ratio of 9:4.Patients with grade 1 DNS had mean maxillary sinus volume of 9.9 ± 1.97 cu mm while patients with grade 7 DNS had mean maxillary sinus volume of 3.8 ± 1.47 cu mm. Thus, with the increasing grade of DNS, the OMC blockage increased towards the side of DNS and so the occurrence of maxillary sinusitis. The study showed that with high grade DNS, the maxillary sinus volume decreases on the side of septum deviation and there is association of blocked OMC with increasing grade of DNS. The incidence of maxillary sinusitis findings on the side of septum deviation was significantly increased.

Optimized gravity-driven intranasal drop administration delivers significant doses to the ostiomeatal complex and maxillary sinus.

Chronic and allergic rhinosinusitis impacts approximately 12% of the global population. Challenges in rhinosinusitis treatment include paranasal sinus inaccessibility and variability in delivery efficiency among individuals. This study addresses these challenges of drug delivery by developing a high-efficiency, low-variability protocol for nasal drop delivery to the ostiomeatal complex (OMC) and maxillary sinus. Patient-specific nasal casts were dissected to reveal the configurations of conchae and meatus, providing insights into anatomical features amendable for sinus delivery. Fluorescent dye-enhanced videos visualized the dynamic liquid translocation in transparent nasal casts, allowing real-time assessment and quick adjustment to delivery parameters. Dosimetry to the OMC and maxillary sinus were quantified as drop count and mass using a precision scale. Key delivery factors, including the device type, formulation, and head-chin orientation, were systematically investigated in a cohort of ten nasal casts. Results show that both the squeeze bottle and soft-mist nasal pump yielded notably low doses to the OMC with high variability, and no dose from these two devices was detected within the maxillary sinuses. In contrast, the proposed approach, which included a curved nozzle surpassing the nasal valve and leveraged gravity-driven liquid translocation along the lateral nasal wall, delivered significant doses to the OMC and maxillary sinus. Iterative experimentations identified the optimal head tilt to be 40° and chin tilt to be° from the lateral recumbent position. Statistical analyses established the drop count required for effective OMC/sinus delivery. The proposed delivery protocol holds the potential to enhance chronic rhinosinusitis treatment outcomes with low variability. The dual role of nasal anatomy in posing challenges and offering opportunities highlights the need for future investigations using diverse formulations in a larger cohort of nasal models. Optimized gravity-driven intranasal drop administration delivers significant doses to the ostiomeatal complex and maxillary sinus.

Human health risk assessment of cinnamate UV absorbers: In vitro and in silico investigations.

Organic UV absorbers (UVAs) are contaminants of emerging concern. Environmental persistence and potential toxicological enrichment studies of UVAs have attracted international concern. It is important to study the toxicity mechanism of UVAs. This study is the first to report the toxicological mechanism of two cinnamate UV absorbers (CUVAs), 2-ethyl 4-methoxycinnamate (OMC) and isoamyl 4-methoxycinnamate (IMC) based on cellular models and molecular models. Cellular models demonstrated that the CUVAs-induced apoptosis might be associated with cellular mitochondrial damage pathways. The results of molecular models showed that OMC and IMC could affect the binding between major proteins and enzymes in the mitochondrial damage pathway and contaminants, ultimately leading to apoptosis. The cellular-molecular models showed that IMC and OMC have dose-effect relationships on cytotoxicity. The composite model is more informative than a single model. This study further indicate that UVAs causes toxicology effects that have implications for the environment and human health.

Role of Non-contrast Computed Tomography of Nose and Paranasal Sinus in Preoperative Evaluation of Patients with Symptomatic Deviated Nasal Septum.

Symptomatic deviated nasal septum is a commonly encountered clinical condition by otorhinolaryngologist. Non-contrast Computed tomography (NCCT) of nose and Paranasal sinuses is a good tool in the preoperative evaluation of symptomatic deviated nasal septum so as to find hidden sinonasal pathologies in addition to deviated nasal septum. The aim of this article is to find the role and scope of preoperative Computed tomography in the management of symptomatic deviated nasal septum. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 120 patients with symptomatic deviated nasal septum, out of which 27 had concomitant hypertrophy of inferior turbinate. All were planned for septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty. Non contrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan was done in all cases. Different findings on NCCT were noted. After NCCT was done, 33 (27.5%) out of 120 patients underwent additional surgical procedures. In conclusion, NCCT of Nose and Paranasal sinus surgery should be given due consideration in the evaluation of symptomatic deviated nasal septum so as to avoid second surgery.

Enhanced adsorption of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) onto low oxygen content ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC): Adsorption behaviors and mechanisms.

The pollution of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in water bodies has been a serious threat to environment and human health. Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) with different oxygen contents were prepared and first used for adsorbing PFOA from aqueous solutions. The OMC-900 with a lower oxygen content has a higher PFOA adsorption capacity than the oxygen-rich OMC-700. OMCs require a much shorter time to reach the adsorption equilibrium comparing with other adsorbents reported in literature. The mesopores play an important role in this rapid adsorption kinetics. The pseudo-second-order model better fitted the kinetic data. The multilayers adsorption was proposed for the adsorption of PFOA onto OMCs since the Freundlich isotherm model fits the experimental data well. The micelle or hemi-micelle structures may be formed during the adsorption. Various background salts showed a positive effect on PFOA adsorption due to the salting-out and divalent bridge effects. The humic acid can lead to a discernible reduction in PFOA adsorption by competing for adsorption sites on OMCs. The hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction adsorption mechanisms were proposed and verified by the adsorption data. The high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption kinetics of the OMC make it a potential adsorbent for PFOA removal in engineering applications.

Adsorptive removal of gas phase naphthalene on ordered mesoporous carbon.

Adsorptive removal of gas phase low concentration macromolecular organic component, represented by naphthalene, from the enclosed space using ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) has been studied by molecular simulation and experimental investigation. The simulation results indicated that both adsorption capacity and adsorption stability of the OMCs for naphthalene decreased with the increase of pore sizes from 2 nm to 8 nm. Characterizations showed that the prepared OMCs had the pore structure similar to the simulated OMCs except for the rough surface. In particular, the adsorption performance of the prepared OMCs was significantly lower than that of the simulated OMCs when pore size was 2 nm and 3 nm, which was attributed to the rough inner surface of these adsorbents, blocking the narrow pore channels and significantly reducing the pore volume. OMC with pore size of 4 nm had the highest adsorption amount for naphthalene. The co-adsorption experiments in the presence of both naphthalene and toluene, acetone or water showed the adsorption performance of OMCs for naphthalene were almost unaffected by the presence of low concentration toluene and acetone, as well as high relative humidity.

A study of Clinical Profile and in Hospital Outcomes of patients undergoing Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy at a Tertiary Care Center of Nepal.

Introduction: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), is a common cause of mitral stenosis (MS) in developing nations. As per current recommendation, Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) is advised as a Class IA (I-Class Of Recommendation, COR; A-Level Of Evidence, LOE) indication in patients with symptomatic severe mitral stenosis. We aim to examine the clinical profile and in-hospital results of PTMC for mitral stenosis. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center from April 2020 to May 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and ethical approval for conducting the study was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC) of Institute of Medicine (IOM). The data was collected in Microsoft Excel (Ver. 2013). For statistical analysis, SPSS 21 (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) Association was measured using a parametric and non-parametric test (depending upon the distribution of data) and p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 104 patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent PTMC during the study period. The mean age group of the patient was 41.7 ± 12.5 years, of which 23 (22.1%) were males and 81 (78.9%) were females. Mean mitral valve area prior to PTMC was 0.98 ± 0.19 mm2 that increased to 1.69 ± 0.19 mm2 after the procedure and it was statistically significant (p=<0.001). The post PTMC MVA varied with PTMC Wilkin's score with less than or equal to 8 having favorable outcomes. Conclusion: Successful PTMC is highly influenced by the patients' increasing age, valve morphology (calcification, thickness, mobility), Left atrial dimensions, Pre PTMC mitral valve area, Degree of Baseline mitral regurgitation. Post procedure development of MR is usually well tolerated but rarely be severe enough requiring surgical valve replacement.

Energy and environmental sustainability of waste personal protective equipment (PPE) treatment under COVID-19.

Combating the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the demand for and disposal of personal protective equipment in the United States. This work proposes a novel waste personal protective equipment processing system that enables energy recovery through producing renewable fuels and other basic chemicals. Exergy analysis and environmental assessment through a detailed life cycle assessment approach are performed to evaluate the energy and environmental sustainability of the processing system. Given the environmental advantages in reducing 35.42% of total greenhouse gas emissions from the conventional incineration and 43.50% of total fossil fuel use from landfilling processes, the optimal number, sizes, and locations of establishing facilities within the proposed personal protective equipment processing system in New York State are then determined by an optimization-based site selection methodology, proposing to build two pre-processing facilities in New York County and Suffolk County and one integrated fast pyrolysis plant in Rockland County. Their optimal annual treatment capacities are 1,708 t/y, 8,000 t/y, and 9,028 t/y. The proposed optimal personal protective equipment processing system reduces 31.5% of total fossil fuel use and 35.04% of total greenhouse gas emissions compared to the personal protective equipment incineration process. It also avoids 41.52% and 47.64% of total natural land occupation from the personal protective equipment landfilling and incineration processes.

Sunscreens: UV filters to protect us: Part 1: Changing regulations and choices for optimal sun protection.

Sunscreens are topical preparations containing any number of ultraviolet filters (UVFs). The first part of the review will focus on the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations of 2019 and general use of these agents. While sunscreen products are becoming more regulated in the United States, we still lag behind other countries in our options for UVFs. Sun protection to prevent skin cancer and aging changes should be a combination of sun avoidance, protective structures, and clothing as well as use of sunscreen products. Newer and safer products are needed to help supplement and replace older agents as well as improve their cosmetic acceptability. This will be a review of ingredients, local toxicities (i.e. contact dermatitis, photocontact dermatitis), special considerations for children, and cosmesis of sunscreen preparations. Part 2 will focus on the environmental, ecological and human toxicities that have been increasingly related to UVFs.

Sunscreens: UV filters to protect us: Part 2-Increasing awareness of UV filters and their potential toxicities to us and our environment.

BACKGROUND: Sunscreens are topical preparations containing one or more compounds that filter, block, reflect, scatter, or absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. Part 2 of this review focuses on the environmental, ecological effects and human toxicities that have been attributed to UV filters. METHODS: Literature review using NIH databases (eg, PubMed and Medline), FDA and EPA databases, Google Scholar, the Federal Register, and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective literature review that involved many different types of studies across a variety of species. Comparison between reports is limited by variations in methodology and criteria for toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo and in vitro studies on the environmental and biological effects of UV filters show a wide array of unanticipated adverse effects on the environment and exposed organisms. Coral bleaching receives considerable attention from the lay press, but the scientific literature identifies potential toxicities of endocrine, neurologic, neoplastic and developmental pathways. These effects harm a vast array of aquatic and marine biota, while almost no data supports human toxicity at currently used quantities (with the exception of contact allergy). Much of these data are from experimental studies or field observations; more controlled environmental studies and long-term human use data are limited. Several jurisdictions have prohibited specific UV filters, but this does not adequately address the dichotomy of the benefits of photoprotection vs lack of eco-friendly, safe, and FDA-approved alternatives.

Enhanced Pb(II) adsorption onto functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) from aqueous solutions: the important role of surface property and adsorption mechanism.

Functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon (MOMC-NP) was synthesized by chemical modification using HNO3 and H3PO4 to enhance Pb(II) adsorption. The phosphate functional group represented by P-O-C bonding onto the surface of OMC was verified by FT-IR and XPS. Batch adsorption experiments revealed the improvement of adsorption capacity by 39 times over the virgin OMC. Moreover, the Pb(II) adsorption results provided excellent fits to Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) onto MOMC-NP revealed the formation of metal complexes with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and phosphate groups through ion exchange reactions and hydrogen bondings. The calculated activation energy was 22.09 kJ/mol, suggesting that Pb(II) adsorption was a chemisorption. At pH>pHpzc, the main Pb(II) existing species of Pb(II) and Pb(OH)+ combine with the carboxyl, hydroxyl, and phosphate functional groups via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. All these findings demonstrated that MOMC-NP could be a useful and potential adsorbent for adsorptive removal of Pb(II). Graphical abstract.