[Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton immunotherapy for cervical high-risk HPV persistent infection].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) in the treatment of persistent cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Methods: A randomized, double blind, multi-center trial was conducted. A total of 688 patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed HR-HPV infection of the cervix diagnosed in 13 hispital nationwide were recruited and divided into: (1) patients with simple HR-HPV infection lasting for 12 months or more; (2) patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅰ and HR-HPV infection lasting for 12 months or more; (3) patients with the same HR-HPV subtype with no CINⅡ and more lesions after treatment with CINⅡ or CIN Ⅲ (CINⅡ/CIN Ⅲ). All participants were randomly divided into the test group and the control group at a ratio of 2∶1. The test group was locally treated with Nr-CWS freeze-dried powder and the control group was treated with freeze-dried powder without Nr-CWS. The efficacy and negative conversion rate of various subtypes of HR-HPV were evaluated at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after treatment. The safety indicators of initial diagnosis and treatment were observed. Results: (1) This study included 555 patients with HR-HPV infection in the cervix (included 368 in the test group and 187 in the control group), with an age of (44.1±10.0) years. The baseline characteristics of the two groups of subjects, including age, proportion of Han people, weight, composition of HR-HPV subtypes, and proportion of each subgroup, were compared with no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). (2) After 12 months of treatment, the effective rates of the test group and the control group were 91.0% (335/368) and 44.9% (84/187), respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=142.520, P<0.001). After 12 months of treatment, the negative conversion rates of HPV 16, 18, 52, and 58 infection in the test group were 79.2% (84/106), 73.3% (22/30), 83.1% (54/65), and 77.4% (48/62), respectively. The control group were 21.6% (11/51), 1/9, 35.1% (13/37), and 20.0% (8/40), respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.001). (3) There were no statistically significant differences in vital signs (body weight, body temperature, respiration, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, etc.) and laboratory routine indicators (blood cell analysis, urine routine examination) between the test group and the control group before treatment and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after treatment (all P>0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions related to the investigational drug between the two groups of subjects [8.7% (32/368) vs 8.0% (15/187), respectively; χ2=0.073, P=0.787]. Conclusion: External use of Nr-CWS has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of high-risk HPV persistent infection in the cervix.

An observational study on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with myasthenia gravis.

OBJECTIVE: There is concern that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine may trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the impacts of COVID-19 vaccination on symptom severity in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS: A total of 106 enrolled patients with MG who were vaccinated against COVID-19 were followed up, and a questionnaire was used to document in detail the exacerbation of muscle weakness after vaccination and all other uncomfortable reactions after vaccination. Demographic, clinical characteristics, medication, and vaccination data were collected by follow-up interview. The main observation outcome was whether the MG symptoms of patients were exacerbated. The definition of exacerbation is according to the subjective feeling of the patient or a 2-point increase in daily life myasthenia gravis activity score relative to before vaccination, within 30 days after vaccination. RESULTS: Of 106 enrolled patients [median age (SD) 41.0 years, 38 (35.8%) men, 53 (50.0%) with generalized MG, 74 (69.8%) positive for acetylcholine receptor antibody, and 21 (19.8%) with accompanying thymoma], muscle weakness symptoms were stable in 102 (96.2%) patients before vaccine inoculation. Muscle weakness worsened in 10 (9.4%) people after vaccination, of which 8 patients reported slight symptom worsening that resolved quickly (within a few days). Two (1.9%) of patients showed serious symptom aggravation that required hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that inactivated virus vaccines against COVID-19 may be safe for patients with MG whose condition is stable. Patients with generalized MG may be more likely to develop increased muscle weakness after vaccination.

Target inhibition on GSK-3ß by miR-9 to modulate proliferation and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells.

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Target inhibition on GSK-3ß by miR-9 to modulate proliferation and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells, by Z.-C. Dong, D. Zhang, S.-B. Wang, Z.-Q. Lin, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (10): 3018-3026-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201805_15059-PMID: 29863246" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/15059.

Hepatocellular carcinoma progression is protected by miRNA-34c-5p by regulating FAM83A.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of microRNA-34c-5p (miRNA-34c-5p) in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the indicated mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Relative levels of miRNA-34c-5p and FAM83A in HCC tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Their influences on clinical features in HCC patients were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was introduced for assessing the relationship between miRNA-34c-5p and overall survival in HCC. After overexpression of miRNA-34c-5p in HepG2 and HB611 cells, we detected proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay. The interaction between miRNA-34c-5p and FAM83A was explored by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Finally, their co-regulation on HCC cell phenotypes was examined. RESULTS: MiRNA-34c-5p was downregulated in HCC tissues, especially stage III+IV cases. Its level was correlated to tumor size, tumor number and TNM staging in HCC. Overexpression of miRNA-34c-5p inhibited proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities in HepG2 and HB611 cells. In addition, miRNA-34c-5p targeted on FAM83A and negatively regulated its level. Overexpression of FAM83A could reverse the inhibitory effects of miRNA-34c-5p on malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: By negatively regulating FAM83A level, miRNA-34c-5p alleviates the progression of HCC.

[Effect of Benzidine Test on DNA Analysis of Bloodstain].

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of benzidine test and related reagents on DNA analysis of bloodstain. METHODS: A total of 970 bloodstain filter paper samples with 1 µL venous blood were collected, and 10 of them acted as control samples. After benzidine test and related reagent processing, DNA of 960 samples was extracted by Chelex-100 and silica bead methods and then multiplex amplified by AmpFℓSTR™ Identifiler™ Plus PCR kits. The results of STR typing were compared between different groups. RESULTS: DNA were extracted immediately after benzidine test. Totally STR loci （3.80±1.34） were detected by silica bead method, while no STR loci were obtained by Chelex-100 method. Thirteen samples （21.7%） with whole STR typing results were obtained by drying after benzidine test, and the STR locus number （12.90±1.49） which obtained by silica bead method was much higher than by Chelex-100 method （4.70±1.96） （P<0.05）. When DNA was extracted immediately after the addition of glacial acetic acid, the STR locus number was （9.40±2.09） by silica bead method, but no STR typing result was obtained by Chelex-100 method. All 15 STR loci could be obtained by only adding glacial acetic acid after drying and only adding tetramethylbenzidine alcoholization liquid or 3% hydrogen peroxide liquid. CONCLUSIONS: Benzidine test has significant influence on DNA analysis of bloodstain. The Chelex-100 method is not suitable for the DNA extraction of bloodstain after benzidine test. Drying after benzidine test and silica bead methods can effectively enhance the STR locus number of bloodstain.

Target inhibition on GSK-3ß by miR-9 to modulate proliferation and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß) can negatively regulate Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway via degrading ß-catenin protein, and plays suppressing roles in various tumors. Its role in bladder cancer pathogenesis is still unclear. In bladder cancer tissues, expression of microRNA-9 (miR-9) is significantly elevated. This study investigated the effect of miR-9 in modulating GSK-3ß expression, Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activity, and proliferation or apoptosis of bladder cancer cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed targeted regulation between miR-9 and GSK-3ß. Bladder cancer tissues were collected to measure expression of miR-9, GSK-3ß mRNA using adjacent tissues as the control. Expression of miR-9 and GSK-3ß was also measured in HBEC, RT4 and TCCSUP cells. Cultured RT4 and TCCSUP cells were transfected with miR-9 inhibitor or pSicoR-GSK-3ß. The expression of miR-9, GSK-3ß and ß-catenin was compared, followed by using flow cytometry assay for cell apoptosis and EdU staining for cell proliferation. RESULTS: Comparing to adjacent tissues, bladder cancer tissues illustrated significantly elevated miR-9 expression and lower GSK-3ß mRNA. Bioinformatics analysis revealed complementary binding sites between miR-9 and 3'-UTR of GSK-3ß mRNA, indicating targeted regulation between miR-9 and GSK-3ß. Comparing to HBEC cells, RT4 and TCCSUP cells had significantly elevated miR-9 expression and lower GSK-3ß expression, with enhanced proliferation. Transfection of miR-9 inhibitor or pSicoR-GSK-3ß significantly elevated GSK-3ß expression and suppressed ß-catenin expression, promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-9 up-regulation plays a role in suppressing GSK-3ß expression and facilitating bladder cancer pathogenesis. Inhibition of miR-9 could potentiate GSK-3ß expression, suppress proliferation of bladder cancer, and facilitate apoptosis.

[Study on pharyngeal wall floppiness of patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome attributable to non-structural factors].

Objective: Acoustic pharyngealmetry technology is utilized to evaluate the change and clinical significance of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients caused by non-upper airway structural factor and normal individuals' PWF(pharyngeal wall floppiness). Methods: Acoustic pharyngealmetry instrument of Ecconvision was utilized to examine 102 OSAHS patients and 50 normal individuals, separately recorded their volume of pharyngeal cavity in sit or supine position, calculated PWF in sit or supine position, and SPSS 12.0 of tware was used to analyze data. Results: PWF was 0.14±0.09 in sit position and PWF was 0.21±0.10, (t=5.96, t=9.63, P<0.001)in supine position of OSAHS group, which were all significantly higher than those of control group. PWFs in supine position of OSAHS group and control group were evidently higher than PWF(t=-11.91, P<0.001; t=-2.32, P=0.025) in sit position. ΔPWF(PWF_supine-PWF_sit)was 0.063±0.054 in OSAHS group which was significantly greater than in control(F=41.173, P<0.01). PWF in sit position and supine position were all positively related with age(r=0.714, r=0.735, P<0.001)while irrelevant with BMI(P>0.05). Conclusions: PWF can be utilized to be an index to reflect the physiological feature of upper airway. PWF can more precisely reflect upper airway collapsibility of OSAHS patients on the condition of PWF in supine position. Pharyngeal wall floppiness quantified as a high PWF index is a non-structure vital factor of OSAHS patients and plays a role of guiding us to make personal treatment plans for OSAHS patients.

[A preliminary clinical classification study in REM related obstructive sleep apnea].

Objective:The aim of this study is to introduce a method in classifying the REM related OSA (RrOSA) and the potential clinical significance. Method:Two hundred and fifty patients (male: 219) with OSAS diagnosed by polysomnographywere recruited in the study. The RrOSAS was defined as the ratio of AHIs in REM and non REM sleep (R) greater than one. In RrOSAS group, patients were divided into RrOSAS Ⅰa (R>2, NREM_AHI<15), RrOSAS Ⅰb (R>2, NREM_AHI>15), and RrOSAS II (2>R>1) three subtypes. Parameters of PSG, ESS, BMI and neck circufernces were obtained for further analysis. In RrOSA Ⅰa group, the efficiencies of CPAP and AutoPAP were investigated. Result:①There was a significant difference in gender between RrOSA and NRrOSA groups (P<0.05); ②There was no significant differences in ESS and BMI among the three subtypes of RrOSA (P>0.05); ③There was no significant difference in REM_AHI and REM_ODI between RrOSA and NRrOSA groups. Conclusion:The new method for the RrOSA classification helps better understanding the development of OSAS and might be useful in planning the CPAP treatment. RrOSA may be a special type of OSA, which may develop into other types as the condition develops.

Granzyme B-truncated VEGF fusion protein represses angiogenesis and tumor growth of OSCC.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antitumor effects of fusion protein hGrB-TV of human granzyme B (hGrB) and truncated vascular endothelial growth factor (tVEGF) on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The fusion protein hGrB-TV was expressed and purified from E. coli bacteria by affinity chromatography. The cytotoxcity of hGrB-TV on VEGFR-2 (Flk-1)(+) OSCC cells was analyzed in vitro. The antitumor therapeutic study was conducted on OSCC xenografts in vivo. RESULTS: The purified hGrB-TV fusion protein was selectively internalized into VEGFR-2 (Flk-1)(+) OSCC cells and endothelial cells. It can cleave inactive caspase 3 into its active p20 form. The hGrB-TV showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on VEGFR-2(+) SCC-9 cells. The morphological changes and cytolysis were appeared within dozen minutes. However, no cytotoxicity was observed on VEGFR-2(-) cells. The hGrB alone or tVEGF alone did not have any toxicity on SCC-9 cells. In addition, hGrB-TV treatment completely destroyed the vasculature of the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in vivo and consequently led to chick embryo development arrest. Most importantly, the fusion protein hGrB-TV inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth of human OSCC xenografts in nude mice without any apparent toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The fusion protein hGrB-TV specifically inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth of OSCC; hGrB-TV is a powerful and safe therapeutic molecule for tumor therapy.

Induction function of siRNA-mediated survivin gene silencing on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell apoptosis.

We examined the function of survivin gene expression in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), as well as small interfering RNA (siRNA) on controlling CNE-2 NPC proliferation and apoptosis. Immunohistological methods, in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique were used to detect survivin protein and mRNA expression. We designed an siRNA sequence to inhibit survivin gene expression. The MTT method was used to examine the function of siRNA on controlling cell growth and proliferation. Induction of cell apoptosis by siRNA was examined by flow cytometry; electron microscopy was used to observe ultrastructure changes in CNE-2 cells. Western blotting was used to detect survivin gene expression. The survivin protein was expressed in 71.9% of cells, while its mRNA was expressed in 65.6% of cells. Relative mRNA expression was 4.16 x 10(-2); these data for the control groups were 23.3, 33.3, and 4.42 x 10(-4), respectively. Following transfection with 3 different siRNA sequences, survivin mRNA expression in CNE-2 cells was decreased. Inhibition of cell proliferation and rate of apoptosis increased with increasing siRNA concentration. Western blotting revealed decreased survivin expression and electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes in cancer cells. Survivin gene expression in NPC generally increased. In vitro transcription of siRNA decreased CNE-2 survivin gene expression, and different sequences of siRNA decrease gene expression in CNE-2 cells to varying degrees. Transfected siRNA3 can effectively inhibit CNE-2 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis; gene silencing using siRNA may represent a new treatment for NPC.

5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine may influence the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells via demethylation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

The methylation of tumor suppressor genes has been shown to be involved in many human cancers. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) can reactivate the expression of methylated tumor suppressor genes. In our study, 2 human cervical cancer cell lines, HeLa and SiHa, were treated with different concentrations (20, 10, 5, and 2.5 µM) of 5-Aza-CdR for 24, 48, and 72 h. After incubation, cells were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry. The expression of RASSF1A and APAF-1 was detected by RT-PCR. 5-Aza-CdR inhibited the growth of HeLa and SiHa cells at different concentrations. The strongest inhibition and apoptosis rates were obtained after incubation for 72 h (5.63 ± 1.38 and 8.24 ± 2.40%, respectively). No significant difference in the expression of RASSF1A was found upon drug treatment, while APAF-1 expression increased in HeLa cells after treatment (0.790 ± 0.056%). Our results suggest that the tumor-suppressive effect of 5-Aza-CdR may result from the reactivation of silenced APAF-1 through demethylation.

Assessment of solid phase microfiber extraction fibers for the monitoring of volatile organoarsinicals emitted from a plant-soil system.

Phytoremediation, the use of plants and microbes to clean up inorganic and organic pollutants, has shown great promise as an inexpensive and feasible form of remediation. More recently, studies have shown that some plants have an amazing capacity to volatilize contaminants and can be an effective remediation strategy if the chemicals released are non-toxic. Arsenic contamination and remediation has drawn great attention in the scientific community. However, its toxicity also varies depending on its form. We evaluated, optimized, and then utilized a solid phase microfiber extraction (SPME) head space sampling technique to characterize the organoarsinical emissions from rabbitfoot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis) in arsenic treated soils to determine if the potentially more toxic organic forms of arsenic (AsH3, AsH2CH3, AsH(CH3)2, and As(CH3)3) were being emitted from the plant-soil system. The SPME fiber that proved best fitted for this application was the DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber with a 45 min sampling period. We did detect and confirm the emissions of dimethylchloroarsine (AsCl(CH3)2) and pentamethylarsine (As(CH3)5). However, it was determined that the more toxic organic forms of arsenic were not released during phytovolatilization.

Caspase-mediated programmed cell death pathways as potential therapeutic targets in cancer.

The caspase family is well characterized as playing a crucial role in modulation of programmed cell death (PCD), which is a genetically regulated, evolutionarily conserved process with numerous links to many human diseases, most notably cancer. In this review, we focus on summarizing the intricate relationships between some members of the caspase family and their key apoptotic mediators, involving tumour necrosis factor receptors, the Bcl-2 family, cytochrome c, Apaf-1 and IAPs in cancer initiation and progression. We elucidate new emerging types of cross-talk between several caspases and autophagy-related genes (Atgs) in cancer. Moreover, we focus on presenting several PCD-modulating agents that may target caspases-3, -8 and -9, and their substrates PARP-1 and Beclin-1, which may help us harness caspase-modulated PCD pathways for future drug discovery.

Vegetation changes and partitioning of selenium in 4-year-old constructed wetlands treating agricultural drainage.

The knowledge of selenium (Se) partitioning in treatment wetlands and wetland vegetation management are essential for long-term effective operation of constructed wetlands treating Se-laden agricultural tile-drainage in central California. In this field study, samples from different compartments of treatment wetlands were collected and the vegetation change in each wetland cell was examined four years after the wetland's inception. The results showed that saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and rabbitfoot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis) were less competitive than cattail (Typha latifolia) and saltmarsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus). Over 90% of the wetland cell originally vegetated with saltgrass or rabbitfoot grass was occupied by invasive plants--i.e., when invasive species were not controlled in the wetlands. More Se was likely found in sediments from vegetated regions, compared to the unvegetated areas of the wetland cell. Particularly, rhizosphere sediments accumulated about 4-fold more Se than non-rhizosphere sediments. Among the total Se retained in the wetland 90% of the total Se was partitioned in the top 10-cm layer of sediment. The Se accumulation in plant materials accounted for about 2% of the total Se mass retained in each wetland cell. This field study demonstrated that wetland plants play significant roles in the treatment of Se-laden agricultural drainage.

Extra-articular diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumour of the infratemporal fossa: report of a case and literature review.

The authors describe a 34-year-old man who presented with an unapparent swelling on the right preauricular zygomatic region, with progressive limitation of mouth opening and slight temporomandibular joint pain. Based on fine-needle aspiration cytology and radiological investigations, the patient was diagnosed preoperatively as having a possible tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT). Surgical treatment was effective and no local recurrence was observed. Histological and immunohistochemical examination diagnosed an extra-articular diffuse TGCT. The clinical features, histopathological characteristics, imaging modalities, diagnostic methods and treatment of TGCT are discussed and a review of the relevant literature is presented.

Effects of co-application of biosolids and water treatment residuals on corn growth and bioavailable phosphorus and aluminum in alkaline soils in egypt.

The co-application of biosolids and water treatment residuals (WTRs) has been previously trialed to reduce excessive bioavailable P in the soil treated with biosolids. However, uncertainty still exists regarding the environmental consequences of the co-application of biosolids and WTRs, especially in alkaline soils in Egypt or the Middle East region. A greenhouse pot study was conducted with Egyptian alkaline soils to (i) quantify the effects of co-application of biosolids and drinking WTRs on biomass production of corn (Zea mays L. cultivar single hybrid 10), (ii) determine the co-application effects on Olsen-P and KCl-extractable Al in relation to their accumulation in plant tissues, and (iii) optimize the co-application ratio of biosolids to WTRs for the best yield and effective reduction of soil bioavailable P. The results show that, among the studied soils treated with 1% biosolids along with various rates of WTRs, the corn yield increased significantly (P < 0.01) with increasing WTR application rate from 0 to 3% (w/w), but decreased at 4% application rate. The corn yield also significantly correlated with soil water holding capacity that increased with the addition of WTRs. Phosphorus uptake by plants significantly (P < 0.01) increased when the biosolid application rate was increased from 1 to 3% in the three studied soils that were treated with 1, 2, or 3% WTRs. The application of 4% WTRs in the biosolid-amended soils resulted in a significant reduction in soil Olsen-P values, but without having observable phytotoxicity of metals (such as Al) to corn during the growth period. The effective co-application ratio of biosolids to WTRs, for increasing corn yield and minimizing the potential for bioavailable P in runoff, was approximately 1:1 at the application rate of 3% biosolids and 4% WTRs in the alkaline soils.

Selenium removal and mass balance in a constructed flow-through wetland system.

A field study on the removal of Se from agricultural subsurface drainage was conducted from May 1997 to February 2001 in the Tulare Lake Drainage District (TLDD) of San Joaquin Valley, California. A flow-through wetland system was constructed consisting of ten 15- x 76-m unlined cells that were continuously flooded and planted with either a monotype or combination of plants, including sturdy bulrush [Schoenoplectus robustus (Pursh) M.T. Strong], baltic rush (Juncus balticus Willd.), smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora Loisel.), rabbitsfoot grass [Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf.], salt-grass lDistichlis spicata (L.) Greene], cattail (Typha latifolia L.), tule [Schoenoplectus acutus (Muhl. ex Bigelow) A. Löve & D. Löve], and widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima L.). One cell had no vegetation planted. The objectives of this research were to evaluate Se removal efficiency of each wetland cell and to carry out a mass balance on Se. The inflow drainage water to the cells had average annual Se concentrations of 19 to 22 microg L(-1) dominated by selenate [Se(VI), 95%]. Average weekly water residence time varied from about 3 to 15 d for Cells 1 through 7 (target 7 d), 19 to 33 d for Cells 8 and 9 (target 21 d), and 13 to 18 d for Cell 10 (target 14 d). Average weekly Se concentration ratios of outflow to inflow ranged from 0.45 to 0.79 and mass ratio (concentration x water volume) from 0.24 to 0.52 for year 2000, that is, 21 to 55% reduction in Se concentration and 48 to 76% Se removal in mass by the wetland, respectively. The nonvegetated cell showed the least Se removal both in concentration and in mass. The global mass balance showed that on the average about 59% of the total inflow Se was retained within the cells and Se outputs were outflow (35%), seepage (4%), and volatilization (2%). Independent measurements of the Se retained in the cells totaled 53% of the total Se inflow: 33% in the surface (0-20 cm) sediment, 18% in the organic detrital layer above the sediment, 2% in the fallen litter, < 1% in the standing plants, and < 1% in the surface water. Thus, about 6% of the total Se inflow was unaccounted for in the internal compartments.

Removal and distribution of iron, manganese, cobalt, and nickel within a Pennsylvania constructed wetland treating coal combustion by-product leachate.

A flow-through wetland treatment system was constructed to treat coal combustion by-product leachate from an electrical power station at Springdale, Pennsylvania. In a nine-compartment treatment system, four cattail (Typha latifolia L.) wetland cells (designated Cells 1 through 4) successfully removed iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) from the inlet water; Fe and Mn concentrations were decreased by an average of 91% in the first year (May 1996-May 1997), and by 94 and 98% in the second year (July 1997-June 1998), respectively. Cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) were decreased by an average of 39 and 47% in the first year, and 98 and 63% in the second year, respectively. Most of the metal removed by the wetland cells was accumulated in sediments, which constituted the largest sink. Except for Fe, metal concentrations in the sediments tended to be greater in the top 5 cm of sediment than in the 5- to 10- or 10- to 15-cm layers, and in Cell 1 than in Cells 2, 3, and 4. Plants constituted a much smaller sink for metals; only 0.91, 4.18, 0.19, and 0.38% of the Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni were accumulated annually in the aboveground tissues of cattail, respectively. A greater proportion of each metal (except Mn) was accumulated in cattail fallen litter and submerged Chara (a macroalga) tissues, that is, 2.81, 2.75, and 1.05% for Fe, Co, and Ni, respectively. Considerably higher concentrations of metals were associated with cattail roots than shoots, although Mn was a notable exception.

[Two cases of personal identification based on characteristic findings in hard tissue of human remains].

Two cases of personal identification based on the characteristic findings observed in the bones and teeth of unknown human remains are reported. In Case 1, a skeletonized cadaver could be identified as a 49-year-old male because the autopsy findings of the left clavicle of the cadaver, which was previously operated with metallic screw and wire after fracture, corresponded to the characteristic findings in an antemortem X-ray picture of the presumed person. In Case 2, a cadaver discovered at the seaside, could be identified as a 55-year-old male by comparison between ante- and postmortem dental X-ray findings such as root canal treatment and disease (radicular cyst) including the anatomical characteristics of the root. In forensic practice of personal identification of cadavers with advanced postmortem changes, it seems really important to find out an antemortem medical and/or dental chart and X-ray pictures as well as thorough examination for hard tissue of human remains.