Implementing a completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite process using a novel umbrella basalt fiber carrier.

The completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process is significantly hindered by prolonged start-up periods and unstable nitrogen removal efficiency. In this study, a novel umbrella basalt fiber (BF) carrier with good biological affinity and adsorption performance was used to initiate the CANON process. The CANON process was initiated on day 64 in a sequencing batch reactor equipped with umbrella BF carriers. During this period, the influent NH4+-N concentration gradually increased from 100 to 200 mg·L-1, and the dissolved oxygen was controlled below 0.8 mg L-1. Consequently, an average ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency (ARE) and total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNRE) of ∼90 and 80% were achieved, respectively. After 130 days, ARE and TNRE remained stable at 92 and 81.1%, respectively. This indicates a reliable method for achieving rapid start-up and stable operation of the CANON process. Moreover, Candidatus Kuenenia and Candidatus Brocadia were identified as dominant anammox genera on the carrier. Nitrosomonas was the predominant genus among ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Spatial differences were observed in the microbial population of umbrella BF carriers. This arrangement facilitated autotrophic nitrogen removal in a single reactor. This study indicates that the novel umbrella BF carrier is a highly suitable biocarrier for the CANON process.

Shift in microorganism and functional gene abundance during completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process.

Nitrification-denitrification process has failed to meet wastewater treatment standards. The completely autotrophic nitrite removal (CANON) process has a huge advantage in the field of low carbon/nitrogen wastewater nitrogen removal. However, slow start-up and system instability limit its applications. In this study, the time of the start-up CANON process was reduced by using bio-rope as loading materials. The establishing of graded dissolved oxygen improved the stability of the CANON process and enhanced the stratification effect between functional microorganisms. Microbial community structure and the abundance of nitrogen removal functional genes are also analyzed. The results showed that the CANON process was initiated within 75 days in the complete absence of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) inoculation. The ammonium and nitrogen removal efficiencies of CANON process reached to 94.45% and 80.76% respectively. The results also showed that the relative abundance of nitrogen removal bacterial in the biofilm gradually increases with the dissolved oxygen content in the solution decreases. In contrast, the relative abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria was positively correlated with the dissolved oxygen content in the solution. The relative abundance of g__Candidatus_Brocadia in biofilm was 15.56%, and while g__Nitrosomonas was just 0.6613%. Metagenomic analysis showed that g__Candidatus_Brocadia also contributes 66.37% to the partial-nitrification functional gene Hao (K10535). This study presented a new idea for the cooperation between partial-nitrification and anammox, which improved the nitrogen removal system stability.

Read like a man: comparing narratives of masculinity in adolescent literature.

Recent movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp have surfaced and challenged ideas about masculinity in popular conversations. In particular, these ideas have centered around "toxic masculinity"-a version of masculinity that reflects stereotyped, dated, and even dangerous expectations for manhood. This notion of masculinity can be reinforced in a number of ways, especially through pop culture, where it runs the risk of becoming commonly accepted or normalized. This study evaluates the narratives of masculinity in three different novels that are marketed toward high school-aged students in the United States: Lord of the Flies; Gabi, A Girl in Pieces; and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Using a critical literacy lens, this study considers the symbols, behaviors, expectations, and meanings given to masculinity in and through each novel and considers the implications of this analysis for adolescent readership inside and outside of schooling. The study concludes that the more contemporary novels showcase a range of masculine portrayals, including positive, affirming versions of masculinity, compared to a more singular and pessimistic one found in a novel traditionally used in schools. Thus, the study concludes that formal schooling may be an important way to address and disrupt unhealthy versions of masculinity.

A Study on the Connotation of "Bo" （搏） in Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中医杂志

The concept of "Bo" （搏） originates from The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》）. Its original meaning mostly refers to gathering and attacking， but in pulseology it reflects the potential of conflict and was widely used in the methods of taking pulse from zang-fu organs and yin and yang. This paper conducted a literature research on the concept and connotation of "Bo" （搏）， and summarized the seven meanings of it， including contention， intersection， stop， change， attachment， pulse， and pathological pulse. At the same time， the pathomechanism of "Bo" （搏） was explained and its four characteristics are summarized， including contention to transformation， concurrent transformation， latent pathogen gathering， and changes transforming to qi； the pathomechanism and locations of "Bo" （搏） were also summarized， including zang-fu organs， channels and collaterals， five body constituents， qi level， blood level， and other aspects， involving therapeutic methods like the opening and diffusing， expressing and tonifying， regulating balance. The concept and connotation of "Bo" （搏） were systematically studied and improved to provide new perspectives and ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of many modern intractable diseases.

Inspiration of The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》） to the Construction of the Theory of "Middle Jiao Deficiency Causes Seminal Changes" / 中医杂志

Based on the theory of spleen-stomach in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》）， the theory of "middle jiao deficiency causes seminal changes" focuses on the ways in which the spleen-stomach deficiency affect male seminal disorders， as well as the ideas and methods of treating seminal disorders from the perspective of the spleen and stomach. Based on the discussion of spleen and stomach in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor， the theoretical connotations of “middle jiao deficiency causes seminal changes” are clarified in terms of the scope of the disease， the etiology of the spleen deficiency， the pathogenesis changes， and the treatment of the disease. It is believed that the connotation of "semen" includes the semen itself and the semen chamber as a whole， and that the core pathogenesis of "seminal changes" is the deficiency of spleen and stomach， which also involves kidney deficiency. Taking the theory of "middle jiao deficiency causes seminal changes" as a guide， the treatment idea of "regulating middle jiao and rectifying essence" was established， with the key of tonifying the middle jiao and regulating transportation and transformation of spleen and stomach， and the aim of regulating essence chamber and promoting the metabolism of turbid substances and the production of essence. It is divided into three methods， including tonifying， transporting， and clearing the middle jiao to rectify semen， so as to providing new ideas for the treatment of male seminal disorders from the spleen and stomach.

The Connotation and Clinical Significance of “Spleen Governs Time” based on the Zangxiang （藏象） Time-space View / 中医杂志

There are different views on the theory of “spleen governs time”， which is still a hot spot in the study of Zangxiang （藏象） theory. Based on Zangxiang time-space view， it is found that the thinking mode of the spleen governing time theory follows space-time logic. It is believed that the different time views of the spleen governing time are all formed based on the space view that the spleen belongs to earth and resides in the center， and the zang time theory is developed with the unified time and space logic. Guided by Zangxiang time-space view， the origin of the spleen belonging to earth and residing in the center is traced， and the theoretical connotation and its clinical application of spleen governing time under different time-space logic are explored with reference to the four season and five zang theory， five season and five zang theory， six season and six zang theory， and eight season and eight zang theory.

Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation Throughout the Day.

Purpose To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) values at different time points, both in the total sample and according to iridocorneal angle aperture, to assess whether IOP fluctuations were constant throughout the day, and to examine correlations with other factors. Methods Over a single day, the IOP of 34 volunteers was measured at three-hour intervals from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To avoid any IOP value being affected by other measurements, anamnesis, slit-lamp evaluation (with iridocorneal angle measurement), and refractive status were performed after the final measurement. The differences between IOP values at different time points and IOP fluctuation at three-hour intervals were compared by ANOVA and Friedman test, respectively, both for the total group and according to iridocorneal angle aperture. For relationships, Pearson's correlation was performed for parametric variables and Spearman's correlation for nonparametric variables. Results Significant differences were observed in IOP between time points for the total sample (p < 0.001), but not for a narrow-angle group (p = 0.058). No significant differences were found in IOP fluctuations at three-hour intervals either in the total sample or according to angle aperture (all p ≥ 0.332). There was a positive correlation of IOP at different time points (all r ≥ 0.646, all p < 0.001) but no relationship with spherical equivalent, age, or sleep duration (all p ≥ 0.057). IOP at 12:00 p.m. was correlated with a 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. fluctuation (r = 0.428, p = 0.012); and IOP fluctuation between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. was correlated with age (r = 0.485, p = 0.004). Conclusion As IOP decreases from morning until at least 6:00 p.m., measuring these two values during clinical evaluation is essential for the effective monitoring and prevention of IOP-related diseases.

[Exploration of the theory of Renying Cunkou pulse method recorded in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon].

Renying Cunkou pulse method is one of the classical pulse methods of acupuncture-moxibustion in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, which is also a classical clinical paradigm for diagnosing and treating meridian diseases in the ancient times. Based on comprehensive review of literature and clinical practice, this paper reveals that this method compares the size of the neck Renying pulse with hand Cunkou pulse to determine the change of yin-yang and excess-deficiency identifying the affected meridians. The jing-well, xing-spring, and shu-stream points of the surface and interior meridians of affected meridians are mainly selected to regulate deficiency and excess through reinforcing and reducing methods. The Renying Cunkou pulse method possesses a simple and practical medical theory, easy diagnostic procedure, and clear meridian selection for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment, warranting further exploration of its essence and diagnostic therapeutic principles.

The Prohibition of Suicide and Its Theological Rationale in Catholic Moral and Canonical Tradition: Origins and Development.

This paper analyzes the nuances of the Roman Catholic Church's opposition to suicide. First, we analyze biblical suicide cases, showing that these were not usually met with clear condemnation. Next, we show the development of the Roman Catholic Church's moral teachings, with special attention to Augustine. The canon law of the Middle Ages still made some distinctions regarding motivation, but at this point, Roman Catholic funerals started to be refused to those having committed suicide as discouragement to others. This was maintained by the Council of Trent. In the twentieth century, the Roman Catholic Church followed modern psychiatry in attributing suicide to mental illness, and the ban on Roman Catholic funerals was lifted. Currently, the Roman Catholic Church tries to discourage suicide while accompanying people in need.

Analyzing the biological traits of snakes in Avicenna's Canon of medicine and making a comparison with contemporary serpentology.

Snakes are a group of reptiles in the order of squamata that have been the subject of scientific research for years. This study aimed to determine the biological characteristics of snakes that were mentioned in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine to compare with modern serpentology. Data were obtained from the Canon of Medicine using keywords concerning snakes and also appropriate literature in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database (SID), and IranDoc. Our results revealed that Avicenna divided snakes into three classes including highly, moderately, and slightly venomous snakes that are comparable to modern serpontology. Moreover, Avicenna clarified physiological factors such as age, gender, size, psychological state, hunger state, physical features, the type of living climate, habitat, and the time of snakebite. Considering the snake features presented in the Canon of Medicine, even though is not feasible to make a full comparison between Avicenna's snake knowledge and modern serpentology but some characteristics can be still applicable. Conclusively, the present study suggested that the criteria used for the identification and classification of snakes have changed from the medieval ages to the nowadays.

Avicenna's pharmacopeia for the treatment of animal bites.

Envenomation is a common medical problem. The Canon of Medicine written by Avicenna is one of the reliable sources of Persian medicine. The present study aims to identify Avicenna's clinical pharmacology approach and the pharmacopeia used for the treatment of animal envenomations and also to evaluate the related data in light of the current medicine. The Canon of Medicine was searched using related Arabic keywords for the contents about the treatment of animal bites. A literature search was conducted in scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to obtain relevant data. Avicenna recommended one hundred and eleven medicinal plants for the treatment of bites of vertebrate and invertebrate venomous animals including snakes, scorpions, spiders, wasps, and centipedes. He mentioned different methods of administrating these drugs including oral drugs, lotions, sprayed drugs, slow-dissolving tablets in the mouth, and enemas. Moreover, he paid special attention to pain relief in addition to specific treatments for animal bites. In the Canon of Medicine, Avicenna recommended several medicinal plants alongside analgesics for the management and treatment of animal envenomations. The current research elucidates the clinical pharmacology and pharmacopeia of Avicenna for the treatment of animal envenomations. Further research is encouraged to evaluate the efficacy of these therapeutic agents for the treatment of animal bites.

[Characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine based on Medical Canon in Four Sections].

By tracing to the origin of Tibetan medicine, it is known that Tibetan medicine absorbs a variety of medical ideas such as traditional Chinese medicine, Vedic medicine, Persian medicine and Byzantine medicine, and forms a unique theoretical system. The meridian-acupoint system and the characteristics and application of external therapies such as bloodletting and moxibustion in Tibetan medicine are analyzed by elaborating the relevant aspects of acupuncture and moxibustion involved in treatment of diseases listed in Medical Canon in Four Sections. The paper emphasizes the introduction of ironing moxibustion and huo'er moxibustion of fire moxibustion and the application of separation-action decoction and ghee therapy in bloodletting, as well as alternative therapy. Besides, by taking the external treatment of cirrhotic ascites and head trauma as an example, the idea of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine embodied in the Medical Canon in Four Sections is explained so as to benefit the development of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine.

[The fenrou zhijian theory in The Inner Canon of Huangdi and the stratified treatment of painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons].

The fenrou zhijian is defined as potential gap between different layers in the three-dimensional network structure formed by the twelve meridian tendons. Various pathological changes of the meridian tendons lead to the adhesion and closure of fenrou zhijian, causing abnormal mechanical conduction of the meridian tendon system, which in turn leads to painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. As such, restarting the fenrou zhijian is the key to acupuncture treatment for painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. Under the guidance of musculoskeletal ultrasound, the level and the angle of needle insertion of acupuncture at fenrou zhijian could be accurately controlled, the efficacy of acupuncture is improved.

The Science of Sleep in Medieval Arabic Medicine: Part 2: Sleep Theory and Practice After Ibn Sina.

In this second article on medieval Arabic medical discussions on sleep, I show that Ibn Sina's pneumatic paradigm of sleep opened up new research pathways for subsequent physicians in Islamic societies. Opposing those who posit a decline in scientific activity post-1200 in these societies, I show that Ibn al-Nafis (d. 1288), Ibn al-Quff (d. 1286), and Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi (d. 1311), among others, raised and answered new questions to highlight the (possible) active role played by the brain in sleep onset and the strengthening of certain brain activities during sleep. They also continued to investigate the (three) stages of sleep and paid attention to different breathing patterns, in addition to pulse, during each stage. Finally, they also applied the pneumatic paradigm in new ways to understand the broader impact of certain medical conditions on sleep.

An Analysis of Otolaryngology in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine: Utilizing the Original Arabic Text.

Avicenna authored The Canon of Medicine, a principal medical textbook for over 600 years. Our primary goal is to systematically review and translate relevant portions of The Canon in its original Arabic and correlate to Sardo's 2014 translation, focusing on otolaryngology, to present an accurate representation of Avicenna's impact and highlight notable discrepancies. Secondarily, we aim to review the literature for citations discussing Avicenna's contributions to otolaryngology and identify misinterpretations. Notably, Avicenna may have described the shape of the cochlea 500 years before its believed discovery in humans by Eustachius (1552) and Falloppius (1561). There are also obscurities in Avicenna's descriptions of the etiology of epistaxis and airway management. It is essential to remain critical of historical texts and safeguard the accurate propagation of information to preserve the integrity of historical context and timelines of scientific advancement.

The Science of Sleep in Medieval Arabic Medicine: Part 1: Ibn Sina's Pneumatic Paradigm.

Modern sleep specialists are taught that, before the twentieth century, sleep was universally classified as a passive phenomenon with minimal to no brain activity. However, these assertions are made on the basis of particular readings and reconstructions of the history of sleep, using Western European medical works and ignoring works composed in other parts of the world. In this first of two articles on Arabic medical discussions on sleep, I shall show that sleep was not understood to be a purely passive phenomenon, at least from the time of Ibn Sina (lat. Avicenna, d. 1037) onward. Building on the earlier Greek medical tradition, Ibn Sina provided a new pneumatic understanding of sleep that allowed him to explain previously recorded phenomena associated with sleep, while providing a way to capture how certain parts of the brain (and body) can even increase their activities during sleep.

The rapid start-up of CANON process through adding partial nitration sludge to ANAMMOX system.

This study aimed to start up the completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process after adding partial nitration (PN) sludge to the ANAMMOX reactor, so as to help the rapid start-up and stable operation of the CANON process in practical engineering applications. There were three steps in the research: cultivating the PN sludge, building a reliable ANAMMMOX system, and finally starting and running the CANON process. The PN sludge was successfully cultivated in less than 45 days with around 90% nitrite accumulation rate. The ANAMMOX reactor enriched a significant quantity of red granular sludge within 70 days, achieving the maximum nitrogen removal rate of 1.74 kg/(m3·d). Eventually, the CANON reactor was started up successfully, which achieved 95.08% of average ammonium removal efficiency and 84.51% of average total nitrogen removal efficiency in 60 days. The residual recalcitrant nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in the CANON process was successfully inhibited by intermittent aeration and 12 mg/L free ammonia in UASB reactor. Besides, Candidatus Kuenenia, Candidatus Brocadia and Nitrosomonas were the main functional microorganisms involved in the CANON process.