Process optimization via response surface methodology in the physico-chemical treatment of vegetable oil refinery wastewater

Abstract

The present paper investigates the efficiency of coagulation/flocculation process using aluminum sulfate as coagulant and CHT industrial flocculent as coagulant aid/flocculent in the treatment of vegetable oil refinery wastewater (VORW). The process optimization was conducted in two steps, jar test experiments for preliminary evaluation to identify the most influencing factors and response surface methodology using Box–Behnken design to investigate the effects of three major factors and their interactions. The variables involved were the coagulant concentration (X₁), flocculent dosage (X₂), and initial pH (X₃) of water samples, while the responses were COD removal (Y1) and residual turbidity (Y2). The optimal conditions obtained by solving the quadratic regression models, as well as by analyzing the response surface contour plots, were as follows: 2.4 g/L of coagulant (aluminum sulfate), 60.05 mg/L of flocculent, and about 9.23 as initial pH. Under these conditions, the coagulation/flocculation treatment was able to achieve 99% of COD removal with total turbidity elimination (100% removal). Analysis of variance showed high variance coefficient (R²) values of 0.929 and 0.836 for COD and turbidity removals, respectively, thus ensuring a satisfactory adjustment of the second-order regression model with the experimental data. This statistical design methodology was demonstrated as an efficient and feasible approach for the optimization of coagulation/flocculation treatment.

https://ift.tt/2KHMlOk

New applied pharmacological approach/trend on utilization of agro-industrial wastes

Abstract

This study aimed to transform the locally available lignocellulosic residual palm frond (PF) and rice straw (RS) wastes into multifunction added products like methylated cellulose and sulfated and phosphorylated hemicelluloses by simple processes. Hydrolysis with 2 N sulfuric acid was the most suitable reaction for microcrystalline cellulose production. The characteristics of the prepared products were studied to obtain the optimum reaction conditions. Palm frond hemicellulose (PFHC) recorded the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans (22, 22, 26 mm), respectively, and phosphorylated palm frond hemicellulose (PPFHC) exhibited the highest potential antioxidant activity of approximately 60%, suggesting a possible correlation between the two bioactivities. Most of extracted celluloses and their derivatives had a variety of promising probiotic activities which are expected to reduce the side effects of the gastric mucosa and possibly play a role in curing the gastric ulcer. Accordingly, the determination of anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity results revealed that methylcellulose, sulfated and phosphorylated hemicelluloses showed anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities and the capability of all tested compounds to ameliorate the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats' stomach. All results recommended PF and RS and their derivatives to be used as a medicinal food.

https://ift.tt/2m4Ub5X

Severity of allergic rhinitis impacts sleep and anxiety: results from a large Spanish cohort

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent disease that generates high social and health care costs and also has a significant effect on quality of life and quality of sleep. It has also been related to some...

https://ift.tt/2KXT8iN

CH 4 flux and methanogen community dynamics from five common emergent vegetations in a full-scale constructed wetland

Abstract

To investigate the effects of emergent plants on CH₄ efflux and elucidate the key factors responsible for these effects, annual monitoring of CH₄ emissions and methanogen community dynamics in a full-scale constructed wetland (CW) was conducted. Five emergent plants (Typha orientalis, Cyperus alternifolius, Arundo domax, Iris pseudacorus, and Thalia dealbata) commonly used in CWs were selected for investigation. The greatest CH₄ flux (annual mean 19.4 mg m⁻² h⁻¹) was observed from I. pseudacorus, while the lowest CH₄ flux (7.1 mg m⁻² h⁻¹) was observed from Thalia dealbata. The CH₄ flux from five emergent plants showed marked seasonal variation. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorous (TP) were weakly correlated with CH₄ emissions, whereas total carbon (TC) and root biomass of plants were positively correlated with CH₄ emissions. Quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR) analysis indicated that the gene abundance of eubacterial 16S rRNA, particulate methane monooxygenase (pmoA) and methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) significantly differed among plant species. Differences in TC, root biomass, and dissolved oxygen (DO) caused by plant species were potential factors responsible for differences in methanogens, methanotrophs, and CH₄ emissions. Methanobacteriaceae, Methanoregulaceae, Methanomicrobiaceae, and Methanosarcinaceae were the dominant families of methanogens. The pathways of methanogenesis from the five emergent plants differed, with the main pathway being hydrogenotrophic, while both hydrogenotrophic and acetotrophic methanogens were involved in A. domax. Redundancy analysis (RDA) further indicated that emergent plant types had a profound influence on the methanogenic communities. Taken together, these results suggest emergent plant species can significantly influence CH₄ fluxes in CW through microbial communities, biochemical pathways for methanogenesis, TC, and DO. Furthermore, plant species in CWs should be considered an important factor in evaluating greenhouse gases emission. Finally, it is necessary to effectively manage CWs vegetation to maximize their environmental benefits.

Graphical abstract

ᅟ

https://ift.tt/2J5zj7q

Dentin pretreatment with Er:YAG laser and sodium ascorbate to improve the bond strength of glass fiber post

Abstract

Root-filled teeth that received fiber posts most frequently fail at the adhesive interface between resin cement and dentin. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Er:YAG laser and/or sodium ascorbate (SA) on bond strength, microhardness of dentin, and penetration depth of cement into dentinal tubules. Forty-eight bovine incisor roots were endodontically treated, post spaces were prepared and equally divided into four groups (n = 12): G1—distilled water (control); G2—10% SA (10 min); G3—Er:YAG laser (150 mJ/4 Hz/40 s), and G4—Er:YAG laser + 10% SA. Glass fiber posts were cemented and roots sectioned into slices. In the first slice, the push-out bond strength (MPa) and failures were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The second slice was subjected to microhardness test (KHN) and CLSM to assess the cement penetration. ANOVA and Tukey test were used for bond strength and microhardness data and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests for the cement penetration (α = .05). The SA-treated samples had higher bond strength (10.02 ± 5.45a), similar to Er:YAG laser (9.91 ± 4.62a) and Er:YAG laser + SA (8.09 ± 4.07a). The least values (P < .05) were found on control (4.02 ± 2.39b). Significant differences were observed on root thirds (P < .05): cervical > middle > apical. There was a predominance of adhesive failures. The microhardness test revealed no differences between groups (P > .05). The experimental groups (G2, G3, and G4) had highest penetration into dentinal tubules when compared to the control (G1). Dentin pretreatments with Er:YAG laser or SA improved bond strength of cement-post-dentin interfaces; however, no synergistic effect of both treatments combined was observed.

https://ift.tt/2m5bxj6

The hygiene hypothesis: immunological mechanisms of airway tolerance

Eline Haspeslagh | Ines Heyndrickx | Hamida Hammad | Bart N Lambrecht

https://ift.tt/2m4VJNo

Rare tumor in unusual location – glomus tumor of the finger pulp (clinical and dermoscopic features): a case report

Glomus tumors are rare, benign, vascular neoplasms arising from the glomus body. Although they can develop in any part of the body, they commonly do so in the upper extremities, most frequently subungual areas...

https://ift.tt/2J4R2vU

Three new Brazilian cases of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency: clinical, molecular, hormonal, and treatment features

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2u3ViXY

Symptomatic Rathke cleft cyst in paediatric patients – clinical presentations, surgical treatment and postoperative outcomes – an analysis of 38 cases

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2zm2K5J

Incidental Finding of Left Ventricular False Chamber: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications

We present the case of a 75-year-old man with incidental finding of a left ventricular false chamber at echocardiography. A multimodality imaging approach including also transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging allowed to better characterize the lesion and identify it as a pseudoaneurysm. Surgery showed an infective aetiology, which is rare, due to the finding of a large abscess in the cavity.

https://ift.tt/2KYLLb4

PAROTIDECTOMY INCISIONS

Publication date: Available online 8 July 2018

Source: Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Author(s): Nigar Ahmedli, David Myssiorek

Abstract

The surgical approach to a parotidectomy was first described by Blair in 1912 for the resection of all parotid tumors. It has since evolved and changed into numerous permutations. The modern-day approach considers the size, location and sometimes anticipated pathology of the parotid tumor in addition to the need for a possible neck dissection. As the concern for cosmesis increases in today's society, the well-known Modified Blair incision has been revised to limit the cutaneous scar while preserving access and oncologic principles. The evolution of the parotidectomy incision from its first description to the various changes that have recently occurred are presented. These modifications occurred to take into account aesthetic concerns. The techniques are outlined as a surgical guide.

https://ift.tt/2J4mvyu

Tissue-targeted complement therapeutics

Publication date: Available online 7 July 2018

Source: Molecular Immunology

Author(s): Stephen Tomlinson, Joshua M. Thurman

Abstract

Complement activation contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Therapeutic complement inhibitors have proven effective in several of these diseases and have now entered clinical use. Complement activation has multiple different biologic effects, however, and the currently available drugs can have undesirable side-effects, such as an increased risk of infection. Several different complement inhibitors have been developed that bind to target molecules, thereby concentrating the drug at a specific anatomic site. This approach appears to be both more effective than untargeted drugs and to have fewer side effects. In this article we review different targeting strategies that have been developed and the evidence supporting the use and benefits of targeted drugs.

https://ift.tt/2lYXHyK

Autoimmune liver disease serology in acute hepatitis E virus infection

Publication date: Available online 7 July 2018

Source: Journal of Autoimmunity

Author(s): Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli, Paolo Ripellino, Claudio Gobbi, Andreas Cerny, Adriana Baserga, Claudia Di Bartolomeo, Florian Bihl, Gaia Deleonardi, Laura Melidona, Ana Gabriela Grondona, Giorgina Mieli-Vergani, Diego Vergani, Luigi Muratori, Swiss Autoimmune Hepatitis Cohort Study Group

Abstract

The etiology of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unknown, though hepatotropic viruses may be potential triggers. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, an increasingly recognized cause of acute hepatitis, has been misdiagnosed as AIH due to the occurrence of autoantibodies during its acute phase. It has also been suggested that HEV infection may lead to or unmask AIH. The HEV seroprevalence has been ascertained in patients with AIH, but the prevalence of AIH-related autoantibodies in patients with HEV infection has not been systematically tested. We aimed to investigate whether acute HEV infection is associated with the presence of AIH-relevant autoantibodies, following the liver autoimmune serology guidelines of the International AIH Group. We tested 48 patients with acute HEV infection. Half of them had at least one autoantibody, 17% two autoantibodies. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) were detected in 16 (33%), anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA) in 10 (21%), and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in 7 (14.6%). Of note, two patients showed SMA with VG or VGT patterns and five had ANA with homogeneous appearance, both being typical of AIH type 1. Other AIH-specific autoantibodies were negative. Atypical anti-mitochondrial antibody, without evidence of primary biliary cholangitis, was positive in one patient, disappearing at follow-up. Follow-up (median 12 months) serum was available from seven autoantibody positive patients: two became negative, while five remained positive, although no patient developed AIH to date. In conclusion, autoantibodies are frequently present during acute HEV infection, indicating that HEV should always be excluded before diagnosing AIH. Importantly, a minority of patients with acute hepatitis E develops AIH-specific autoantibodies, and, though they did not progress to autoimmune liver disease in the short-term, they warrant long-term monitoring.

https://ift.tt/2m4O3KW

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: Lessons from 14 cases successfully treated in a single center. A narrative report

Publication date: Available online 7 July 2018

Source: Journal of Autoimmunity

Author(s): Amelia Ruffatti, Giustina De Silvestro, Piero Marson, Marta Tonello, Antonia Calligaro, Maria Favaro, Teresa Del Ross, Ariela Hoxha, Elena Mattia, Vittorio Pengo

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of laboratory findings in patients with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) and to report the effects of a well-defined treatment protocol in 14 consecutive cases.

Thirteen patients (12 presenting one and one presenting two episodes of CAPS) were consecutively treated and monitored between 1986 and 2017. Antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) characteristics of the patients were compared with those of 64 matched controls (45 antiphospholipid syndrome patients and 19 aPL carriers) who did not develop CAPS during the same mean follow-up period (12 years ± 9.9 SD).

Triple aPL positivity (IgG/IgM anticardiolipin + IgG/IgM anti-β2Glycoprotein I + lupus anticoagulants) significantly prevailed in the CAPS patients with respect to the controls (p = 0.003). IgG anticardiolipin and IgG anti-β2Glycoprotein I mean antibody titers of the CAPS patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (p = 0.0018 and p = 0.003, respectively). Triple therapy (anticoagulation + plasma exchange + steroids) was administered to all the CAPS cases except for one. Beginning in 2009, intravenous immunoglobulin infusion has also been included in the triple therapy protocol (six patients). All the patients recovered from CAPS; five showed renal failure and one a I-II class New York Heart Association (NYHA) dilated cardiomyopathy. Long-term outcomes of CAPS included a gradual worsening of renal failure in one patient who required hemodialysis 30 years after the acute episode. Renal function improved in the other four patients. The patient affected with dilated cardiomyopathy worsened to a II class NYHA over a five year period. Currently all the patients are alive.

A specific antiphospholipid antibody profile could be considered a risk factor associated to CAPS. Early use of a defined treatment protocol based on triple therapy either or not associated with IVIG was associated with recovery in all CAPS patients.

https://ift.tt/2zhP23Z