Riparian erosion from cattle traffic may contribute up to 50% of the modelled streambank sediment supply in a large Great Barrier Reef river basin

Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment management has been constrained by knowledge gaps regarding streambank erosion processes in grazing lands. To help reduce these uncertainties a remote sensing study using high-resolution imagery estimated sediment contributions from cattle traffic on streambanks of a GBR river basin. Results suggest cattle ramps and ramp trails may contribute up to 50% of the modelled streambank sediment supply. Once a suitable delivery ratio is applied, this estimated supply may contribute up to 30% of the modelled fine sediment exported from the Fitzroy River Basin. These findings may also offer a plausible explanation for the first-flush of high sediment concentration observed early in flood hydrographs. Overall, the results could help identify what proportion of currently modelled subsoil erosion is generated by riparian cattle traffic. Future studies applying similar methods could provide useful initial estimates of streambank ramp erosion from grazing land use in other GBR river basins.

Does parasitism influence sediment stability? Evaluation of trait-mediated effects of the trematode Bucephalus minimus on the key role of cockles Cerastoderma edule in sediment erosion dynamics

In coastal environments, bioturbators greatly influence the physical and biogeochemical properties of sediments with consequences for central ecological processes such as erosion dynamics. In addition to their direct impact on sediment stability, bioturbators can have an impact on sediment erosion processes by modulating the growth of microphytobenthic organisms that stabilise the surface layer of sediments. The direct and indirect influences of bioturbators on sediment dynamics depend on the magnitude of their activity and inherently on their physiological state. Bioturbators are infected by various parasites, which have a substantial impact on their physiology and behaviour. However, the knock-on effects of parasites on key ecosystem functions like sediment dynamics remain poorly studied. We conducted flume experiments to investigate the indirect influence of the trematode Bucephalus minimus parasitising the common cockle Cerastoderma edule on the dynamics of sandy sediments enriched or not with microphytobenthos (MPB). Cockles modified bed roughness, sediment surface erodibility and hence destabilised sandy sediments. In sediments not enriched with MPB, both unparasitised and parasitised organisms had a similar impact on the stability of sandy sediments. In contrast, parasitism slightly reduced the destabilisation effect of cockles in MPB-enriched sediments. In the latter, parasitised cockles did not interfere with MPB growth whereas unparasitised organisms constrained the microalgae development. However, the enrichment of the surface layers of sandy sediments with MPB did not modulate the erosion dynamics of these environments. Thus, the lower destabilisation effect of parasitised cockles was not here linked to a stabilisation effect of MPB. When standardised for length, parasitised cockles were lighter than unparasitised organisms. Weakened cockles may have had a lower bioturbation potential than unparasitised conspecifics. If so, the influence parasitised cockles had on sediment erodibility and sediment roughness may have been reduced. The absence of a parasitism effect on the dynamics of MPB-unenriched sediments remains nonetheless unclear.

Using Landsat satellites to assess the impact of check dams built across erosive gullies on vegetation rehabilitation

Gully erosion, a process of soil removal due to water accumulation and runoff, is a worldwide problem affecting agricultural lands. Building check dams perpendicular to the flow direction is one of the suggested control practices to stabilize this process. Though there are many studies on the effect of erosive controls on land stabilization, few examine its effect on the rehabilitation of vegetation. Here we use information from the satellites Landsat-7 (1999-2018) and Landsat-8 (2013-2018) to assess the effect of soil check dams built during 2012 across three gullies with distinct structures in a dryland area on vegetative cover and water status. We use a time series analysis technique to decompose Landsat-derived soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) into woody (SAVI_W) and herbaceous (iSAVI_H) contributions. The integral over the seasonal signal of the normalized difference water index (iNDWI) was used to assess changes in water status in the gully. We used herbaceous biomass collected in the field in 2014-2017 to validate iSAVI_H as a proxy of herbaceous biomass. Our results show that following the construction of the check dams, the change in woody vegetation cover is best described by a sigmoid model with an increase of ~57% (95% CI: 39%-76%; p < 0.0001), while the herbaceous vegetation increases linearly at a rate of ~71% per year (95% CI: 48%-93% y^-1; p < 0.0001). The correlation between iSAVI_H and herbaceous biomass (R² = 0.56; n = 16; p < 0.001) corroborates this increase. We found higher herbaceous productivity in the deeper gully compared to the shallower gullies but not statistically different increase rates. An increase in iNDWI of ~68% (95% CI: 43%-95%; p < 0.0001) likely implies an improved water infiltration rate that favored the vegetation expansion. Our satellite-based approach can be used to assess the impact of erosive control practices on vegetation rehabilitation in heterogeneous gullies.

Eliciting expert judgment to inform management of diverse oyster resources for multiple ecosystem services

This study presents the most comprehensive set of ecosystem service provision estimates for diverse oyster-based resources to date. We use expert elicitation methods to derive estimates of five ecosystem services provided by oysters: oyster harvest (as indicated by oyster density), improved water quality (net nitrogen assimilation), shoreline protection (net erosion), and other fish habitat (blue crab and red drum density). Distributions are estimated for three distinct resources: on-bottom production, off-bottom farms, and non-harvested restoration/conservation efforts, under twelve distinct scenarios according to varying environmental conditions (eutrophication, sedimentation, and salinity regimes). Our expert-derived estimates of ecosystem services provide useful comparisons across oyster resources of both expected ecosystem service delivery levels and the amount of variation in those levels. These estimates bridge an information gap regarding relative performance of diverse oyster resources along multiple dimensions and should serve as a useful guide for resource managers facing competing interests.

Where did the soil go? Quantifying one year of soil erosion on a steep tile-drained agricultural field

Distributed measurements of agricultural erosion at the farm-scale are needed to evaluate both the on and off-site impacts of sediment redistribution. While best management practices have been shown to reduce surface erosion rates and improve water quality, their farm-scale effects can be difficult to quantify. In this study we use imagery from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and structure-from-motion multi-view stereo (SfM-MVS) to quantify erosion rates and their effects on crop yield across a 15.9-ha agricultural field. Our results highlight that the installation of catch basins were able to stop 159.52 t of sediment and associated nutrients from entering the waterway adjacent to the study site over the course of one year, corresponding to an erosion rate of 18.83 t ha^-1 yr^-1 across six study basins. Poor soil structure resulting from downslope tillage reduced crop yields on topographic shoulders of the study site, while accelerated water erosion processes were responsible for large areas of washout that caused highly variable crop growth in footslopes. The highest crop yields were associated with backslopes and topographically flat regions of the field which experienced minimal erosion. Change-detection results showed that UAV imagery was able to reliably quantify depositional plumes and was comparable to that of a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) using a ± 0.04 m confidence interval.

A novel cervical tooth wear and recession index, the cervical localisation code, and its application in the prevention and management of dentine hypersensitivity

OBJECTIVES

To design and validate a new index to assess tooth wear (TW) in the cervical region and its association with gingival recession (GR), for use both in research studies and as resource in General Dental Practice, with focused prevention and management strategiesparticularly related to aetiology of dentine hypersensitivity provided for each Code score.

METHODS

Codes to reflect clinical presentations of the cervical region in health and disease recording both TW and GR were defined. Validation of the Code was undertaken by 3 trained examiners who scored buccal and lingual surfaces of eligible teeth in 42 adult healthy volunteers. Each volunteer underwent 4 identical clinical examinations, being assessed twice by the examiner who performed the first and last exam.

RESULTS

Cervical Localisation Code definitions were A: no GR, no coronal TW, B: no GR, distinct coronal TW, C: GR but no coronal TW, D: GR with distinct coronal and root TW. For validation 2073 eligible tooth surfaces were scored. There were only 57 within and 201 between examiner disagreements, the most common being between scores C and D.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cervical Localisation Code was used reproducibly by three independent examiners. It will provide focussed data on the cervical region in research studies allowing the association of patient reported dietary and lifestyle factors with specific lesion types, and a tool to aid the management of clinical scenarios, specifically those that lead to dentine hypersensitivity in general dental practice.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Exposure of dentine at the cervical margin by TW and/or GR often results in dentine hypersensitivity, however current TW indices do not record TW location or GR presence. The Cervical Localisation Code captures both parameters and suggests likely aetiology for dentine hypersensitivity and guide clinical management of the cervical region.

Dataset of wind blow sand erosion test on ultrasonic surface treated cementitious composites

In this paper, we take cement mortar and paste as specimens, a novelty method named ultrasonic surface treatment(UST) was employed to form a hardening surface layer on cementitious specimens to improve its wind-blown sand erosion resistance, surface hardness and apparent density. The specimens with curing ages of 1-day, 3-days, 7-days, and 28-days were adopted. The wind blown sand erosion test was carried out in a wind-blown sand erosion test system, which simulated a wind blown sand environment of a wind speed of 30 m/s and a sand feed rate of 30 g/min. The erosion angle of 30°, 60°, 90° were adopted. The mass loss in erosion process was measured, then the erosion resistance was calculated. The surface hardness was tested with a Vickers micro hardness tester. The apparent density of cement paste was measured with mass volume method. The data provided reveal the improvement on wind blown sand erosion resistance, surface hardnenss and apparent density of cementitious materials with ultrasonic surface treatment. That may be used in the investigation on improving the erosion resistance and to evaluate the effectiveness of the UST method on cementitious materials.

Spatial and temporal evaluation of soil erosion in Turkey under climate change scenarios using the Pan-European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment (PESERA) model

The impacts of climate change on soil erosion are mainly caused by the changes in the amount and intensity of rainfall and rising temperature. The combination of rainfall and temperature change is likely to be accompanied by negative or positive variations in agricultural and forest management. Turkey contains vast fertile plains, high mountain chains and semi-arid lands, with a climate that ranges from marine to continental and therefore is susceptible to soil erosion under climate change, particularly on high gradients and in semi-arid areas. This study aims to model the soil erosion risk under climate change scenarios in Turkey using the Pan-European Soil Erosion Assessment (PESERA) model, predicting the likely effects of land use/cover and climate change on sediment transport and soil erosion in the country. For this purpose, PESERA was applied to estimate the monthly and annual soil loss for 12 land use/cover types in Turkey. The model inputs included 128 variables derived from soil, climate, land use/cover and topography data. The total soil loss from the land surface is speculated to be approximately 285.5 million tonnes per year. According to the IPCC 5th Assessment Report of four climate change scenarios, the total soil losses were predicted as 308.9, 323.5, 320.3 and 355.3 million tonnes for RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5 scenarios respectively from 2060 to 2080. The predicted amounts of fertile soil loss from agricultural land in a year were predicted to be 55.5 million tonnes at present, and 62.7, 59.9, 61.7 and 58.1 under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5 respectively. This confirms that approximately 30% of the total erosion occurs over the agricultural lands. In this respect, degraded forests, scrub and arable lands were subjected to the highest erosion rate (68%) of the total, whereas, fruit trees and berry plantations reflected the lowest erosion rates. Low soil organic carbon, sparse vegetation cover and variable climatic conditions significantly enhanced the erosion of the cultivated lands by primarily removing the potential food for organisms. Finally, process-based models offer a valuable resource for decision-makers when improving environmental management schemes and also decrease uncertainty when considering risks.

Late presentation of left atrial appendage erosion and perforation by an Amplatzer™ Amulet™ closure device: a case report

Background

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure may reduce the risk of cardioembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Given the prophylactic nature of the procedure, identifying and managing complications are paramount.

Case summary

A 73-year-old man presented 14 months after percutaneous LAA closure with syncope and acute pericardial tamponade which required surgical exploration and haemostasis; the most temporally remote account of this complication albeit amongst very few case reports. Tissue erosion by the Amplatzer™ Amulet™ LAA closure device (Abbott, Plymouth, MN, USA) was noted at two separate anatomical locations, corresponding to the device disc and lobe, which has not been described previously.

Discussion

This case report highlights the anatomical relationship between the LAA and its surrounding structures, and the importance of recognizing the risk of late device erosion.

Intensified dissolution of uranium from graphite substrate using ultrasound

Decontamination of graphite structural elements and recovery of uranium is crucial for waste minimization and recycle of nuclear fuel elements. Feasibility of intensified dissolution of uranium-impregnated graphite substrate using ultrasound has been studied with objective of establishing the effect of operating parameters and the kinetics of sonocatalytic dissolution of uranium in nitric acid. The effect of operating frequency and acoustic intensity as well as the acid concentration and temperature on the dissolution of metal has been elucidated. It was observed that at lower acid concentrations (6 M-8 M), the dissolution ratio increases by 15% on increasing the bath temperature from 45 to 70 °C. At higher acid concentration (>10 M), the increase was only around 5-7% for a similar change in temperature. With 12 M HNO₃, pitting was also observed on the graphite surface along with erosion due to high local reaction rates in the presence of ultrasound. For higher frequency of applied ultrasound, lower dissolution rate of uranium was observed though it also leads to high rates of erosion of the substrate. It was thus established that suitable optimization of frequency is required based on the nature of the substrate and the choice of recycling it. The dissolution rate was also demonstrated to increase with acoustic intensity till it reaches to the maximum at the observed optimum (1.2 W/cm² at 33 kHz). Comparison with silent conditions revealed that enhanced rate was obtained due to the use of ultrasound under optimum conditions. The work has demonstrated the effective application of ultrasound for intensifying the extent of dissolution of metal.

Considering environmental variables in the design of waste dumpsites

Mining generates a significant quantity of waste material including ballast, gravel, and slags, which are often deposited in areas without taking into account the environment impacts and the need to ensure the physical and chemical stability of the disposed waste. One of the less studied problems is the emission of particulate matter produced by wind erosion at the dumpsites. This erosion is mainly caused by two factors, wind speed and turbulence, due to surface phenomenon. Until now, the design of waste dumpsites in the Chilean mining industry has not considered these environmental conditions. Efforts to minimize disposal costs have always been achieved by depositing ballast without considering these variables. When wind impacts this unprotected surface, it creates a source of dust that requires some special attention. The problem that this research tries to solve is to reduce particulate material to the atmosphere from waste dumps in which, under certain atmospherics and geographic conditions, specifically on winter season, its concentrations overpass the maximum limit allowed by law, generating bronchopulmonary diseases and even closing partially or totally mine operation. The result is the creation of a waste dumpsite design model, with its corresponding algorithms, which will allow optimization of the waste dumpsite design. From these results, future researches could explore more sustainable mining, such as unit operations, drilling, blasting, load and crushing material, reducing particulate material emissions to the atmosphere, and minimizing environmental impact due to exploitation.

Total colpocleisis technique in huge neglected ulcerated uterovaginal prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We present a video describing the technical considerations for performing a total colpocleisis in the management of significant, neglected, ulcerated, and symptomatic complete uterovaginal prolapse.

METHODS

A 79-year-old debilitated woman presented with a large, ulcerated pelvic bulge. A previous attempt at pessary treatment failed because of a disproportion of the pessary with the prolapse size. She had a history of liver insufficiency and hypertension. Obliterative colpocleisis surgery was selected because the healing of a large ulcerated vagina was not likely within a short timeframe. Sharp dissection with scissors and de-epithelialisation of the remaining non-eroded vaginal mucosa with the friction of a sharp-edged surgical knife were performed. Closely located purse strings were used to obliterate potential spaces. Two mirror image triangles in the anterior and posterior vaginal walls were removed. After the formation of a new perineal body, the diamond-shaped vaginal incision was closed vertically to narrow introitus.

RESULTS

The patient was discharged on the first postoperative day and an uncomplicated postoperative course ensued. At the 4-week follow-up, there was no evidence of infection, recurrent prolapse, de novo stress incontinence, or voiding with difficulty.

CONCLUSIONS

Total colpocleisis is an excellent surgical option in women with multiple, large cervicovaginal ulcers and multiple comorbidities with no desire for penetrative vaginal function.

Evaluation of gully development over several years using GIS and fractal analysis: a case study of the Palmital watershed, Minas Gerais (Brazil)

Soil erosion affects agricultural production by reducing the area of rural properties and altering the dynamics of watersheds. Gullies are a complex and irregular type of erosion form that can reach large dimensions, and studying gullies to stabilize erosion processes is a challenge. This study aims to understand their environmental relationships as a basis for future research and to recover land degraded by soil erosion. We combined mapping techniques using geographic information system (GIS) with temporal evolution of land use and fractal dimensions of gullies using FracLac to determine the stability of gullies in a watershed in south Minas Gerais (Brazil). We used R software to apply linear regressions and tested the statistics to verify the compatibility of the model. Environmental characteristics of the watershed contribute to the formation of gullies, but human activities influence the deflagration of these features. The temporal evolution of the land use demonstrated that nearly 50% of the watershed was used as pastures throughout the years, which contributed to soil degradation. The evolution of the fractal dimension showed fluctuations over the years, indicating that the gullies are not stable. The regressions suggest that the vegetation, geology, land use, channel order, and curvature may influence the fractal dimensions of gullies. We concluded that human activity influences the evolution of gullies; the use of techniques such as vegetation measures can contribute to the stabilization of gullies. We also concluded that fractal analysis is an interesting tool for performing environmental evaluations of irregular and complex features, such as gullies.

Baerveldt-Baerveldt Apposition: A New Surgical Technique to Salvage Obstructed Glaucoma Drainage Tubes

Aim

Glaucoma drainage device (GDD) failure is usually rectified by the replacement of the entire device or using a tube extender, both of which were associated with postoperative complications. To minimize these risks, we developed a technique to replace the failing section of a tube while keeping the filtration plate in place, and without resorting to an extender clip.

Background

We describe the case of a 69-year-old man, whose left posttraumatic glaucoma was initially treated with a XEN-augmented Baerveldt procedure. Following recurrent obstructions, a kinked section of the Baerveldt tube was sectioned and replaced.

Technique

After sectioning the blocked section of the tube, a new Baerveldt tube was inserted into the anterior chamber. Its filtration plate was removed, and the posterior end of the new tube was connected to the anterior end of the existing device so that both lumens would be continuous. The adjoining tubes were stitched to each other with two 8-0 nylon sutures passing through the walls of the tubes. An allograft patch was replaced over the tubes and the conjunctival fornix was closed. Intraocular pressure (IOP) normalized immediately after surgery and remained stable through 6 months.

Conclusion

This surgical approach offers a new way to salvage a failing Baerveldt tube without replacing the filtration plate, repeating a complete surgery, or potentially compromising the conjunctiva with an extender. The minimal residual gap at the junction between the tubes appears to provide the same additional IOP-lowering effect as the “venting slits” that are sometimes performed to minimize the initial hypertensive phase without causing hypotony.

Clinical significance

This report illustrates a simple yet effective technique to replace the failing section of a GDD or lengthen a short GDD without replacing the entire device or using an extender clip, and thus minimizing the risks of complications.

How to cite this article

Gillmann K, Mansouri K, Bravetti GE, et al. Baerveldt–Baerveldt Apposition: A New Surgical Technique to Salvage Obstructed Glaucoma Drainage Tubes. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2019;13(3):110–112.

Bridging the gap of perception is the only way to align soil protection actions

Science is the seed of a decent life, with which we sow hope in the present and which we irrigate with the perfecting of good deeds. It is even crucial in the Mediterranean southern frontiers where the cultural erosion dissolves the structure of a society abandoned by the arms and brains of its youth. Soil-water-vegetation crisis should not be underestimated; coupled with socioeconomic congestion it would lead to an irremediable crash. Here, we show that the first and most difficult step to face soil degradation is to cultivate the right idea and develop it into a well-established community culture. We found in northern Morocco that 94.5% of farmers have no qualification and 82.6% of them act in a way that worsens soil degradation even if they are aware of the severity of the problem. This confused perception of ideas originates inappropriate labour behaviours non-aligned with public actions. Our results show that the impact of this is a high potential regional erosion rate of 27.7 t/ha/year which is equivalent to a massive potential gross amount of soil loss of 44.3 Mt/year. We show that this leads to an overall vegetation decrease related mainly to the anthropogenic pressure then to climate and lithology. We anticipate that the solution must be comprehensive, participatory, strategic and innovative, led by education and scientific research (Citizen Science) and involving all actors equally. In its broad context, the only path to achieve the coordination and alignment of actions would be through a gradual change of perception and involvement based on a time-consuming culture of assimilation and acceptance rather than a culture of rapid reform.

Osteoclasts and their circulating precursors in rheumatoid arthritis: Relationships with disease activity and bone erosions

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have very different outcomes, particularly with regard to bone erosions. Since osteoclasts are responsible for bone destruction adjacent to rheumatoid synovium, profiling osteoclasts from circulating precursors in RA could help identify patients at risk for bone destruction. In this study, we sought to determine whether the functional characteristics of osteoclasts generated from their blood precursors were modified by RA activity or were intrinsic to osteoclasts and associated with the RA phenotype (erosive or not).

Osteoclasts were generated in vitro from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of subjects with RA (n = 140), as well as sex- and age-matched healthy controls (n = 101). Osteoclastic parameters were analyzed at baseline and during the follow-up for up to 4 years, with regular assessment of RA activity, bone erosions, and bone mineral density (BMD). As a validation cohort, we examined RA patients from the Early Undifferentiated PolyArthritis (EUPA) study (n = 163).

The proportion of CD14⁺ PBMC was higher in RA than in control subjects, but inversely correlated with the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28). Also surprisingly, in osteoclast cultures from PBMCs, active RA was associated with lower osteoclastogenic capacity, while in vitro bone resorption per osteoclast and resistance to apoptosis were similar in both active and quiescent RA. In a small subgroup analysis, osteoclasts from subjects with recent RA that had progressed at four years to an erosive RA exhibited at baseline greater resistance to apoptosis than those from patients remaining non-erosive.

Our findings establish that when RA is active, circulating monocytes have a reduced potential to generate osteoclasts from PBMCs in vitro. In addition, osteoclasts associated with erosive disease had resistance to apoptosis from the start of RA.

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Osteoclasts are derived in vitro from circulating monocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

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Blood CD14⁺ monocytes (%) are higher but inversely correlated with disease activity.

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Active rheumatoid arthritis is associated with reduced osteoclast formation in vitro.

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Inflammation alters the ability to generate osteoclasts from circulating monocytes.

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Osteoclast resistance to apoptosis is stable and associated with long-term erosions.

Anthropogenic influence on the sediment chemistry and diatom assemblages of Balamtetik Lake, Chiapas, Mexico

Balamtetik is the receiving body of the Rio Grande de Comitán and is located just at the outskirts of the Montebello National Park, Chiapas, México. Multi-elemental, infrared spectra, ¹³⁷Cs, ²¹⁰Pb, and diatom analyses in a 75-cm sediment core were used to reconstruct the recent disturbance history of the lake. The sequence chronology, based mostly on ¹³⁷Cs profiles, allowed to infer high sedimentation rates in Balamtetik (~ 7 mm/year) and a nearly cyclic series of disturbance events that can be related to anthropogenic causes such as deforestation and increased development of agriculture and urban areas at local and regional scale. These disturbance events show high local and regional erosion (high Ca, TIC, and Ti), soil organic matter (IR spectra), eutrophication (high P and diatoms), and anoxic bottom water conditions (low Mn) and can be dated to the early 1950s, the late 1950s, and from the 1980s until the 2000s. The entrance of wastewaters is related with an increase in salinity inferred by the diatom record and the organic matter type. The first two disturbance events are related to changes in land use during the agrarian reform that started during the 1940s; the last event is related with the increase in local population and the introduction of intensive agriculture. This last phase of disturbance corresponds with the reports of fish mortality events around 2003; however, high lake turbidity and anoxic bottom waters seem to have been established since the 1980s. The record from Lake Balamtetik also shows that during the intermediate periods, there was a recovery of the lake and its catchment; however, the future trends might be different, as the increase in the speed of organic matter and nutrients arrival to the lake reduces its resilience.

Sediment mobilisation and release through groundwater discharge to the land surface: Review and theoretical development

The discharge of groundwater to the land surface and to lakes and streams may express subsurface particles. This may lead to preferential pathways and increased fluxes of groundwater, sediment and contaminants, and modified subsurface structures. The current review attempts to describe and categorise the various forms through which sediment may be liberated in areas of groundwater discharge. Forces acting on subsurface particles in areas of groundwater discharge include seepage (drag), buoyancy and particle weight, amongst other, more complex forces. Equations for these can be combined to create formulae for approximating the conditions under which groundwater discharge will transport particles to the surface. Two forms of subsurface sediment transport are considered: (1) flow through an immobile granular matrix (suffusion and suffosion), and (2) flow through preferential pathways (i.e., often treated as pipes). Suffusion involves sediment movement that does not impact the soil's stability, whereas suffosion creates changes to soil stability and, consequently, soil volume. Preferential flow may arise from cracks in cohesive materials or through localised fluidization of non-cohesive soils, leading in some situations to sand boils. Guidance is presented on the minimum theoretical hydraulic gradient required for grains of various sizes to start to rise. New simple formulae are developed that build on existing theory, and these are compared to previous laboratory data, showing that suffusion is more or less predictable using the new simple method. However, experimental sand boils require larger hydraulic gradients compared to theory. The current analysis summarises the state of knowledge and persistent knowledge gaps associated with sediment ejection through groundwater discharge, which we expect has wide-ranging applications in terms of sediment transport in coastal regions and to surface water bodies, and where strong groundwater discharge is known to occur.

In situ efficacy of an experimental toothpaste on enamel rehardening and prevention of demineralisation: a randomised, controlled trial

Background

A novel sodium fluoride toothpaste containing lactate ion and polyvinylmethylether-maleic anhydride has been developed to promote enamel remineralisation and resistance to demineralisation. In this in situ study, we compared this toothpaste (‘Test’) with a stannous fluoride-zinc citrate (SnF₂-Zn) toothpaste (‘Reference’) (both 1100–1150 ppm fluoride) and a fluoride-free toothpaste (‘Placebo’) using an enamel dental erosion-rehardening model.

Methods

In each phase of this randomised, investigator-blind, crossover study, participants wore palatal appliances holding bovine enamel specimens with erosive lesions. They brushed their natural teeth with either the Test, Reference or Placebo toothpastes, then swished the resultant slurry. Specimens were removed at 2 h and 4 h post-brushing and exposed to an in vitro acid challenge. Surface microhardness was measured at each stage; enamel fluoride uptake was measured after in situ rehardening. Surface microhardness recovery, relative erosion resistance, enamel fluoride uptake and acid resistance ratio were calculated at both timepoints.

Results

Sixty two randomised participants completed the study. Test toothpaste treatment yielded significantly greater surface microhardness recovery, relative erosion resistance and enamel fluoride uptake values than either Reference or Placebo toothpastes after 2 and 4 h. The acid resistance ratio value for Test toothpaste was significantly greater than either of the other treatments after 2 h; after 4 h, it was significantly greater versus Placebo only. No treatment-related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

In this in situ model, the novel-formulation sodium fluoride toothpaste enhanced enamel rehardening and overall protection against demineralisation compared with a fluoride-free toothpaste and a marketed SnF₂-Zn toothpaste.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03296072; registered September 28, 2017.

Intrusion of episcleral buckles: report of two cases and brief review

Background

The authors report two cases of the scleral buckles intrusion and erosion that presented many years after primary surgery with vitreous haemorrhage in one of them. Although the erosion/intrusion of a silicone scleral buckle (SB) is rare, it may have serious consequences and optimal management can be challenging. Therefore, this diagnosis should be considered if attributable signs and symptoms including vitreous haemorrhage occurred after scleral buckling. The authors briefly review the literature on clinical presentation and management of the episcleral silicone buckling erosion and intrusion.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 48-year-old woman with a history of scleral buckling for an inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment presented with visual loss in her right eye. A vitreous haemorrhage was observed. After Close observation, Partial resolution of haemorrhage revealed an intruded sponge segment in inferior vitreous cavity. Case 2: A 26-year-old man was referred for retinal evaluation. Twenty years earlier, he had undergone lensectomy for bilateral childhood cataract. Ten years ago, he had developed an aphakic RRD in the left eye. The detachment was managed with pars plana deep vitrectomy, endolaser, an encircling silicone band, and silicone oil injection. On examination an eroded band was noted.

Conclusion

Although the erosion/intrusion of a silicone episcleral buckle is rare, it may have serious consequences and optimal management can be challenging. Unnecessarily destructive techniques may predispose the eye to this complication and should be avoided. Patients who have a history of SB need lifelong follow-up and this diagnosis should be considered if attributable signs and symptoms occurred.

The importance of Legal Reserves for protecting the Pantanal biome and preventing agricultural losses

Considering scenarios of future changes in land use have the potential to support policy-makers in drafting environmental laws to reconcile the demands of multiple land uses. The Pantanal, one of the largest wetlands in the world, has been undergoing rapid land use changes, and does not yet have any integrated environmental legislation on Legal Reserve for entire region (LR - minimum percentage of native vegetation required within private properties). The aim of this paper was to generate future vegetation loss scenarios for the Pantanal based on four LR values: (i) BAU: Business as usual, which considers existing laws: Native Vegetation Protection Law and State Decree; (ii) LRE: LR elimination owing to a bill recently proposed; (iii) LR50: which considers the bill proposing 50% of LR for the Pantanal; and (iv) LR80: our proposed levels of 80% of LR for the lowlands and 35% for the plateau (following values in the Amazon). Based on native vegetation loss from each scenario, we estimated the soil loss and sediment yield to rivers. Our results show that LRE would increase native vegetation loss in the Pantanal by as much as 139% when compared to the BAU, whereas increasing LR levels would reduce conversion values by 29% (LR80). Elimination of the LR would increase soil erosion and sediment production by up to 7% and 10%, respectively, compared to BAU. Based on native vegetation loss from each scenario, we estimated the soil loss and sediment yield to rivers with our data showing more than 90% of the sediment transported to the lowland originating from the plateau. The LR80 indicates a reduction in soil nutrient replacement costs of 10% compared to BAU, while in the LR50 these costs decrease by 1.5%, and in the LRE would increase of 8%. Our results show that abolishing current protections would have substantial impacts on avulsion processes, on several economic activities (tourism, fishery, cattle raising, etc.) and negative impacts for biodiversity conservation and would bring losses to agriculture in the Pantanal. Hence, our study brings clearly evidence of LR importance and need to expand it in this sensitive wetland.

Future challenges of coastal landfills exacerbated by sea level rise

In England and Wales, there are at least 1700 coastal landfills in the coastal flood plain and at least 60 threatened by erosion, illustrating a global problem. These landfills are a major issue in shoreline management planning (SMP) which aims to manage the risks associated with flooding and coastal erosion. Where landfills exist, "hold the line" (requiring the building or upgrading of artificial defences to maintain the current shoreline) is often selected as the preferred SMP option, although government funding is not available at present. To investigate these issues in detail, three case-study landfills are used to examine the risks of future flooding and erosion together with potential mitigation options. These cases represent a contrasting range of coastal landfill settings. The study includes consideration of sea-level rise and climate change which exacerbates risks of erosion and flooding of landfills. It is fundamental to recognise that the release of solid waste in coastal zones is a problem with a geological timescale and these problems will not go away if ignored. Future erosion and release of solid waste is found to be more of a threat than flooding and leachate release from landfills. However, while leachate release can be assessed, there is presently a lack of methods to assess the risks from the release of solid waste. Hence, a lack of science constrains the design of remediation options.

Rare Vesiculopustular Eruptions of the Neonatal Period

Numerous disorders present with vesiculopustular eruptions in the neonatal period, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is imperative to avoid unnecessary testing and treatment for benign eruptions, while allowing for adequate treatment of potentially fatal disorders. In this review, we highlight several rare blistering diseases of the newborn. A diagnostic approach is outlined to provide clinicians with a framework for approaching a neonate with vesicles, pustules, or ulcers.

Evaluation of the Impact of Acidic Drink on the Microhardness of Different Esthetic Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of acidic drink on the microhardness of different esthetic restorative materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty samples (20 samples of each group) were prepared. group I: nanohybrid ormocer-based composite, group II: glasiosite compomer, and group III: nanoceramic composite. A cylindrical aluminum mold of 5 mm depth and 10 mm internal diameter was used to prepare the samples. All the esthetic restorative samples were submerged in 25 mL of acidic drink (Coca-Cola) for 10 minutes each day up to 15 days. The microhardness of each sample was measured using a Vickers diamond intender. These values were matched with baseline, 7th day, and 15th day for final microhardness values.

RESULTS

The mean surface microhardness of 61.13 ± 0.82 was shown by group I, which was slightly more than that in group II (59.65 ± 1.16) and group III (59.22 ± 1.30). Analysis of covariance did not show any statistically significant difference between the groups. The samples in group III showed the highest reduction in surface microhardness value after immersion into acidic drink, followed by group II and group I on 7th day and 15th day. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found on 7th day.

CONCLUSION

The present study concludes that the esthetic restorative material-nanohybrid ormocer-based composite-showed the finest behavior both before and after being dipped in the acidic drink followed next by glasiosite compomer and nanoceramic composite.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The various esthetic restorative materials with different physical characteristics and colors are marketed in numerous ways. Nevertheless, all dental restorative materials show surface degradation under acidic conditions over a period of time. So, it helps to know the surface microhardness changes of various esthetic restorative materials upon repeated exposure to acidic beverages.

Erosive loss of tooth substance is dependent on enamel surface structure and presence of pellicle - An in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

Aim of this in vitro study was to investigate erosive tooth loss in dependence of the enamel surface structure and presence of an acquired pellicle.

METHODS

Enamel specimens from 19 bovine incisors (4 specimens/incisor) were allocated to four experimental groups (n = 19). The surfaces of half of the specimens were polished (two groups), while the other half was left native (two groups). Specimens of one polished and one native group were placed in pooled human saliva (30 min) for the formation of an acquired pellicle. Thereafter, all specimens were demineralized by superfusion with hydrochloric acid (17 min, pH 2.3) with collection of the superfluent. Erosive substance loss was determined by measuring the dissolved calcium content using a colorimetric assay with Arsenazo III reagent. Differences in erosive substance loss were statistically analyzed with respect to enamel surface and pellicle. A linear mixed effects model was fitted to the data and pairwise differences between groups were evaluated (significance level α= 0.05).

RESULTS

Enamel surface structure (p < 0.001) and presence of pellicle (p = 0.01) had a significant effect on erosive substance loss. Polished surfaces with pellicle showed the lowest cumulative calcium release [nmol Ca/mm²] (means ± standard deviation: 48+/-5), followed by polished specimens without (51+/-9) and native specimens with pellicle (54+/-10). No significant differences were found between these groups. Highest cumulative calcium release was found for native specimens without pellicle (61+/-9; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both enamel surface structure and the acquired pellicle are important determinants of the susceptibility to erosive tooth loss.

Novel Confocal-Laser-Scanning-Microscopy and conventional measures investigating eroded dentine following dentifrice dab-on and brushing abrasion

Objectives

To validate novel non-contacting Confocal-Laser-Scanning-Microscopy (CLSM) methodology with conventional Contacting Profilometry (CP) measures investigating brushing or dab-on of stannous-fluoride dentifrice on early aggressive dentine erosion.

Methods

75 polished human dentine samples were prepared and eroded in agitated 6% citric acid then randomly allocated into 5 intervention groups; artificial saliva control (1); controlled use of a pressure sensitive counter-rotating oscillatory powered toothbrush with sodium-fluoride NaF (2) or stannous-fluoride SnF₂ (3), and dab-on application of NaF (4) or SnF₂ (5). Samples underwent three cycles of intervention and 2-min agitated 6 % citric acid challenges. CLSM images were taken and 3D reconstructions produced of step height using a developed software algorithm. In addition, 20 % samples were randomised and profiled using CP to measure step height and surface roughness. Vickers's diamond micro-hardness testing was carried out on all samples.

Results

Comparing CLSM and CP; Pearson correlation was 0.77 and Intra-class correlation 0.81 (p = 0.01). There were no significant statistical differences in step height between groups using both CLSM and CP. From baseline, SnF₂ brushing (3) increased micro-hardness more than control (1) (p = 0.03), NaF (4) and SnF₂ dab-on (5) (p ≤ 0.001), and increased surface roughness more than control (p = 0.02), NaF brushing (2) and NaF dab-on (4) (p ≤ 0.017). Dab-on of SnF₂ (5) produced rougher surfaces than control (1) (p = 0.014) and reduced hardness compared with NaF brushing (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Good agreement and correlation exists between CLSM and CP measures in dentine. There were no significant differences in surface loss after interventions between groups. Compared with control, SnF₂ application increased dentine surface roughness and SnF₂ controlled powered brushing application increased dentine hardness, likely caused by exposure of uneroded dentine.

Clinical significance

Isosurfaces produced using CLSM can be used to represent dentine step height loss. They show good correlation and agreement with conventional CP measures, following early aggressive erosion-abrasion cycles of dentine. The CLSM and computer algorithm therefore provides an accurate, standalone and non-contacting three-dimensional measurement of early dentine wear. Stannous-fluoride brushing, and dab-on application offer no benefits following early aggressive erosion in dentine. To reduce dentine wear, limiting erosive challenges and avoiding brushing post-erosion is advised.

Below-ground biomass of plants, with a key contribution of buried shoots, increases foredune resistance to wave swash

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sand dunes reduce the impact of storms on shorelines and human infrastructure. The ability of these ecosystems to provide sustained coastal protection under persistent wave attack depends on their resistance to erosion. Although flume experiments show that roots of perennial plants contribute to foredune stabilization, the role of other plant organs, and of annual species, remains poorly studied. Furthermore, it remains unknown if restored foredunes provide the same level of erosion resistance as natural foredunes. We investigated the capacity of three widespread pioneer foredune species (the perennial Ammophila arenaria and the annuals Cakile maritima and Salsola kali) to resist dune erosion, and compared the erosion resistance of Ammophila at natural and restored sites.

METHODS

Cores collected in the field were tested in a flume that simulated a wave swash. A multi-model inference approach was used to disentangle the contributions of different below-ground compartments (i.e. roots, rhizomes, buried shoots) to erosion resistance.

KEY RESULTS

All three species reduced erosion, with Ammophila having the strongest effect (36 % erosion reduction versus unvegetated cores). Total below-ground biomass (roots, rhizomes and shoots), rather than any single compartment, most parsimoniously explained erosion resistance. Further analysis revealed that buried shoots had the clearest individual contribution. Despite similar levels of total below-ground biomass, coarser sediment reduced erosion resistance of Ammophila cores from the restored site relative to the natural site.

CONCLUSIONS

The total below-ground biomass of both annual and perennial plants, including roots, rhizomes and buried shoots, reduced dune erosion under a swash regime. Notably, we show that (1) annual pioneer species offer erosion protection, (2) buried shoots are an important plant component in driving sediment stabilization, and (3) management must consider both biological (plants and their traits) and physical (grain size) factors when integrating dunes into schemes for coastal protection.

Effects of soil erosion on doline lake degradation within karst landscapes: Bakkal Lake, Turkey

Gypsiferous soils in karstic landscapes are important areas in terms of biodiversity and geology. One of the geological formations occurring in gypsum regions is the doline lakes. Subsidence dolines must be preserved because of their formation and fossil heritage. Erosion is one of the most serious types of degradation among these types of lakes. The Bakkal Lake is one of the most important doline lake in central Turkey and is at risks with sediment flow. In this study, we aimed to determine how erosion poses a threat to the geological heritage in areas such as doline lakes and to simulate what measures can be taken to protect them. RUSLE/GIS/remote-sensing technologies were used to estimate the distribution and amount of sediment flowing into the lake. According to the results of the study, the amount of sediment transported to the lake was estimated to be 2.73tha^-1y^-1, and the total amount of sediment transported was 2876 m³y^-1. The time until Bakkal Lake is filled with sediment flux was calculated to be 698 years. The simulation was developed by offering protection measures to reduce sediment flow to the lake. As a result of the simulation, it was calculated that the amount of sediment flowing into the lake decreased to 2.29 tha^-1y^-1 and the filling time increased to 833 years. The study showed that a doline lake, which under natural processes would not be filled for thousands of years, will soon be filled unless radical measures are not taken. This study asserts that more planners should use simulations to model sediment flow to better select appropriate conservation measures.

Ultrasound characterization of pseudoerosions and dorsal joint recess morphology of the hand and wrist in 100 asymptomatic subjects

PURPOSE

To sonographically characterize pseudoerosions and dorsal joint recess and capsule morphology of the hand and wrist in 100 asymptomatic subjects.

METHOD

The metacarpal heads, and dorsal aspects of the lunate, triquetrum, and ulna were evaluated for pseudoerosions including measurements and sonographic characterization. The dorsal recesses of the metacarpophalangeal, radiocarpal, and midcarpal joints were also characterized with regards to echogenicity, fibrillar pattern, hyperemia, and measurements.

RESULTS

100 subjects were included (average age 47 years, range 19-82 years; 52% male, 48% female). Pseudoerosions of metacarpophalangeal heads were seen in every subject, in all metacarpal heads, but most commonly the second and third (99% were bilateral, 97% were multiple); 81.5% involved at least three metacarpal heads; 99% were central with maximum depth of 2.6 mm. At the wrist, in 92% of subjects a bilateral pseudoerosion was present at the dorsal triquetrum, lunate, or ulna. Dorsal joint capsules and recesses at the metacarpophalangeal joints were isoechoic to subdermal fat and fibrillar measuring 3.1-6.3 mm in maximal thickness. The dorsal capsules and recesses of the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints were hypoechoic to subdermal fat, non-fibrillar and with maximal thickness of 3.9 and 3.4 mm, respectively. No hyperemia on color Doppler imaging was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Pseudoerosions are common at the dorsal metacarpal heads, lunate, triquetrum, and ulna, which should not be mistaken for true inflammatory erosions. The characteristic appearances of dorsal joint capsules and recesses should not be confused with synovial hypertrophy.

Acute abdomen in the centanary patient, mesh migration into the sigmoid colon after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP): A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

The complications induced by mesh, such as foreign body reaction, deep-seated infection, mesh migration and perforation into viscera, have been reported sporadically. Colon erosion and penetration by laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair mesh can possibly cause perforation of the colon with acute abdomen.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 100-year-old male, who underwent 4 years ago TAPP repair of left inguinal, presented to the emergency department with acute abdomen due to chronic mesh penetration into the sigmoid colon, the migrating mesh generated a free wall perforation with generalized fecal peritonitis.

DISCUSSION

Tailoring the mesh, appropriate suture placement and adherence to principles of antisepsis during hernia repair surgery are crucial in avoiding longterm mesh-related complications.

CONCLUSION

TAPP is a safe procedure for treat groin hernias, unless, mesh complications like foreign body reaction, deep-seated infection, mesh migration and perforation.

Distal Biologic Cap for Impending Distal Erosion

INTRODUCTION

Management for distal impending erosion can be difficult and has been previously managed with counter incisions which can lead to unsightly scars and increased infection risk.

AIM

To demonstrate a novel technique in management of impending erosion.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent placement of a distal biologic cap for impending erosion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome was thesuccessful placement of inflatable penile prosthesis through a single incision.

RESULTS

All patients who underwent this procedure are functional and have had no evidence of recurrence.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

A simple approach to manage impending distal erosion.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

Limitations include small sample size and short duration of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The distal biologic cap is a simple alternative technique to treat distal impending erosion of an inflatable penile prosthesis and can be performed safely without the need for additional incisions on the penis and with a minimal increase in operative times. Karpman E, DiGiorgio L, Carrion RE. Distal Biologic Cap for Impending Distal Erosion. J Sex Med 2020;17:551-555.

Ultrasonography supplements clinical exam to improve early rheumatoid arthritis disease activity monitoring in metatarsophalangeal joints

INTRODUCTION

Compared with clinical examination (CE), ultrasonography (US) provides additional and more accurate assessment of inflammation and visualization of structural damage. To better understand the effectiveness of US in metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs), we compared disease activity in MTPJs 2-5 assessed by CE and US, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as reference standard.

METHOD

Treatment-naïve adult patients with early RA (ACR criteria, disease duration < 2 years) were consecutively recruited. MTPJs 2-5 were assessed for swelling and tenderness, and imaged by US (Esaote MyLab70). The most symptomatic foot was imaged by peripheral MRI (1.0 Tesla). US was semiquantitatively graded for synovial thickening (ST) and power Doppler (PD) (0-3), and erosions (yes/no). MRI was semiquantitatively graded for bone marrow edema (BME), synovitis, and erosions (OMERACT). Kappa agreement, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were analyzed using cut-offs at ST ≥ 2, PD ≥ 1, and MRI synovitis and BME at both ≥ 1 and ≥ 2.

RESULTS

This study included 39 patients (85% female, mean (SD) age = 51.6 (10.3)). Using MRI synovitis and BME grade ≥ 2 as the reference, PD had superior sensitivity (82%) and kappa agreement (k = 0.43) than swollen joint count (55%, k = 0.20), but similar high specificity (88%, 83%). ST and PD were often observed in clinically asymptomatic MTPJs. US detected very few MRI erosions, but several observed erosions corresponded to grade ≥ 2 MRI erosions.

CONCLUSION

Clinical swelling and PD are highly specific for active inflammation in the MTPJs. US supplemented CE by allowing observation of subclinical inflammation and structural damage. Key Points • Ultrasonography detected many subclinical synovial inflammations in metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs), many confirmed by MRI • Ultrasonography may best be used clinically to supplement clinical examination by assessing non-swollen joints • Ultrasonography provided quick method of visualizing bone erosions that were grade ≥ 2 on MRI.

Effect of silver diamine fluoride on the prevention of erosive tooth wear in vitro

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the ability of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to prevent erosive tooth wear in enamel and dentin.

METHODS

SDF (38 %) was compared to deionized water (DIW, negative control), potassium fluoride (KF, fluoride control), silver nitrate (AgNO₃, silver control), and fluoride varnish (FV, clinical reference) using erosion and erosion-abrasion cycling models. Bovine enamel and dentin slabs were embedded in resin blocks. Two resin blocks were glued to form study blocks (n=8, per treatment), one for erosion and the other for the erosion-abrasion model. The blocks were treated once and then subjected to a five-day cycling model, with five daily citric acid erosive challenges (0.3 % citric acid/pH 2.6). Abrasion was performed using a toothbrushing machine with a medium-abrasive silica as abrasive (erosion-abrasion model only). Artificial saliva was used to remineralize the specimens after erosion/abrasion and as storage media between cycles. Surface loss (SL) was determined by non-contact profilometry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (α=0.05).

RESULTS

Both eroded-abraded enamel and dentin specimens exhibited significantly more SL in all treatment groups than the only eroded ones (p<0.001). For dentin, both AgNO₃ and DIW groups had significantly more SL than SDF, KF, and FV groups (p<0.001), for both models. For enamel, specimens had more SL in both AgNO₃ and DIW groups compared to SDF, KF, and FV groups, in the erosion model. When enamel specimens were subjected to erosion-abrasion, FV resulted in the least SL (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

SDF was effective in reducing dental erosion on both substrates, but dental erosion-abrasion only on dentin.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

SDF may become a viable intervention for ETW prevention in dentin (e.g. exposed roots) once its efficacy has been confirmed under clinical conditions.

Numerical investigation on the solid particle erosion in elbow with water-hydrate-solid flow

Erosion in pipeline caused by solid particles, which may lead to premature failure of the pipe system, is regarded as one of the most important concerns in the field of oil and gas. Therefore, the Euler-Lagrange, erosion model, and discrete phase model are applied for the purpose of simulating the erosion of water-hydrate-solid flow in submarine hydrate transportation pipeline. In this article, the flow and erosion characteristics are well verified on the basis of experiments. Moreover, analysis is conducted to have a good understanding of the effects of hydrate volume, mean curvature radius/pipe diameter (R/D) rate, flow velocity, and particle diameter on elbow erosion. It is finally obtained that the hydrate volume directly affects the Reynolds number through viscosity and the trend of the Reynolds number is consistent with the trend of erosion rate. Taking into account different R/D rates, the same Stokes number reflects different dynamic transforms of the maximum erosion zone. However, the outmost wall (zone D) will be the final erosion zone when the value of the Stokes number increases to a certain degree. In addition, the erosion rate increases sharply along with the increase of flow velocity and particle diameter. The effect of flow velocity on the erosion zone can be ignored in comparison with the particle diameter. Moreover, it is observed that flow velocity is deemed as the most sensitive factor on erosion rate among these factors employed in the orthogonal experiment.

Impact of forest thinning on the dynamics of litterfall derived 137Cs deposits in coniferous forest floor after Fukushima accident

The effects of a 50% forest thinning intensity on Fukushima-derived ¹³⁷Cs deposition by litterfall and its discharge by runoff in hillslope coniferous forest were monitored using four litterfall traps and a hillslope erosion plot. The observation was underway during the pre-and post-thinning periods. Results demonstrated that during the pre-thinning period a total 150 ± 13 g m^-2 of litterfall deposited about 924 ± 69 Bq m^-2 of ¹³⁷Cs. This accounts for 11% of the local ¹³⁷Cs fallout recorded for the study site in the aftermath of the accident. After thinning, both litterfall and ¹³⁷Cs increased by more than six- and two-fold, respectively. This is possibly owing to the slow individual tree recovery rate assisted by the change on the running space provided by canopy openings, which can accelerate even the normal gust wind to gain damaging power on the unshielded mechanically injured parts of the contaminated residual trees. In both cases, litterfall generally transferred about 37% (3 ± 0.2 kBq m^-2) of the local ¹³⁷Cs fallout onto the forest floor over the observation period. The eroded litter-associated ¹³⁷Cs increased by about a factor of two after thinning, which only accounted for less than 1% of ¹³⁷Cs deposited by litterfall. This implies that the forest floor retains ¹³⁷Cs and remains contaminated regardless of the size of the eroded litter material. But this could become a potential secondary contamination source for the downstream resources such as water bodies and villages, especially at the time of flooding, which in turn calls a serious attention in designing decontamination schemes.

Change of erosive potential of apple and orange juice at different dilutions

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the change of erosive properties of apple and orange juice after dilution with tap water. Apple juice, orange juice and citric acid were assessed for pH and titratable acidity at different aqueous dilutions (100% – pure liquid, 60% – 3 : 2 mixing ratio, and 40% – 2 : 3 mixing ratio respectively). Thus, 72 bovine enamel specimens were distributed to 9 groups (n = 8 specimens per group), followed by 25 minutes of erosion by superfusion with the described test liquids according to group allocation. Erosive substance loss (µm) was determined profilometrically. The different substance losses within a dilution series were tested using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The significance level was set to p ≤ 0.05. Erosive substance loss [µm] for 100% concentrations (median ± interquartile range) was highest for apple juice (5.7 ± 0.8), followed by citric acid (4.6 ± 0.4) and orange juice (1.5 ± 0.5). The dilution of apple juice (60%: 4.2 ± 0.7; 40%: 3.1 ± 0.5) and citric acid (60%: 3.7 ± 0.9; 40%: 2.8 ± 0.7) with tap water lead to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of erosive potential in comparison to 100% concentrations. This effect was not consistent for orange juice, where significantly more substance loss was found for pure juice (100%) than for 60% diluted juice (60%: 1.1 ± 0.3, p < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between 100% and 40% (40%: 0.9 ± 0.6, p > 0.05), and 60% and 40%, respectively. In conclusion, dilution of apple juice with tap water led to a significant reduction of its erosive potential. For orange juice, the effect of dilution on the erosive substance loss was only limited.

Progressive structural bone changes and their relationship with treatment in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a longitudinal HR-pQCT study

Background

Although the short-term effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibition on the structural changes in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) have been reported, no studies have investigated the long-term structural changes in PsA patients receiving routine care. We reported longitudinal changes of erosions and enthesiophytes using HR-pQCT and their relationship with treatments in PsA patients over a 5-year period.

Methods

HR-pQCT examination at the second and third metacarpal heads (MCH2 and MCH3) was performed in 60 PsA patients at baseline and after 5 years. The size of each individual lesion was quantified. Erosion and enthesiophyte progression were defined as change exceeding the smallest detectable change (SDC).

Results

A total of 108 bone erosions and 99 enthesiophytes were detected at baseline. Three new bone erosions but no new enthesiophytes were evident at 5 years. A significant increase in mean (±SD) erosion (0.58 ± 1.50 mm³, P < 0.001) and enthesiophyte (0.47 ± 0.76 mm³, P < 0.001) volume was observed. Erosion and enthesiophyte progression were found in 37/111 (33.3%) and 50/99 (50.5%) lesions, respectively. During this 5-year period, 26 (43%) out of the 60 patients achieved sustained Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) low disease activity (LDA) (SDL group, defined as achieving DAPSA-LDA at both baseline and 5 years). Fourteen (23%) out of 60 patients received a TNF inhibitor throughout the 5-year period (TNFi group). Fewer erosions progressed (12/51 [23.5%] vs 25/60 [41.7%], P = 0.047) and the increased in enthesiophyte volume was significantly less (0.28 ± 0.67 vs 0.61 ± 0.80 mm³, P = 0.048) in the SDL group than in the non-SDL group. However, no significant difference between the TNFi and non-TNFi groups was detected in terms of the change in volume or progression of bone erosion and enthesiophyte.

Conclusion

Damage accrual in terms of bone erosion and enthesiophyte was observed in PsA patients over a period of 5 years despite receiving routine clinical care. Nonetheless, sustained control of disease activity may be able to prevent these bony damages.

Rehabilitation time has greater influences on soil mechanical composition and erodibility than does rehabilitation land type in the hilly-gully region of the Loess Plateau, China

Background

The major landscape in the hilly-gully region of the Loess Plateau is greatly affected by vegetation rehabilitation on abandoned cropland. Although many studies have shown that the rehabilitation have greatly improved soil conditions and protected them from erosion, these effectiveness were not always in consensus possibly due to the land type of vegetation or to the rehabilitation time. To close this gap, we conducted a long term experiment as follows.

Methods

In this study, we analysed four land types of vegetation rehabilitation (shrub land, woodland, naturally revegetated grassland, and orchard land) with different rehabilitation times and investigated the mechanical composition and erodibility of the soil. Areas of slope croplandand natural forest were selected as controls.

Results

The results showed that soil depth, rehabilitation time and rehabilitation land type had strong impacts on soil mechanical composition, micro-aggregation and erodibility. Following rehabilitation, naturally revegetated grassland and shrub land had lower fractal dimensions of particle size distribution (fractal dimensions of PSD), fractal dimensions of micro-aggregation, and erodibility (K factor) than did cropland. Compared to the positive effects of rehabilitation mainly happened in the topsoil layer at other rehabilitation land type, that of woodland happened in the deeper soil layer. Besides, the indispensable rehabilitation time for the significant improvement of soil condition was shorter at naturally revegetated grassland than that at shrub land and woodland.

Discussion

Although rehabilitation time was more influential than was rehabilitation land type or soil depth, the differences among the rehabilitation land types showed that naturally revegetated grassland with native plants is the most time-saving rehabilitation vegetation for the Loess Plateau in the conversion from slope cropland. The success of rehabilitation in this forestry practice was mainly contributed by the suited species of rehabilitation land type to the local climate and soil. Based on the differences of rehabilitation effectiveness resulting from land type, we should be cautious to choose land types for the rehabilitation of soil conditions in the Loess Plateau.

Assessment of soil erosion in social forest-dominated watersheds in Lampung, Indonesia

Social forestry policies grant local communities the right to access protected forest areas contingent upon certain governmental criteria. However, the adoption of social forestry is known to alter land-cover patterns and promote soil erosion. This study assessed the water quality of Sekampung Hulu and Sangharus Rivers in Lampung, Indonesia, based on their total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations. Subsequently, the extent of soil erosion in the two watersheds was determined, and best management practices (BMPs) were recommended for the study area. Water sampling was conducted in 2016 to estimate TSS levels in the two watersheds. Additionally, the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was integrated with an ArcGIS model to evaluate soil erosion in the watersheds. The results indicated that TSS concentrations in the Sekampung Hulu and Sangharus Rivers ranged from 36-813 mg L^-1 and 16-146 mg L^-1, respectively. Further, the average soil erosion rates in the Sekampung Hulu and Sangharus watersheds were 12.5 Mg ha^-1 year^-1 and 5.6 Mg ha^-1 year^-1, respectively. The results indicated that young coffee trees increased soil erosion rates, especially in areas characterized by vulnerable soil. The USLE results concurred with the TSS analysis and indicated higher erosion rates for the Sekampung Hulu watershed than the Sangharus watershed. The application of BMPs, including conversion to agroforestry coffee, cover crops, and contour systems, was effective in reducing soil erosion in both the Sekampung Hulu and Sangharus watersheds.

Corrosion and material alterations of a CuZn38Pb3 brass under acoustic cavitation

An alloy that is exposed to cavitation may experience mechanical cavitation damages as well as accelerated corrosion. In the present paper, the evolution of corrosion erosion behavior of brass samples (CuZn38Pb3) during continuous exposure to ultrasonic cavitation in a salt solution (NaCl) was investigated. Various samples were sonicated for times between 0 min and 5 h. The average surface roughness and the effective surface area of the samples were measured by confocal microscopy, and the surfaces were inspected by scanning electron microscopy. Different erosion behavior of the phases present on the surface is discussed. Complementary to the surface inspection, the corrosion behavior of the samples before, during and after sonication was investigated through open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The results show that at the initial times of sonication preferably the lead islets were removed from the brass surface, resulting in a change in the open circuit potential. α and β' phases showed ductile and brittle behavior under sonication, respectively. The corrosion rate of the alloy under cavitation increased as the sonication time increased, mainly related to the increase in effective surface area and the rise of plastic deformation of the surface material.

Use of fatty acids as tracer of organic matter input associated with level of land urbanization

Suspended sediments (SSs) were examined regarding the content of fatty acids (FAs) to associate them with sources of soil entry into the river. The source of organic matter was traced through fatty acid distribution, as well as erosion. Also, TOC, TN, and TOC/NT were used to support the results of FAs. For this, a tropical river was chosen to understand the main source of input considering the level of land occupation along the river. The Barigui river, in southern Brazil, was segmented in four distinct areas regarding the soil occupation (P1, P2, P3, and P4). Nine sampling campaigns were conducted from Nov/2014 to Nov/2015 using a time-integrated sampler. Site P1 has the lowest level of urbanization and showed the lowest concentration of FAs (16.35 μg^-1). In contrast, site P4, the most urbanized, showed the highest content of fatty acids, including those associated with erosion, 378.53 μg g^-1, specifically those with long chains. The mean concentrations of the saturated fatty acids (FAs) was 283.40 μg g^-1, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was 79.46 μg g^-1, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was 15.66 μg g^-1. Twenty-seven fatty acids were examined, nevertheless C15:0, C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1ω9 prevailed in all samples. Generally, those acids indicate sewage inputs. Statics analyses were used to find the relation between the source of organic matter (autochthonous, allochthones, and anthropogenic) and FAs. Finally, the input of organic matter is associated with land occupation, which can be distinguished by FA distribution.

Optimization of parameters affecting organic mulch test to control erosion

Wind erosion is considered as one of the most influential factors in the destruction of land in arid and deserted areas. There is a weak ecosystem in arid lands which wind erosion can move soil particles. Mulch is a compound that is used nowadays to control wind erosion. This study aims to create organic mulch in order to prevent wind erosion and environmental pollution. In order to create this type of mulch, different available materials such as blackstrap, manure, biosolids, and straw have been used. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to create this kind of mulch as well. Also, Central Compound Design (CCD) in RSM modeling was applied to optimize the mulch compound so as to decrease erosion and increase the thickness of crust and its penetration. In addition, each variable was coded and the concentration of straw effect (2-10 g m^-2), biosolids (8-24 g m^-2), manure (8-24 g m^-2) and blackstrap (5-15 g m^-2) on wind erosion and penetration were studied. The optimum values of crust thickness (1.5 mm) for straw, manure, blackstrap, and biosolids were 12.48, 19.94, 7.16, and 16.70 g respectively. The optimum values for penetration resistance for straw, manure, blackstrap, and biosolids were 11.31, 15.71, 4.36, 19.24 g as well. As these materials were used more and more in the compound, penetration resistance soared due to adhesion and crust in the compound. However, more use of blackstrap brought about a reverse result. The results indicated that there was not a considerable difference between predicted data and experimental data, and the model was acceptable in simulation.

Field-based determination of controls on runoff and fine sediment generation from lowland grazing livestock fields

Compared with arable land, there is a paucity of field-based measurements of erosion rates and controls for lowland temperate grassland supporting ruminant agriculture. Despite this evidence gap, reducing diffuse fine sediment pollution from intensively farmed grassland has been recognised as essential for improving compliance with water quality targets. Improved information on erosion rates and controls within intensively managed lowland grazing livestock systems are prerequisites for informing best management practices for soil and water resource conservation. Accordingly, this study assembled such information using the North Wyke farm platform in south west England where flow, suspended sediment concentration, rainfall and soil moisture are monitored quasi-continuously in 15 hydrologically-isolated (1.54-11.12 ha) catchments. This region of the UK is representative of temperate lowland ruminant grazing landscapes with semi permeable soil drainage. Catchment area was the major control on both water and sediment flux. When normalised to catchment area, sediment yields were controlled by the erodibility of the catchment's soils. Ploughing for re-seeding of grass swards was the major factor that affected this. Whilst total rainfall had a small effect on sediment yields, slope and the damage of soils by livestock had no significant effects. This finding may be due to the overriding effects of ploughing and re-seeding of some fields during the study period. Detachment by impacting raindrops mobilised sediment particles across the entire field with diffuse saturation-excess overland flow responsible for their transport. The majority of erosion occurred during the rising limbs of storm events when there is an abundance of easily detached soil particles. Given that erosion and sediment transport are driven mechanistically by processes affecting the entire field areas, a reduction in sediment yield through the implementation of highly spatially-targeted in-field management such as that for feeder ring use, troughs, poached tracks or gateways would likely be very challenging. Instead, stocking density and grazing regime management, as well as carefully planned ploughing and re-seeding will be more beneficial for erosion control.

Dietary assessment and counseling for dental erosion

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

Dental erosion occurs after exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. Exposure to intrinsic gastrointestinal acids is associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, rumination syndrome, or gastroesophageal reflux. Extrinsic dietary acids from foods or beverages also can cause erosion, particularly when exposure is prolonged by holding or swishing behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should screen patients exhibiting dental erosion for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, rumination syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clinicians should screen patients without a medical explanation for their erosion for exposure to acidic foods and beverages, particularly for habits that prolong exposure.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Identification of intrinsic and extrinsic acid exposures and recommendations to minimize exposures are important to prevent erosion and maintain oral health.

The Rate of Mesh Erosion after Modified Transobturator Tape (Canal Transobturator Tape) Surgery: Analysis of 5 years' Outcome and Influencing Factors

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term cure and complication rates of the canal transobturator tape (TOT) procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in females and assess how to reduce mesh erosion in TOT surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The canal TOT procedure was developed in 2009 and was effective in mitigating the complications of the original TOT procedure in the short-term follow-up. This study was designed for a long-term follow-up. Between October 2006 and December 2010, 232 consecutive women with stress and mixed urinary incontinence underwent the canal TOT procedure. All patients were followed up by urological examination and self-assessment questionnaires. We performed urodynamic studies in patients with pure SUI symptoms and pelvic examination for all patients 5 years post-surgery.

RESULTS

A minimum 5 years follow-up data were available for 144 patients. Complications were evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Vaginal mesh erosion was reported in 2 patients (1.4%), and the mesh was surgically removed. No bladder or urethral mesh erosion were observed. The subjective and objective cure rates at 5 years were 77.8 and 94.5% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Canal TOT procedure is an effective minimally invasive procedure with satisfactory results for female SUI in the long term. Compared to the rate of mesh erosion after the original TOT procedure, this technique might be useful in preventing mesh erosion because the mesh is always anatomically well positioned.

The denitrification potential of eroding wetlands in Barataria Bay, LA, USA: Implications for river reconnection

Expressions of eutrophication have led to increased stress on coastal ecosystems around the world. The nitrogen (N) removal potential of coastal wetland ecosystems is important due to increased loading of N to the coast. In Louisiana, there is rapid coastal wetland loss due primarily to the presence of river levees, which have isolated the coastal basins, and a high relative sea level rise. Ecosystem managers are planning to construct the Mid-Barataria sediment diversion which will reconnect the Mississippi River with Barataria Basin to build new wetlands and nourish existing marsh. The sediment diversion will deliver large amounts of nitrate into the surface waters of Barataria Bay. This research sought to quantify the nitrate removal potential of three bay zones; vegetated marsh, submerged peat fringe, and bay-bottom muddy estuarine sediment in intact soil cores incubated with a 2 mg L^-1 N-NO₃ water column. We noted: i) The areal nitrate reduction rates for the marsh, fringe, and estuary zones were 29.29 ± 3.28, 18.83 ± 1.31, and 10.83 ± 0.62 mg N m^-2 day^-1, respectively; ii) the majority (~93%) of NO₃ was converted to N₂O, indicating denitrification was the major NO₃ reduction pathway; iii) the submerged, eroded marsh soils (peat fringe zone) will play a large role in nitrate reduction due to increased contact time with the surface water. These findings can inform the predictive numerical models produced and utilized by ecosystem managers to better quantitatively understand how the coastal basin will respond to nutrient loading from river reconnection. In a broader context, the current relative sea level rise in coastal Louisiana is within the range of eustatic sea level rise that most stable coastlines will experience within the next 65-85 years. Therefore, these findings can serve as an example of potential future impacts to coastal wetland systems, globally, within the next century.

From single fields to river basins: Identification of critical source areas for erosion and phosphorus losses at high resolution

Concentrations of phosphorus (P), the main limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems, need to be reduced, but this is difficult due to high spatial and temporal variations and limited resources. Reliable targeting of critical source areas, such as erosion-prone fields and parts of fields, is necessary to improve the cost efficiency of mitigation measures. We used high-resolution (2 m × 2 m) distributed modelling to calculate erosion risk for a large area (202 279 km²) covering > 90% of Swedish arable land. Comparison of model results with independent farmers' observations in a pilot catchment showed high spatial agreement. The modelled worst case scenario produced reasonable quantitative results comparable to measured 90th percentile values of suspended sediment (SS) loads at both field and small catchment scale (R² = 0.81, p < 0.001). Overall, loads of SS, especially during extreme episodes, strongly governed losses of unreactive P and total P at both field and catchment scale.

Technical Details and Result of a Minimally Invasive Management of Gastric Band Erosions: a Series of 47 Patients

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for obesity in the long term. However, in recent decades, LAGB prevalence progressively decreased worldwide principally due to the incidence and the management of the complications. Understanding the optimal management of the complications becomes therefore of primary importance. The aim of this study is to describe a personal technical, laparoscopic solution of band erosion and to analyze outcomes in 47 patients.

METHODS

From October 1995 to January 2019, 3697 LAGB were performed at our institution. Since November 2011, an original laparoscopic gastric banding removal technique was introduced. All the bands placed in these patients were Lap-Band AP System (Allergan, Irvin, CA). The data of the patients who underwent gastric band removal because of band erosion were retrieved from a prospectively collected institutional database, and used for the present retrospective evaluation.

RESULT

Ninety-four patients (2.5% of the entire casuistic) with eroded band were diagnosed and treated at our institution. Forty-seven patients were treated with the laparoscopic gastric banding removal technique introduced in November 2011. All the operations have been performed laparoscopically with no conversion or intraoperative complications. There were neither major complications nor peri-operative (30 days) mortality.

CONCLUSION

Proper preoperative management and a standardized minimally invasive technique could help to cope with erosion, the most frightening complication of LAGB. Understanding the optimal management of complications and safe reoperation techniques can contribute to a rational use of the LAGB, reversing the current declining tendency.

Effects of 1-year anti-TNF-α therapies on bone mineral density and bone biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Objectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have been associated with generalized and localized bone loss. We conducted a comprehensive study using imaging (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA) and laboratory biomarkers in order to determine bone health and to study the effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologics in RA and AS.

Patients and methods

Thirty-six RA and 17 AS patients undergoing 1-year etanercept (ETN) or certolizumab-pegol (CZP) therapy were studied. Bone density was assessed by DXA at baseline and after 12 months. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D3, osteocalcin, procollagen type I N-propeptide (P1NP), C-terminal telopeptide (βCTX), osteoprotegerin, sclerostin (SOST), Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), soluble receptor activator nuclear kappa B ligand (sRANKL), and cathepsin K (cathK) levels were determined at baseline and after 6 and 12 months.

Results

TNF-α inhibition was clinically effective. Anti-TNF-α halted further bone loss over 1 year. In general, anti-TNF therapy significantly increased P1NP, SOST levels, and the P1NP/βCTX ratios, while decreased DKK-1 and CathK production at different time points in most patient subsets. In the full cohort and in RA, baseline and/or 12-month bone mineral density (BMD) at multiple sites exerted inverse relationships with CRP and βCTX, and positive correlation with SOST. In AS, L2-4 BMD after 1-year biologic therapy inversely correlated with baseline βCTX, while femoral neck BMD rather showed inverse correlations with CRP.

Conclusions

Anti-TNF therapy slowed down generalized bone loss, in association with clinical improvements, in both diseases. TNF blockade may enhance bone formation and suppress joint destruction. Anti-TNF therapy may act inversely on DKK-1 and SOST. Independent predictors of BMD were SOST and βCTX in RA, whilst CRP in AS.Key Points• One-year anti-TNF therapy halted generalized bone loss in association with clinical improvement in arthritides.• Anti-TNF therapy may inversely act on DKK-1 and SOST.• Independent predictors of BMD were SOST and βCTX in RA, while CRP in AS.