Physiological Responses of the Goldfish (Carassius auratus) During Subacute Exposure to Organic Pollutants

The aquatic environment is constantly exposed to chemical pollutants from agriculture and the urban environment. In this study, the effects of Bisphenol A, Naphthalene, and Butachlor on metabolic and antioxidant enzymes of goldfish were investigated during subacute exposure. The samples (n = 144, 100.97 ± 31.47 g) were distributed randomly in 12 glass aquaria (70 L) with a stocking density of 12 fish for each. Each aquarium was exposed to one of each pollutant (Bisphenol A with 500 μg/L, Butachlor with 0.28 μL/L and Naphthalene with 200 μg/L) separately, while the control group remained without contaminants for the entire 5 weeks of the experiment. The result showed that the activity of AST (Aspartate transaminase), ALT (Alanine transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatases), and POD (Guaiacol Peroxidase) significantly altered in contaminants treatments. The POD level, an antioxidant enzyme, showed a significant increase, especially on the 14th day of exposure to Bisphenol A (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these enzymes, as a biomarker, can be useful in environmental biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems.

The Effect of Different Intensities of Static Magnetic Field on Stress and Selected Reproductive Indices of the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) During Acute and Subacute Exposure

The application of equipment and tools that produce a magnetic field is increasing in aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, the effects of acute (1 week) and subacute (3 weeks) exposures to different static magnetic fields (SMFs) of 2.5, 5, 7.5 mT on stress indices (cortisol and glucose), sex steroid hormones (17β-estradiol and 17-α hydroxy progesterone) and fecundity of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) were investigated. The obtained results showed a significant change in cortisol, glucose, 17β-estradiol (E₂) and 17-α hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP) levels by enhancing the intensity and time of exposure to SMFs. In conclusion, the SMFs, especially at higher levels of intensities, showed physiologically harmful effects on the reproductive biology of the zebrafish during acute and subacute exposures.

[Semen analysis in involuntary childlessness. What information does it provide?]

Involuntary childlessness is a common problem. In about 50% of cases, inadequate semen quality plays a relevant role. A semen analysis provides information regarding exocrine function of the male reproductive organs of the testes, epidydimis, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and vas deferens. These parameters can only be interpreted in conjunction with medical history and physical examination. Then they can be useful to identify relevant disorders or the causes of these disturbances. The fundamental principles for the interpretation of a semen analysis are easily learned and traditionally belong to the field of dermatology. This article explains the variables which are examined in a routine semen analysis as well as the reference values. Furthermore, common causes for deviations from the normal values are discussed to allow decision-making for further diagnostic workup. The interpretation of these values must always take into account the situation of the couple.

Effectiveness and efficacy of minimally invasive lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema

Lung emphysema is a chronic, progressive and irreversible destruction of the lung tissue. Besides non-medical therapies and the well established medical treatment there are surgical and minimally invasive methods for lung volume reduction (LVR) to treat severe emphysema.

This report deals with the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive methods compared to other treatments for LVR in patients with lung emphysema. Furthermore, legal and ethical aspects are discussed.

No clear benefit of minimally invasive methods compared to surgical methods can be demonstrated based on the identified and included evidence. In order to assess the different methods for LVR regarding their relative effectiveness and safety in patients with lung emphysema direct comparative studies are necessary.

The Comparative Evaluation of the Performance of Two Phytoremediation Systems for Domestic Wastewater Treatment

The constructed wetlands as well engineered techniques have been used effectively for phytoremediation of wastewater and pollution control during the last decades. In these technologies, the naturally occurring processes of plants alongside micro-organisms present in the bio-film attached to the roots, soil substrate and water column degrade the organic pollutants. The study seeks to compare the potential use of Phragmites sp. reed bed and floating macrophyte water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) system for domestic wastewater treatment. The sewage treatment performance is evaluated as 80% & 76% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 90% & 87% biological oxygen demand (BOD5), 24% & 18% total dissolved solids (TDS), 69% & 67% total suspended solids (TSS), 12% & 5% Chlorides, 73% & 69% ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), 42% & 31% phosphate (PO4-P), 93% & 91% most probable number (MPN) and 95% & 92% total viable count (TVC) reduction at optimum hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 & 43 h in Phragmites sp. and water hyacinth systems, respectively. Likewise, the floating macrophyte pond contrary to reed bed process shows insignificant pollutant diminution at 24 h HRT. This paper also highlights the microbial population present through the wetland systems by estimation of total viable count (TVC). The botanical aspect with reference to the plant growth is shown a significant increase in vegetation yield. The overall studies indicate the better treatment efficiency by preferred Phragmites sp. root zone system at low foot print area for domestic wastewater.

The role of the nose in obstructive sleep apnea: a short review

A variety of causes may result in nasal obstruction including allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, anatomic abnormalities, and postoperative nasal packing. There is both an epidemiological and clinical relationship between nasal obstruction and sleep disordered breathing. Subsequently, improving nasal patency via surgical or non-surgical means is expected to relieve sleep disordered breathing. The present review will discuss and review some of the literature related to the pathophysiological interaction of the human nose and sleep disordered breathing and provide a summary of the effects of related intervention trials.

Synthesis of Cu/CuO nanoparticles in mesoporous material by solid state reaction

The Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) containing 1.0 and 5.0 wt.% of Cu was synthesized under solid state reaction. The calcinations of samples were done at two different temperatures, 500 and 300°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for samples characterization. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that when Cu(CH3COO)2 content is about 1.0 wt.% in Cu/MCM-41, the guest CuO-NPs and copper ions is formed on the silica channel wall, and more exists in the crystalline state. When Cu(CH3COO)2 content exceeds this value (5.0 wt.%), CuO nanoparticles and Cu(2+) ions can be observed in low crystalline state. From the diffuse reflectance spectra it was confirmed that 5 wt.% Cu/MCM-41 sample calcined at 500°C show plasmon resonance band due to Cu nanoparticles in the range between 500 and 600 nm and small copper clusters Cun in 450 nm. It also shows that some of the Cu(2+) ions are present octahedrally in extraframework position in all samples. Both fourier transform infrared and diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that some of Cu(2+) ions are tetrahedrally within the framework position in 1 wt.% Cu/MCM-41 samples. TEM images indicated that nanoparticles size of CuO is in range of 30-40 nm.

Endobronchial valve-induced pneumatocele: a case report

We report a 75-year old female patient with advanced emphysema. After endoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (EBV), a huge pneumatocele has occured and resolved spontaneously within a few weeks. Albeit rare, pneumatoceles should be considered in patients with relapsing dyspnoe after EBV treatment.

A case of tracheobronchial amyloidosis treated with endoscopic debulking and external beam radiation therapy

We report on a 55-year-old patient who was admitted to hospital because of recurrent pneumonia. CT imaging provided airway narrowing and mural thickening of the distal trachea and mainstem bronchi, compatible with endobronchial polypoid, toric-shaped changes of the distal tracheal wall spreading into both the left and right bronchial system. Bronchoscopy was performed and biopsies revealed the diagnosis of tracheobronchial amyloidosis. We performed a combination of bronchoscopic debulking and consecutive external beam radiation therapy with the result of no further progression of the disease, stable endobronchial situation, and functional improvements at a follow up at 6 months.

Comparative evaluation on the performance of bio-rack and shallow pond systems for domestic wastewater treatment

Constructed wetlands have been used successfully for treatment of wastewater during the last decades. The bio-rack and shallow pond systems are well engineered wetland process in wastewater treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the potential use of bio-rack and shallow pond systems for domestic wastewater treatment either in presence of high total dissolved solids (TDS) or heavy metal salts. The sewage treatment performance indicates 75.15% & 80.93% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 86.59% & 90.90% biological oxygen demand (BOD5), 27.54% & 15.98% total dissolved solids (TDS), 73.13% & 70.31% total suspended solids (TSS), 8.86% & 3.61% Chlorides, 70.22% & 74.18% ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), 31.71% & 41.24% phosphate (PO4-P), 92.11% & 96.45% most probable number (MPN) and 93.05% & 98.24% total viable count (TVC) reduction at 10 & 21 h hydraulic retention time (HRT) in bio-rack and shallow pond system respectively. Likewise, the Phragmites sp. and water hyacinth can tolerate TDS up to 9000 and 2000 mg/L. The reduction in TDS is minor (14 & 19%) at the highest tolerable limit whereas the heavy metal reduction is 68 & 65%, 69 & 67%, 67 & 63%, 71 & 69% for Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in bio-rack and shallow pond system respectively. The overall studies indicate the better treatment efficiency in bio-rack system at low foot print area (91 m2) compared to shallow pond system.

[A leak in the lung: endobronchial one-way valve placement as treatment for a persistent bronchopleural fistula]

Patients with bronchopleural fistula are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Treatment of the air leak includes intrathoracic drainage, antibiotic therapy and closure of the fistula, which conventionally has been performed via surgical means. In patients with limited respiratory capacity, less-invasive alternatives are required. Here we report on a 62-year-old patient with underlying severe COPD, who was admitted with a lung abscess and consecutively developed a persistent bronchopleural fistula. Treatment involved antibiotic therapy and endobronchial one-way valve placement, which resulted in termination of the air leak and full recovery.

Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea

In view of the high prevalence and the relevant impairment of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) lots of methods are offered which promise definitive cures for or relevant improvement of OSAS. This report summarises the efficacy of alternative treatment options in OSAS. An interdisciplinary European Respiratory Society task force evaluated the scientific literature according to the standards of evidence-based medicine. Evidence supports the use of mandibular advancement devices in mild to moderate OSAS. Maxillomandibular osteotomy seems to be as efficient as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients who refuse conservative treatment. Distraction osteogenesis is usefully applied in congenital micrognathia or midface hypoplasia. There is a trend towards improvment after weight reduction. Positional therapy is clearly inferior to CPAP and long-term compliance is poor. Drugs, nasal dilators and apnoea triggered muscle stimulation cannot be recommended as effective treatments of OSAS at the moment. Nasal surgery, radiofrequency tonsil reduction, tongue base surgery, uvulopalatal flap, laser midline glossectomy, tongue suspension and genioglossus advancement cannot be recommended as single interventions. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, pillar implants and hyoid suspension should only be considered in selected patients and potential benefits should be weighed against the risk of long-term side-effects. Multilevel surgery is only a salvage procedure for OSA patients.

Some factors affecting cerebral tissue saturation during obstructive sleep apnoea

Measurement of cerebral tissue saturation during obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may provide additional information to conventional peripheral oxygen saturation. Thirteen subjects with OSA (mean apnoea/hypopnoea index 65.7+/-27.9) were monitored using full polysomnography and monitoring of near-infrared cerebral tissue oxygenation index (TOI). One-thousand and thirty-six apnoeas and hypopnoeas were analysed, in terms of duration, sleep stage, arterial oxygen saturation (Sa,O2) dip, minimum Sa,O2, TOI dip and minimum TOI. Cerebral TOI is a measure of cerebral tissue saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen, calculated using near-infrared spatially resolved spectroscopy, which has been shown to have a high specificity for intracranial changes. Decreases in cerebral oxygenation were observed during apnoeas and hypopnoeas. Baseline TOI ranged from 50.1-73.0% and mean apnoea/hypopnoea related TOI dips ranged from 1.43-6.85%. Mean Sa,O2 dips varied from 3.8-21.7%. In regression analysis, factors significantly predicting the magnitude of the TOI dip were Sa,O2 dip, minimum Sa,O2, apnoea duration and rapid eye movement sleep stage. The effect of apnoea duration and sleep stage remained significant after Sa,O2 was included in the regression equation. Near-infrared spectroscopy provides a noninvasive technique for monitoring cerebral tissue saturation during obstructive sleep apnoea.