Increased Risks for Suicide, Self-Harm, Substance Use, and Psychiatric Disorders in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Study in the United States From 2007 to 2017

In an analysis of over 260 million emergency department visits across the United States from 2007 to 2017, inflammatory bowel disease conferred >10-fold risk for suicide deaths, self-harm, substance use, and psychiatric disorders, though the overall self-harm rates were low (<1% of all-cause inflammatory bowel disease emergency department visits; total 56 suicide deaths).

BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 Vaccine Effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and Variants in the Urban Underserved Population

The real world COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among the urban underserved Hispanic/Latino populations is unknown. We evaluated the mRNA vaccine effectiveness in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections at a major federally qualified health center in Providence, Rhode Island, and a total of 38,602 patients were included. Time period was used as the SARS-CoV-2 variant proxy. Compared to the unvaccinated group, the adjusted vaccine effectiveness for 2 doses of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 were 94.6% and 97.5% respectively against the alpha variant/wild type, which dropped to 64.8% and 65.0% respectively against the delta variant and 31.6% and 25.6% respectively against the omicron variant. However, once received the booster dose (3rd dose) of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, the vaccine effectiveness against the omicron variant improved to 79.9% and 71.2% respectively. Improving the COVID-19 vaccine education and encouraging to receive a booster dose may help further reduce the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population.

Bidirectional Correlations Between Health Confidence and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity: A Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study

Health confidence—an individual’s belief in their ability and agency to affect disease outcomes—has bidirectional temporal correlations with inflammatory bowel disease activity. Low health confidence is associated with higher risks for future disease activity, and inflammatory bowel disease flares erode confidence.

Thyroid Disorders and Dementia Risk: A Nationwide Population-Based Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Dementia has been gaining attention in aging societies and is estimated to affect 50 million adults globally in 2020, and 12% of the US population may develop a thyroid disorder in their lifetime. There have been limited studies investigating the correlation between thyroid disorder and dementia in the Asian population.

METHODS

Our large nationwide population-based case-control study utilized the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. 7,843 adults with newly diagnosed dementia without a previous history of dementia or neurodegenerative disease between 2006 and 2013 were identified and included in our study. 7,843 adults without dementia diagnosis prior to the index date were age and gender matched as controls. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism prior to the diagnosis of dementia or the same index date was identified. Results were obtained from logistic regression models and adjusted for sex, age, history of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, depression, hyperlipidemia, alcohol dependence syndrome, tinnitus, hearing loss, and radioactive iodine treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 15,686 patients were included in the study. Both case and control groups were slightly predominantly female (4,066 [51.8%]). The mean (SD) age for those with dementia was 74.9 (11.3) years, and for those without dementia was 74.5 (11.3) years. Among patients aged 65 years or older, a history of hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia (aOR, 1.81; 95% Cl 1.14-2.87; p=0.011), which was an association not present in patients older than 50 years but younger than 65 years. We found that this association was most significant among patients aged 65 years or older with a history of hypothyroidism who received hypothyroidism medication (aOR, 3.17; 95% Cl 1.04-9.69; p=0.043).

DISCUSSION

Our large-scale case-control study found that among people ≥ 65 years old, those with a history of hypothyroidism were associated with an 81% increased risk of having dementia and among those, there was an over 3-fold increased dementia risk with thyroid conditions that required thyroid hormone replacement treatment. Future well-controlled prospective longitudinal studies should be conducted to elucidate these potential mechanisms and relationships.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that among patients aged 65 years or older, a history of hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia.

Diagnostic value of symptoms for pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection in a primary care setting

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic value of symptoms used by daycares and schools to screen children and adolescents for SARS-CoV-2 infection, we analyzed data from a primary care setting.

METHODS

This cohort study included all patients ≤17 years old who were evaluated at Providence Community Health Centers (PCHC; Providence, U.S.), for COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposure, and received SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing between March-June 2020. Participants were identified from PCHC electronic medical records. For three age groups- 0-4, 5-11, and 12-17 years-we estimated the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of individual symptoms and three symptom combinations: a case definition published by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), and two novel combinations generated by different statistical approaches to maximize sensitivity, specificity, and AUC. We evaluated symptom combinations both with and without consideration of COVID-19 exposure. Myalgia, headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, anosmia, and ageusia were not assessed in 0-4 year-olds due to the lower reliability of these symptoms in this group.

RESULTS

Of 555 participants, 217 (39.1%) were SARS-CoV-2-infected. Fever was more common among 0-4 years-olds (p = 0.002); older children more frequently reported fatigue (p = 0.02). In children ≥5 years old, anosmia or ageusia had 94-98% specificity. In all ages, exposure history most accurately predicted infection. With respect to individual symptoms, cough most accurately predicted infection in <5 year-olds (AUC 0.69) and 12-17 year-olds (AUC 0.62), while headache was most accurate in 5-11 year-olds (AUC 0.62). In combination with exposure history, the novel symptom combinations generated statistically to maximize test characteristics had sensitivity >95% but specificity <30%. No symptom or symptom combination had AUC ≥0.70.

CONCLUSIONS

Anosmia or ageusia in children ≥5 years old should raise providers' index of suspicion for COVID-19. However, our overall findings underscore the limited diagnostic value of symptoms.

BCG as an adjunct or alternative vaccine to prevent COVID-19?

BCG vaccine may enhance the innate immune response as well as induce a specific immunity against SARS-CoV-2, which may potentially be associated with reduced severity of COVID-19, and may or may not necessarily be protective against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The effect from BCG vaccine was observed even decades after the vaccination.

Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women with Medical History of Thyroid Disorder in the Women's Health Initiative

Background: The association between thyroid disorders and breast cancer remains controversial, in part, due to small cohort sizes and inconsistent findings. We investigated this association in postmenopausal women to determine whether hyper- or hypothyroidism is associated with the risk of developing breast cancer and to determine whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) further modifies the risk. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of multiethnic U.S. postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years enrolled in both clinical trial and observational study arms between 1993 and 1998 and followed up through February 28, 2017. Development of invasive breast cancer after enrollment was recorded and a history of hyper- or hypothyroidism before the diagnosis of breast cancer was identified. The effect modification by MHT in both study arms was analyzed. All statistical tests were two sided. Results: Among a total of 134,122 women who were included in our study, 8137 participants developed invasive breast cancer during the follow-up period. There was a significant inverse association of invasive breast cancer among women with a history of hypothyroidism (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91, confidence interval [95% CI] 0.86-0.97) and among women who had taken levothyroxine [HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96]. Evaluating effect modification by MHT use, the inverse association between hypothyroidism treated with thyroid replacement medications and breast cancer risk was strongest in non-MHT users [HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.93]. The results did not significantly differ by race/ethnicity. Although a history of hyperthyroidism was associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.91-1.35], this finding did not reach statistical significance. We did not see significant differences in the breast cancer Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results stages, histologic types, morphologic grades, or receptor status (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) according to thyroid disorder status. Conclusions: Compared with women with no history of thyroid disorder, hypothyroidism was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. This was mainly seen among those who received thyroid replacement therapy and had never used MHT. Among the treatment options for hypothyroidism, levothyroxine had the strongest inverse association with breast cancer risk.

Association Between Thyroid Disorders and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Adult Patients in Taiwan

IMPORTANCE

Thyroid hormones have been shown to affect several important pathways in cancer development, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Clinical studies examining the association between thyroid disorders and colorectal cancer have conflicting results and have predominantly involved white populations.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is associated with the risk of developing colorectal cancer in an East Asian population.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This nationwide population-based case-control study was conducted from April 27, 2018, to November 8, 2018, using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. Participants were adults (n = 139 426) either with a new diagnosis (between 2008 and 2013) of primary colorectal cancer without a history of cancer, or without cancer. Cases and controls were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and index date. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism prior to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (or the same index date in controls) was then determined.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Risk differences in developing colorectal cancer among patients with a medical history of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

RESULTS

A total of 139 426 patients were included in the study, and 69 713 individuals made up each case and control group, which were both predominantly male (39 872 [57.2%]). The mean (SD) age for those with CRC was 65.8 (13.7) years and for those without CRC was 66.0 (13.6) years. Both hyperthyroidism (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69-0.86; P < .001) and hypothyroidism (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94; P = .008) were associated with a decreased risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. An inverse association of rectal cancer was found among patients aged 50 years or older with a history of hypothyroidism despite treatment (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.39-0.74; P < .001). A history of hyperthyroidism in all age groups was associated with a lower risk of colon cancer (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64-0.85; P < .001), with a stronger association seen among those younger than 50 years (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.85; P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, hypothyroidism appeared to be associated with a lower risk of rectal cancer, whereas hyperthyroidism appeared to be associated with a lower risk of colon cancer. Because of this, biochemical in vivo research and epidemiologic studies appear to be needed to further clarify the nature of these associations.

Preventing arteriovenous shunt failure in hemodialysis patients: a population-based cohort study

Essentials Uncertainty remains about antiplatelets for vascular access patency in hemodialysis patients. 95 971 people under hemodialysis were followed in a claims database in Taiwan. Aspirin reduced vascular access failure rate and did not increase major bleeding rate. Clopidogrel, Aggrenox, and warfarin might increase major bleeding rate. SUMMARY: Background Dialysis adequacy is a major determinant of survival for patients with end-stage renal disease. Good vascular access is essential to achieve adequate dialysis. Objectives This study evaluated the impacts of different drugs on the vascular access failure rate of an arteriovenous fistula or an arteriovenous graft and the rate of major bleeding in hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods We studied patients with end-stage renal disease registered in the Taiwan National Health Insurance program from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2012. A total of 95 971 patients were enrolled in our study. Vascular access dysfunction was defined as the need for thrombectomy or percutaneous angioplasty. Major bleeding was defined as emergency department visits or hospitalization with a primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding or intracerebral hemorrhage. The adjusted odds ratios between person-quarters with or without antiplatelet or oral anticoagulant use were calculated using a generalized estimating equation. Results The odds ratio of vascular access failure was 0.21 (0.11-0.39) for aspirin, 0.76 (0.74-0.79) for clopidogrel, 0.67 (0.59-0.77) for dipyridamole, 0.67 (0.53-0.86) for Aggrenox and 0.96 (0.90-1.03) for warfarin. The highest odds ratio for intracerebral hemorrhage was 5.33 (1.25-22.72) in younger patients using Aggrenox. The highest odds ratio for gastrointestinal bleeding was 1.34 (1.10-1.64) for clopidogrel. Conclusion Antiplatelet agents, but not warfarin, might reduce the vascular access thrombosis rate. The gastrointestinal bleeding rate was increased in the group using clopidogrel. Aggrenox should be used with caution in young individuals because it might increase the rate of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Mid-upper arm circumference, calf circumference and mortality in Chinese long-term care facility residents: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC) and all-cause mortality in a Chinese population.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Eight long-term care facilities in central Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 329 residents age 60 years and older (median 79.0 years, range 60-101; 139 men, 190 women) were enrolled.

METHODS

Anthropometrics and metabolic parameters were measured at the time of enrolment to the study. Mean MUAC and CC were 24.2±3.4 cm and 27.5±4.3 cm, respectively. Mortality data were obtained from the Department of Health in Taiwan.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

To identify the association between all-cause mortality and MUAC or CC.

RESULTS

There were 255 deaths during the 7-year follow-up period. After adjusting for age, sex, cigarette smoking, betel nut chewing, alcohol use, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale score, serum albumin level, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, subjects in the highest tertile of MUAC (27.8±2.2 cm) and CC (32.1±2.6 cm) had a significantly lower mortality rate than did subjects in the lowest tertile (MUAC 20.6±1.7 cm; CC 22.8±1.9 cm). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality in the highest versus lowest MUAC tertile was 0.64 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.90). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality in the highest versus lowest CC tertile was 0.51 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

MUAC and CC are negative predictors for all-cause mortality in older Chinese adults living in long-term care facilities. Participants with higher MUAC and CC had lower all-cause mortality.

Atropine use may lead to post-operative respiratory acidosis in neonates receiving ductal ligation: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common cardiac conditions in preterm infants. Closure of the PDA in symptomatic patients can be achieved medically or surgically. Atropine is commonly administered in general anesthesia as a premedication in this age group but with limited evidence addressing the effect of its use. Our study examined the association of the use of atropine as a premedication in PDA ligation and the risk of post-operative respiratory complications.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 150 newborns who have failed medical treatment for PDA and received PDA ligation during 2008-2012 in a single tertiary medical center. Ninety-two of them (61.3%) received atropine as premedication for general anesthesia while 58 (38.7%) did not. Post-operative respiratory condition, the need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the presence of bradycardia were measured.

RESULTS

Patients with atropine use were associated with increased odds of respiratory acidosis in both univariate analysis (22.9% vs 7.3%; OR = 3.785, 95% CI = 1.211-11.826, p = 0.022) and multivariate analysis (OR = 4.030, 95% CI = 1.230-13.202, p = 0.021), with an even higher odds of respiratory acidosis in patients receiving both atropine and ketamine.

CONCLUSION

The use of atropine as premedication in general anesthesia for neonatal PDA ligation is associated with higher risk of respiratory acidosis, which worsens with the combined use of ketamine.

Thyroid disorders and breast cancer risk in Asian population: a nationwide population-based case-control study in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism increases the risk of subsequent breast cancer in an Asian population.

DESIGN

Nationwide population-based case-control study.

SETTING

All healthcare facilities in Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 103 466 women (mean age 53.3 years) were enrolled.

METHODS

51 733 adult women with newly diagnosed primary breast cancer without a previous cancer history between 2006 and 2011 were identified and included in our study. 51 733 women with no cancer diagnosis prior to the index date were age matched as controls. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer or the same index date was identified, age, histories of thyroid disease treatment, oestrogen use and radioactive iodine treatment were adjusted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To identify risk differences in developing breast cancer among patients with a medical history of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

RESULTS

There was a significantly increased risk of breast cancer in women with hyperthyroidism under the age of 55 years (age <45: OR 1.16, P=0.049; age 45-55: OR 1.15, P=0.019). Patients with hypothyroidism also showed an increased risk of breast cancer (OR 1.19, P=0.029) without statistical significance after stratification by age group (age <45, 45-55, >55 years). Treatment for thyroid disorders did not alter the association in subgroup analyses (P=0.857; 0.262, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Asian women under 55 years of age with history of hyperthyroidism have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer regardless of treatment. Women with history of hypothyroidism may also have an increased risk.

Treatment of synchronous adenocarcinoma and lymphoma of the stomach: A case report

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The majority of gastric cancers are diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage, with a 5-year survival rate of ~5-20% and a median overall survival of <1 year. Synchronous occurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma and lymphoma is rare, and thus far there is no consensus regarding their management. We herein describe a case of synchronous gastric adenocarcinoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a patient with chronic hepatitis B and the treatment strategy. A literature review with the most up-to-date treatment options and their application in similar situations was also performed.

MicroRNA Expression and Association with Clinicopathologic Features in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Studies have suggested that microRNAs (miR) may be useful prognostic markers and are associated with aggressive clinicopathologic features in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). This systematic review examined associations between miRs and aggressive clinicopathologic features in PTC.

METHODS

A literature search was performed within the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for papers published prior to November 24, 2014. The search was performed by combining the concepts "thyroid tumor" with "microRNA" and by using "and" as the Boolean operator. Upon retrieval of candidate studies, full-text publications were reviewed in their entirety and selected if they examined the prognostic significance between miR expression and established aggressive clinicopathologic features of PTC.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies from 13 unique groups that included 807 patients were reviewed. Most of the studies were retrospective, and none included patients who had undergone routine central lymph node dissection. Expression levels of miRs-21, -34b, -130b, -135b, -146b, -151, -181b, -199b-5p, -221, -222, -451, -623, -1271, -2861, and let-7e showed significant association with at least one aggressive feature, such as large tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastases, distant metastasis, advanced American Joint Cancer Committee stage, and presence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation. Herein we summarize the literature with regard to these associations.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are needed to investigate whether miRs are independent predictors of aggressive clinicopathologic features before it can be recommended that miR expression levels should be incorporated into the management algorithm for patients with PTC. A well-designed prospective study is needed to assess these potential associations.

Cyclophilin A and nuclear factor of activated T cells are essential in cyclosporine-mediated suppression of polyomavirus BK replication

Immunosuppressants have impacts on the development of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. We previously demonstrated that cyclosporin A (CsA) suppressed polyomavirus BK (BKV) replication. The role of cyclophilin A (CypA) and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) in CsA-imposed suppression of BKV replication was determined in this study. Results demonstrated that knockdown of CypA but not CypB significantly reduced BKV large T antigen (TAg) expression and BKV titer. Overexpression of CypA reversed CypA siRNA-induced inhibition in BKV TAg expression. In addition, CypA overexpression attenuated the suppressive effect of CsA on TAg expression, suggesting CypA implicated in CsA-mediated anti-BKV effect. Knockdown of NFATc3 abrogated TAg expression, while overexpression of NFATc3 promoted TAg expression and augmented BKV promoter activity. NFATc3 binding to the BKV promoter was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Renal histology also displayed an increase in NFATc3 expression in tubulointerstitium of BKV-associated nephropathy. Furthermore, overexpression of NFATc3 rescued CsA-mediated inhibition of BKV load and TAg expression. A CsA analog, NIM811, which cannot block NFAT functionality, failed to suppress TAg expression. In conclusion, CypA and NFAT are indispensable in BKV replication. CsA inhibits BKV replication through CypA and NFAT, which may be potential targets of anti-BKV treatment.

Surgically curable non-iron deficiency microcytic anemia: Castleman's disease

BACKGROUND

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare, benign lymphoproliferative disorder that can involve single lymph node stations or can be systemic. Unicentric CD in patients with microcytic anemia is rarely described in the English literature.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 19-year-old Chinese woman with hyaline vascular type of unicentric CD presenting as severe non-iron deficiency microcytic anemia. We report the clinical course from the initial presentation to diagnosis and surgical cure, and discuss the most up-to-date information on CD.

CONCLUSIONS

CD should be included in the differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia. Imaging tools and pathological studies should be considered in order to make a more accurate diagnosis and to avoid the use of ineffective treatments.

Nano-adsorbents for the removal of metallic pollutants from water and wastewater

Of the variety of adsorbents available for the removal of heavy and toxic metals, activated carbon has been the most popular. A number of minerals, clays and waste materials have been regularly used for the removal of metallic pollutants from water and industrial effluents. Recently there has been emphasis on the application of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials as efficient and viable alternatives to activated carbon. Carbon nanotubes also have been proved effective alternatives for the removal of metallic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Because of their importance from an environmental viewpoint, special emphasis has been given to the removal of the metals Cr, Cd, Hg, Zn, As, and Cu. Separation of the used nanoparticles from aqueous solutions and the health aspects of the separated nanoparticles have also been discussed. A significant number of the latest articles have been critically scanned for the present review to give a vivid picture of these exotic materials for water remediation.

Removal of chromium by riverbed sand from water and wastewater: effect of important parameters

Application of riverbed sand, a non-toxic substance for the removal of Cr(VI) for aqueous solutions has been investigated. Removal of Cr(VI) was dependent on initial concentration and removal increased from 43.2% to 74.3% by decreasing initial concentration from 7.5x10(-5) M to 1.0x10(-5) M at 25 degrees C, 1.0x10(-2) M NaClO4 ionic strength and 100 rpm. Higher removal was obtained at particles of smaller sizes of the adsorbent. Removal decreased from 74.3% to 40.7% by increasing temperature from 25 degrees C to 35 degrees C exhibiting exothermic nature of the process of removal. Thermodynamic parameters, namely change in free energy (DeltaG degrees), enthalpy (DeltaH degrees) and entropy (DeltaS degrees), were calculated and were found to be -0.81 kcal mol(-1), -17.21 kcal mol(-1) and 56.94 cal mol(-1), respectively at 25 degrees C. pH of the solution has pronounced effect on the removal and higher removal was obtained in acidic pH ranges, maximum (74.3%) being at 2.5 pH.

Adsorptive separation of cadmium from aqueous solutions and wastewaters by riverbed sand

Application of riverbed sand for the adsorptive separation of cadmium(II) from aqueous solutions has been investigated. Removal increased from 26.8 to 56.4% by decreasing the initial concentration of cadmium from 7.5 x 10(-5) to 1.0 x 10(-5)M at pH 6.5, 25 degrees C temperature, agitation speed of 100 rpm, 100 microm particle size and 1.0 x 10(-2) NaClO4 ionic strength. Process of separation is governed by first order rate kinetics. The value of rate constant of adsorption, k(ad), was found to be 2.30 x 10(-2)per min at 25 degrees C. Values of coefficient of mass transfer, beta L, were calculated and its value at 25 degrees C was found to be 1.92 x 10(-2)cm/s. Values of Langmuir constant were calculated. Values of thermodynamic parameters delta G0, delta H0 and delta S0 were also calculated and were recorded as -0.81 kcal/mol, -9.31 kcal/mol and -28.10 cal/mol at 25 degrees C. pH has been found to affect the removal of cadmium significantly and maximum removal, 58.4%, has been found at pH 8.5. Process can be used for treatment of cadmium(II) rich wastewaters.

Removal of chromium(VI) from water and wastewater by using riverbed sand: kinetic and equilibrium studies

Cr(VI) is a priority pollutant and has been documented to be harmful to fauna, flora and human beings and chromium containing water and wastewater are hazardous. Removal of Cr(VI) by adsorption on a non-toxic natural substance, riverbed sand has been investigated. A maximum removal of 74.3% was noted at 0.50 x 10(-4)M concentration of Cr(VI) in solution. Kinetic and equilibrium studies of Cr(VI) removal have been carried out. Chemical analysis of the adsorbent revealed SiO2 to be its major component. Kinetic data of adsorption was fitted by Lagergreen's model and k(ad), the rate constant of adsorption, was found be maximum 2.69 x 10(-2)min(-1) at 25 degrees C with minimum at 35 degrees C. Values of coefficients of intra-particle diffusion and mass transfer have been determined at different values of temperature. Langmuir's model has been used for equilibrium studies and the constants have been calculated. The studies conducted show the process of Cr(VI) removal to be exothermic in nature.

Characteristics of new coccine dye adsorption onto digested sludge particulates

The adsorption characteristics of an anionic azo dye (new coccine) onto digested sludge have been studied. Results show that the dye can effectively be removed by sludge. It was found that the adsorption rate is very rapid and the equilibrium can be reached in 10 min. The adsorption kinetics can be expressed by the modified Freundlich equation. Also, the solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature are the key factors affecting the adsorption. The effect of electrical double layer thickness on the adsorption was also discussed. The adsorption standard free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were determined. The adsorption follows a nonlinear multilayer adsorption isotherm. The specific surface area of sludge was determined as 82 to approximately 150m2/g on the basis of its monolayer dye adsorption capacity.

Selective subcellular redistributions of protein kinase C isoforms by chemical hypoxia

The mechanisms of neuronal degeneration following hypoxia/ischemia remain undefined, but the processes include increases in neurotransmitter release, elevation of cytosolic-free calcium concentration, and changes in signal transduction pathways. Activation of the multigene family of protein kinase C (PKC) has been associated with the release of neurotransmitter and the survival of neurons. Therefore, to understand which PKC isozymes are involved in hypoxia/ischemia-induced neuronal degeneration, we examined PKC isozymes after chemical hypoxia (i.e., KCN exposure) in PC12 cells. Cell toxicity, as measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, was increased significantly by KCN in glucose-free DMEM and was exaggerated by acute 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) pretreatment. Under parallel conditions, KCN elevated cytosolic-free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in glucose-free but not in glucose containing DMEM, and TPA pretreatment did not exaggerate KCN's effect on [Ca2+]i. Thus, increases in [Ca2+]i are not sufficient for the synergistic toxic effect of KCN and TPA. In the glucose-free DMEM, selective PKC isozyme inhibitor Go 6976 at 10 nM completely inhibited KCN-induced LDH release and at higher concentrations (1 microM) inhibited the basal levels of LDH release. The protein levels of PKCs in the nuclear, membrane, and cytosolic fractions were measured by Western blot analysis using antibodies against specific isoforms. Two Ca2+-dependent (-alpha, -gamma) and four Ca2+-independent (-delta, -epsilon, -zeta, and -lambda) isozymes were identified and two isozymes (-beta and -theta) were not detected in the subcellular fractions of PC12 cells. Treatment of the cells with TPA significantly activated translocation of conventional PKC-gamma from the cytosol to the membrane and nuclear fractions and other PKC isozymes (-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon) from the cytosol to the membrane, but not atypical PKC-zeta and -lambda. Although only the levels in the nuclear PKC-gamma but not other PKC isozymes were increased significantly following KCN, the levels of cPKC-alpha and -gamma in the membrane mainly- and those and PKC-epsilon in the nucleus-were increased when KCN was combined with TPA. In addition, this condition (TPA + KCN) did not affect the TPA insensitive atypical isozymes, PKC-zeta or -lambda. Taking the results together, differential activation/translocation of PKC isozymes by KCN and TPA is important in the regulation of chemical hypoxia-induced cell injury in PC12 cells.