Risk assessment of Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene, and Xylene (BTEX) in the atmospheric air around the world: A review

Volatile organic compounds, such as BTEX, have been the subject of numerous debates due to their detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Human beings have had a significant role in the emergence of this situation. Even though US EPA, WHO, and other health-related organizations have set standard limits as unhazardous levels, it has been observed that within or even below these limits, constant exposure to these toxic chemicals results in negative consequences as well. According to these facts, various studies have been carried out all over the world - 160 of which are collected within this review article, so that experts and governors may come up with effective solutions to manage and control these toxic chemicals. The outcome of this study will serve the society to evaluate and handle the risks of being exposed to BTEX. In this review article, the attempt was to collect the most accessible studies relevant to risk assessment of BTEX in the atmosphere, and for the article to contain least bias, it was reviewed and re-evaluated by all authors, who are from different institutions and backgrounds, so that the insights of the article remain unbiased. There may be some limitations to consistency or precision in some points due to the original sources, however the attempt was to minimize them as much as possible.

The effect of smoking on response to methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of smoking on inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX-IR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until 6 June 2022. Observational or interventional studies investigating MTX-IR in RA patients based on smoking status were included. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-of Interventions and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tools, respectively.

RESULTS

We included 23 studies in the systematic review and 13 in the meta-analysis. Of the 13 included studies, 6 had a moderate risk, 3 had a serious risk, and 4 had a critical risk of bias. The overall random-effect meta-analysis suggested that smokers were 58% more likely to be MTX-IR when compared with nonsmokers [odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.21-2.06; P = .001; I2 = 69.3%]. The common-effect meta-analysis of the adjusted ORs demonstrated an overall OR of 2.69 (1.88-3.83; P < .001; I2 = 27.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that smoking is a significant predictor of MTX-IR, especially in disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-naïve early RA patients, as most of the included studies in the meta-analysis consisted of this population.

CdS Semiconductor Quantum Dots; Facile Synthesis, Application as Off Fluorescent Sensor for Detection of Lead (Pb2+) Ions and Catalyst for Degradation of Dyes from Water

The CdS quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by rapid, one-pot, and novel photochemical method, which used Thioglycolic acid (TGA) molecules as both stabilizer and sulfur source. The structure and morphology of the prepared CdS QDs were characterized by different analyses such as XRD, FT-IR, Raman, EDS, TEM, PL, and absorption. In this work, was used of CdS QDs as off fluorescence sensor for rapid and simple detection of lead (Pb2+) ions in water. The PL intensity of CdS QDs in the presence of lead ions decreased gradually and in the presence of 100 μM lead ions, photo emission completely quenched. The photocatalyst performance of CdS QDs was investigated by methylene blue (MB), methylene orange (MO), and rhodamine b (RB) pollutant dyes under both UV and sun lights. The obtained results showed that CdS QDs had excellent photocatalyst activity with dyes under UV light and 94.9% of MO dye, 94.4% of RB dye, and 81.2% of MB was degraded after 60 min UV irradiation. For understanding about which parameter have a key role in the photodegradation process of MO by CdS QDs under UV illumination, several radical scavengers were used, and results showed that holes have a key role in the degradation process.

Translation and validation of the Persian version of the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire (SHAQ)

The present study aimed to translate and validate the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) for Persian-speaking patients (SHAQ-P), using a cross-sectional study. This cross-sectional study included SSc patients with 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria. The SHAQ was translated using a "forward-backward" method. HAQ-DI and SSc-HAQ scores were calculated from the patient-answered questionnaires. Rheumatology experts assessed the face and content validities of the SHAQ-P. Psychometric properties of the SHAQ-P were then assessed: Structural validity was analyzed using principal component factor analysis. Discriminant and convergent validities were measured on subgroups of the initial patient population. Test-retest reliability was measured on patients who filled the SHAQ-P again after 1 month. The Scale-CVI-average (S-CVI/Ave) score for content validity was 88.7%. Face validity was measured to be 68.17% using the QQ10 questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure with 20 out of 26 questions loading on the first factor (N = 285). One-way ANOVA showed that patients with a higher number of involved organs had higher average HAQ-DI and SSc-HAQ-scores (N = 60, P = 0.019 and 0.023, respectively). HAQ-DI and SSc-HAQ-scores were significantly correlated with the physical component score of SF36 (N = 31, correlation coefficient =  - 0.65 and  - 0.72, respectively). Reliability testing after one month demonstrated that HAQ-DI and SSc-HAQ-scores were significantly correlated with their initial (N = 40, correlation coefficient = 0.86 and 0.84, respectively), proving that the Persian SHAQ was a valid and reliable questionnaire to evaluate scleroderma patients' quality of life.

Glomerulonephritis associated with systemic sclerosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis is a multiorgan autoimmune disease that can overlap with other rheumatologic disorders; however, co-occurrence with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis is rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 39-year-old Persian female patient with systemic sclerosis according to American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2013 criteria with a disease duration of 6 years was admitted to the hospital due to a rise in creatinine level in July 2021. She had complaints of nasal speech and feeling of nasal perforation. The first symptoms of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis had started 5 years earlier with palpable purpura in the lower limbs, hemoptysis, and positive perinuclear (p)-antibody-associated vasculitis level (> 300 AU/mL). Still, the diagnosis was not achieved due to the patient's reluctance to undergo a biopsy. She was treated with azathioprine (150 mg/day) and prednisolone (10 mg/day) during the 5-year follow-up. Her renal biopsy results showed cortical renal tissue with a cellular crescent in more than 50% of the specimen, rupture of the Bowman capsule and the glomerular basement membrane, peri-glomerular inflammation, and mild tubular atrophy in microscopic examinations. The immunofluorescence study resulted in a granular pattern of immune deposits along the glomerular basement membrane, mesangial tissue, and tubular basement membranes.

CONCLUSION

We reported a rare case of comorbid systemic sclerosis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with nasal perforation. Her renal biopsy showed immune deposits along the glomerular basement membrane, mesangial tissue, and tubular basement membranes. Overlapping with other collagen vascular diseases can occur in rheumatology patients with uncommon manifestations. In systemic sclerosis, renal involvement in the form of glomerulonephritis is infrequent, and comorbid systemic lupus erythematosus or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis should be considered.

Comparison of clinicodemographic characteristics and pattern of vascular involvement in 126 patients with Takayasu arteritis: a report from Iran and Turkey

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is an extremely uncommon vasculitis that primarily affects the aorta and its branches. Due to the genetic and ethnicity effect, a diverse array of TA clinical manifestations has been reported worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinicodemographic characteristics and pattern of vascular involvement of Iranian and Turkish TA patients. This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional investigation of 126 TA patients in Iran and Turkey. All of the variables analyzed were extracted from historical medical records. In 126 TA patients, the ratio of females to males was 8.6:1, and the average age at onset of disease was 30.5±11.1 years. Fatigue (49.2%) and a weak or absent pulse (79.4%) were the most prevalent symptoms and signs, respectively. The most prevalent angiographic classifications were types V and I in Iranian patients (41.09%) and type I in the Turkish population (47.7%) The left subclavian artery was the vessel most frequently affected by TA (66.6%). Our findings indicated that there were no significant differences between the two countries in terms of clinicodemographic characteristics or vascular involvement. Some clinical manifestations, such as claudication, were more prevalent in the Turkish population due to a higher incidence of occlusive lesions in the right subclavian artery.

Phosphorus removal and recovery: state of the science and challenges

Phosphorus is one of the main nutrients required for all life. Phosphorus as phosphate form plays an important role in different cellular processes. Entrance of phosphorus in the environment leads to serious ecological problems including water quality problems and soil pollution. Furthermore, it may cause eutrophication as well as harmful algae blooms (HABs) in aquatic environments. Several physical, chemical, and biological methods have been presented for phosphorus removal and recovery. In this review, there is an overview of phosphorus role in nature provided, available removal processes are discussed, and each of them is explained in detail. Chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membrane separation, and adsorption can be listed as the most used methods. Identifying advantages of these technologies will allow the performance of phosphorus removal systems to be updated, optimized, evaluate the treatment cost and benefits, and support select directions for further action. Two main applications of biochar and nanoscale materials are recommended.

Removal of arsenic by metal organic framework/chitosan/carbon nanocomposites: Modeling, optimization, and adsorption studies

In this work removal of the arsenic (As) spiked in water through adsorption using synthesized nanocomposites as a adsorbent. The Zn-BDC@chitosan/carbon nanotube (Zn-BDC@CT/CNT) and Zn-BDC@chitosan/graphene oxide (Zn-BDC@CT/GO) were synthesized from metal organic framework, carbon nanotube/graphene oxide and natural polysaccharide. Results of adsorption experiments showed that the Zn-BDC@CT/GO possessed a higher adsorption capacity than that of the Zn-BDC@CT/CNT. A study on the adsorption of As onto Zn-BDC@CT/GO was conducted and the process parameters were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). A five-level, four-factor central composite design (CCD) has been used to determine the effect of various process parameters on As uptake from aqueous solution. By using this design a total of 20 adsorption experimental data were fitted. The regression analysis showed good fit of the experimental data to the second-order polynomial model with coefficient of determination (R²) value of 0.9997 and model F-value of 1099.97. The adsorption matched with the pseudo-second-order model and the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that the nature of adsorption was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic process. Adsorption of As in the presence of other competitive ions was not significantly affected The effective adsorption performance also sustained even after ten adsorption-desorption cycles, indicating favorable reusability.

Context Matters: Social Psychological Factors That Underlie Academic Performance across Seven Institutions

To enhance equity and diversity in undergraduate biology, recent research in biology education focuses on best practices that reduce learning barriers for all students and improve academic performance. However, the majority of current research into student experiences in introductory biology takes place at large, predominantly White institutions. To foster contextual knowledge in biology education research, we harnessed data from a large research coordination network to examine the extent of academic performance gaps based on demographic status across institutional contexts and how two psychological factors, test anxiety and ethnicity stigma consciousness, may mediate performance in introductory biology. We used data from seven institutions across three institution types: 2-year community colleges, 4-year inclusive institutions (based on admissions selectivity; hereafter, inclusive), and 4-year selective institutions (hereafter, selective). In our sample, we did not observe binary gender gaps across institutional contexts, but found that performance gaps based on underrepresented minority status were evident at inclusive and selective 4-year institutions, but not at community colleges. Differences in social psychological factors and their impacts on academic performance varied substantially across institutional contexts. Our findings demonstrate that institutional context can play an important role in the mechanisms underlying performance gaps.

Enhanced adsorption properties of zirconium modified chitosan-zeolite nanocomposites for vanadium ion removal

The novel hybrid adsorbents, which were composed of nanozeolite and nanochitosan (NZ@NCT) and nanozeolite-multi walled carbon nanotube and nanochitosan (CNZ@NCT) were produced by simple method. The adsorption capacity of synthesized nanocomposites towards vanadium (V) was compared with that of a clinoptilolite-nanochitosan nanocomposite (CPL@NCT) obtained from natural zeolite. Zirconium (Zr) was employed to modify prepared nanocomposites because Zr (IV) has a strong affinity towards oxyanions such as V. Zr-modified nanocomposites and their pristine nanocomposites were comparatively characterized by different techniques. Batch experiments were conducted to find out the influence of different experimental factors. The adsorption capacities of all prepared materials towards V ions decreased with temperature increasing from 298 to 348 K. The calculated values of the thermodynamic parameters ΔH and ΔG demonstrated that the adsorption was exothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption process was described by the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order model. The V species loaded nanocomposites could be regenerated by 0.5 M HCl-1.0 M thiourea solution. The adsorption performance was not considerably influenced by the coexistence of the nickel ( Ni²⁺) but nitrate (NO₃^-) and sulfate (SO₄^2-) revealed slightly greater negative effects. The as-prepared nanocomposites can be used in three adsorption cycles without specific changing its adsorption efficiency.

Nerve guidance conduit design based on self-rolling tubes

The current gold standard in peripheral nerve repair is nerve autografts for bridging gaps larger than a centimeter. However, autografts are associated with a low availability and the loss of function at the donor site. Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) made of biocompatible and biodegradable materials reflect suitable alternatives. Clinically approved NGCs comprise either wraps that are rolled around the loose ends of the nerve or steady-state tubes; however, both lack internal guidance structures. Here, we established self-rolling NGCs to allow for gentle encapsulation of nerve cells together with supportive microenvironments, such as (1) an inner tube wall coating with a bioactive spider silk film, (2) an inner tube wall lining using an anisotropic spider silk non-woven mat, or (3) a luminal filler using an anisotropic collagen cryogel. Neuronal cells adhered and differentiated inside the modified tubes and formed neurites, which were oriented along the guidance structures provided by the spider silk non-woven mat or by the fibrillary structure of the collagen cryogel. Thus, our size-adaptable NGCs provide several features useful for peripheral nerve repair, and distinct combinations of the used elements might support and enhance the clinical outcome.

Thyroid metastasis of bladder transitional cell carcinoma

The thyroid gland is a rare site for cancer metastasis. We report a 75-year-old man who was referred with a history of hematuria and generalized bone pain for the past few months. He had a past history of partial left lobe thyroidectomy for follicular adenoma. Subsequently he was referred for a thyroid mass and a subtotal thyroidectomy showed a poorly-differentiated carcinoma. On the latest admission, the patient underwent resection of a bladder tumour with malignant histology and an immunohistochemical profile of CK7+/CK20+/34 Beta E12+/CEA-/PSA-. Re-examination of thyroid sections with immunohistochemical stains revealed the malignant cells to be CK7+/CK20+/34 Beta E12+/CEA-/TTF1-. The findings were compatible with metastasis of the bladder transitional cell carcinoma to the thyroid gland.Scans revealed multiple liver and bone metastases. The patient died 2 months after the diagnosis.

Cyclic mechanical loading promotes bacterial penetration along composite restoration marginal gaps

OBJECTIVES

Secondary caries is the most common reason for composite restoration replacement and usually forms between dentin and the filling. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of cyclic loading and bacterial exposure on bacterial penetration into gaps at the interface between dentin and resin composite restorative material using a novel bioreactor system and test specimen design.

METHODS

Human molars were machined into 3mm thick disks with 2mm deep × 5 mm diameter cavity preparations into which composite restorations were placed. A ∼ 15-30 μm (small) or ∼ 300 μm wide (large) marginal gap was introduced along half of the interface between the dentin and restoration. Streptococcus mutans UA 159 biofilms were grown on each sample prior to testing each in a bioreactor both with and without cyclic loading. Both groups of samples were tested for 2 weeks and post-test biofilm viability was confirmed with a live-dead assay. Samples were fixed, mounted and cross-sectioned to reveal the gaps and observe the depth of bacterial penetration.

RESULTS

It was shown that for large gap samples the bacteria easily penetrated to the full depth of the gap independent of loading or non-loading conditions. The results for all cyclically loaded small gap samples show a consistently deep bacterial penetration down 100% of the gap while the average penetration depth was only 67% for the non-loaded samples with only two of six samples reaching 100%.

SIGNIFICANCE

A new bioreactor was developed that allows combining cyclic mechanical loading and bacterial exposure of restored teeth for bacterial biofilm and demineralization studies. Cyclic loading was shown to aid bacterial penetration into narrow marginal gaps, which could ultimately promote secondary caries formation.

Characterization of structural, mechanical and nano-mechanical properties of electrospun PGS/PCL fibers

Structural and mechanical properties of aligned PGS/PCL nanofibers for cornea tissue engineering are studied and compared to natural corneal stroma.

Human liver regeneration is characterized by the coordinated expression of distinct microRNA governing cell cycle fate

In the absence of adequate compensatory regeneration, overwhelming liver damage can cause acute liver failure (ALF) and death without emergent liver transplantation (LT). Auxiliary LT produces satisfactory outcomes in this setting, with the prospect of native liver regeneration sustaining long-term survival. Since animal models only partially recapitulate human liver regeneration, we investigated the molecular mechanisms controlling it in this unique LT setting, as an exemplar of human liver regeneration. We demonstrate coordinated changes in expression of microRNA (miRNA) during regeneration that drive proliferation, innate immunity and angiogenesis. In contrast, failed regeneration in a similar cohort is associated with distinct miRNA enforcing cell cycle inhibition and DNA methylation. The miRNA expression associated with successful or failed regeneration when recapitulated in vitro, triggered expression of cardinal regeneration-linked genes promoting cell cycle entry or inhibition, respectively. Furthermore, inhibition of miRNA 150, 663 and 503, whose downregulation is associated with successful regeneration, induced cell proliferation which a key determinant of successful regeneration. Our data indicate that human liver regeneration may be orchestrated by distinct miRNA controlling key regeneration-linked processes including hepatocyte proliferation. To our knowledge this is the first characterization of molecular processes associated with human liver regeneration.

Hydrodynamic gene delivery to the pig liver via an isolated segment of the inferior vena cava

Hydrodynamic gene delivery is an attractive option for non-viral liver gene therapy, but requires evaluation of efficacy, safety and clinically applicable techniques in large animal models. We have evaluated retrograde delivery of DNA to the whole liver via the isolated segment of inferior vena cava (IVC) draining the hepatic veins. Pigs (18-20 kg weight) were given the pGL3 plasmid via two programmable syringe pumps in parallel. Volumes corresponding to 2% of body weight (360-400 ml) were delivered at 100 ml s(-1) via a Y connector. The IVC segment pressure, portal venous pressure, arterial pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse were monitored. Concurrent studies were performed in rats for interspecies comparisons. The hydrodynamic procedure generated intrahepatic vascular pressures of 101-126 mm Hg, which is approximately 4 times higher than in rodents, but levels of gene delivery were approximately 200-fold lower. Suprahepatic IVC clamping caused a fall in arterial pressure, with the development of ECG signs of myocardial ischaemia, but these abnormalities resolved rapidly. The IVC segment approach is a clinically acceptable approach to liver gene therapy. However, it is less effective in pigs than in rodents, possibly because of larger liver size or a less compliant connective tissue framework.

Evaluation of intravenous hydrocortisone in reducing headache after spinal anesthesia: a double blind controlled clinical study [corrected]

BACKGROUND

Headache after spinal anesthesia is a common complication is patients undergoing this procedure. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of intravenous hydrocortisone in the treatment of headache after spinal anesthesia in women who have undergone cesarean section.

METHODS

Sixty patients with headache after spinal anesthesia were included. Patients randomly allocated into two groups, 30 patients received only conventional therapy (complete bed rest, hydration, acetaminophen and pethidine). Other 30 patients received conventional therapy plus intravenous hydrocortisone (200 mg first, then 100 mg TID for 48 hours). Mean (+/- SD) of headache intensity at 0, 6, 24, and 48 hours after beginning of treatment was measured using visual analog scale.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in headache intensity between two groups before beginning of treatment. After 6 hours, the mean of headache intensity in 30 patients treated conventionally was 6.63 (+/- 1.35) while it was 2.77 (+/- 1.07) in other patients received intravenous hydrocortisone too (p <0.001). After 24 hours, mean headache intensity was 3.87 (+/- 1.63) in conventionally treated group versus 0.73 (+/- 0.74) in hydrocortisone group (p <0.001). After 48 hours, mean headache intensity was 1.87 (+/- 0.93) in conventionally treated group versus 0.63 (+/- 0.61) in hydrocortisone group (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the therapeutic effects of intravenous hydrocortisone in reducing headache after spinal anesthesia in women who underwent cesarean section. Its mechanism of action is yet to be determined.

Effect of a new phenanthroline derivative on testicular tissue and serum testosterone concentration and its contraceptive affects on adult Balb/C mouse strain

In this research, the effect of 2, 6-diaminopyridinum as a new phenanthroline derivative was studied on the hypophysis-gonad axis, testicular tissue and sperm production in male Balb/C mice. Fifty adult male Balb/C mice were divided in five groups. First group was considered as untreated control. Saline was injected to second group and the remaining three groups received intraperitoneal injection of 15, 20 and 25 mg kg(-1) of 2, 6-diaminopyridinum every other day for 20 days. The LD50 was determined to be 35 mg kg(-1) body weight. The testicular tissues were studied morphologically and the serum concentration of FSH, LH and testosterone were measured. The results showed that 25 mg kg(-1) diaminopyridinum decreased the number of germ cells significantly and serum testosterone level with no change on FSH and LH levels. This study indicates that 25 mg kg(-1) of phenanthroline may directly affect testicular tissue causing a lower testosterone level and spermatogenesis in mice.

The block of central vasopressin V1 but not V2 receptors suppresses grooming behavior and hypothermia induced by intracerebroventricular vasopressin in male rats

The role of central vasopressin V1 receptors in grooming behavior induced by vasopressin and oxytocin was studied in male rats of the Wistar strain. The intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of vasopressin (3 micrograms/5 microliters) induced hypothermia and enhanced novelty-induced grooming behavior. Enhanced grooming but not hypothermia was also induced by ICV injection of oxytocin (3 micrograms/5 microliters). The central administration of a selective vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist prevented the stimulating action of vasopressin on novelty-induced grooming and its hypothermic effect. The ICV injection of a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist failed to affect vasopressin-induced grooming and hypothermic effect. An increase in core temperature was observed in oxytocin-injected animals pretreated with the vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist. Furthermore, pretreatment with the antagonist did not affect grooming induced by oxytocin. These results suggest that enhancement of grooming behavior and influence on thermoregulation are differently regulated by central receptors for vasopressin and oxytocin.