Tree species composition, growing stock and biomass carbon dynamics of the major timber species in Hindu Kush regions of Pakistan / Composição de espécies de árvores, estoque em crescimento e dinâmica de biomassa de carbono das principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões de Indocuche no Paquistão

Using inventory data, this study evaluates the species composition, growing stock volume (GSV), and biomass carbon (BMC) of the five major timber species in the sub-tropical, and temperate/sub-alpine regions of Pakistan. It was found that the stem density varies between 50 and 221 trees ha -1, with a mean of 142 trees ha-1 (13.68 million trees for entire forest area). Among the species, Pinus wallichiana showed a high species composition (27.80%) followed by Picea smithiana (24.64%). The GSV was found in the range of 67.81 to 425.94 m3 ha-1, with a total GSV value of 20.68 million m3 for the entire region. Similarly, The BMC ranged from 27.04 to 169.86 Mg ha-1, with a mean BMC value of 86.80 Mg ha-1. The total amount of stored carbon was found at 8.69 million tons for a total of 95842 ha of commercially managed forest. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the basal area (BA) and GSV and BMC showed that BA is the best predictor of GSV and BMC. The findings provide insights to the policy makers and forest managers regarding the sustainable commercial forest management as well as forest carbon management in the recent global carbon management for climate change mitigation.

Usando dados de inventário, este estudo avaliou a composição de espécies, volume de estoque crescente (GSV) e carbono de biomassa (BMC) das cinco principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões subtropicais e temperadas/subalpinas do Paquistão. Constatou-se que a densidade do caule variou entre 50 e 221 árvores ha-1, com média de 142 árvores ha-1 (13,68 milhões de árvores para toda a área florestal). Entre as espécies, Pinus wallichiana apresentou alta composição de espécies (27,80%), seguida de Picea smithiana (24,64%). O GSV foi encontrado na faixa de 67,81 a 425,94 m3 ha-1, com um valor total de 20,68 milhões de m3 para toda a região. Da mesma forma, o BMC variou de 27,04 a 169,86 mg ha-1, com valor médio de 86,80 mg ha-1. A quantidade total de carbono armazenado foi de 8,69 milhões de toneladas para um total de 95.842 ha de floresta manejada comercialmente. Além disso, a análise de correlação entre área basal (BA), GSV e BMC mostrou que BA é o melhor preditor de GSV e BMC. As descobertas fornecem insights para os formuladores de políticas e gestores florestais sobre o manejo florestal comercial sustentável, bem como o manejo florestal de carbono no recente gerenciamento global de carbono para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas.

Short-term effects of air pollutants on outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in Guiyang / 环境与职业医学

Background Affected by concentration, composition, and population tolerance of air pollutants, the relationship between air pollutants and population health has regional differences. There is still a research gap in Guiyang. Objective To explore the short-term effects of air pollutant concentrations in low-pollution areas on the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. Methods Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between air pollutants, meteorological factors, and respiratory outpatient volume from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020 in Guiyang City. A single pollutant distribution lag nonlinear model and a multi-pollutant interaction model were established based on Poisson distribution. A three-dimensional diagram was drawn to display the relationship between air pollutants and respiratory outpatient volume. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the attribution risk and lag effect of air pollutant concentration on outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in Guiyang City. Results The results of the single pollutant model showed that fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) elevated the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. The maximum relative risk (RR) and 95%CI values of PM2.5, NO2,CO, and SO2 appeared on Day 2, 0, 5, and 6, respectively, which were 1.019 (1.015, 1.023), 1.146 (1.122, 1.171), 1.129 (1.116, 1.143), and 1.046(1.040, 1.052), respectively. For every quartile concentration increment of PM2.5, NO2, CO, or SO2, the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases increased by 0.943% (0.111%, 1.782%), 4.050% (3.573%, 4.529%), 0.595% (0.317%, 0.874%), or 0.667% (0.235%, 1.100%), respectively. The maximum RR (95%CI) of O3 was 1.015 (1.007, 1.023) and appeared on Day 0. The results of multi-pollutant model showed that PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3 all elevated the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. The maximum RR values of PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2 and O3 appeared on Day 14, 0, 5, 7 and 0, respectively, which were 1.027 (1.021, 1.034), 1.213 (1.179, 1.248), 1.059 (1.043, 1.074), 1.016 (1.005, 1.026), and 1.024 (1.015, 1.033), respectively. Compared with the single pollutant model, the RR values of PM2.5, NO2, and O3 on the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in the multi-pollutant model showed an upward trend, while the RR values of CO and SO2 in the multi-pollutant model showed a downward trend. Conclusion The impact of low concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, CO, and SO2 on human health cannot be ignored.

An unprecedented pair of Z/E isomeric pyridinium compound from the aqueous extract of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas / 药学学报

A novel pair of Z/E isomeric compounds with unprecedented carbon skeleton were isolated from an aqueous extract of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas by macroporous resin, silica gel, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Mass spectroscopy (MS) and other spectroscopic methods as (Z)-3-(but-1″-en-1″-yl)-1-(2ʹ-hydroxyethyl)-4-propylpyridin-1-ium, namely aspongopyridine A, and (E)-3-(but-1″-en-1″-yl)-1-(2ʹ-hydroxyethyl)-4-propylpyridin-1-ium, namely aspongopyridine B, respectively. Besides, the anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activities of the compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated. The results showed that compounds 1 and 2 have no anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activities instead of weak acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity.

Assessment of land use cover changes, carbon sequestration and carbon stock in dry temperate forests of Chilas watershed, Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract Land use and land cover change are affecting the global environment and ecosystems of the different biospheres. Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of these changes is of utmost importance as they often results in several global environmental consequences such as land degradation, mass erosion, habitat deterioration as well as micro and macro climate of the regions. The advance technologies like remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) are helpful in determining/ identifying these changes. In the current study area, changes in carbon stocks, notably in forest areas, are resulting in considerable dynamics of carbon stocks as a result of climate change and carbon sequestration. This study was carried out in the Diamer district of the Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Pakistan to investigate the change in cover change/land use change (particularly Forest Land use) as well as carbon sequestration potential of the forests in the district during almost last 25years. The land cover, temporal Landsat data (level 1, LIT) were downloaded from the USGS EROS (2016), for 1979-1989, 1990-2000 and 2001-2012. Change in land uses, particularly forest cover was investigated using GIS techniques. Forest inventory was carried out using random sampling techniques. A standard plot of size 0.1 ha (n=80) was laid out to determine the tree density, volume, biomass and C stocks. Simulation of C stocks was accomplished by application of the CO2FIX model with the data input from inventory. Results showed a decrease in both forest and snow cover in the region from 1979-2012. Similarly decrease was seen in tree volume, tree Biomass, dynamics of C Stocks and decrease was in occur tree density respectively. It is recommended we need further more like project such as BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) and green Pakistan project to increase the forest cover, to control on land use change, protect forest ecosystem and to protect snow cover.

Resumo O uso e as mudanças na cobertura da terra estão afetando o meio ambiente global e os ecossistemas das diferentes biosferas. O monitoramento, relatório e verificação (MRV) dessas mudanças são de extrema importância, pois muitas vezes resultam em várias consequências ambientais globais, como degradação da terra, erosão em massa, deterioração do hábitat, bem como micro e macroclima das regiões. As tecnologias avançadas, como sensoriamento remoto (RS) e sistema de informações geográficas (SIG), são úteis para determinar / identificar essas mudanças. Na área de estudo atual, as mudanças nos estoques de carbono, principalmente em áreas florestais, estão resultando em uma dinâmica considerável dos estoques de carbono como resultado das mudanças climáticas e do sequestro de carbono. Este estudo foi realizado no distrito de Diamer de Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Paquistão, para investigar a mudança na mudança de cobertura / mudança de uso da terra (particularmente uso de terras florestais), bem como o potencial de sequestro de carbono das florestas no distrito durante quase os últimos 25 anos. A cobertura da terra, os dados temporais do Landsat (nível 1, LIT), foram baixados do USGS EROS (2016), para 1979-1989, 1990-2000 e 2001-2012. Mudanças nos usos da terra, particularmente na cobertura florestal, foram investigadas usando técnicas de SIG. O inventário florestal foi realizado por meio de técnicas de amostragem aleatória. Um lote padrão de 0,1 ha (n = 80) foi estabelecido para determinar a densidade das árvores, volume, biomassa e estoques de C. A simulação dos estoques de C foi realizada pela aplicação do modelo CO2FIX com a entrada de dados do inventário. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição na cobertura florestal e de neve na região de 1979 a 2012. Da mesma forma, diminuição foi observada no volume da árvore, biomassa das árvores, dinâmica dos estoques de C e diminuição na densidade das árvores, respectivamente. É recomendado que precisemos de mais projetos como o BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) e o projeto Green Pakistan para aumentar a cobertura florestal, controlar as mudanças no uso da terra, proteger o ecossistema florestal e proteger a cobertura de neve.

Tree species composition, growing stock and biomass carbon dynamics of the major timber species in Hindu Kush regions of Pakistan

Abstract Using inventory data, this study evaluates the species composition, growing stock volume (GSV), and biomass carbon (BMC) of the five major timber species in the sub-tropical, and temperate/sub-alpine regions of Pakistan. It was found that the stem density varies between 50 and 221 trees ha -1, with a mean of 142 trees ha-1 (13.68 million trees for entire forest area). Among the species, Pinus wallichiana showed a high species composition (27.80%) followed by Picea smithiana (24.64%). The GSV was found in the range of 67.81 to 425.94 m3 ha-1, with a total GSV value of 20.68 million m3 for the entire region. Similarly, The BMC ranged from 27.04 to 169.86 Mg ha-1, with a mean BMC value of 86.80 Mg ha-1. The total amount of stored carbon was found at 8.69 million tons for a total of 95842 ha of commercially managed forest. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the basal area (BA) and GSV and BMC showed that BA is the best predictor of GSV and BMC. The findings provide insights to the policy makers and forest managers regarding the sustainable commercial forest management as well as forest carbon management in the recent global carbon management for climate change mitigation.

Resumo Usando dados de inventário, este estudo avaliou a composição de espécies, volume de estoque crescente (GSV) e carbono de biomassa (BMC) das cinco principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões subtropicais e temperadas/subalpinas do Paquistão. Constatou-se que a densidade do caule variou entre 50 e 221 árvores ha-1, com média de 142 árvores ha-1 (13,68 milhões de árvores para toda a área florestal). Entre as espécies, Pinus wallichiana apresentou alta composição de espécies (27,80%), seguida de Picea smithiana (24,64%). O GSV foi encontrado na faixa de 67,81 a 425,94 m3 ha-1, com um valor total de 20,68 milhões de m3 para toda a região. Da mesma forma, o BMC variou de 27,04 a 169,86 mg ha-1, com valor médio de 86,80 mg ha-1. A quantidade total de carbono armazenado foi de 8,69 milhões de toneladas para um total de 95.842 ha de floresta manejada comercialmente. Além disso, a análise de correlação entre área basal (BA), GSV e BMC mostrou que BA é o melhor preditor de GSV e BMC. As descobertas fornecem insights para os formuladores de políticas e gestores florestais sobre o manejo florestal comercial sustentável, bem como o manejo florestal de carbono no recente gerenciamento global de carbono para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas.

Aspectos por considerar en autopsias por intoxicación aguda con monóxido de carbono, el asesino silente. A propósito de dos casos / Aspects to consider in autopsies for acute carbon monoxide poisoning, the silent killer. About two cases

El monóxido de carbono (CO) es un gas que se produce durante la combustión incompleta de diferentes materiales orgánicos. Una vez que se inhala, se absorbe hacia la sangre, ejerciendo su efecto a nivel sistémico. Se une fuertemente a la hemoglobina, y forma la carboxihemoglobina lo que provoca una disminución del transporte de oxígeno a los tejidos y dependiendo de su concentración puede ser mortal. Los hallazgos comúnmente encontrados en la autopsia son color rojo cereza en la piel y órganos, así como edema pulmonar, entre otros. El diagnóstico de intoxicación por CO se basa en la medición post mortem de carboxihemoglobina en sangre, por lo que se deben tomar muestras para cuantificar estos niveles. Con respecto al manejo en estos casos, se presenta dos casos correspondientes a la autopsia médica legal en las que se estableció como causa de muerte la intoxicación por monóxido de carbono.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is produced during the incomplete combustion of different organic materials. Once inhaled, it is absorbed into the blood, exerting its effect at the systemic level. It strongly binds to hemoglobin, and forms carboxyhemoglobin, which causes a decrease in oxygen transport to the tissues and, depending on its concentration, can be fatal. The findings commonly found in the autopsy are cherry red color in the skin and organs, as well as pulmonary edema, among others. The diagnosis of CO poisoning is based on the postmortem measurement of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, so samples must be taken to quantify these levels. Regarding the handling of these cases, two cases corresponding to the legal medical autopsy are presented in which carbon monoxide poisoning was established as the cause of death.

Qualitative Characterization of the Abrasive Component of Charcoal-Containing Toothpastes and the Effect on Dentin Roughness / Caracterización Cualitativa del Componente Abrasivo de las Pastas Dentales que Contienen Carbón Vegetal y la Rugosidad de la Dentina

This study investigated the effect of commercially available whitening toothpastes containing charcoal on dentin. Nine charcoal-containing toothpastes were compared with 3 whitening toothpastes (positive control) and distilled water (negative control). Periodontally hopeless molars were cleaned and washed and the occlusal table removed to expose dentin. The teeth were mounted in auto-polymerizing resin and exposed dentine surfaces polished with water-cooled decreasing grits of silica carbide paper up to 1500 grit. Baseline average roughness (Ra) measurements were taken. Specimens were then mounted in an automatic tooth-brushing machine and brushed for 5000 cycles. Repeat Ra measurements were taken. Specimens were brushed in 5000-cycle increments up to 25,000 cycles with Ra measurements being taken at each time point. Between abrasive challenges specimens were stored in distilled water. All toothpaste samples were sputter coated and examined under a scanning electron microscope to qualify the shape and size of the abrasive components of the formulations. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni. The results demonstrated that the abrasive effect, in terms of increasing Ra, on dentin was noted as early as 5000 cycles for all the tested toothpastes (p<0.05). The effect of continued brushing showed an overall cumulative effect on dentine roughness up to 25000 cycles. When toothpastes were compared between groups at each time-point, dentin specimens brushed with Pursito were statistically similar to the control group. At 25,000 cycles all dentin samples were significantly rougher compared to Pursito and the control groups. It may be concluded that all the tested toothpastes have an abrasive effect on dentin surfaces.

Este estudio investigó el efecto sobre la dentina de las pastas dentales blanqueadoras disponibles en el mercado que contienen carbón vegetal. Se compararon nueve dentífricos que contenían carbón vegetal con 3 dentífricos blanqueadores (control positivo) y agua destilada (control negativo). Los molares sin material periodontal se limpiaron y lavaron y se retiró la tabla oclusal para exponer la dentina. Los dientes se montaron en resina autopolimerizable y las superficies expuestas de la dentina se pulieron con papel de carburo de sílice de grano decreciente enfriado con agua hasta grano 1500. Se tomaron medidas de rugosidad promedio (Ra) de referencia. Luego, las muestras se montaron en una máquina automática de cepillado de dientes y se cepillaron durante 5000 ciclos. Se tomaron medidas repetidas de Ra. Las muestras se cepillaron en incrementos de 5000 ciclos hasta 25 000 ciclos y se tomaron medidas de Ra en cada punto de tiempo. Entre periodos abrasivos, las muestras se almacenaron en agua destilada. Todas las muestras de pasta de dientes se recubrieron por pulverización catódica y se examinaron bajo un microscopio electrónico de barrido para calificar la forma y el tamaño de los componentes abrasivos de las formulaciones. Los datos se analizaron utilizando un análisis de varianza de dos vías de Bonferroni post hoc. Los resultados demostraron que el efecto abrasivo, en términos de aumento de Ra, sobre la dentina se notó ya en 5000 ciclos para todas las pastas dentales probadas (p<0,05). El efecto del cepillado continuo mostró un efecto acumulativo general sobre la rugosidad de la dentina hasta 25.000 ciclos. Cuando se compararon las pastas dentales entre los grupos en cada momento, las muestras de dentina cepilladas con Pursito fueron estadísticamente similares al grupo de control. A los 25.000 ciclos, todas las muestras de dentina eran significativamente más ásperas en comparación con Pursito y los grupos controles. Se puede concluir que todas las pastas dentales probadas tienen un efecto abrasivo sobre las superficies dentinarias.

El rol del laboratorio en los hallazgos de intoxicación y exposición a monóxido de carbono / The role of the laboratory in findings of carbon monoxide poisoning and exposure

El monóxido de carbono es un gas altamente tóxico que se origina principalmente por la combustión incompleta de combustibles fósiles. La intoxicación presenta síntomas inespecíficos que solapan otras patologías y por lo tanto es indispensable la confirmación mediante la medición de la carboxihemoglobina en sangre. El laboratorio incorporó la determinación en el informe del estado ácido base a partir de octubre del 2018, debido a que previamente el médico debía solicitarla frente a la sospecha de una intoxicación. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar si esta medida implementada por el laboratorio contribuyó a mejorar el diagnóstico de intoxicación por CO, analizar las características de los pacientes con COHb mayor o igual a 5% y definir un valor de reporte inmediato para la COHb. El 46% de los casos con COHb mayor o igual a 5% no se relacionaban con una intoxicación y/o exposición a CO. De los casos de intoxicación se encontró que el 77% fueron diagnosticados a partir de la sospecha médica y un 23% por hallazgo del laboratorio. Se concluyó que es de mucha utilidad el rol del laboratorio en detectar aquellos casos que no fueron evidentes clínicamente. Existen ciertas patologías como las oncológicas o la enfermedad de Wilson donde se vieron valores elevados de COHb sin presentar intoxicación y se definió finalmente, como valor de reporte inmediato 7% para la COHb. (AU)

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that originates mainly from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Intoxication causes nonspecific symptoms that overlap with other conditions and, therefore, confirmation by measuring blood carboxyhemoglobin is essential. The laboratory incorporated the measurement in the acid-base status report as of October 2018, as it was previously required to be requested by the physician in case of suspected intoxication. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this measure implemented by the laboratory contributed to the improvement of the diagnosis of CO intoxication, to analyze the characteristics of patients with COHb greater than or equal to 5% and to define an immediate reporting value for COHb. Overall, 46% of the cases with COHb greater than or equal to 5% were not related to CO poisoning and/or exposure. Of the cases of intoxication, 77% were diagnosed based on medical suspicion and 23% on laboratory findings. It was concluded that the laboratory has a useful role in detecting cases that were not clinically evident. There are certain diseases including different types of cancer or Wilson's disease where elevated COHb values were seen without intoxication and finally, 7% for COHb was defined as the immediate reporting value (AU)

Correlation of Venous to Arterial Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure Difference with other Cardiac Output Indices in Patients Undergoing Intracardiac Repair for Tetralogy of Fallot

Background: Clearance of tissue carbon dioxide by circulation is measured by venous to arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference (AVCO2 ) and is correlated with cardiac output (CO) in critically ill adult patients. This study aimed to correlate AVCO2 with other CO indices like arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference (AVO2 ), central venous oxygen saturation (ScVO2 ), and serum lactate in pediatric patients undergoing intracardiac repair (ICR) for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in 50 patients, of age 5months to 5 years, undergoing ICR for TOF and analyzed AVO2 , AVCO2 , ScVO2 , and lactate from arterial and venous blood gas pairs obtained at different time intervals from admission to pediatric intensive care unit(PICU)(T0 ), at 6 h (T1 ), 12 h (T2 ), 24 h (T3 ), and 48 h (T4 ) postoperatively. Bivariate correlations were analyzed using Pearson for parametric variables. Results: Admission AVCO2 was not correlated with AVO2 (R2 = 0.166, P = 0.246), ScVO2 (R2 = ?2.2, P = 0.124), and lactate (R2 = ?0.07, P = 0.624). At T1 , AVCO2 was correlated with AVO2 (R2 = 0.283, P = 0.0464) but not with ScVO2 (R2 = ? 0.25, P = 0.079) and lactate (R2 = ?0.07, P = 0.623). At T2 , T3 and T4 , AVCO2 was correlated with AVO2 (R2 = 0.338,0.440 & 0.318, P = 0.0162, 0.0013, and 0.024), ScVO2 (R2 = ? 0.344, ? 0.488, and ?0.366; P = 0.0143, <0.0001, and 0.017), and lactate (R2 = 0.305, 0.467 and 0.607; P = 0.0314, 0.00062 and <0.0001). AVCO2 was negatively correlated with ScVO2 . No correlation observed between admission AVCO2 and mechanical ventilation duration. Two nonsurvivors had higher value of admission AVCO2 compared to survivors. Conclusion: AVCO2 is correlated with other CO surrogates like AVO2 , ScVO2 , and lactate in pediatric patients undergoing ICR for TOF.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Low Pressure Carbon Dioxide as a Hurdle in Raw Milk Storage

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of low pressure carbon dioxide as a hurdle in raw milk storage. Study Design: Milk samples were stored at under low pressure carbon dioxide at 29°C for 6 hours and the microbial quality of milk was compared with control milk. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dairy Microbiology, Verghese Kurien Institute of Dairy and Food Technology (VKIDFT), Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy between January 2020 and December 2020. Methodology: Milk samples were collected from an organized farm. The initial microbial quality of milk was determined and samples were carbonated to a pressure of 20 psi and stored for six hours 29°C, uncarbonated milk sample kept at 29°C acted as the control. The microbial quality of the carbonated milk and uncarbonated milk was determined after storage in terms of total viable count, coliform count and gram negative organism count. Results: Significant growth suppression (P=0.05) of bacteria was observed in the carbonated milk. Total Viable count showed a suppression of 1.05 log cfu/ml while coliforms showed a suppression of 1.3 log cfu/ml. The greatest log reduction was observed in gram negative organisms with a difference of 2.2 log cfu/ml and psychrotrophic organisms with 1.54 log cfu/ml. Conclusion: Carbon dioxide was found to be an effective bacteriostatic agent which could be used for extending the keeping quality of raw milk. The bacteriostatic action could be due to anaerobic conditions developed by carbon dioxide and also due to the increased acidity of the medium.

Intoxicación por monóxido de carbono: estudio observacional de pacientes que acudieron a Urgencias durante 2020 / Carbon monoxide poisoning: an observational study of patients admitted to Emergency Department during 2020

El objetivo fue describir las intoxicaciones monóxido de carbono. Se diseñó un corte transversal que incluyó una muestra consecutiva de mediciones de carboxihemoglobina (COHb), realizadas Enero y Diciembre 2020 en la Central de Emergencias del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se utilizaron bases secundarias y revisión manual de historias clínicas para recolección de varia-bles de interés. Durante el período de estudio hubo 20 pacientes confirmados, con media de 50 años (DE 20), 55% sexo masculino, 20% tabaquistas, y una única embarazada. El 70% correspondieron al trimestre Junio-Julio-Agosto. La fuente de intoxicación más frecuente se debió a accidentes domésticos (calefón, estufa, brasero, hornalla, salamandra) que representaron el 50% de los casos, 30% por incendios, y el 20% restante explicado por tabaco o factor desconocido. Los estudios de laboratorio más solicitados fueron: 95% recuento de glóbulos blancos, 85% glucemia, 70% CPK, y 55% troponina. Los hallazgos relevantes fueron COHb con mediana de 7.15%, CPK con mediana de 89 U/mL, y troponina con mediana de 8.5 pg/mL. La totalidad se realizó electrocardiograma: 15% presentaron arritmia como hallazgo patológico, y ninguno isquemia. En cuanto la presentación clínica: 30% presentó cefalea, 15% síncope, 15% coma, 10% mareos y 10% convulsiones. Sólo 25% tuvieron tomografía y 15% resonancia de cerebro, sin hallazgos críticos. Sin embargo, 15% fueron derivados para trata-miento con cámara hiperbárica. La mayoría ocurrieron en invierno y explicados por accidentes domésticos. Será necesario un fortalecimiento del rol preventivo que apunte al control de la instalación y el buen funcionamiento de artefactos, como mantener los ambientes bien ventilados (AU)

The objective was to describe carbon monoxide poisoning. A cross sectional was designed, which included a consecutive sample of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) measurements, carried from January to December 2020 at the Emergency Department of tHospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Secondary databases and manual review of medical records were used to collect variables of interest. During the study period there were 20 confirmed patients, with a mean age of 50 (SD 20), mostly male (55%), 20% smokers, and only one pregnant woman, 70% corresponded to June-July-August. The most frequent source of poisoning was explained to domestic accidents (water heater, stove, brazier, stove, salamander) which represented 50% of cases, 30% due to fires, and the remaining 20% by tobacco or unknown factor. The most laboratory studies were: 95% white blood cell count, 85% glycemia, 70% CPK, and 55% troponin. Meanwhile, relevant findings were carboxyhemoglobin with a median of 7.15%, CPK with a median of 89 U/mL, and troponin with a median of 8.5 pg/mL. All underwent an electrocardiogram: 15% presented arrhythmia as a pathological finding, and none ischemia. Regarding the clinical presentation: 30% presented headache, 15% syncope, 15% coma, 10% dizziness and 10% seizures. Only 25% had brain tomography and 15% MRI, without pathological findings. However, 15% were referred for treatment with a hyperbaric chamber. Most of the cases occurred in winter and explained by domestic accidents. It will be necessary to strengthen the preventive role that aims to control the installation and the proper functioning of devices, such as keeping rooms well ventilated (AU)

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Heavy Cigarette Smoking Presenting as Delusion in a Patient with a History of Chronic Schizophrenia (Methamphetamine Induced)

We describe a case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a 54-year-old male from heavy cigarette smoking presenting as delusions. The patient has a history of methamphetamine-induced schizophrenia now in remission for 2 years, and not on any psychotropics and is drug-free.

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Bakeries Produced from Golden Berries

This investigation was performed with the purpose of researching the influence of pizza containing dried golden berry fruits (DGBF) at different doses against carbon tetrachloride - induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The study shows phenols content of golden berry. 25 male rats were used in the biological investigation. Rats were divided into five groups (5 rats in group) the investigation was 12 weeks. The first group (negative group) was given a basal diet and the second group (G2, G3, G4, and G5) was injected intramuscularly with carbon tetrachloride 2 ml/kg BW (50% v/v in liquid paraffin) weekly to induce hepatotoxicity. After the injury, group G3, G4 and G5 fed on 50% basal diet supplemented with 50%pizza containing 5, 10 and 15% DGBF. Findings indicate that DGBF had a high antioxidant activity, total phenol, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and carotenoids content. Rats fed 50% pizza containing (5,10 and 15%) DGBF had a lower serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, uric acid, creatinine, GOT, GPT, MDA and SOD compared to rats fed simply the basal diet (positive control). The DGBF was added to the pizza with different proportions, and its sensory properties were evaluated, and all proportions were proper to the panelists, compared to the control. The findings of this work suggest that golden berries could be used to treat and prevent hepatotoxicity patients.

Correlation between chest computed tomography findings and pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective The radiological and functional lung sequelae in COVID-19 survivors remain unclear. We compared the chest computed tomography findings of COVID-19 patients with normal and abnormal pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase. Methods The data of consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography within 14 days after recovery from COVID-19 at two medical centers between May and October 2020 were collected retrospectively. Two thoracic radiologists who were blinded to the clinical information and pulmonary function test results classified the patients according to the computed tomography features, evidence of fibrotic-like changes, and semi-quantitative quantification of the extent of pulmonary abnormalities. The clinical characteristics and computed tomography findings of patients with normal pulmonary function test results were compared with those of patients with abnormal results. Results A total of 101 COVID-19 survivors, comprising 48 ambulatory and 53 hospitalized patients, were included at a median of 95 days from initial symptom onset. Computed tomography revealed fibrotic-like changes in 10.9% of patients. A reduction in the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was the most common lung function abnormality (19.8%). Abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was associated with the presence and extension of lung opacities on chest computed tomography scans and fibrotic pulmonary abnormalities. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of reduced diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide for detecting fibrotic-like pulmonary changes on chest computed tomography scans were 72.7%, 87.8%, and 86.1%, respectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that the presence of an abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of long-term parenchymal lung disease, as evidenced by the presence of fibrotic-like changes on chest computed tomography scans, such as traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion.

Fibra de carbono ativada: avaliação das interações biológicas in vitro / Activated carbon fiber: evaluation of biological interactions in vitro

Devido a constante necessidade de desenvolver materiais biocompatíveis com propriedades osteocondutores e osteoindutoras, a presente tese conta com o desenvolvimento de dois estudos in vitro com fibra de carbono obtida a partir de fibra PAN têxtil, incorporada com diferentes íons de metais, na osteogênese com vistas à compreensão das necessidades da engenharia tecidual no desenvolvimento desse biomaterial com adequadas propriedades biológicas. As células foram obtidas dos fêmures de 09 ratos machos adultos (Wistar) pesando 300g, com 90 dias.Estudo 1: A partir da preparação da fibras foram obtidos corpos de prova de 4 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de altura, dos seguintes grupos: fibra de carbono não ativada (FCNA), fibra carbono ativada (FCA) e fibra carbono ativada com prata (FCAAg). Após plaqueamento (n=5) em meio suplementado (MTS) e meio suplementado osteogênico (MTSO) foram analisados: viabilidade celular, conteúdo de proteína total (PT), atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP), interaçãocelular e formação de nódulos de mineralização. Foi avaliada a formação de biofilme nos corpos de prova, utilizando cepas de S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e E. coli. Na viabilidade celular, houve diferença estatística entre grupo controle celular (C) e FCA-MTS, FCAAg-MTS e FCAAg-MTSO. Em PT, não houvediferença, na ALP houve diferença entre C-MTS e as fibras, C-MTSO se mostrou semelhante. Em nódulos, houve diferença entre C-MTS e C-MTSO e as fibras do MTSO. Houve redução de formação de biofilme do S. aureus na FCAAg.Estudo 2: Foram obtidos corpos de prova da mesma dimensão do estudo 1 (n=5) dos seguintes grupos: fibra carbono ativada com prata (FCAAg), fibra carbono ativada com ouro (FCAAu), fibra carbono ativada com cobre (FCACu), fibra carbono ativada com paládio (FCAPd) e fibra carbono ativada com platina (FCAPt). Foram quantificadas a proliferação celular, viabilidade celular, formação de nódulos de mineralização, conteúdo de PT e ALP. Todas as amostras mostraram-se semelhantes quanto a proliferação celular, com exceção do grupo FCAAg comparado ao grupo controle (C). Sobre viabilidade celular, C obteve maior viabilidade que os outros grupos, e FCA obteve maior taxa que os grupos FCAAg, FCACu, FCAPt, sendo semelhante aos grupos FCAAu e FCAPd. Já os grupos FCAAu e FCAPd apresentaram diferença aos grupos FCAAg e FCACu. Na análise de expressão de PT apenas houve diferença entre FCA e FCAAu, sendo FCAAu com menor expressão de produção de PT. Na avaliação da ALP os grupos FCAAg e FACu mostraram diferença estatística e inferior com os grupos C, FCAAu, FCAPd e FCAPt, além disso, o grupo FCA mostrou menor taxa que C.Conclusões: As fibras utilizadas de base para a incorporação dos íons demonstraram grande potencial para uso como scaffold para reparação óssea, isso porque em ambos os estudos, na forma ativada e não ativada, as fibras apresentaram viabilidade celular e quantificação de cálcio satisfatórias. Sendo a versão não ativada mais econômica no que diz respeito ao tempo e custo de preparação. Mais estudos devem ser empregados a fim de assegurar sua segurança clínica em relação à citotoxicidade da incorporação de íons de ouro e paládio.(AU)

Due to the constant need to develop biocompatible materials with osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, this thesis involves the development of two in vitro studies with carbon fiber obtained from textile PAN fiber, incorporated with different metal ions, in osteogenesis with a view to understanding the needs of tissue engineering in the development of this biomaterial with adequate biological properties. The cells were obtained from the femurs of 9 adult male rats (Wistar) weighing 300g, aged 90 days. Study 1: From the fiber preparation, specimens measuring 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height were obtained from the following groups: non-activated carbon fiber (FCNA), activated carbon fiber (FCA) and silver-activated carbon fiber (FCAAg). After plating (n=5) in supplemented medium (MTS) and supplemented osteogenic medium (MTSO), cell viability, total protein content (PT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, cell interaction and formation of mineralization nodules were analyzed. . Biofilm formation was evaluated in the specimens, using strains of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. In cell viability, there was a statistical difference between the cell control group (C) and FCAMTS, FCAAg-MTS and FCAAg-MTSO. In PT, there was no difference, in ALP there was a difference between C-MTS and fibers, C-MTSO was similar. In nodules, there was a difference between C-MTS and C-MTSO and MTSO fibers. There was a reduction in S. aureus biofilm formation on FCAAg. Study 2: Specimens of the same size as in study 1 (n=5) were obtained from the following groups: carbon fiber activated with silver (FCAAg), carbon fiber activated with gold (FCAAu), carbon fiber activated with copper (FCACu), palladium-activated carbon fiber (FCAPd) and platinum-activated carbon fiber (FCAPt). Cell proliferation, cell viability, formation of mineralization nodules, PT and ALP content were quantified. All samples were similar in terms of cell proliferation, with the exception of the FCAAg group compared to the control group (C). Regarding cell viability, C obtained higher viability than the other groups, and FCA obtained a higher rate than the FCAAg, FCACu, FCAPt groups, being similar to the FCAAu and FCAPd groups. The FCAAu and FCAPd groups showed differences to the FCAAg and FCACu groups. In the analysis of PT expression, there was only a difference between FCA and FCAAu, with FCAAu having lower expression of PT production. In the ALP assessment, the FCAAg and FACu groups showed a lower statistical difference compared to the C, FCAAu, FCAPd and FCAPt groups, in addition, the FCA group showed a lower rate than C. Conclusions: The fibers used as the basis for the incorporation of ions demonstrated great potential for use as a scaffold for bone repair, because in both studies, in activated and non-activated form, the fibers showed satisfactory cell viability and calcium quantification. The non-activated version is moreeconomical in terms of preparation time and cost. More studies must be carried out to ensure its clinical safety in relation to the cytotoxicity of the incorporation of gold and palladium ions. (AU)

Role of Pv-aCO2 gradient and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio during cardiac surgery: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Introduction: Arterial lactate, mixed venous O2 saturation, venous minus arterial CO2 partial pressure (Pv-aCO2) and the ratio between this gradient and the arterial minus venous oxygen content (Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2) were proposed as markers of tissue hypoperfusion and oxygenation. The main goals were to characterize the determinants of Pv-aCO2 and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2, and the interchangeability of the variables calculated from mixed and central venous samples. Methods: 35 cardiac surgery patients were included. Variables were measured or calculated: after anesthesia induction (T1), end of surgery (T2), and at 6-8 hours intervals after ICU admission (T3 and T4). Results: Macrohemodynamics was characterized by increased cardiac index and low systemic vascular resistances after surgery (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin, arterial-pH, lactate, and systemic O2 metabolism showed significant changes during the study (p < 0.05). Pv-aCO2 remained high and without changes, Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 was also high and decreased at T4 (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed globally and at each time interval, between Pv-aCO2 or Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 with factors that may affect the CO2 hemoglobin dissociation. A multilevel linear regression model with Pv-aCO2 and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 as outcome variables showed a significant association for Pv-aCO2 with SvO2, and BE (p < 0.05), while Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 was significantly associated with Hb, SvO2, and BE (p < 0.05) but not with cardiac output. Measurements and calculations from mixed and central venous blood were not interchangeable. Conclusions: Pv-aCO2 and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 could be influenced by different factors that affect the CO2 dissociation curve, these variables should be considered with caution in cardiac surgery patients. Finally, central venous and mixed values were not interchangeable.

Genetic modification of acetogens and optimization of fermentation process in C1-gas bioconversion / 生物工程学报

The current linear economy model relies on fossil energy and increases CO2 emissions, which contributes to global warming and environmental pollution. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and deploy technologies for carbon capture and utilization to establish a circular economy. The use of acetogens for C1-gas (CO and CO2) conversion is a promising technology due to high metabolic flexibility, product selectivity, and diversity of the products including chemicals and fuels. This review focuses on the physiological and metabolic mechanisms, genetic and metabolic engineering modifications, fermentation process optimization, and carbon atom economy in the process of C1-gas conversion by acetogens, with the aim to facilitate the industrial scale-up and carbon negative production through acetogen gas fermentation.

A study on the conversion of prescribed dose for radiotherapy of logistic nanodosimetry model and microdosimetric kinetic model based on gamma analysis / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To validate the feasibility of the gamma analysis method in the study of prescription dose conversion between logistic nanodosimetry model (LNDM) and microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM) basing on the Chinese self-developed model LNDM by applying clinical experiences of National Institute of Radiological Science (NIRS).Methods:Physical dose distributions derived from the MKM- and LNDM-based carbon ion treatment plans were compared via the method of gamma analysis under the open-source treatment planning platform matRad. In this way, the prescribed dose conversion factor between the MKM- and LNDM-based treatment plans was obtained. Using water phantoms, the influence of geometric shape, size, depth of target volume (TV), prescribed dose and field setting on the conversion factor was investigated comprehensively. Moreover, preliminary verification of the acquired conversion factor was conducted on the C-shape model and a case of liver cancer patient.Results:The conversion factor depended on the field setting rather than the TV shape. Under the condition of single field, the conversion factor was positively correlated with the size and depth of TV, and the prescribed dose. Moreover, the conversion factor was successfully verified using the C-shape model and the patient with liver cancer, where the gamma passing rates (2%/2 mm) of the physical dose distribution generated by the MKM and LNDM treatment plans were 92.79% and 91.19%, respectively.Conclusions:The conversion factors (f=D LNDM/D MKM) obtained in this study might provide guidance for the prescribed dose setting during the carbon ion treatment planning based on the LNDM. Besides, the gamma analysis method could be used for the study of the prescribed dose conversion between different models.

Clinical report of two dose fractionation modes using carbon ion beam therapy in the lymph node drainage area for lung cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the adverse reactions, efficacy and survival rate of carbon ion beam irradiation in the elective lymph node (ENI) drainage area of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) with relative biological effect (RBE) dose of 48 Gy using 16 and 12 fractions.Methods:A total of 72 patients with pathologically confirmed LA-NSCLC admitted to Wuwei Heavy Ion Center of Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital from June 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled and simple randomly divided into groups A and B, with 36 patients in each group. Patients in groups A and B were treated with carbon ion beam irradiation to the lymph node drainage area with 48 Gy (RBE) using 16 and 12 fractions. The acute and chronic adverse reactions, efficacy and survival rate were observed. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method. Difference test was conducted by log-rank test.Results:The median follow-up time was 13.9 (8.8-15.7) months in group A and 14.6 (6.3-15.9) months in group B. Sixteen (44.4%) patients were effectively treated in group A and 9 (25%) patients in group B. Thirty-four (94.4%) cases achieved disease control in group A and 30 (83.3%) cases in group B. Statistical analysis showed that the overall survival rate in group B was similar to that in group A ( χ2=1.192, P=0.275). Comparison of planning parameters between two groups showed CTV volume, D mean, V 5 Gy(RBE), V 20 Gy(RBE) and V 30 Gy(RBE) of the affected lung, cardiac V 20 Gy(RBE), V 30 Gy(RBE) and D mean, esophageal V 30 Gy(RBE), V 50 Gy(RBE), D max and D mean, D max of the trachea and spinal cord had no significant difference (all P>0.05). No grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions occurred in the enrolled patients during treatment and follow-up. No statistical differences were observed in the acute radiation skin reaction ( χ2=5.134, P=0.077), radiation esophagitis ( χ2=1.984, P=0.371), and advanced radiation pneumonia ( χ2=6.185, P=0.103) between two groups. Conclusions:The two dose fractionation modes of carbon ion therapy system are equally safe in the mediastinal lymphatic drainage area of LA-NSCLC, and the adverse reactions are controllable. The long-term efficacy still needs further observation.

Risk factors for the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a multicenter retrospective clinical study / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To explore the impact of clinical features, serological indicators, and pulmonary function test (PFT) on the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).Methods:Clinical data of RA-ILD patients who were diagnosed by HRCT and were followed up in Changhai Hospital or Yancheng First People's Hospital from 2011 to 2021 were collected Respiratory functional impairment of the patients was evaluated according to the changes of HRCT score and PFT, and the patients were divided into progressive group and stable group. COX survival analysis and ROC curve were used to determine the factors related to the progression of RA-ILD.Results:Finally 98 RA-ILD patients were included. The mean age of ILD onset was (62.9±12.1) years old, the median course of RA was 7.0 (1.0, 15.3)years, and the median follow-up time was 36.5 months (14.0, 79.5). There were 49 cases in the progressive group, and the clinical characteristics and laboratory tests of the two groups were compared. The results showed that: progressive time [(23(8.5,43.0)months vs 63(32.5,90.9) months, Z=-4.55, P=0.001)], HRCT score [(115(109,135) vs 111(105,116), Z=-2.70, P=0.007)], forced vital capacity(FVC) predicted [(70.1±15.7)% vs (80.8±19.7)%, t=2.12, P=0.039)], diffusing capacity of the lungs for CO(DLCO) predicted [(57.5±16.3)% vs (83.4±18.8)%, t=4.87, P=0.001)], male [(44.9% vs 18.4%, χ2=7.97, P=0.005)], UIP pattern [(36(73.5%) vs 9(18.4%), χ2=29.96, P<0.001)], RF>200 U/ml[(21(65.6%) vs 18(41.9%), χ2=4.15, P=0.042)], anti-CCP>75 U/ml [(42(91.3%) vs 35(71.4%), χ2=6.10, P=0.013], all had significantly different between the two groups. In multivariate analyses, UIP[ HR(95% CI)=3.25(1.62,6.50), P<0.001], anti-CCP antibody >75 U/ ml[ HR(95% CI)=3.85 (1.20,12.33), P=0.023] and smoking [ HR (95% CI): 5.74(1.10, 30.13), P=0.039] were significantly correlated with the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in RA-ILD patients. PFT was performed in only 44 patients with RA-ILD. The univariate analyses and ROC curve suggested that DLCO predicted [ HR (95% CI)=1.04 (1.02,1.06), P<0.001] was a significant risk factor for the progression of RA-ILD, and the area under curve (AUC) of DLCO was 0.845 [95% CI=(0.729,0.961)]. Conclusion:UIP pattern, high titer of anti-CCP antibody, smoking, and reduced DLCO predicted % may be potential predictors for poor prognosis of RA-ILD patients.