Impact of cement waste on soil fertility and crop productivity: a serious concern for food security.

The rapid expansion of urbanization and construction activities has led to a significant increase in cement production worldwide, resulting in a surge in cement waste generation. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the repercussions of cement waste on soil fertility and crop productivity, emphasizing its critical implications for global food security. Through a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing field surveys, laboratory experiments, and statistical modeling, we assess the physicochemical alterations induced by cement waste in agricultural soils. Our findings reveal substantial declines in crucial soil parameters, including pH levels, organic matter content, and nutrient availability, which directly translate into diminished crop yields. Furthermore, the study identifies key mechanisms underlying these detrimental effects, including altered microbial communities and disrupted nutrient cycling processes. In addition, the findings underscore the severity of the issue, revealing substantial declines in soil fertility and crop yields in areas affected by cement waste contamination. Additionally, we discuss potential mitigation strategies and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of cement waste on agricultural systems. By quantifying the extent of soil degradation and crop yield reduction attributed to cement waste, this research underscores the urgency for sustainable waste management practices and highlights the need for policy interventions to safeguard agricultural productivity and ensure global food security in the face of escalating urbanization and construction activities.

Dietary Supplement Use during Pregnancy: Perceptions versus Reality.

This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data about prevalence, purchase channels, perceptions, and related factors of dietary supplement use from 572 pregnant women, through a face-to-face survey, using a self-designed questionnaire. Of the respondents, 94.8% used at least one dietary supplement, whereas 29.8% used more than four supplements in the previous month. The majority of the pregnant women were highly educated (81.2% had a bachelor's degree or above) and had the perception that dietary supplements could prevent and improve (89.2%), or treat, nutrition-related diseases (78.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that pregnant women who had used multiple (more than four) supplements were more likely to have a larger gestational age, received fertility treatment, more prenatal visits, and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women not only purchased dietary supplements through hospitals (72.6%) and pharmacies (45.1%), but overseas Daigou or online purchases (31.8%) were also a major channel of purchase. A high prevalence of dietary supplement use during pregnancy was observed, with extensive and repeated consumption of nutrients. Pregnant women's craze for dietary supplements calls for more comprehensive guidelines in China.

Heavy metals immobilization and improvement in maize (Zea mays L.) growth amended with biochar and compost.

Soil with heavy metals contamination, mainly lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) is a progressively worldwide alarming environmental problem. Recently, biochar has been used as a soil amendment to remediate contaminated soils, but little work has been done to compare with other organic amendments like compost. We investigated biochar and compost's comparative effect on Pb, Cd, and Cr immobilization in soil, photosynthesis, and growth of maize plants. Ten kg soil was placed in pots and were spiked with Pb, Cd, and Cr at concentrations 20, 10, 20 mg kg-1. The biochar and compost treatments included 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% were separately applied to the soil. The crop from pots was harvested after 60 days. The results show that the highest reduction of AB-DTPA extractable Pb, Cd, and Cr in soil was 79%, 61% and 78% with 4% biochar, followed by 61%, 43% and 60% with 4% compost compared to the control, respectively. Similarly, the highest reduction in shoot Pb, Cd, and Cr concentration was 71%, 63% and 78%with 4% biochar, followed by 50%, 50% and 71% with 4% compost than the control, respectively. The maximum increase in shoot and dry root weight, total chlorophyll contents, and gas exchange characteristics were recorded with 4% biochar, followed by 4% compost than the control. The maximum increase in soil organic matter and total nitrogen (N) was recorded at 4% biochar application while available phosphorus and potassium in the soil at 4% compost application. It is concluded that both biochar and compost decreased heavy metals availability in the soil, reducing toxicity in the plant. However, biochar was most effective in reducing heavy metals content in soil and plant compared to compost. In the future, more low-cost, eco-friendly soil remediation methods should be developed for better soil health and plant productivity.

Phosphorus Nutrient Management through Synchronization of Application Methods and Rates in Wheat and Maize Crops.

Management of inorganic fertilizer is very important to obtain maximum crop yield and improved nutrient use efficiency in cereal crops. Fixation of phosphatic fertilizers in alkaline soils due to calcareousness is one of the major hurdles. It induces phosphorus nutritional stress that can decrease the yield of maize and wheat. Selection of a suitable application method and proper stage of crop for phosphorus (P) fertilizer has prime importance in better uptake of P and crop production. Among different application methods, soil and foliar application are widely adopted. In wheat and maize, knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + booting are critical stages towards P deficiency. That is why field trials were conducted to evaluate the supplemental effect of foliar P on maize and wheat yields. For that, 144 mM KH2PO4 was applied as foliar at knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + boot stages in maize and wheat, respectively. Soil application of 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P ha-1 was done through broadcast and band methods. Results showed that foliar spray of 144 mM KH2PO4 at knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + boot stages in wheat and maize significantly enhanced grains yield and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) where P was applied as banding or broadcast at the time of sowing. A significant decreasing trend in response to increasing soil P levels validated the efficacious role and suitability of foliar P. In conclusion, the use of P as foliar at knee height + tasseling and stem elongation + boot stages is an efficacious way to manage P fertilizer.

Assessment of trace elements in urban topsoils of Rawalpindi-Pakistan: a principal component analysis approach.

Assessment of trace elements is inevitable to reduce stress on environment due to urbanization and industrialization. Rawalpindi, the fourth largest city of Pakistan, rapidly moving towards industrialization and has a large number of automobiles. In the present study, the urban area of Rawalpindi was divided into five parts: Gawal Mandi, Pir Wadhai, Soan Adda, Chah Sultan, and Central Ordinance Depot (COD), to determine distribution of trace elements. Soil samples were collected from 5 to 20 cm depth. After drying and sieving, samples were digested using di-acid (HNO3 and HClO4 at 2:1). Concentrations of heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to reduce multidimensional space of variables and samples. Observed mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 164, 33.4, 295, 336, 634, 236, 1572, and 546 mg kg-1, respectively. Mean concentrations of all the heavy metals in urban area soil were higher than the WHO permissible limits. Correlation coefficient analysis showed positive correlation among Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb, whereas no obvious correlation for Cr and Mn was found with any other heavy metal. Zn was positively correlated with Co, Ni, and Mn, whereas negative correlation was found with Cr. Results showed that Pir Wadhai and COD were the most and least contaminated parts of the city, respectively, and this is attributed to the presence and absence of heavy traffic loads and industrial effluents. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Testis sparing surgery for small testicular masses and frozen section assessment.

INTRODUCTION: We present our experience with patients who had suspected testicular masses, managed by a frozen section assessment and testicular sparing surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients over the last 5 years, who underwent a frozen section assessment and testicular sparing surgery for small testicular lesions. The frozen section assessment was compared with the final histology. RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified. The mean age of patients was 40 years (22-58 years). The mean lesion size was 9.8 mm (3-18 mm). Presentations varied: a testicular lump was palpable in 7 patients and 3 patients were referred due to infertility with a subsequent ultrasound, which showed incidental testicular lesions. Two patients presented with testicular pain. Tumour marker levels were within the normal limits in all patients.The frozen section assessment correctly determined 10 out of 12 (83%) lesions, showing 1 (8%) lymphoma, 2 (17%) seminomas, 3 (25%) fibrosis, 3 (25%) low-grade Leydig cell tumours and 1 (8%) adenomatous tumour. The frozen section reported a benign epidermal cyst in 1 case, whilst the final histology showed a pre-pubertal type teratoma, a rare and low risk tumour. One patient (8%) had an indeterminate lesion, which proved to be a benign adenomatous tumour on final histology. All malignant cases were correctly identified.There was no malignancy in 9 out of 12 (75%) patients therefore they had testicular sparing surgery. Three patients had orchidectomy, two due to a seminoma and one due to an indeterminate lesion. One patient developed a postoperative haematoma requiring antibiotics but there were no other complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that partial orchidectomy with a frozen section assessment is useful in small testicular masses and testicular sparing surgery can be considered in order to prevent a radical orchidectomy in selected patients.

Diagnostic agreement of the 3 Incontinence Questionnaire to video-urodynamics findings in women with urinary incontinence: Department of Urology, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust Wexham Park Hospital Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited studies evaluating the 3 Incontinence Questionnaire (3IQ) against urodynamics based diagnosis as a reference standard. The 3IQ has been proposed to be useful to evaluate women at the level of primary care. The aim of this study was to determine correlation between 3IQ and video-urodynamics (VUDS) in diagnosing types of urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective data was collected on 200 consecutive female patients referred by primary care physicians for urinary incontinence. The mean age was 55 years (range 15-83 years). The patients were evaluated using the 3IQ and video-urodynamics. The 3IQ-based diagnosis of type of female urinary incontinence was compared to VUDS-based results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios and positive predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: On 3IQ based self-evaluation, 28% of patients were classified as having stress urinary incontinence, 20% with urge incontinence and 40% with mixed incontinence. On video-urodynamics, urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (UDSUI) was detected in 56% of patients, detrusor overactivity (DO) in 15% and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in 19%. The 3IQ had a sensitivity and specificity respectively of 43% and 92% for UDSUI, 57% and 86% for DO and 58% and 64% for MUI. The corresponding positive likelihood ratios (CI, 95%) were 5.4 (CI 2.6 to 11.3) for stress urinary incontinence, 4.0 (CI 2.5 to 6.5) for DO and 1.62 (1.2 to 2.3) for MUI. The respective positive predictive values were 87% (CI 75% to 95%), 42% (CI 26% to 58%) and 28% (18% to 39%). CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, stress urinary incontinence was reasonably well predicted by the 3IQ, but the questionnaire under-performed in the diagnoses of detrusor overactivity and mixed urinaryincontinence.

Comparative efficiency of rice husk-derived biochar (RHB) and steel slag (SS) on cadmium (Cd) mobility and its uptake by Chinese cabbage in highly contaminated soil.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in red soil has been considered as a severe threat due to its toxic effects on plants and food security. This study aims to evaluate the comparative efficiency of rice husk-derived biochar (RHB) and steel slag (SS) metal stabilizer on decreasing Cd mobility and bioavailability to Chinese cabbage grown on acidic contaminated red soil. Several extraction techniques: a sequential extraction procedure, the European Community Bureau of Reference, toxicity characteristics leaching procedure, ammonium nitrate, and simple bioaccessibility extraction test were used to measure Cd mobility after amelioration of the investigated soil. The results indicated that application of stabilizer significantly increased soil chemical properties including soil pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrients, and organic matter. The soluble portion of Cd in soil was significantly decreased by 17.6-31.2% and 7.8-11.7% for RHB and SS at 1.5% and 3% application rate, respectively. Moreover, Cd bioaccessibility was significantly declined by 37.08% with RHB and 11.3% with SS at 3% rate. Inlcorporation of RHB at 3% can effectively immobilize Cd and thereby, reduce its phytoavailability to cabbage in Cd-contaminated soil to mitigate food security risks.

Enhancing phosphorus uptake and yield of wheat with phosphoric acid application in calcareous soil.

BACKGROUND: Low phosphorus (P) availability to wheat from commercial fertilizers is one of the reasons for lower grain yield and hence justifies search for more efficient P source under alkaline calcareous soils. RESULTS: Phosphoric acid (PA) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), applied through conventional and modified methods, were assessed for P supply and wheat yield in a calcareous soil. Under laboratory conditions, pre-incubated soil with 70 mg P kg-1 soil as PA and DAP was assessed for solution P (Cp ) for 4 weeks. Phosphorus sorption data were fitted using the Freundlich model for describing analyzed sorption in soil incubated with or without DAP and PA. The fitted model equations exhibited comparatively higher effluxes of P from the solution system in control treatment. Compared to DAP, lower quantities (19.6%) of P for PA-treated soil were required for producing optimum P concentration in soil solution, i.e. 0.2 mg P L-1 . The greenhouse study involved 32 P tracer technique to quantify the proportion of applied P derived by wheat from fertilizer or soil. The results showed that P derived from fertilizer was highest (47.5%) in PA placement, while the lowest (31.5%) was in DAP broadcast treatment. The field study also showed similar trends to that of the greenhouse study. The PA placement treatment resulted in highest (23.4%) phosphorus use efficiency, whereas the lowest one (17.1%) was recorded for DAP broadcast treatment. CONCLUSION: PA proved to be a better P source than DAP for improving P content and achieving higher yield and recovery of applied P by wheat grown in alkaline calcareous soils. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

A polypoid gastric heterotopia of jejunum diagnosed by capsule endoscopy.

A 36-year-old lady presented with symptoms of intermittent small bowel obstruction caused by a polyp in the jejunum. CT scan and small bowel enema failed to demonstrate this polyp, and required a small bowel capsule endoscopy to finally reach a diagnosis. The objective of this report is to highlight the role of capsule endoscopy as a diagnostic tool in the small bowel pathology and to report a case of a polypoid gastric heterotopia of jejunum.