Effects of upstream activities of Tigris-Euphrates River Basin on water and soil resources of Shatt al-Arab Border River.

The Tigris-Euphrates River Basin (TERB) is one of the key transboundary basins among the developing countries in the Middle East which has been significantly damaged by mismanagement, exploitation for energy production and unsustainable water use. This study aimed to evaluate the water and soil resources in the lower parts of this basin. More specifically, how the area of the Shatt al-Arab River (SAR) formed at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is affected in terms of quality by upstream activities. Four mathematical models of hydrodynamics, advection-dispersion in the river, and convection-dispersion in soil were used in conjunction with assessment of soil salinization by irrigation water. The soil salinization based on direct saltwater infiltration from riverbanks and soil salinization by irrigation with river water were predicted after simulating the intrusion of saline seawater by considering the tidal conditions of the SAR. The results showed that by applying six optimistic and probable scenarios of freshwater inflows for the future, changes in the water and soil quality in downstream riparian countries (Iran and Iraq) reflect this basin's developments and water allocation upstream. Regarding the possible scenario of maximum inflow reduction in the future, the findings of this study can be used to create a comprehensive view of the current condition and development challenges. This emphasizes the need for participatory crisis mitigation strategies between the upstream and downstream countries.

Evaluation of management practices on agricultural nonpoint source pollution discharges into the rivers under climate change effects.

In recent years, agricultural non-point source pollution (ANPSP) has become the biggest threat to Aras River water quality by completing the Mughan irrigation and drainage network. Nutrient pollutants, including nitrate and phosphate, released into the river through drains have created a range of obstacles for locals living around the river. Agricultural activities are generally considered the largest source of non-point pollution. They have no complex and uniform impact along the river. Thus, the spatial distribution of ANPS and highly polluted areas should be identified to manage watershed management. This study proposes a simple framework for identifying pollutant-sensitive areas along the river and management strategies to improve water quality. To this aim, the main factors affecting ANPSP were identified, and the effectiveness of the scenarios selected to comply with water quality regulations for drinking and environment during 1993-2007 were simulated. Based on the sensitivity analysis, land use and fertilizer are the main factors affecting river ANPSP. Thus, their changes were modeled in different scenarios. Based on the results, the ANPSP load was higher downstream. The agricultural lands in region 3 were considered the main source of pollution. Comparing the management scenarios showed that the amount of nitrate and phosphate leaching into the river decreased to 18.1 and 8.35 %, respectively, by reducing the consumption of urea and phosphate fertilizers by 50 %. The results help watershed managers implement eco-friendly land use and nutrient management programs at specific locations during specific periods to control ANPSP along the rivers.

Introducing a general framework for pollution source identification in surface water resources (theory and application).

Studies on pollution source identification in water resources date back over three decades. These studies use inverse solution of the transport equation for recovering the release history and/or the location of the pollutant sources. Each of these studies has its own advantages and limitations in accordance with the methods employed and the complexity of the solutions. Moreover, conducted studies on pollution source identification in surface water resources (e.g. rivers) are fewer in number compared to those on groundwater resources. In nearly all previous related studies on rivers, researchers have often developed their own numerical forward models, but these models have never taken into account the complexity of the problem in real conditions, such as river topography, real flow conditions, etc. Therefore, compared to commercial models, these models have many drawbacks and limitations. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a framework that can be employed to solve the transport equation in the inverse model using available software packages. In this study, the inverse solution of the transport equation for recovering release histories of multiple pollutant sources in rivers is achieved by the help of ready software packages via a feasible framework. The proposed framework can be readily applied in one-, two-, and three-dimensional problems. The underlying concept of the proposed framework is the linearity of the governing equation, i.e. transport equation. Furthermore, the present study presents the conditions and rules for the arrangement (number and location) of the measurement points of the pollutant concentration under various conditions. The proper arrangement of the measurement points is significant, since it solves the non-uniqueness problem of the inverse model. The most important factor affecting the arrangement of the measurement points is the flow pattern. In this study, it is suggested that the complexity of the flow pattern may lead to practical arrangements for the control points. The proposed procedure was verified by the use of three series of data in one- and two-dimensional domains under real conditions of flow and topography by employing well-known existing software packages. In each test case, a proper and practical arrangement was proposed for the measurement points of the concentration-time curve. The suggested arrangement resulted in the correct operation of the inverse model. The proposed inverse model showed a good capability with a reasonable percentage of errors of the recovering release rate of pollutant sources. Accordingly, it can be conveniently used in cases where forward models are readily available.

Location and release time identification of pollution point source in river networks based on the Backward Probability Method.

The pollution of rivers due to accidental spills is a major threat to environment and human health. To protect river systems from accidental spills, it is essential to introduce a reliable tool for identification process. Backward Probability Method (BPM) is one of the most recommended tools that is able to introduce information related to the prior location and the release time of the pollution. This method was originally developed and employed in groundwater pollution source identification problems. One of the objectives of this study is to apply this method in identifying the pollution source location and release time in surface waters, mainly in rivers. To accomplish this task, a numerical model is developed based on the adjoint analysis. Then the developed model is verified using analytical solution and some real data. The second objective of this study is to extend the method to pollution source identification in river networks. In this regard, a hypothetical test case is considered. In the later simulations, all of the suspected points are identified, using only one backward simulation. The results demonstrated that all suspected points, determined by the BPM could be a possible pollution source. The proposed approach is accurate and computationally efficient and does not need any simplification in river geometry and flow. Due to this simplicity, it is highly recommended for practical purposes.

Reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery flap for reconstruction of fourth-degree burn wounds of the hand.

We sought to show how severe soft-tissue injuries of the proximal index finger caused by fourth-degree electrical burns to the hand may be surgically reconstructed. Soft-tissue coverage was provided with a reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery flap in two patients. Both digits were successfully salvaged by use of this reconstructive method. Both donor sites were closed primarily and healed without difficulty. The reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery flap provides well-vascularized tissue without excess bulk and allows near-normal hand function.

Role of connective tissue growth factor in breast implant elastomer capsular formation.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been demonstrated to be a mediator in scar formation and in multiple fibrotic disorders such as in Dupuytren contractures and in pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, it has been demonstrated that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a downstream mediator of TGF-beta and acts to stimulate wound contraction and fibrosis. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of CTGF in the development of breast implant elastomer capsule formation over time and to evaluate the effects of TGF-beta and CTGF antisense (AS) oligonucleotides on capsule formation. Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 12) and control (n = 3) groups. Four 2- x 2-cm pockets were created on the dorsum deep to the panniculus carnosus in each rat. A 1- x 1-cm smooth breast implant elastomer was placed. Each rat in the treatment group received 1 ml vehicle, AS-TGF-beta, AS-CTGF, or scramble antisense oligonucleotide (AS-scramble). Control rats received either 1 ml vehicle or 1 ml saline in each pocket. At weeks 1, 3, and 5, four treatment rats and one control rat were randomly selected and killed. Tissue blocks were harvested for determination of CTGF levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique and for hematoxylin and eosin slides to evaluate capsule formation. Levels of CTGF in capsular tissue treated with vehicle or AS-scrambled were similar and progressively increased in tissues on weeks 1, 3, and 5, compared with normal skin. At weeks 1 and 3 after surgery, levels of CTGF were suppressed in capsules treated with AS-CTGF or AS-TGF-beta compared with normal skin and with tissues treated with vehicle or AS-scramble (p = 0.002). At week 5, levels of CTGF were similar to levels in normal skin. Histological analysis revealed reduced capsular formation in samples treated with AS-CTGF or AS-TGF-beta compared with the two other treated sites. In conclusion, a single and local treatment with AS-CTGF or AS-TGF-beta at the time of surgery reduced CTGF levels in tissue and correlated with reduced capsular formation in a rat model. These data suggest a new therapeutic strategy to reduce early capsular formation based on local application of antisense oligonucleotides targeting CTFG and TGF-beta.

Evaluation and treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency: the University of Florida experience.

This retrospective study spans the years 1988 to 2000 and looks specifically at the treatment procedures and outcomes for the correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Ninety-eight patients underwent preoperative assessment by speech pathologists that included perceptual speech evaluation, videofluoroscopy, and, for some, nasendoscopy. Based on this evaluation protocol, a specific surgical procedure was chosen to serve the patients' needs. The four procedures of choice were the palatal pushback with a pharyngeal flap lining, sphincter pharyngoplasty, a superiorly based obturating pharyngeal flap, and Furlow palatoplasty. The criteria for selecting these procedures are reviewed. The results revealed VPI resolution and the establishment of normal nonnasal speech in more than 95% of the 75 patients for whom outcomes were determined. This study reiterates the importance of thorough preoperative evaluation and the individualization of the secondary corrective procedure.