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Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of microplastics on soil eco-system, yet little attention has been given to the specific effects of mulch microplastics and the leaching of plastic additives from mulch films. This review inspects the propensity of commonly used plastic additives in mulch films, such as Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol A (BPA), and benzophenones (BPs), to migrate into soils and pose potential risks to soil biota. Further, we highlight the degradation of non-biodegradable plastic mulch films over time, which leads to an increase in the release of plastic additives and microplastics into agricultural soils. DEHP has been detected in high concentrations for example 25.2 mg/kg in agricultural soils, indicating a potential risk of uptake, translocation and accumulation in plants, ultimately altering soil physicochemical properties and affecting soil microflora and invertebrates. The review also explores how exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and microbial activities accelerates the weathering of mulch films. Moreover, the resultant plastic additives and mulch microplastics can lead to genotoxicity and growth inhibition in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and negatively impact the soil microbiome. Despite the significant implications, there has been a lack of comprehensive reviews comparing the effects of non-biodegradable mulch film additives on agricultural soil flora and fauna. Therefore, this review addresses the knowledge gaps providing a bibliometric analysis and eco-toxicological evaluation, discussing the challenges and future perspectives regarding mulch plastic additives and microplastics, thus offering a comprehensive understanding of their impact. [Display omitted] • China accounted for 46 % of the global research on mulch MPs and related additives. • Asia-Pacific region consumes 45% of the global marketplace of plastic mulch films. • The average lifetime of a plastic mulch film is subjected to their chemistry and weather conditions. • Polyethylene (PE) is the most commonly applied mulch polymer type around the world. • DEHP and DnBP are the highest reported concentrations of plasticizers in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives This study hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) derived from 3-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) images would better predict mortality than those obtained by 2-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) measurements, and that 3DE-based LV shape analysis may have added prognostic value. Background Previous studies have shown that both LVEF and GLS derived from 2DE images predict mortality. Recently, 3DE measurements of these parameters were found to be more accurate and reproducible because of independence of imaging plane and geometric assumptions. Also, 3DE analysis offers an opportunity to accurately quantify LV shape. Methods We retrospectively studied 416 inpatients (60 ± 18 years of age) referred for transthoracic echocardiography between 2006 and 2010, who had good-quality 2DE and 3DE images were available. Mortality data through 2016 were collected. Both 2DE and 3DE images were analyzed to measure LVEF and GLS. Additionally, 3DE-derived LV endocardial surface information was analyzed to obtain global shape indices (sphericity and conicity) and regional curvature (anterior, septal, inferior, lateral walls). Cardiovascular (CV) mortality risks related to these indices were determined using Cox regression. Results Of the 416 patients, 208 (50%) died, including 114 (27%) CV-related deaths over a mean follow-up period of 5 ± 3 years. Cox regression revealed that age and body surface area, all 4 LV function indices (2D EF, 3D EF, 2D GLS, 3D GLS), and regional shape indices (septal and inferior wall curvatures) were independently associated with increased risk of CV mortality. GLS was the strongest prognosticator of CV mortality, superior to EF for both 2DE and 3DE analyses, and 2D EF was the weakest among the 4 functional indices. A 1% decrease in GLS magnitude was associated with an 11.3% increase in CV mortality risk. Conclusions GLS predicts mortality better than EF by both 3DE and 2DE analysis, whereas 3D EF is a better predictor than 2D EF. Also, LV shape indices provide additional risk assessment. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A multidisciplinary team at a major academic medical center established an Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure Clinical Pathway (ADHFCP) program to reduce inpatient readmission rates among patients with heart failure which, among several interventions, included an immediate consultation from a cardiologist familiar with an ADHFCP patient when the patient presented at the Emergency Department (ED). This study analyzed how that program impacted utilization of services in the ED and its subsequent effect on rates of admission from the ED and on disposition times.Methods: ADHFCP inpatient visits were retrospectively risk stratified and matched with non-program inpatient visits to create a control group. A Cox survival model analyzed the ADHFCP's impact on patients' likelihood to visit the ED. Multivariable ANOVA evaluated the impact of the program on the patients' likelihood of being admitted when presenting at the ED. The ADHFCP's impact on bed-to-disposition time in the ED was evaluated by Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, as were doses of diuretics administered in the ED.Results: The survival analysis showed no impact of the ADHFCP on patients' likelihood of visiting the ED, but ADHFCP patients presenting to the ED were 13.1 (95% CI: 3.6-22.6) percentage points less likely to be admitted. There was no difference in bed-to-disposition times, but ADHFCP patients received diuretics more frequently and at higher doses.Conclusions: Improved communication between cardiologists and ED physicians through the establishment of an explicit pathway to coordinate the care of heart failure patients may decrease that population's likelihood of admission without increasing ED disposition times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When aromatic hydrocarbons are present in contaminated soils, they often occur in mixtures. The impact of four different (3-ring) nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N-PAHs) on 12/14 C-phenanthrene and 12/14 C-benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) mineralisation in soil was investigated over a 90 d incubation period. The results revealed that both 12/14 C-phenanthrene and 12/14 C-benzo[ a ]pyrene showed no significant mineralisation in soils amended with 10 mg kg –1 and 100 mg kg –1 N-PAHs (p>0.05). However, increases in lag-phases and decreases in the rates and extents of mineralisation were observed, over time. Among the N-PAHs, benzo[ h ]quinoline impacted 14 C-phenanthrene mineralisation with extended and diauxic lag phases. Furthermore, 12/14 C-B[ a ]P and 14 C-benzo[ a ]pyrene–nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( 14 C-B[ a ]P-N-PAHs) amended soils showed extensive lag phases (> 21 d); with some 14 C-B[ a ]P-N-PAH mineralisation recording <1% in both concentrations (10 mg kg –1 and 100 mg kg –1 ), over time. This study suggests that the presence of N-PAHs in contaminated soil may impact the microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the impact was most likely the result of limited success in achieving absolute biodegradation of some PAHs in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liriope spicata is a low-growing, grass-like perennial that is native to Southeast Asia. This and several similar Liriope species have been widely introduced into the United States for ornamental and groundcover purposes. Liriope spicata can spread aggressively via seed dispersal and creeping rhizomes and form dense, monotypic patches. Little information is currently available in the literature concerning creeping lilyturf control. We tested seven herbicides in 2011 and 2012 using container grown creeping lilyturf that had been established for approximately one year prior to treatment. Visual evaluations at 30 and 60 days after treatment indicated that no treatment provided rapid control of the foliage. However, above- and belowground biomass harvested at 90 and 180 days after treatment (DAT) indicated that metsulfuron and imazapyr were highly effective in controlling L. spicata. Both herbicides reduced belowground biomass by greater than 97%. Glyphosate and imazapic, which have been recommended for creeping lilyturf control, only reduced belowground biomass by 43 and 45%, respectively, at 180 DAT. The herbicides 2,4-D and dicamba, which have known efficacy on other members of the family Liliaceae, did not effectively control L. spicata. These results indicate that metsulfuron and imazapyr are more effective treatment options for creeping lilyturf control than currently recommended glyphosate and imazapic treatments. However, in hardwood forest systems where creeping lilyturf is primarily invasive, their utility may be limited due to potential nontarget damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces that Kirk T. Steudle is the recipient of the 2015 Theodore M. Matson Memorial Award.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered promising materials in nanotechnology. We quantified CNT accumulation by the alga Desmodesmus subspicatus . Cells were exposed to radiolabeled CNTs ( 14 C-CNTs; 1 mg/L) to determine uptake and association, as well as elimination and dissociation in clear media. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to detect effects of CNTs on algae. CNT-cell interactions were visualized by electron microscopy and related to alterations in their cell composition. A concentration factor of 5000 L/kg dry weight was calculated. Most of the material agglomerated around the cells, but single tubes were detected in the cytoplasm. Computational analyses of the ATR-FTIR data showed that CNT treated algae differed from controls at all sampling times. CNT exposure changed the biochemical composition of cells. The fact that CNTs are bioavailable for algae and that they influence the cell composition is important with regard to environmental risk assessment of this nanomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In micro tactile probing a design trade off must be made between stiff and robust probes. Stiff probes are capable of overcoming surface attraction forces, while delicate flexible probes are capable of making contact with a sensitive part without causing damage. To address this need for both flexible and stiff sensors a novel micro tactile probe has been proposed that makes use of an active suspension structure to modulate probe stiffness as required. In this paper we focus on the initial manufacturing process development of such a sensor. While initial design concepts were created with high precision machining techniques in mind, these are shown to have some fundamental limitations with respect to this specific application. Therefore a design for manufacture strategy was adopted and the structure of the initial design was modified such that it may be manufactured using a chemical etching based process. This paper presents the process followed to successfully adapt an initial sensor design for a chemical etching based manufacturing. Surface 3D microscopy was used to analyse the resulting structure, to demonstrate a significant improvement in device flatness. In addition Finite Element Analysis (COMSOL) was used to estimate the vertical and torsional frequency for the suspension structure which is compared with experimental measurements using a laser vibrometer to show good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid mercury has been investigated as a potential high-Z target for the production of muon particles for the Muon Collider project. This paper investigates the dynamics of mercury flow in a design of the target delivery system, with the objective of determining pipe configurations that yield weak turbulence intensities at the exit of the pipe. Eight curved pipe geometries with various half-bend angles and withlwithout nozzles in the exit region are studied. A theoretical analysis is carried out for steady laminar incompressible flow, whereby the terms representing the curvature effects are examined. Subsequent simulations of the turbulent flow regime in the pipes are based on a realizable k - ε Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations approach. The effects of half-bend angles and the presence of a nozzle on the momentum thickness and turbulence intensity at the exit plane of the curved pipe are discussed, as are the implications for the target delivery pipe designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous harmful chemicals are introduced every year in the environment through anthropogenic and geological activities raising global concerns of their ecotoxicological effects and decontamination strategies. Biochar technology has been recognized as an important pillar for recycling of biomass, contributing to the carbon capture and bioenergy industries, and remediation of contaminated soil, sediments and water. This paper aims to critically review the application potential of biochar with a special focus on the synergistic and antagonistic effects on contaminant-degrading microorganisms in single and mixed-contaminated systems. Owing to the high specific surface area, porous structure, and compatible surface chemistry, biochar can support the proliferation and activity of contaminant-degrading microorganisms. A combination of biochar and microorganisms to remove a variety of contaminants has gained popularity in recent years alongside traditional chemical and physical remediation technologies. The microbial compatibility of biochar can be improved by optimizing the surface parameters so that toxic pollutant release is minimized, biofilm formation is encouraged, and microbial populations are enhanced. Biocompatible biochar thus shows potential in the bioremediation of organic contaminants by harboring microbial populations, releasing contaminant-degrading enzymes, and protecting beneficial microorganisms from immediate toxicity of surrounding contaminants. This review recommends that biochar-microorganism co-deployment holds a great potential for the removal of contaminants thereby reducing the risk of organic contaminants to human and environmental health. [Display omitted] • Biochar facilitates contaminant biotransformation via adsorption and electron exchange. • Biochar supports microorganisms via carbon and nutrient supply and habitat provision. • Adsorption on biochar reduces contaminant bioavailability and toxicity to microorganisms. • Chemical release from biochar or nutrient immobilization could inhibit microbial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This investigation considered the effects of Zn, Cu, Al and Fe (50 and 500 mg kg−1) on the loss, sequential extractability, using calcium chloride (CaCl2), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) and dichloromethane (DCM) and biodegradation of 14C-phenanthrene in soil over 63 d contact time. The key findings were that the presence of Cu and Al (500 mg kg−1) resulted in larger amounts of 14C-phenanthrene being extracted by CaCl2 and HPCD. Further, the CaCl2 + HPCD extractions directly predicted the biodegradation of the PAH in the presence of the metals, with the exception of 500 mg kg−1 Cu and Zn. The presence of high concentrations of some metals can impact on the mobility and accessibility of phenanthrene in soil, which may impact on the risk assessment of PAH contaminated soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The work presented in this paper investigated the effects of plant species composition, species diversity and soil fertility on biodegradation of 14C-phenanthrene in soil. The two soils used were of contrasting fertility, taken from long term unfertilised and fertilised grassland, showing differences in total nitrogen content (%N). Plant communities consisted of six different plant species: two grasses, two forbs, and two legume species, and ranged in species richness from 1 to 6. The degradation of 14C-phenanthrene was evaluated by measuring indigenous catabolic activity following the addition of the contaminant to soil using respirometry. Soil fertility was a driving factor in all aspects of 14C-phenanthrene degradation; lag phase, maximum rates and total extents of 14C-phenanthrene mineralisation were higher in improved soils compared to unimproved soils. Plant identity had a significant effect on the lag phase and extents of mineralisation. Soil fertility was the major influence also on abundance of microbial communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soil organic matter is used to extrapolate the toxicity and bioavailability of organic pollutants between different soils. However, it has been shown that other factors such as microbial activity are crucial. The aim of this study was to investigate if sterilization can reduce differences in the fate and bioavailability of organic pollutants between different soils. Three natural soils with increasing total organic carbon (TOC) content were collected and three artificial soils were prepared to obtain similar TOCs. Soils were sterilized and spiked with 14C-pyrene and 14C-lindane. Total 14C radioactivity, HPCD extractability, and bioaccumulation in Eisenia fetida were measured over 56 days. When compared to non-sterile soils, differences between the natural and artificial soils and the influence of soil-contaminant contact time were generally reduced in the sterile soils (especially with middle TOC). The results indicate the possibility of using sterile soils as “the worst case scenario” in soil ecotoxicity studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the similarities and differences in Caucasian (C) and African-American (AA) patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with respect to morphology, severity of aortic stenosis/insufficiency, and aortic dilation. Background: BAV is a common congenital valve abnormality, accounting for a large number of valve replacements. Methods: A total of 229 patients with the diagnostic code BAV were identified retrospectively from our computerized adult echocardiographic database, which consists of 91,896 studies performed at the University of Chicago Medical Center from 1998 to 2009, representing 40,878 patients. Of those, 183 patients with BAV were included in this retrospective BAV single-center cohort study and reanalyzed with a comprehensive assessment of aortic dimensions, aortic valve morphology and function, clinical cardiovascular risk factors, and patient characteristics. Results: Of the 183 patients with BAV, 138 were C and 45 were AA. Our echocardiographic database encompasses approximately 65% AA, 31% C, and 4% other races, for an estimated frequency of BAV in AA patients of 0.17% and a frequency in C patients of 1.1% (p = 0.001). There were no significant inter-racial differences regarding sex, height, weight, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, tobacco use, cardiac medications, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The AA cohort was older (age 50 ± 17 years vs. 43 ± 17 years, p < 0.05) and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (51% vs. 24%, p < 0.05). After adjusting for comorbidities, aortic dimensions were larger in C (C vs. AA: annulus, 2.4 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.4 cm; sinuses of Valsalva, 3.4 ± 0.7 vs. 3.1 ± 0.6 cm; sinotubular junction, 3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 2.6 ± 0.5 cm; and ascending aorta, 3.5 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 0.5 cm; all p values <0.05). Conclusions: This is the first study to report racial differences among patients with BAV with reduced aortic dimensions in AA patients despite the presence of more risk factors, suggestive of marked heterogeneity in the BAV population and indicating race as a potential disease modifier in BAV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With increasing production of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), environmental release of these entities becomes an ever-greater inevitability. However, many questions remain regarding their impact on soil microorganisms. This study examined the effects of long or short multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), C60 fullerene and fullerene soot in Gram-negative bacteria. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to derive signature spectral fingerprints of effects. A concentration-dependent response in spectral alterations was observed for each nanoparticle type. Long or short MWCNTs and fullerene soot gave rise to similar alterations to lipids, Amide II and DNA. The extent of alteration varies with nanoparticle size, with smaller short MWCNTs resulting in greater toxicity than long MWCNTs. Fullerene soot was the least toxic. C60 results in the most distinct and largest overall alterations, notably in extensive protein alteration. This work demonstrates a novel approach for assaying and discriminating the effects of CNPs in target systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of cable oil concentration, nutrient amendment and bioaugmentation on cable oil component biodegradation in a pristine agricultural soil was investigated. Biodegradation potential was evaluated over 21 d by measuring cumulative CO2 respiration on a Micro-Oxymax respirometer and 14C-phenyldodecane mineralisation using a 14C-respirometric assay. Cable oil concentration had a significant effect upon oil biodegradation. Microbial respiratory activity increased with increasing cable oil concentration, whereas 14C-phenydodecane mineralisation decreased. Bioaugmentation achieved the best cable oil biodegradation performance, resulting in increases in cumulative CO2 respiration, and maximum rates and extents of 14C-phenyldodecane mineralisation. Generally, nutrient amendment also enhanced cable oil biodegradation, but not to the extent that degrader amendment did. Cable oil biodegradation was a function of (i) cable oil concentration and (ii) catabolic ability of microbial populations. Bioaugmentation may enhance cable oil biodegradation, and is dependent upon composition, cell number and application of catabolic inocula to soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Growth is an important indicator of child health; however, measurements are frequently inaccurate and unreliable. This article reviews the literature on linear growth measurement error and describes methods used to develop and evaluate an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the measurement of recumbent length and stature of infants, children, and adolescents. Systematic methods were used to identify evidence to answer clinical questions about growth measurement. A multidisciplinary team critically appraised and synthesized the evidence to develop clinical practice recommendations using an evidence-based practice rating scheme. The guideline was prospectively evaluated through internal and external reviews and a pilot study to ensure its validity and reliability. Adoption of the clinical practice guideline can improve the accuracy and reliability of growth measurement data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The behaviour of diazinon in the soil determines the likelihood of further pollution incidents, particularly leaching to water. The most significant processes in the control of the fate of diazinon in the soil are microbial degradation and the formation of bound residues. Soils from four sites in the UK were amended with diazinon and its 14C labelled analogue and incubated for 100 days. After 0, 10, 21, 50 and 100 days, the formation of bound residues was assessed by solvent extraction, and the microbial degradation of diazinon by mineralisation assay. In microbially active soils, diazinon is degraded rapidly, reducing the risk of future pollution incidents. However, where there was limited mineralisation there was also significantly lower formation of bound residues, which may lead to water pollution via leaching. The formation of bound residues was dependent on extraction type. Acetonitrile extraction identified bound residues in all soils, with the bound residue fraction increasing with increasing incubation time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The impact of fullerene soot (FS), single-walled (SWCNTs) and multi-walled (MWCNTs) carbon nanotubes on the behaviour of two 14C-PAHs in sterile soil was investigated. Different concentrations of carbon nanomaterials (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5%) were added to soil, and 14C-phenanthrene and 14C-benzo[a]pyrene extractability assessed over 80 d through dichloromethane (DCM) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) shake extractions. Total 14C-PAH activity in soils was determined by combustion, and mineralisation of 14C-phenanthrene was monitored over 14 d, using a catabolically active pseudomonad inoculum. No significant loss of 14C-PAH-associated activity from CNM-amended soils was observed over the ‘aging’ period. CNMs had a significant impact on HPCD-extractability of 14C-PAHS; extractability decreased with increasing CNM concentration. Additionally, 14C-phenanthrene mineralisation was inhibited by the presence of CNMs at concentrations of ≥0.05%. Differences in overall extents of 14C-mineralisation were also apparent between CNM types. It is suggested the addition of CNMs to soil can reduce PAH extractability and bioaccessibility, with PAH sorption to CNMs influenced by CNM type and concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the microbial degradation of 14C-labelled hexadecane, octacosane, phenanthrene and pyrene and considered how degradation might be optimised in three genuinely hydrocarbon-contaminated soils from former petroleum refinery sites. Hydrocarbon mineralisation by the indigenous microbial community was monitored over 23 d. Hydrocarbon mineralisation enhancement by nutrient amendment (biostimulation), hydrocarbon degrader addition (bioaugmentation) and combined nutrient and degrader amendment, was also explored. The ability of indigenous soil microflora to mineralise 14C-target hydrocarbons was appreciable; ≥16% mineralised in all soils. Generally, addition of nutrients or degraders increased the rates and extents of mineralisation of 14C-hydrocarbons. However, the addition of nutrients and degraders in combination had a negative effect upon 14C-octacosane mineralisation and resulted in lower extents of mineralisation in the three soils. In general, the rates and extents of mineralisation will be dependent upon treatment type, nature of the contamination and adaptation of the ingenious microbial community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a research study on the diagnosis of degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) using real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocariographic (RT3DE) system. This system is reportedly recommended for pre-operative methods of mitral valve (MV) patients with Barlow disease (BD) and fibroelastic deficiency (FED). The tests revealed that there were differences in results according to BD and FED patients indicating that more accurate examinations will determine better diagnose and repair.

The influence of PAH chemical structure and concentration, added in either single (75 or 300 mg kg−1) or multiple (2 × 75, 2 × 150 or 4 × 75 mg kg−1) applications as single- or multiple-contaminant systems, on the development of PAH biodegradation in a pristine soil was investigated. Development in microbial catabolic ability was assessed at 0, 28, 56 and 84 d by monitoring 14C-naphthalene, 14C-phenanthrene and 14C-pyrene mineralisation over 14 d in respirometric assays. The presence of other contaminants influenced the ability of the indigenous microflora to mineralise structurally different contaminants over time. 14C-Naphthalene mineralisation was inhibited by the presence of other contaminants; whereas the presence of naphthalene significantly enhanced rates of mineralisation in multiple-contaminant systems containing 14C-phenanthrene and 14C-pyrene. Generally, increasing the number of contaminant applications has implications for catabolic activity of soil microbes. It is suggested the toxic nature of PAHs retarded mineralisation at increased contaminant concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]