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Background: The rapid development of less invasive and traumatic medical procedures has resulted in a mixture of terms used to describe them, without any agreed definition for each. This is confusing to both medical professionals and patients and can lead to unrealistic patient expectations. The aim of this article is to show the current confused nomenclature and to suggest a new, simple classification based on access and invasiveness (AI) that can be applied to any medical procedure. Methods: We performed an online search for definitions for ‘non-invasive’, ‘non-surgical’, ‘minimally invasive’, ‘minimal access’, ‘pinhole’ and ‘keyhole’. We then searched peer-reviewed medical papers (PRMPs) and patient facing websites (PFWs) for the following index procedures, to see which of the original 6 terms were used to describe them: transvaginal ultrasound, sclerotherapy for leg veins, botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, endovenous thermal ablation and laparoscopic gall bladder removal. Results: We found a wide variety of definitions for each of the initial terms. In both PRMPs and PFWs, there were a variety of terms used for each index procedure (i.e.: transvaginal ultrasound, injections of sclerotherapy, botulinum toxin or dermal fillers being both ‘non-invasive’ and ‘minimally invasive’) showing confusion in the classification of procedures. We suggested the ‘AI classification’ based on access (A - none, B - natural orifice or C - penetrating an epithelial surface) and invasiveness (1 - none, 2 - surface damage, 3 - needle = 21G but not a surgical trocar, 5 - surgical trocars or small incisions and 6 - incisions). Conclusion: The current confusion of terms used for procedures that are less invasive than the open surgical alternatives leads to confusion and possible false patient expectations. We have proposed an AI classification that can be applied easily to any procedure, giving a uniform classification for medical professionals and patients to understand.

Polymeric carbon nitride (CN) has emerged as a promising photoanodic material in water‐splitting photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). However, the current deposition methods of CN layers on substrates usually include a long heating process at 500−550 °C, which might cause sublimation or decomposition of the CN monomers and destruction of the substrate, leading to a nonuniform CN film. Herein, a simple, fast, and scalable energy‐economic procedure to synthesize homogenous CN films is introduced. The predesigned CN monomers film is subjected for several minutes to higher temperatures than the standard calcination procedure. The short heating process allows the formation of a uniform CN layer, with excellent contact with the substrate and good activity as a photoanode in PEC. The optimal CN photoanode reaches photocurrent densities of ≈200 μA cm−2 at 1.23 versus reversible hydrogen electrode in neutral and acidic solutions and 120 μA cm−2 in a basic solution.

Background: The rapid development of less invasive and traumatic medical procedures has resulted in a mixture of terms used to describe them, without any agreed definition for each. This is confusing to both medical professionals and patients and can lead to unrealistic patient expectations. The aim of this article is to show the current confused nomenclature and to suggest a new, simple classification based on access and invasiveness (AI) that can be applied to any medical procedure. Methods: We performed an online search for definitions for ‘non-invasive’, ‘non-surgical’, ‘minimally invasive’, ‘minimal access’, ‘pinhole’ and ‘keyhole’. We then searched peer-reviewed medical papers(PRMPs) and patient facing websites (PFWs) for the following index procedures, to see which of the original 6 terms were used to describe them: transvaginal ultrasound, sclerotherapy for leg veins, botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, endovenous thermal ablation and laparoscopic gall bladder removal. Results: We found a wide variety of definitions for each of the initial terms. In both PRMPs and PFWs, there were a variety of terms used for each index procedure (i.e.: transvaginal ultrasound, injections of sclerotherapy, botulinum toxin or dermal fillers being both ‘non-invasive’ and ‘minimally invasive’) showing confusion in the classification of procedures. We suggested the ‘AI classification’ based on access (A - none, B - natural orifice or C - penetrating an epithelial surface) and invasiveness (1 - none, 2 - surface damage, 3 ‑ needle = <21G, 4 ‑ cannula >21G but not a surgical trocar, 5 ‑ surgical trocars or small incisions and 6 - incisions). Conclusion: The current confusion of terms used for procedures that are less invasive than the open surgical alternatives leads to confusion and possible false patient expectations. We have proposed an AI classification that can be applied easily to any procedure, giving a uniform classification for medical professionals and patients to understand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results suggest that the accessibility of residue 508 of alpha-helical subdomain of nucleotide binding domain 1 in P-glycoprotein alters due to ATP hydrolysis mediated confromational changes, thereby facilitating communication between the P-glycoprotein nucleotide binding domains as determined by cysteine-scanning mutagenesis.

We investigated how projected changes in land cover and climate affected simulated nitrate (NO3−) and organic nitrogen discharge for two watersheds within the Neuse River Basin, North Carolina, USA, for years 2010-2070. We applied the Soil and Water Assessment Tool watershed model to predict nitrogen discharge using (1) atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations predicted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (2) land cover change predicted by the Integrated Climate and Land Use Change project and (3) precipitation and temperature simulated by two statistically downscaled and bias-corrected Global Circulation Models. We determined the sensitivity of simulated nitrogen discharge to separate changes in each treatment [(1) CO2, (2) land cover and (3) precipitation and temperature (PT)] by comparing each treatment to a reference condition. Results showed that nitrogen discharges were most sensitive to changes in PT over the 60-year simulation. Nitrogen discharges had similar sensitivities to the CO2 and land cover treatments, which were only one-tenth the influence of the PT treatment. Under the CO2 treatment, nitrogen discharges increased with increasing ambient CO2. NO3− discharge decreased with increased urbanization; however, organic nitrogen had a varied response. Under the PT treatment, there was high spatial variability in nitrogen discharges. In a single year, certain sub-basins showed an 80% increase in nitrogen discharge relative to reference, while others showed a 400% decrease. With nitrogen discharge showing high sensitivity to PT change, we suggest that more emphasis should be placed on investigating impacts of PT on nutrient transport in the Neuse River Basin. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of heavy metal buildup in commercial and non-commercial ponds of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and its effect on fish health was evaluated. Pond water and tilapia meat were examined for Pb, As, cadmium Cd and Cu using flame atomic absorption spectrometry; and Hg through manual cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Standard methods in hematology were applied to estimate red and white blood cell function of fish in relation to heavy metal accumulation. The results revealed significantly higher Cu content in pond water of a commercial farm compared to the Cu content of water from a non-commercial farm, while similar levels of Hg and Pb were recorded. Tilapia meat from commercial ponds had significantly higher Pb and lower levels of Cu compared to meat from a non-commercial farm. Similar levels of Hg were observed in tilapia meat obtained from farms while tilapia meat from non-commercial ponds had significantly higher Cu. Neither As nor Cd were detected in the farms. Hematological evaluation revealed comparable counts of total red blood cell. Red blood cell indices such as hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume were significantly higher in tilapia from the commercial ponds. The amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell was similar in tilapia from the farms while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher in tilapia from the non-commercial farm. Total white blood cell and eosinophil counts of tilapia were similar in the farms. Tilapia from the commercial ponds had significantly high neutrophil and monocyte counts while tilapia from the non-commercial ponds had significantly high lymphocyte counts. The hematological evaluation indicate relationship of cellular components of fish blood and heavy metal accretion from the aquatic environment by Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the spatial and temporal phosphorus (P) removal capacity under different hydrologic conditions along a stormwater treatment area (STA) flow path in the Everglades in South Florida. Significant spikes in porewater and surface-water concentrations of soluble reactive P (SRP), dissolved organic P, and total ammoniacal nitrogen were noted immediately after rehydration of the cell following an extended drought. Elevated total P concentrations continued at the outfall of the cell for several months thereafter. Aerobic oxidation of organic matter during prolonged dryout periods is reportedly a more significant biogeochemical process in compromising soil P retention in STAs.

The article presents a study which aims to examine processes that cause the observed spatial variation of total mercury (THg) in the soil O horizon in the Superior National Forest watershed of Minnesota. The study used principal component analysis to measure the spatial relationships of 42 chemical elements over 10 watersheds in three soil horizons. The study shows that soil organic carbon is the main factor that control the spatial variation of particular metals, such as arsenic (As), copper (Cu), tin (Sn) and cadmium (Cd), in the A and O soil horizons.

Abstract: The impact of rainfall on total gaseous mercury (TGM) flux from pavement and street dirt surfaces was investigated in an effort to determine the influence of wet weather events on mercury transport in urban watersheds. Street dirt and pavement are common urban ground surfaces that concentrate many substances (eroded soil, leaf and vegetation litter, automobile debris, industrial atmospheric fallout) which can contain elevated mercury concentrations. In this study, the primary analyses included (i) observing the time series flux of TGM from pavement and street dirt following surface wetting and (ii) determining if wet deposition provides a fresh source of mercury that is available for release (emission) when applied to these surfaces. Application of de-ionized water (DI) and rainwater both induced an immediate 65% increase in TGM emission from pavement (from 0.5 to 1.4ngm−2 h−1 [based on averages]). For street dirt, an immediate 70% increase in emission was induced following DI water application (from 3.0 to 9.0ngm−2 h−1 [based on averages]) and an immediate 30% increase in emission following rainwater application (from 4.5 to 6.5ngm−2 h−1 [based on averages]). Both surfaces showed continuous elevated release of TGM following the initial water application stage. There was a decrease in emission as the pavement surface dried. Despite the difference in immediate TGM emission from street dirt using both solutions, statistical evaluation indicated there was no prolonged difference. This suggests that mercury in rainwater was not available for re-emission when applied to these surfaces, at least for the time frame studied (2h after water application). Therefore, it is likely that the elevated TGM emission following water application resulted primarily from pre-existing mercury. Removal of pre-existing mercury by water application followed a zero order process for both surfaces; however, removal rates were much different for each surface (k =0.26ngm−2 min−1 for street dirt; k =0.03ngm−2 min−1 for pavement). Results from laboratory surface washing experiments revealed only 0.1% of all available surface-bound mercury on pavement was removed by surface emission 90min after a simulated light rainfall event (0.13cm of rainfall). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sulfur is broadly recognized as a water quality issue of significance for the freshwater Florida Everglades. Roughly 60% of the remnant Everglades has surface water sulfate concentrations above 1 mg l-1, a restoration performance measure based on present sulfate levels in unenriched areas. Highly enriched marshes in the northern Everglades have average sulfate levels of 60 mg l-1. Sulfate loading to the Everglades is principally a result of land and water management in South Florida. The highest concentrations of sulfate (average 60-70 mg l-1) in the ecosystem are in canal water in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Potential sulfur sources in the watershed are many, but geochemical data and a preliminary sulfur mass balance for the EAA are consistent with sulfur presently used in agricultural, and sulfur released by oxidation of organic EAA soils (including legacy agricultural applications and natural sulfur) as the primary sources of sulfate enrichment in the EAA canals. Sulfate loading to the Everglades increases microbial sulfate reduction in soils, leading to more reducing conditions, greater cycling of nutrients in soils, production of toxic sulfide, and enhanced methylmercury (MeHg) production and bioaccumulation. Wetlands are zones of naturally high MeHg production, but the combination of high atmospheric mercury deposition rates in South Florida and elevated sulfate loading leads to increased MeHg production and MeHg risk to Everglades wildlife and human consumers. Sulfate from the EAA drainage canals penetrates deep into the Everglades Water Conservation Areas, and may extend into Everglades National Park. Present plans to restore sheet flow and to deliver more water to the Everglades may increase overall sulfur loads to the ecosystem, and move sulfate-enriched water further south. However, water management practices that minimize soil drying and rewetting cycles can mitigate sulfate release during soil oxidation. A comprehensive Everglades restoration strategy should include reduction of sulfur loads as a goal because of the many detrimental impacts of sulfate on the ecosystem. Monitoring data show that the ecosystem response to changes in sulfate levels is rapid, and strategies for reducing sulfate loading may be effective in the near term. A multifaceted approach employing best management practices for sulfur in agriculture, agricultural practices that minimize soil oxidation, and changes to stormwater treatment areas that increase sulfate retention could help achieve reduced sulfate loads to the Everglades, with resulting benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research is to investigate relationships between mercury in upland soil, lake water and fish tissue and explore the cause for the observed spatial variation of THg in age one yellow perch (Perca flavescens) for ten lakes within the Superior National Forest. Spatial relationships between yellow perch THg tissue concentration and a total of 45 watershed and water chemistry parameters were evaluated for two separate years: 2005 and 2006. Results show agreement with other studies where watershed area, lake water pH, nutrient levels (specifically dissolved NO3 −-N) and dissolved iron are important factors controlling and/or predicting fish THg level. Exceeding all was the strong dependence of yellow perch THg level on soil A-horizon THg and, in particular, soil O-horizon THg concentrations (Spearman ρ =0.81). Soil B-horizon THg concentration was significantly correlated (Pearson r =0.75) with lake water THg concentration. Lakes surrounded by a greater percentage of shrub wetlands (peatlands) had higher fish tissue THg levels, thus it is highly possible that these wetlands are main locations for mercury methylation. Stepwise regression was used to develop empirical models for the purpose of predicting the spatial variation in yellow perch THg over the studied region. The 2005 regression model demonstrates it is possible to obtain good prediction (up to 60% variance description) of resident yellow perch THg level using upland soil O-horizon THg as the only independent variable. The 2006 model shows even greater prediction (r 2 =0.73, with an overall 10 ng/g [tissue, wet weight] margin of error), using lake water dissolved iron and watershed area as the only model independent variables. The developed regression models in this study can help with interpreting THg concentrations in low trophic level fish species for untested lakes of the greater Superior National Forest and surrounding Boreal ecosystem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Total gaseous mercury flux measurements were carried out over three urban ground surfaces for 1 year in Tuscaloosa, AL, USA. The objective was to provide insight into the characteristics of gaseous mercury flux from urban surface covers. Bare soil, grass, and pavement surfaces were sampled as the most representative terrestrial surfaces throughout Tuscaloosa. Measurements were quantified over diurnal and seasonal periods and relationships were developed between flux from each surface and major meteorological parameters. Averaging data over the entire year, fluxes from each surface were as follows: bare soil (6.48ng/m−2 h), pavement (0.02ng/m−2 h), and grass (0.28ng/m−2 h). Pavement and many grass fluxes were small and arguably indistinguishable from chamber blanks. The soil surface displayed the largest difference between evening and daytime flux, particularly during the spring and summer seasons (i.e., evening low (12ng/m−2 h) to daytime high (30ng/m−2 h) during summer). The grass surface showed the largest amount of atmospheric deposition, mainly during the spring and fall periods (up to −2.31ng/m−2 h), with pavement showing somewhat less (up to −1.05ng/m−2 h). Bare soil showed very little to negligible deposition. Diurnal flux variance was greater than seasonal flux variance for all surfaces. The regression results demonstrate that despite the highly dissimilar physical and geochemical make-up of pavement, bare soil, and grass, each surface displayed similar responses to time series change in meteorological parameters. However, each surface may be seasonally controlled or limited by different sets of meteorological parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Simultaneous measurement of gaseous elemental, reactive gaseous, and fine particulate mercury took place in Tuscaloosa AL, (urban airshed) and Cove Mountain, TN (non-urban airshed) during the summers of 2002 and 2003. The objective of this research was to (1) summarize the temporal distribution of each mercury specie at each site and compare to other speciation data sets developed by other researchers and (2) provide insight into urban and non-urban mercury speciation effects using various statistical methods. Average specie concentrations were as follows: 4.05ngm−3 (GEM), 13.6pgm−3 (RGM), 16.4pgm−3 (Hg-p) for Tuscaloosa; 3.20ngm−3 (GEM), 13.6pgm−3 (RGM), 9.73pgm−3 (Hg-p) for Cove Mountain. As a result of urban airshed impacts, short periods of high concentration for all mercury species was common in Tuscaloosa. At Cove Mountain a consistent mid-day rise and evening drop for mercury species was found. This pattern was primarily the result of un-impacted physical boundary layer movement, although, other potential impacts were ambient photochemistry and air-surface exchange of mercury. Meteorological parameters that are known to heavily impact mercury speciation were similar for the study period for Tuscaloosa and Cove Mountain except for wind speed (ms−1), which was higher at Cove Mountain. For both sites statistically significant (), inverse relationships existed between wind speed and Hg0 concentration. A weaker windspeed-Hg0 correlation existed for Tuscaloosa. By analyzing Hg concentration—wind speed magnitude change at both sites it was found that wind speed at Cove Mountain had a greater influence on Hg0 concentration variability than Tuscaloosa by a factor of 3. Using various statistical tests, we concluded that the nature of Tuscaloosa''s atmospheric mercury speciation was the result of typical urban airshed impacts. Cove Mountain showed atmospheric mercury speciation characteristics indicative of a non-urban area along with potential influence from steady regional input of mercury pollution from larger sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Surgery for paediatric cancer presents many stresses on patients and families. The authors aimed to understand the long‐term impact of childhood cancer surgery on survivors and parents. Methods: The study recruited participants from 11 Australia/New Zealand hospitals for telephone interviews. The authors used descriptive statistics to analyse participants' quantitative distress ratings and conducted thematic analysis of shared surgical experiences and needs. Results: Of 32 participants (n = 17 survivors, n = 15 parents), survivors' mean age at surgery was 6.9 (SD = 5.17) and parents' children were 2.1 years old (SD = 1.41) at time of surgery. Survivors had surgery on average 15.2 years ago (SD = 6.72) and parents' children 11.5 years ago (SD = 3.94). Parents and survivors rated surgery as highly distressing. Pre‐operatively, survivors recalled experiencing fear and pain mainly associated with pre‐operative procedures. Post‐operatively, survivors reported immobility and some lasting behavioural disturbances. Parents described pre‐ and intra‐operative anxiety and stress and some lasting post‐operative psychological disturbances. Experiences appeared to improve with clear/consistent communication from hospital staff, proximity to hospital, and with support for parents and children post‐operatively. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for childhood cancer can have a lasting impact for survivors and parents. Better information provision may improve families' surgical experience whilst reducing anxiety, distress and physical discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the potential effects of elevated water-column sulfate (SO4) levels on heterotrophic microbial respiration and net phosphorus (P) release for soils collected from impacted and unimpacted Everglades wetlands in south Florida. Soils from three sites, ranging from low P and low SO4 to high P and high SO4 environments, were examined under controlled laboratory conditions. The soils were subjected to anaerobic incubations to evaluate net P release and organic matter decomposition in response to SO4 amendments of 32 or 96mgl−1 (0.33 and 1.0mM). Three processes have been described in the literature to explain why SO4 enrichment may lead to P release from soils under anaerobic conditions. First, alkalinization can lead to a more favorable pH environment for decomposition. For the soils examined here, alkalinization due to the hydrogen ion-consuming reaction of SO4 reduction was not a prominent mechanism. We found that pH decreased in the incubation vessels, and that increases in alkalinity were more likely attributable to calcium carbonate dissolution than SO4 reduction. Moreover, all the soils exhibited near circum-neutral pH levels, with moderate to high concentrations of native alkalinity. Second, formation of iron sulfide (FeSx) compounds has been shown to mobilize iron (Fe)-associated P. Soils from only one of the study sites had Fe concentrations that would be expected to be high enough to influence P mobility. Relatively high porewater Fe:soluble reactive P (SRP) ratios (>83:1) were observed at this site, which suggests that Fe could theoretically exert control over the release of P from the soil. However, soil P levels at this site were too low to measure any substantial influence of Fe on net P mobilization. Finally, availability of electron acceptors such as SO4 is a major determinant of decomposition rate, and thus rate of organic P release. Amending the soils with SO4 did not result in either more heterotrophic microbial respiration as measured by carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) production, or increased net P mobilization. In two of the SO4-amended soils where post-incubation total sulfide concentrations were as high as 23.4mgl−1, SO4 addition reduced production of respiratory carbon end products, suggesting hydrogen sulfide inhibition. Moreover, limitations imposed by substrate quality and low P contributed to the lack of meaningful enhanced decomposition of organic matter with the addition of 32 or 96mg SO4 l−1 to the oligotrophic wetland soils. Even though P release did occur under anaerobic conditions for the more enriched site, addition of SO4 did not enhance P release. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A major contributing factor to the high mortality rate associated with acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma is the development of resistance to chemotherapy. We have shown that the combination of tipifarnib, a nonpeptidomimetic farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI), with bortezomib, a proteosome inhibitor, promotes synergistic death and overcomes de novo drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines. Experiments were undertaken to identify the molecular mechanisms by which tipifarnib produces cell death in acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma cell lines (U937 and 8226, respectively). Tipifarnib, but not other FTIs tested [N-[4-[2(R)-amino-3-mercaptopropyl]amino-2-phenylbenzoyl]methionine methyl ester trifluoroacetate salt (FTI-277) and 2'-methyl-5-((((1-trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl)amino)methyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid (FTI-2153), promotes elevations in intracellular free-calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) in both cell lines. These elevations in [Ca(2+)](i) were accompanied by highly dynamic plasmalemmal blebbing and frequently resulted in membrane lysis. The tipifarnib-induced elevations in [Ca(2+)](i) were not blocked by thapsigargin or ruthenium red, but were inhibited by application of Ca(2+)-free extracellular solution and by the Ca(2+) channel blockers Gd(3+) and La(3+). Conversely, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) potentiated the tipifarnib-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) overload. Preventing Ca(2+) influx diminished tipifarnib-evoked cell death, whereas 2-APB potentiated this effect, demonstrating a link between tipifarnib-induced Ca(2+) influx and apoptosis. These data suggest that tipifarnib exerts its effects by acting on a membrane channel with pharmacological properties consistent with store-operated channels containing the Orai3 subunit. It is noteworthy that Orai3 transcripts were found to be expressed at lower levels in tipifarnib-resistant 8226/R5 cells. Our results indicate tipifarnib causes cell death via a novel mechanism involving activation of a plasma membrane Ca(2+) channel and intracellular Ca(2+) overload.