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Background: The advancement of the mining industry implies the generation of acid drainage because operations consume between 2% and 4.5% of water demand. In addition, it is estimated that 50,000 tons of waste will be produced, of which 33% represents wastewater stored in tailings tanks. These effluents contain heavy metals such as Fe and Cu that represent a serious danger to society. Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the application of photocatalysis for the removal of Fe and Cu in industrial wastewater. This involves the control of process parameters: the catalyst dose (TiO2), pH, and time (days). Methods: The method used is experimental, controlling the process variables through a factorial design. The process variables were monitored applying the 33 factorial design, that is, 3 factors with 3 levels without repetitions. The tests were conducted under conditions with a catalyst at doses of 1.2 and 3 g/L, pH of 2.5 and 8, and a retention time of 1, 2, and 3 days. Therefore, the combination of the factors resulted in 27 experimental units. Results and Discussion: For the photocatalysis application time, in 2 days there were fewer concentrations of Fe and Cu, reaching 0.02 and 0.09 ppm, respectively. In the case of pH, a value of 8 resulted in lower concentrations of Fe and Cu. The optimal dose of the catalyst was 0.5 g/L of TiO2. The removal efficiency was 99.99% for Fe and 99.97% for Cu. In the factor analysis, it is observed that pH has the greatest influence on the removal of Fe and Cu, followed by the time factor. A strong interaction between the two variables is also observed. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was possible to remove Fe and Cu through the application of photocatalysis in synthetic wastewater. The optimal conditions were: pH 8, application time of 2 days, catalyst dose (TiO2) 0.5 g/L, and a removal efficiency greater than 99.90%. These values were similar to those reported by other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent overdose trends are characterized by increased toxicological detection of stimulants with opioids, yet it is unclear whether these substances are mixed prior to consumption or purposefully used simultaneously.Methods: Postmortem toxicology data were collected in Marion County, Indiana, from 45 fatal overdose cases involving heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, or cocaine. Substances found by death scene investigators at the scene of the fatal overdose (57 samples) were tested using high-pressure liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) technology. We compared toxicology and LC-MS results to understand whether substances contributing to overdose were found in combination or separately at the scene of the overdose.Results: Comparing toxicology reports with LC-MS results from substances found at the scene of overdose deaths involving opioids and stimulants reveal that deaths are largely the result of the co-use of opioids and stimulants, rather than use of stimulants combined with opioids.Conclusions: Collecting and testing physical samples from fatal overdose scenes and comparing these to post-mortem toxicology results is a new way to examine polydrug use patterns. This community overdose surveillance method can be used to improve overdose prevention and response efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the dosimetric outcomes of focal salvage low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy for biopsy proven local recurrence of prostate cancer after definitive external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) utilizing an MR-guided transperineal mapping biopsy to delineate the target volume. Patients with a Phoenix definition PSA recurrence (nadir + 2.0 ng/dL) after definitive EBRT for localized prostate cancer and a negative metastatic work up underwent MR-guided transperineal mapping biopsy of the prostate with both targeted and systematic tissue sampling. Using a transperineal template grid, systematic biopsies were spaced 10 mm or less from each other or the edge of the prostate and multiple biopsies were taken of MR-identified lesions. Patients with a pathologically confirmed recurrence underwent focal salvage LDR brachytherapy using iodine-125 seeds to a prescription dose of 145 Gy. The brachytherapy planning target volume (PTV) was defined by the positions of the pathologically negative core biopsies adjacent to the positive core biopsies as recorded on the template grid during the biopsy procedure. An intraoperative treatment plan was developed to cover the PTV with the 145 Gy isodose line. All patients underwent one-month post-operative dosimetry CT scan. The PTV was reproduced using the dimensions from the intraoperative plan. The PTV D90, V100; urethral V150, D30 and D1; and rectal V100 and D30 were measured. Ten patients with biopsy proven local recurrence underwent focal salvage LDR brachytherapy. The median prior EBRT dose was 7805 cGy (interquartile range IQR 7560-7920) and the median time from completion of EBRT to brachytherapy was 81 months (IQR 68-134). The median PSA prior to brachytherapy was 3.2 ng/dL (IQR 2.3 - 4.5). The median prostate volume was 23.7 cc (IQR 17.6-27.2) and the median PTV volume was 7.8 cc (IQR 3.8-23.9). The median ratio of PTV to prostate volume was 32.9% (IQR 20.4-49.4). A median of 22 seeds (IQR 19-28) were used to achieve PTV coverage with median activity per seed of 0.456 millicuries (mCi) per seed (IQR 0.451-0.456). The median PTV V100 and D90 were 94.9% (IQR 89.9-96.5) and 112.3% (IQR 99.7-121.8). The urethral V150 for all patients was 0 cc. The median urethral D30 and D1 were 72.2% (IQR 55.5-97.8) and 102.6% (IQR 73.6-121.7). The median rectal V100 and D30 were 0.01cc (IQR 0.00-0.03) and 17.8% (IQR 10.8-24.4). High dose focal salvage LDR brachytherapy can be delivered with excellent dosimetric coverage of the target volume and low dose to the urethra and rectum utilizing a MR-guided transperineal mapping biopsy technique to delineate the target volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As drug overdose deaths across the United States continue to rise, there is increasing interest in field testing of illicit substances. This work discusses a paper‐based analytical device (idPAD) that can run a library of 12 colorimetric tests at the same time, each detecting different chemical functional groups and materials found in illicit drugs, distractor substances, and cutting agents. The idPAD requires no electricity, costs less than $2 USD, and requires minimal training to operate. The results of the 12 tests form a color barcode which is "read" by comparison to standard images. The accuracy of the idPAD was assessed using samples of heroin, cocaine HCl, crack, and methamphetamine at concentrations of 25%–100% in a lactose matrix, as well as pure lactose. Based on 840 "reads" by three different users, the idPAD showed 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting these drugs; the most common error was mistaking cocaine HCl for crack or crack for cocaine HCl. In a second step, samples of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine (n = 30) and distractor substances (pharmaceuticals, cutting agents, and other illicit drugs, n = 64) were tested by two readers, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97%. Targeted substances were detected reliably at 55–180 μg/lane, and the idPAD was found to be stable for at least 3 months when stored at room temperature. The library approach used in the idPAD may provide the accuracy and robustness necessary for a presumptive field drug test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the performance of multiparametric (mp) MRI in identification of intraprostatic tumor deposits in patients previously treated with local radiation therapy (RT) using a systematic and targeted MR-gided transperineal prostate biopsy technique. Thirty patients with a rising PSA and negative metastatic work up after prior external beam RT, brachytherapy, or combined external beam RT and brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer underwent a combined systematic and targeted MRI-guided prostate biopsy using a transperineal approach. For each patient, a pre-biopsy mpMRI scan was obtained and imported into a prostate biopsy planning system. Transverse T2-weighted images were then reoriented from the supine to dorsal lithotomy position. Dividing the prostate into an apical and base section, a systematic array of transperineal biopsies spaced approximately 10mm apart was planned with additional biopsies targeting any mpMRI-identified PI-RADS 3, 4, or 5 lesion. Biopsy procedures were carried out under general anesthesia in the dorsal lithotomy position using a transrectal ultrasound with stepper-stabilizer and template grid. Matching of the planning mpMRI images to live ultrasound images was achieved using the template grid as a reference. All patients successfully underwent biopsy without post-procedure urinary obstruction or infection. The median prostate volume was 36cc (range 12-90, IQR 24-51). The median PSA prior to biopsy was 4.7 ng/mL (range 1.9-24.6, IQR 3.0-7.3). The median number of biopsy specimens obtained per patient was 21 (range 13-34, IQR 17-24). A total of 32 PI-RADS lesions were identified in 30 patients. Overall, the positive predictive value (PPV) of any PI-RADS 3-5 lesion for prostate cancer (based on pathologic confirmation) was 84% (27/32). The individual PPV of PI-RADS 3, 4 and 5 lesions were 40% (2/5), 89% (17/19), and 100% (8/8), respectively. Forty-three percent (13/30) of patients harbored mpMRI-unidentified prostate cancer. Thirty percent (9/30) of patients harbored mpMRI-unidentified GS≥7 disease. Using prostate mpMRI to identify intraprostatic tumor deposits after local radiation therapy results in a high PPV, particularly for PI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions. However, given the high rate of mpMRI-unidentified prostate cancer, the addition of systematic transperineal prostate biopsy information appears necessary to most accurately identify all intraprostatic tumor deposits. These data would suggest that a combination of systematic and mpMRI targeted biopsies are necessary to optimally perform focal salvage therapy in the setting of local recurrence after radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information pertaining to the single crystal rutile (TiO2) resonator with the use of the whispering gallery modes. What have been determined with the use of the whispering gallery mode technique; Reference to the study of the single crystal rutile.