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To explore the mandibular condylar movements in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).We retrospectively recruited patients who were clinically diagnosed with internal derangement of the TMJ and referred to our center for MRI examination. The TMJ discs were categorized into normal disc (ND), anteriorly displaced disc (ADD), and disc with destruction (DD) groups using static images obtained in the closed-mouth view. The difference between the "open-mouth" and "closed-mouth" views on kinematic MRI was used to calculate the condylar translation and rotation. Two radiologists consensually performed the image readings and measurements. One-way analysis of variance and chi-squared test were used to compare the variables in the three groups. Pearson's correlation and general linear models were used to evaluate the correlation and differences between condylar translation and rotation in the three groups.This study included 98 TMJs from 54 patients. Twenty-six, 49, and 23 TMJs were classified as ND, ADD, and DD, respectively. Condylar rotation and translation demonstrated a significant correlation in all TMJs examined (r = 0.635, p 0.001), with similar coefficients for all groups. The mean condylar translation in the ND group was greater than that in the ADD and DD groups (ND versus ADD: p = 0.003; ND versus DD: p = 0.002). However, the change in condylar rotation was not affected by the disc status (ND as reference; DD∗condylar translation: coefficient = 0.341, p = 0.332; ADD∗condylar translation: coefficient = -0.100, p = 0.696).Kinematic MRI studies revealed that TMJ condylar translation was correlated with its rotation for all disc statuses.

Background The Interaction between anti-tuberculous and immunosuppressive drugs which may increase the risk of graft rejections is a major challenge in managing transplant recipients with tuberculosis (TB). Instead of rifampicin (RFM), most guidelines recommended the use of rifabutin (RFB) because of its reduced capacity to induce immunosuppressant metabolism while maintaining the same efficacy as RFM against TB. However, there has been no available data directly comparing the outcome of RFB from RFM-based anti-TB regimens in liver transplant patients with TB. This study aimed to compare the effects of RFB from RFM-based treatment in terms of the drug interaction with immunosuppressants, as well as the safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes of living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients with active TB. Patients and methods A retrospective study was conducted on all adult LDLT recipients diagnosed with active TB from June 1994 to May 2016 that had concurrently and continuously received either RFB or RFM-based treatment and immunosuppressants. Results Twenty-two patients were included. Twelve (55%) patients were in the RFM group. Ten (45%) patients were in the RFB group. RFB group showed a lesser rate of immunosuppressant trough level reduction (20% vs 50%, p = 0.009) during TB treatment. There was no TB recurrence and no significant change in platelet or leukocyte count in either group. Acute cellular rejection (ACR), rate of TB-treatment completion and overall survival, rates were excellent and statistically similar in both groups. Conclusion The use of RFB in LDLT recipients with active TB, had a lesser drug interaction than when RFM was used. However, RFB did not significantly reduced the rate of ACR. RFB and RFM are both effective and safe to use in LDLT recipients with active TB.

The fouling characteristics of micron-scale magnesium oxide particles on the inside wall of the circular tube and converging-diverging tube are studied in this paper. An improved method for modeling particles in tubes was developed based on the Eulerian method. The particle deposition mechanism of the model includes: diffusion deposition, turbulent deposition, thermophoretic deposition, and gravity deposition. The model was verified by comparison with experimental results from the literature. The effects of particle concentration and flow velocity were studied for two different tubes. The simulation results show that the change rules of the fouling resistance of the two tubes were similar both the asymptotic value of fouling resistance increases with the increase of the concentration, and decreases with the increase of the inlet velocity. By comparing the fouling resistance of the two tubes, it was found that the values of asymptotic fouling resistance of the converging-diverging tube were smaller than that of the circular tube at different concentrations and velocities.

Background Deep-learning algorithms to annotate electrocardiograms (ECGs) and classify different types of cardiac arrhythmias with the use of a single-lead ECG input data set have been developed. It remains to be determined whether these algorithms can be generalized to 12-lead ECG-based rhythm classification. Methods We used a long short-term memory (LSTM) model to detect 12 heart rhythm classes with the use of 65,932 digital 12-lead ECG signals from 38,899 patients, using annotations obtained by consensus of 3 board-certified electrophysiologists as the criterion standard. Results The accuracy of the LSTM model for the classification of each of the 12 heart rhythms was ≥ 0.982 (range 0.982-1.0), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ≥ 0.987 (range 0.987-1.0). The precision and recall ranged from 0.692 to 1 and from 0.625 to 1, respectively, with an F1 score of ≥ 0.777 (range 0.777-1.0). The accuracy of the model (0.90) was superior to the mean accuracies of internists (0.55), emergency physicians (0.73), and cardiologists (0.83). Conclusions We demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the deep-learning LSTM model for interpreting 12 common heart rhythms according to 12-lead ECG signals. The findings may have clinical relevance for the early diagnosis of cardiac rhythm disorders.

Ecological models help provide forecasts of ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic stresses. However, their ability to create reliable predictions requires forecasts with track records sufficiently long to build confidence, skill assessments, and treating uncertainty quantitatively. We use Lake Erie harmful algal blooms as a case study to help formalize ecological forecasting. Key challenges for models include uncertainty in the deterministic structure of the load-bloom relationship and the need to assess alternative drivers (e.g., biologically available phosphorus load, spring load, longer term cumulative load) with a larger dataset. We enhanced a Bayesian model considering new information and an expanded data set, test it through cross validation and blind forecasts, quantify and discuss its uncertainties, and apply it for assessing historical and future scenarios. Allowing a segmented relationship between bloom size and spring load indicates that loading above 0.15 Gg/month will have a substantially higher marginal impact on bloom size. The new model explains 84 % of interannual variability (9.09 Gg RMSE) when calibrated to the 19-year data set and 66 % of variability in cross validation (12.58 Gg RMSE). Blind forecasts explain 84 % of HAB variability between 2014 and 2020, which is substantially better than the actual forecast track record (R

As a result of increased harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in Lake Erie, the US and Canada revised their phosphorus loading targets under the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The focus of this paper is the Detroit River and its watershed, a source of 25% of the total phosphorus (TP) load to Lake Erie. Its load declined 37% since 1998, due chiefly to improvements at the regional Great Lakes Water Authority Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) in Detroit and phosphorus sequestered by zebra and quagga mussels in Lake Huron. In addition to the 54% of the load from Lake Huron, nonpoint sources contribute 57% of the TP load and 50% of the dissolved reactive phosphorus load, with the remaining balance from point sources. After Lake Huron, the largest source is the WRRF, which has already reduced its load by over 40%. Currently, loads from Lake Huron and further reductions from the WRRF are not part of the reduction strategy, therefore remaining watershed sources will need to decline by 72% to meet the Water Quality Agreement target - a daunting challenge. Because other urban sources are very small, most of the reduction would have to come from agriculturally-dominated lands. The most effective way to reduce those loads is to apply combinations of practices like cover crops, buffer strips, wetlands, and applying fertilizer below the soil surface on the lands with the highest phosphorus losses. However, our simulations suggest even extensive conservation on those lands may not be enough.

Neurodegenerative diseases have become an important concern with the accelerated aging process. Tai Chi Quan (TCQ) has positive benefits for brain health and chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to summarize the protective effects of TCQ for motor function, cognition, quality of life, and mood in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.A systematic search was conducted via PubMed database and the Web of Science core collection database until August 20, 2021. The available English systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials were included. Two reviewers completed the screening and assessment process independently.A total of 28 studies on Parkinson's disease, 21 on cognitive impairment, and 9 on multiple sclerosis met the included criteria. The study found that TCQ remarkably improved general motor function and balance, and prevented falls for Parkinson's disease. TCQ significantly improved global cognitive function for cognitive impairment. TCQ was likely safe and beneficial for multiple sclerosis as result of heterogeneous outcomes and small samples.TCQ exercise can effectively improve the motor function, global cognitive function, and falls in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. However, the positive effects of TCQ on the quality of life and mood of patients with neurodegenerative diseases need further evidence.

Nutrient loading from nonpoint sources has degraded water quality in large water bodies globally. The water quality of Lake Erie, the most productive of the Laurentian Great Lakes bordering the United States and Canada, is influenced by phosphorus loads from the Detroit River that drains an almost 19,000 km 2 international watershed. We used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate a range of management practices to potentially reduce total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) loads. Scenarios included both single practices and bundles of multiple practices. Single practice scenarios included fertilizer rate reduction (Rate) and sub-surface placement (PL), filter strips (FL), grassed waterways, cover crops (CC), wetlands (WT), controlled drainage, and changes in tillage practices. Bundle scenarios included combinations of Rate, PL, FL, CC, and WT with three adoption strategies: application on all applicable areas, on 55% of randomly selected applicable areas, and on 55% of high phosphorus yielding applicable areas. Results showed that among the single practice scenarios, FL, WT, PL, CC, and Rate performed well in reducing both TP and DRP loss from agricultural dominated sub-watersheds. Over all, the CC, FL, WT bundle performed best, followed by the CC, PL, WT bundle, reducing the load up to 80% and 70%, respectively, with 100% implementation. However, targeting high phosphorus yielding areas performed nearly as well as 100% implementation. Results from this work suggest that there are potential pathways for phosphorus load reduction, but extensive implementation of multiple practices is required.

Lake Erie is a classic case of development, recovery from, and return to eutrophication, hypoxia, and harmful algal blooms. Forecast models are used annually to predict bloom intensity for the whole Western Lake Erie Basin, but do not necessarily reflect nearshore conditions or regional variations, which are important for local stakeholders. In this study we: 1) developed relationships between observed whole basin and nearshore bloom sizes, and 2) updated and extended a Bayesian seasonal bloom forecast model to provide new regional predictions. The western basin was subdivided into 5 km near-shore regions, and bloom start date, size, and intensity were quantified with MODIS-derived images of chlorophyll concentrations for July–October 2002–2016 for each subdivision and for the entire basin. While bloom severity within each subdivision is temporally and spatially unique, it increased over the study period in each subdivision. The models for the 5 km subdivisions explained between 83 and 95% of variability between regional sizes and whole bloom size for US subdivisions and 51% for the Canadian subdivision. By linking predictive basin-wide models to regional regression estimates, we are now able to better predict potential bloom impacts at scales and in specific areas that are vital to the economic well-being of the region and allow for better management responses.

Resistive switching behaviors of amorphous MoOx thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering at room temperature have been investigated. Ag/MoOx/ITO device shows a bipolar resistive switching without electroforming process. A very low set voltage of about 0.4 V and a reduced set power below 50 μW can be achieved based on the amorphous MoOx thin films. Schottky emission and oxygen vacancies in the amorphous film can be used to understand the physical mechanism for the observed resistive switching behaviors. Moreover, analog resistive switching is demonstrated in the device. The synaptic plasticity of the device can be controlled by the interval, and amplitude of input voltage pulse stimulation. This study provides us opportunity to investigate the potential applications in neuromorphic computing based on our Ag/MoOx/ITO memristors.

To support the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement on reducing Lake Erie's phosphorus inputs, we integrated US and Canadian data to update and extend total phosphorus (TP) loads into and out of the St. Clair-Detroit River System for 1998–2016. The most significant changes were decreased loads from Lake Huron caused by mussel-induced oligotrophication of the lake, and decreased loads from upgraded Great Lakes Water Authority sewage treatment facilities in Detroit. By comparing Lake St. Clair inputs and outputs, we demonstrated that on average the lake retains 20% of its TP inputs. We also identified for the first time that loads from resuspended Lake Huron sediment were likely not always detected in US and Canadian monitoring programs due to mismatches in sampling and resuspension event frequencies, substantially underestimating the load. This additional load increased over time due to climate-induced decreases in Lake Huron ice cover and increases in winter storm frequencies. Given this more complete load inventory, we estimated that to reach a 40% reduction in the Detroit River TP load to Lake Erie, accounting for the missed load, point and non-point sources other than that coming from Lake Huron and the atmosphere would have to be reduced by at least 50%. We also discuss the implications of discontinuous monitoring efforts.

Evaluation standards and treatment initiation timing have been debated for a long time, particularly for late-onset Fabry disease (FD), because of its slow progression. However, early initiation of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for FD could be effective in stabilizing the disease progression and potentially preventing irreversible organ damage. We aimed to examine globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) deposits in patients’ endomyocardial biopsies to understand the early pathogenesis of FD cardiomyopathy. Immunofluorescent (IF) staining of Gb3 and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) was performed on endomyocardial biopsies of patients suspected of Fabry cardiomyopathy who had negative or only slight Gb3 accumulation determined by toluidine blue staining and electron microscopic examination. The IF staining results revealed that all patients examined had abundant Gb3 accumulation in their cardiomyocytes, including the ones who are negative for inclusion bodies. Furthermore, we found that early Gb3 deposits were mostly confined within lysosomes, while they appeared extralysosomally at a later stage. A significant amount of lysosomal Gb3 deposits could be detected by IF staining in cardiac tissue before the formation of inclusion bodies, suggesting the cardiomyocytes might have been experiencing cellular stress and damage early on, before the appearance of typical pathological changes of FD during the disease progression.

Chronotype refers to individual differences in the timing of circadian sleep-wake cycles and subjective alertness throughout the day. It is a potential factor influencing people's driving behaviour, but no research has explored the mechanisms underlying this topic. The current study aimed to explore the relationship between morningness-eveningness preferences and driving behaviour and the mediating effect of visual search between them. Thirty-eight drivers were selected to participate in this study based on their chronotype. They were divided into morning-type and evening-type groups by their score on the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ). Both groups completed a visual search task and a simulated driving task in a morning session and an evening session. The results showed that morningness-eveningness preferences had synchronous effects on basic driving performance; specifically, morning-type drivers showed better driving behaviour in the morning than in the evening, and evening-type drivers showed the opposite trend. Furthermore, visual search abilities showed a mediating effect between morningness-eveningness preference and driving performance. The mechanisms underlying these results are discussed. Related results and data could aid with schedule arrangements for professional drivers.

In response to increased harmful algal blooms (HABs), hypoxia, and nearshore algae growth in Lake Erie, the United States and Canada agreed to phosphorus load reduction targets. While the load targets were guided by an ensemble of models, none of them considered the effects of climate change. Some watershed models developed to guide load reduction strategies have simulated climate effects, but without extending the resulting loads or their uncertainties to HAB projections. In this study, we integrated an ensemble of four climate models, three watershed models, and four HAB models. Nutrient loads and HAB predictions were generated for historical (1985-1999), current (2002-2017), and mid-21st-century (2051-2065) periods. For the current and historical periods, modeled loads and HABs are comparable to observations but exhibit less interannual variability. Our results show that climate impacts on watershed processes are likely to lead to reductions in future loading, assuming land use and watershed management practices are unchanged. This reduction in load should help reduce the magnitude of future HABs, although increases in lake temperature could mitigate that decrease. Using Monte-Carlo analysis to attribute sources of uncertainty from this cascade of models, we show that the uncertainty associated with each model is significant, and that improvements in all three are needed to build confidence in future projections.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are coordination polymers with potential voids constructed by organic ligands and metal ions. In this work, we employed a semi-rigid polycarboxylic acid ligand 5-(4-carboxyphenoxy)methyl)benzene-1-thio-3-dicarboxylic acid (H3L) with the flexible “–CH2-O-” group between the two phenyl groups to construct a new Cu(II)-MOF {[Cu2L(OH)]·DMF}n (1). The structure analysis reveals that the adjacent Cu(II) cations are bridged by oxygens from OH– anion and carboxy group to get a one dimensional infinite rod-shaped secondary building unit (SBU). Furthermore, compound 1 exhibits an intriguing three-dimensional MOF based on infinite rod-shaped SBUs and L3-. PXRD result shows compound 1 is still stable after placed in air for three months. The variable-temperature magnetic studies indicate antiferromagnetic behaviors of 1.

Watershed-scale hydrologic models are frequently used to inform conservation and restoration efforts by identifying critical source areas (CSAs; alternatively 'hotspots'), defined as areas that export relatively greater quantities of nutrients and sediment. The CSAs can then be prioritized or ‘targeted’ for conservation and restoration to ensure efficient use of limited resources. However, CSA simulations from watershed-scale hydrologic models may be uncertain and it is critical that the extent and implications of this uncertainty be conveyed to stakeholders and decision makers. We used an ensemble of four independently developed Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models and a SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model to simulate CSA locations for flow, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment within the ~17,000-km2 Maumee River watershed at the HUC-12 scale. We then assessed uncertainty in CSA simulations determined as the variation in CSA locations across the models. Our application of an ensemble of models - differing with respect to inputs, structure, and parameterization - facilitated an improved accounting of CSA prediction uncertainty. We found that the models agreed on the location of a subset of CSAs, and that these locations may be targeted with relative confidence. However, models more often disagreed on CSA locations. On average, only 16%–46% of HUC-12 subwatersheds simulated as a CSA by one model were also simulated as a CSA by a different model. Our work shows that simulated CSA locations are highly uncertain and may vary substantially across models. Hence, while models may be useful in informing conservation and restoration planning, their application to identify CSA locations would benefit from comprehensive uncertainty analyses to avoid inefficient use of limited resources.

Two Ni(II)-based coordination polymers, [Ni1.5(L)(dib)1.5(H2O)]·2H2O (1) and [Ni1.5(L)(bimb)1.5(H2O)2]·4H2O (2), were synthesized by using the same anionic ligand and different neutral ligands under the same hydrothermal conditions. The structures of these two coordination polymers were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 reveals a 2D net which is extended to be a 3D supramolecular framework with intermolecular π-π interactions. Compound 2 shows a 2-fold interpenetrating (3,4,4)-connected framework with {63}2{62·84}{64·82}2 topology. The results confirm that organic ligands play an important role in the assembly of various coordination polymers. Elemental analyses, infrared spectra, powder X-ray diffraction and UV–vis absorption spectra were measured, and magnetic properties were also studied.

To investigate the age-dependent impact of the superfast door-to-balloon (D2B) times of ≤60min as recommended by the new ESC Guideline for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) on mid-term survival rates based on a single center registry dataset.This study enrolled consecutive STEMI patients who underwent PPCI from Jan 1, 2009 through Sep 30, 2013. We compared demographics, clinical characteristics and the D2B-survival relationships between patients aged ≥65 and65.The younger group comprised 242 patients (68%) aged65 and the elder group consisted of 115 patients (32%) aged ≥65. In patients aged65, the mortality rate decreased linearly with D2B time shortening (90min vs. 61-90min vs. ≤60min=14.9% vs. 13.3% vs. 1.2%, P=0.001). Contrarily, shortening of D2B time was not associated with reduced mortality rate in patients aged ≥65 (90min vs. 61-90min vs. ≤60min=23.5% vs. 19% vs. 18.9%, P=0.99). In younger patients but not the elderly, a D2B time of60min has sufficient power to predict mortality with a sensitivity of 0.83, specificity of 0.74, and Youden index of 0.57.Our results show that the new ESC Guideline recommendation of D2B time ≤60min is associated with better survival rates in younger STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. Our findings stress the importance of guideline adherence to minimize reperfusion delay to improve survival in these patients.

Thermal reduced graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been synthesized and investigated based on various heating temperatures. The characterizations of GQDs' size, crystallization and oxygen group confirm the thermal reduction influences. In experiment, GQD solutions display broad UV–vis absorption and good one-photon luminescence phenomena. Moreover, thermal treatment with higher temperature makes a blue-shift phenomenon in optical properties. Additionally, good two-photon luminescence properties can be observed with the treatment of lower thermal temperatures. First-principle calculations theoretically confirm that the sizes and oxygen groups can affect the band gaps and orbital's distributions. The observed good one- and two-photon luminescence properties can be potential for future bioimaging applications.

Predicting flood risk is important for climate change adaptation. We quantify fluvial flood risk due to changing climate in a mixed-use watershed in Michigan, USA. We apply two approaches to project future climate change: an ensemble of temperature and precipitation perturbations on the historical record and an ensemble of global and regional climate models. We incorporate climate projections into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to estimate daily streamflow, then quantify flood risk using indices related to flood probability, duration, magnitude, and frequency. Results indicate rising temperatures may counteract small increases in precipitation, likely due to increased evapotranspiration. Climate model data without bias correction used in SWAT produced reasonable future streamflow changes—similar to the perturbation of historical climate—therefore retaining the predicted change in the flood frequency distribution. This work advances the application of climate models in SWAT for flood risk evaluation at watershed scales.

A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on immunomagnetic beads (IMB-ELISA) was established using a magnetic-bead signal-enrichment system. The immunomagnetic beads were coated with polyclonal antibody directed against keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), which were then coupled with a KLH–fumonisin B1 (FB1) conjugate. Anti-FB1 monoclonal antibody and sample extract were mixed and added to the immunomagnetic-bead solution. After the addition of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled goat anti-mouse antibody and the substrate solution, stop solution was added and the optical density of the reaction mixture was determined. To improve the performance of this method, the dilution of the immunomagnetic beads, the concentrations of the monoclonal antibody and HRP-labeled goat anti-mouse antibody, and the incubation time for the competition reaction were optimized. Based on the optimum conditions, the regression equation for this IMB-ELISA in quantifying FB1 was y = −0.3538x + 0.703 (R2 = 0.9988). The detection limit and IC50 were 0.24 ng/mL and 3.17 ng/mL, respectively. The working range was 0.54–26.3 ng/mL. The recovery rates were 80.4–114.7%, when the spiked concentrations ranged from 19.5 to 156.3 μg/kg. This IMB-ELISA is accurate and more sensitive and less time-consuming than the conventional ELISA.

Uniform spherical core–shell structured SiO2@CaMoO4:Eu3+,Li+ phosphors were prepared by a combined homogeneous precipitation approach and combustion synthesis. CaMoO4:Eu3+,Li+ layer was grown onto submicrometer amorphous SiO2 particles, which were synthesized by the Stober method, via a homogeneous precipitation technique. The following combustion reaction at 600 °C and simply post-annealing resulted in uniform spherical SiO2@CaMoO4:Eu3+,Li+ core–shell structured phosphors. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), and photoluminescence (PL). The results show that the amorphous SiO2 submicrospheres were coated by crystalline CaMoO4:Eu3+,Li+ nanoparticles, forming spherical core–shell structure with uniform size of ∼260 nm. The powder samples showed strong red emission corresponding to 5D0 → 7F2 transitions of Eu3+ ions under near ultraviolet (UV) or blue light. Their color coordinate (0.63, 0.36) is close to the standard of national television standards committee (NTSC) (0.67, 0.33).

The present study tested the reliability and validity of the Career Adapt-Ability Scale — Taiwan Form (CAAS-Taiwan Form). The CAAS consists of four scales, each with six items, which measure concern, control, curiosity, and confidence as psychosocial resources for managing occupational transitions, developmental tasks, and work traumas. Internal consistency estimates for the subscale and total scores were excellent. The factor structure was quite similar to the one computed for combined data from 13 countries. The CAAS-Taiwan Form is identical to the International Form 2.0. Based on the results, the CAAS-Taiwan Form, appears ready for use by researchers and practitioners who wish to measure adaptability resources among adults.

The rapid and solvent-free determination of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in aqueous samples via one-step microwave-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction (MA-HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis is described. Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP) and tris-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) were selected as model compounds for the method of development and validation. The effects of various extraction parameters for the quantitative extraction of these analytes by MA-HS-SPME were systematically investigated and optimized. The analytes, in a 20 mL water sample (in a 40 mL sample bottle containing 2 g of NaCl, pH 3.0), were efficiently extracted by a polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene (PDMS-DVB) fiber placed in the headspace when the system was microwave irradiated at 140 W for 5 min. The limits of quantification (LOQs) for TnBP and TEHP were 0.5 and 4 ng/L, respectively. Using the standard addition method, MA-HS-SPME coupled with GC–MS was utilized to determine selected OPEs in surface water and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) influent/effluent samples. Preliminary results show that TnBP was commonly detected OPEs in these aqueous samples, the correlation coefficients (r2) of the standard addition curves were greater than 0.9822, indicating that the developed method appears to be a good alternative technique for analyzing OPEs in aqueous samples.

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. However, the potential risk for cardiovascular complications after combined radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy is usually neglected. RT targeting the neck region has been correlated with