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Purpose: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is commonly thought to play an important role in chronic cough and patients are often empirically treated with acid suppression therapy. We sought to investigate the response rate to acid suppression treatment in patients with and without heartburn attending two specialist cough clinics. Methods: A retrospective review of 558 consecutive patients referred to two specialist cough clinics was performed (UK and USA). Patients who were treated with acid suppression were included and their documented response to treatment was collected. Binary logistic regression was used to ascertain the value of reported heartburn in predicting the response of chronic cough to acid suppression therapy. Results: Of 558 consecutive referrals, 238 patients were excluded due to missing data or cough duration of < 8 weeks. The remaining 320 patients were predominantly female (76%), with mean age 61 yrs (± 13) and 96.8% non-smokers, with chronic cough for 36 (18–117) months. Of 72 patients with heartburn, 20 (28%) noted improvement in their cough with acid suppression, whereas of 248 without heartburn, only 35 (14%) responded. Patients reporting heartburn were 2.7 (95% C.I. 1.3–5.6) times more likely to respond to acid suppression therapy (p = 0.007). Conclusion: In specialist cough clinics, few patients report a response of their chronic cough to acid suppression therapy. Nonetheless, heartburn is a useful predictor substantially increasing the likelihood of benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Frongoch Mine (UK), it is unclear the distribution of metals on indigenous algae and whether these species of algae can accumulate metals. This study aimed to investigate the role of indigenous algae for metal removal from acid mine drainage and understand if metals can be adsorbed on the surface of algae or/and bioaccumulated in algae. A sequential extraction procedure was applied for algae samples collected from acid mine drainage (AMD) water to identify the forms in which metals are found in algae. Concentrations of Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were evaluated in the algae and AMD samples were collected in June and October 2019. AMDs samples had a pH value ranging between 3.5 and 6.9 and high concentrations of Zn (351 mg/L) and Pb (4.22 mg/L) that exceeded the water quality standards (Water Framework Directive, 2015). Algae Ulothrix sp. and Oedogonium sp. were the two main species in the Frongoch AMDs. The concentrations of metals in algae ranged from 0.007 to 51 mg/g, and the bioconcentration factor of metals decreased in the following order: Fe >  > Pb >  > Cu > Cd > Zn. It was found that Zn, Cu and Cd were adsorbed onto the surface of and bioaccumulated in the algae, while Pb and Fe were mainly bioaccumulated in the algae. Indigenous algae can be considered as a biogeochemical barrier where metals are accumulating and can be used in bioremediation methods. Also, indigenous algae could be used as a bioindicator to assess water pollution at Frongoch Mine and other similar metal mines., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Examines the histopathology of parasitic infections in greater pipefish, Syngnathus acus L. from an estuary in Great Britain. Decalcification of tissues in formic acids; Use of vacuum infiltration tissue processor to process samples; Link of mild epithelial hyperlasia with the presence of trichodinids.

Describes areas of research in which we have sought to characterize the microbiology of acid mine drainage waters from various locations in the United Kingdom. Background on acid mine drainage; Materials and methods; Results of the study.

Former iron and steel works sites are significant in terms of their size, number, degree of contamination, and their wide distribution in the United Kingdom. They are likely to have become chemically contaminated with a wide range of substances from the manufacture of iron and steel, and the many associated processes. Associated processes include coke-production, metal refining and finishing. Contamination by metals, inorganic and organic compounds, acids/alkalis and asbestos is common on such sites. The aim of this research was to draw together information on the contamination of former iron and steel works through a review of current literature and by the use of examples and case studies from the UK. The style of the paper is loosely based on an Inter-departmental Committee for Research in Contaminated Land (ICRCL) style guidance note, with case studies and examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the effectiveness of the jet of acid emerging through the pylorus to determine the location of duodenal bulbar ulcers among patients in Great Britain. Characteristics of duodenal ulcers; Mobility of the gastric antrum, pylorus and duodenal bulb; Presence of localized pallor on the anterior duodenal bulbar wall.

The article offers information on the significance of inorganic crystals with unusual curved faces that imitates organisms found in nature in Great Britain. Accordingly, the Spanish-Australian group grew crystals from mixtures of silica and barium carbonate and used video microscopy to determine how the curved faces form. It reveals that the curvature is a result of acid changes in nanoscale region where the crystal is growing that cause silica and barium carbonate to accumulate alternately.