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For the first time, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with Zn:Al in molar ratio 1:1, intercalated with sulphate and alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+), were synthesized and characterized. The syntheses of Zn/Al-SO4-K was performed by precipitation with increasing pH when the KOH solution was slowly added to acid mixed solutions of ZnSO4, Al2(SO4)3 and K2SO4, with Zn:Al:K in molar ratios of 0.5:0.5:0.167, at 90°C under the dynamic flow of N2. In the exchange reactions, aqueous LDH dispersions were stirred with an excess of Li2SO4 or Na2SO4 for 96 h at room temperature under N2 flow. All the obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry analyses. After the reactions, alkali metal cations were exchanged, keeping sulphate constant, showing that this new class of LDHs can exchange cations and has the potential for new applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immunoassays are the most common method in routine practice for measuring androgens in women. Study’s aim was to establish new population specific indirect reference intervals (RI) for dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate (DHEAS) and for new androstenedione test available on automated Roche Cobas electrochemiluminescent immunoassay method. Materials and methods: From extracted laboratory records, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and follicle-stimulating hormone were used as reference tests to exclude possibly diseased women. After the data selection steps, the study included 3500 subjects for DHEAS and 520 for androstenedione aged 20-45 years. To evaluate the need for age partitioning, we calculated standard deviation ratio and bias ratio. For each hormone, 90% and 95% RIs were calculated with appropriate statistical method. Results: Total age group (20-45 years) 95% RIs were: 2.77-11.50 μmol/L for DHEAS and 2.48-8.89 nmol/L for androstenedione. Age-stratified 95% RIs for DHEAS were: 3.65-12.76 μmol/L (20-25 years); 2.97-11.50 μmol/L (25-35 years) and 2.30-9.83 μmol/L (35-45 years). Age-stratified 95% RIs for androstenedione were: 3.02-9.43 nmol/L (20-30 years) and 2.23-7.75 nmol/L (30-45 years). Conclusion: New RIs for DHEAS were slightly wider for age group 20-25 and 35-45, while the differences in the age group 25-35 years were more pronounced. Androstenedione RI showed significantly higher concentrations than the manufacturer’s. Age-related decrease of androgens should be considered when calculating RIs. We propose population specific, age-stratified RIs for DHEAS and androstenedione on electrochemiluminescent method, which should improve test interpretation in women of reproductive age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the introduction of trivalent rare-earth metal-centered polyhedra [LnO6F4] (Ln = La, Gd) into alkali metal sulfates, two novel sulfate fluorides, NaLn2(SO4)2F3 (Ln = La, Gd), were successfully synthesized via a high-temperature solution method in sealed quartz tubes. The two compounds are isomorphic and feature a structure composed of [LnO6F4] (Ln = La, Gd) polyhedra, [NaO4F3] polyhedra, and [SO4] groups. The UV-vis-NIR diffuse reflection spectra, infrared spectra, and thermal stability are also presented. Meanwhile, theoretical calculations reveal that NaLa2(SO4)2F3 has a moderate birefringence (0.041 at 1064 nm) which is significantly improved compared with Na2SO4. And the enhancement of birefringence can be ascribed to the introduction of rare-earth metal-centered polyhedra by a real space atom-cutting method. This work shows that the introduction of trivalent rare-earth metal-centered polyhedra is one of the effective strategies for bolstering the birefringence performance of non-π-conjugated sulfate systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an attempt has been carried out to fabricate ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) for the determination of Atropine sulfate (AT) in pharmaceutical formulas. Three plasticizers; namely, di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP), bis (2‐ethyl hexyl) phthalate (BEP), nitrobenzene (NB), and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were used in the fabrication of the three ion selective electrodes after incorporating into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and symbolized as E1, E2, and E3, respectively. Beyond evaluation of the three ISEs, it has been confirmed that one with DBP experienced the most Nernstian behaviour. For the electrode of interest, the slope and detection limit are 55.02 mV/decade and 1.1×10−6 M, respectively. The linear range was 1.0×10−2–1.0×10−5 M (R2=0.9999) with recording 5 s and 45 days; sequentially, for the response time and shelf life of E1 electrode. The sensor has experienced high selectivity for atropine sulfate, verifying from the selectivity coefficient data for a number of potential interferences. The statistical analysis using t‐test and F‐test indicates the eligibility of constructed electrode for utilization in field of pharmaceutical analysis. A satisfactory accordance has been obtained between the proposed electrode for atropine sulfate and the standard method. This methodology is supposed to be applicable in quality control and even clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs) consist of a core protein decorated with sulphated HS-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. These negatively charged HS-GAG chains rely on the activity of PAPSS synthesising enzymes for their sulfation, which allows them to bind to and regulate the activity of many positively charged HS-binding proteins. HSPGs are found on the surfaces of cells and in the pericellular matrix, where they interact with various components of the cell microenvironment, including growth factors. By binding to and regulating ocular morphogens and growth factors, HSPGs are positioned to orchestrate growth factor-mediated signalling events that are essential for lens epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and lens fibre differentiation. Previous studies have shown that HS sulfation is essential for lens development. Moreover, each of the full-time HSPGs, differentiated by thirteen different core proteins, are differentially localised in a cell-type specific manner with regional differences in the postnatal rat lens. Here, the same thirteen HSPG-associated GAGs and core proteins as well as PAPSS2, are shown to be differentially regulated throughout murine lens development in a spatiotemporal manner. These findings suggest that HS-GAG sulfation is essential for growth factor-induced cellular processes during embryogenesis, and the unique and divergent localisation of different lens HSPG core proteins indicates that different HSPGs likely play specialized roles during lens induction and morphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissimilatory sulfate reduction (DSR) mediated by sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRMs) plays a pivotal role in global sulfur, carbon, oxygen, and iron cycles since at least 3.5 billion y ago. The canonical DSR pathway is believed to be sulfate reduction to sulfide. Herein, we report a DSR pathway in phylogenetically diverse SRMs through which zero-valent sulfur (ZVS) is directly generated. We identified that approximately 9% of sulfate reduction was directed toward ZVS with S8 as a predominant product, and the ratio of sulfate-to-ZVS could be changed with SRMs’ growth conditions, particularly the medium salinity. Further coculturing experiments and metadata analyses revealed that DSR-derived ZVS supported the growth of various ZVS-metabolizing microorganisms, highlighting this pathway as an essential component of the sulfur biogeochemical cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report the design and synthesis of a terphen[n]arene derivative functionalised with sulfate acid ester groups. This water-soluble terphen[3]arene host effectively encapsulates a multitude of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) with high affinity, showing great potential as a NMBAs reversal agent in pharmaceutical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ce3+–Tb3+–Eu3+ triply doped Ba3KPO4(SO4)2 phosphors were synthesized and extensively studied. The luminescence properties, concentration effect and energy transfer (ET) mechanism of phosphors were studied in detail using the photoluminescence spectra and decay curves. The luminescent color of Ce3+–Tb3+–Eu3+ triply doped Ba3KPO4(SO4)2 phosphors can be tuned by adjusting the ET between different dopants. Spectroscopy studies demonstrate that Tb3+ acts as a bridge via Ce3+–Tb3+–Eu3+ ET in Ba3KPO4(SO4)2. The combined effects of energy-transfer on the emission color of Ce3+–Tb3+–Eu3+ show that the newly synthesized Ba3KPO4(SO4)2:Ce3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ phosphors can be used as a potential color converter with a large color gamut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Androgenetic alopecia leads to progressive hair loss in susceptible individuals if left untreated. Topical minoxidil represents an evidence-based treatment for female androgenetic alopecia, though with variable success. Aims and Objectives: Treatment of minoxidil non-responders remains challenging, as does treatment of patients with propylene glycol sensitivity or irritable scalp syndrome. Materials and Methods: Single-center, retrospective cohort of 50 female patients with androgenetic alopecia failing to respond to a minimum of 6 months of standard 5% topical minoxidil solution either once daily or b.i.d. depending on the severity of the alopecia. Patients were switched to propylene glycol-free, North American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-based solution of 5% minoxidil sulfate (5% minoxidil sensitive solution). Efficacy and safety of treatment were evaluated, including stereotactic global photography and epiluminiscence microscopy with digital imaging taken at baseline, at 3, and at 6 months of treatment. Results: 70% of patients showed observable clinical improvement with combined global photographic and epiluminiscence microscopic assessment with digital imaging, and 22% epiluminiscence microscopic-only improvement as evidence of treatment efficacy. The treatment was well tolerated, particularly in patients with propylene glycol sensitivity and patients with irritable scalp syndrome. Conclusions: These results suggest that propylene glycol-free, North American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-based solution of 5% minoxidil is effective and safe for treatment of female androgenetic alopecia, specifically in minoxidil non-responders and patients with propylene glycol sensitivity or irritable scalp syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been acknowledged for years that compounds containing sulfur (S) are an important source of endogenous acid production. In the metabolism, S is oxidized to sulfate, and therefore the mEq sulfate excreted in the urine is counted as acid retained in the body. In this study we show that pH in fluids with constant [Na] and [HEPES] declines as sulfate ions are added, and we show that titratable acidity increases exactly with the equivalents of sulfate. Therefore, sulfate excretion in urine is also acid excretion per se. This is in accordance with the down-regulation of proximal sulfate reabsorption under acidosis and the observation that children with distal renal tubular acidosis may be sulfate depleted. These results are well explained using charge-balance modeling, which is based only on the three fundamental principles of electroneutrality, conservation of mass, and rules of dissociation as devised from physical chemistry. In contrast, the findings are in contrast to expectations from conventional narratives. These are unable to understand the decreasing pH as sulfate is added since no conventional acid is present. The results may undermine the traditional notion of endogenous acid production since in the case of sulfur balance, S oxidation and its excretion as sulfate exactly balance each other. Possible clinical correlates with these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the impact of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate on macrophages and tubular epithelial cells and its role in modulating the response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Indoxyl sulfate accumulates in the blood of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is a predictor of overall and cardiovascular morbidity/mortality. To simulate the uremic condition, primary macrophages and tubular epithelial cells were incubated with indoxyl sulfate at low concentrations as well as concentrations found in uremic patients, both alone and upon LPS challenge. The results showed that indoxyl sulfate alone induced the release of reactive oxygen species and low-grade inflammation in macrophages. Moreover, combined with LPS (proinflammatory conditions), indoxyl sulfate significantly increased TNF-α, CCL2, and IL-10 release but did not significantly affect the polarization of macrophages. Pre-treatment with indoxyl sulfate following LPS challenge induced the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, experiments with tubular epithelial cells revealed that indoxyl sulfate might induce senescence in parenchymal cells and therefore participate in the progression of inflammaging. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that indoxyl sulfate provokes low-grade inflammation, modulates macrophage function, and enhances the inflammatory response associated with LPS. Finally, indoxyl sulfate signaling contributes to the senescence of tubular epithelial cells during injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollution exposure has been associated with childhood asthma, but previous studies have primarily focused on prevalence of asthma and asthma-related outcomes and urban traffic-related exposures. OBJECTIVE: We examined nationwide associations between pre- and postnatal exposure to ambient air pollution components and asthma incidence in children age 0–19 y. METHODS: Asthma incidence was identified from hospital admission, emergency room, and outpatient contacts among all live-born singletons born in Denmark between 1998 and 2016. We linked registry data with monthly mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides, elemental carbon, and organic carbon (OC), sulfur dioxide, ozone, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, secondary organic aerosols, and sea salt. Associations were estimated with Cox proportional hazard models using fixed prenatal exposure means and time-varying postnatal exposures. RESULTS: Of the 1,060,154 children included, 6.1% had asthma during the mean follow-up period of 8.8 y. The risk of asthma increased with increasing prenatal exposure to all pollutants except for O3 and sea salt. We also observed increased risk after restriction to asthma after age 4 y, after additional adjustment for area-specific socioeconomic status, and for postnatal exposure to most pollutants. The hazard ratio (HR) associated with an interquartile range increase of 2.4 and 8.7 µg/m³ in prenatal exposure was 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.08] for PM2.5 and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.05) for NO2, respectively. This association with PM2.5 was stable after adjustment for NO2, whereas it attenuated for NO2 to 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.03) after adjustment for PM2.5. For a 0.5-µg/m³ increase in prenatal OC exposure, for which biomass is an important source, the HR was 1.08 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.10), irrespective of adjustment for PM2.5. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that early-life exposure to ambient air pollution from multiple sources contributes to asthma development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the influence of CO2 curing and autoclaved aerated concrete powder on the sulfate attack of a cement sample at low temperature. The basic performance including compressive strength, mass and volume changes, and microstructure tests were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (QXRD/Rietveld), mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) analysis. Results proved that the strength of PC (Portland cement)-WAAC (waste autoclaved aerated concrete) pastes decreased after low-temperature sulfate attack; however, carbonation curing could mitigate the decrease. Compared with the strength of the uncarbonated specimens without sulfate immersion, the strengths of the CO2 -cured specimens added with 0%, 10%, and 20% of WAAC after 6 months of sulfate immersion were still 3.93%, 11.90%, and 18.31% higher. The compressive strength reduction of the carbonated samples after 6 months of low-temperature sulfate immersion (9.31%–46.15%) was much lower than that of the uncarbonated specimens (15.55%–61.97%). In addition, CO2 curing decreased the porosity and improved the pore structure of the samples, thereby inhibiting sample volume expansion resulting from sulfate immersion. Carbonation curing improved the resistance of PC-WAAC specimens to low-temperature sulfate attack. After low-temperature sulfate immersion, thaumasite did not form in the carbonation curing samples. Therefore, WAAC recycling combined with carbonation curing can produce cementitious materials with good environmental sustainability and better long-term durability in sulfate erosion areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gentamicin sulfate (GNS) as an antibiotic drug is highly polar, non-volatile compound and lacks a UV absorbing chromophore and these properties pose an excessive challenge in the analysis of it for many years. Hence, it is urgent to progress a simple, rapid and low price method for quantification of GNS in medical, chemical and biological fields. This paper dedicated on the building of a novel and sensitive sensor for GNS detection that is created on the decoration of Ni(OH)2 onto nanozeolite NaX modified carbon paste electrode (Ni(OH)2–NaX/CPE). Initially, NaX was synthesized and characterized by numerous practices. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) method demonstrated the existence of sphere-shaped nanozeolite NaX with diameter under 100 nm. Cyclic voltammetry investigations displayed that Ni(OH)2–NaX/CPE has impressively improved electro-catalytic oxidation of GNS versus Ni(OH)2/CPE because of mesoporous arrangement of nanozeolite NaX. The amounts of electron transfer coefficient, catalytic rate constant and diffusion coefficient of GNS were found to be 0.77, 1.77 × 104 cm3 mol− 1 s− 1 and 7.02 × 10− 6 cm2 s− 1, respectively. Also, the limits of detection and linear dynamic range were obtained to be 0.82 µM and 2.72–119.60 µM by differential pulse voltammetry method, respectively. The fabricated electrodes were effectively used for quantification of GNS in the pharmaceutical trainings with high accuracy and precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Long-term oral tofacitinib (TOF) administration has been linked to serious side effects majorly immunological suppression. The aim of this work was to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of TOF by chondroitin sulphate (CS) coated proglycosomes through the anchoring of high-affinity CS to CD44 receptors on immune cells in the inflammatory region. The CS was coated onto the TOF-loaded proglycosomes (CS-TOF-PG) formulations and they were evaluated for in vitro drug release, ex vivo (permeation, dermatokinetics) studies. In vivo efficacy studies were carried out in Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model. The optimized CS-TOF-PG showed particle sizes of 181.13 ± 7.21 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 78.85 ± 3.65 %. Ex-vivo studies of CS-TOF-PG gel exhibited 1.5-fold high flux and 1.4-fold dermal retention compared to FD-gel. The efficacy study revealed that CS-TOF-PG showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in inflammation in arthritic rat paws compared to the TOF oral and FD gel. The current study ensured that the CS-TOF-PG topical gel system would provide a safe and effective formulation for localization and site-specific delivery of TOF at the RA site and overcome the adverse effects associated with the TOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of sulfate-rich hydrothermal fluids is of great significance to investigate because it is closely associated with the formation of many important ore deposits, such as hydrothermal rare earth element (REE) deposits. However, the transport of REEs in sulfate-rich hydrothermal fluids is complicated by the retrograde solubility of common sulfate minerals depicted in current thermodynamic models. We present in situ and ex situ hydrothermal experimental evidence suggesting that the solubility of alkali sulfate changes from retrograde at low pressures to prograde at elevated pressures. Accordingly, we propose a sulfate surge temperature and pressure (T-P) window (250 °C, 90 MPa), above which the solubility of alkali sulfate increases significantly with increasing P and T. Although REE sulfates are weakly soluble in water, sulfate-rich hydrothermal fluids can transport high contents of REEs under the T-P conditions above the sulfate-surge window. Our results indicate that depressurization, cooling, and alkali loss are key factors controlling REE mineralization, which agrees well with geological observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate-rich effluents have been successfully treated in anaerobic reactors using sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Many authors have demonstrated that these systems require nitrogen and phosphorous supplementation to achieve high sulfate removal rates. However, the resource ratio theory assumes that some species can be dominant according to the nutritional relations used or even without external nutrient supplementation. Thus, this study evaluated the SRB communities in batch reactors without external nitrogen and phosphorus sources based on most probable number (MPN) quantification, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses and sequencing. The sulfate and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and kinetic parameters were also determined. After 100 days of operation, the sulfate and COD removal achieved 71.8 ± 10% and 86.5 ± 10%, respectively. The SRB population increased from 8.106 to 4x1012 MPN 100mL-1, and the richness of SRB bands was much higher at the end of the experiment compared to the inoculum. In addition, the sequenced bands from SRB-DGGE showed similarities to Desulfacinum infernum, Desulfobulbus sp, Syntrophobacter and Desulfomicrobium aestuarii-related sequences. Therefore, biological treatment of acid mine drainage wastewater was effective in the absence of nutrients, lowering costs and providing high sulfate removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder mixtures of MgSO4 with 5–20 mol.% Na2SO4 or K2SO4 were used as precursors for making water-soluble ceramic molds to create thermoplastic polymer/calcium phosphate composites by low pressure injection molding. To increase the strength of the ceramic molds, 5 wt.% of tetragonal ZrO2 (Y2O3-stabilized) was added to the precursor powders. A uniform distribution of ZrO2 particles was obtained. The average grain size for Na-containing ceramics ranged from 3.5 ± 0.8 µm for MgSO4/Na2SO4 = 91/9% to 4.8 ± 1.1 µm for MgSO4/Na2SO4 = 83/17%. For K-containing ceramics, the values were 3.5 ± 0.8 µm for all of the samples. The addition of ZrO2 made a significant contribution to the strength of ceramics: for the MgSO4/Na2SO4 = 83/17% sample, the compressive strength increased by 49% (up to 6.7 ± 1.3 MPa), and for the stronger MgSO4/K2SO4 = 83/17% by 39% (up to 8.4 ± 0.6 MPa). The average dissolution time of the ceramic molds in water did not exceed 25 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace mineral (TM) source can potentially alter nutrient digestibility through effects on microbial populations. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether sulfate versus hydroxy (IntelliBond) sources of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn had any effect on dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. All available cattle studies (8 studies, 12 comparisons) were used to estimate the effect size (hydroxy mean − sulfate mean). Factors included in the analysis were method of digestibility analysis (total collection, marker-based, or 24 h in situ), study design (randomized design or Latin square), beef (n = 5) versus dairy (n = 7) cattle, and days on treatment; these factors were retained when P < 0.05. Dry matter digestibility was increased by hydroxy TM in beef (1.64 ± 0.35 units) but not in dairy models (0.16 ± 0.13 units) relative to sulfate TM. The NDF digestibility increased significantly with hydroxy versus sulfate TM, but digestibility assessment method influenced this response. Studies using total collection or undigested NDF as a flow marker showed a significant increase (2.68 ± 0.40 units and 1.08 ± 0.31 units, respectively) in NDF digestibility for hydroxy versus sulfate TM; but studies utilizing 24-h in situ incubation did not detect any change (−0.03 ± 0.23 units). These observations may reveal differences in precision of measurement or may indicate mineral effects beyond the rumen; total collection is considered the gold standard method. Hydroxy TM did not affect DMI per animal or per unit of body weight relative to sulfate TM. In conclusion, feeding hydroxy versus sulfate TM does not appear to affect DMI but, depending on type of cattle and method of measurement, can increase dry matter digestibility and NDF digestibility, which may be explained by differences in solubility of the TM sources in rumen, differentially affecting fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An agro-waste composite with a pelletized form was prepared and characterized via IR and 13C solids NMR spectroscopy. Thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) was used to study the weight loss profiles, while SEM images provided insight on the biocomposite morphology, along with characterization of the sulfate adsorption properties under equilibrium and dynamic conditions. The sulfate monolayer adsorption capacity (qe = 23 mg/g) of the prepared agro-waste pellets was estimated from the adsorption isotherm results by employing the Langmuir model, and comparable fitting results were obtained by the Freundlich model. The dynamic adsorption properties were investigated via adsorption studies with a fixed bed column at pH 5.2. The effects of various parameters, including flow rate, bed height and initial concentrations of sulfate, were evaluated to estimate the optimal conditions for the separation of sulfate. The experimental data of the breakthrough curves were analyzed using the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models, which provided satisfactory best-fits for the fixed bed kinetic adsorption results. The predicted adsorption capacities for all samples according to the Thomas model concur with the experimental values. The optimum conditions reported herein afford the highest dynamic adsorption capacity (30 mg/g) as follows: 1100 mg/L initial sulfate concentration, 30 cm bed height and 5 mL/min flow rate. The breakthrough time was measured to be 550 min. This study contributes to a strategy for controlled separation of sulfate using a sustainable biocomposite material that is suitable for fixed-bed column point-of-use water treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study twelve samples were collected from industrial effluent from drains in Doaba Region of Punjab. Some physico-chemical characteristics namely pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, sulphates, chloride, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS were analyzed using standard procedures. The results indicate that the drains are carrying heavily loaded water which needs to be checked to combat the rising crisis of environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of sulfate attack (SA) on the strength of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) made with different replacements (0%, 50% and 100% by weight) of natural fine aggregate with recycled fine aggregate (RFA) was investigated. The UHPC samples were soaked in 10% sodium sulfate solution for 0–180 days (SA duration). The sulfate ion concentration, flexural strength and compressive strength of the UHPCs were investigated. The microstructure of the UHPCs before and after SA was analysed using a multi-technique approach (analysis of interfacial transition zones (ITZs), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry). The results showed that, with an increase in SA duration, the compressive strength of the UHPC made with RFA increased. The generated gypsum and ettringite refined the microstructure by converting harmful pores (>20 nm) into harmless pores (<20 nm) in the UHPC matrix. For the same SA duration, the sulfate ion concentration of UHPC increased with an increase in RFA content due to more ITZs, pores and microcracks introduced by the RFA. Strength development models for UHPC with different RFA contents under SA were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed, validated and applied for miconazole, mometasone and gentamicin in Momenta® cream. Physical separation was applied using two extraction procedures due to different solubility of the three components. First, a methanolic extract of the cream contained miconazole and mometasone was chromatographed on ODS-3 Inertsil C18 column (150 × 4.6, 5 μm) using acetonitrile: water (80:20, v/v) as a mobile phase, flow rate 1.5 mL·min−1, scanned at 230 nm, showing tR 2.817 and 6.808 min for mometasone and miconazole, respectively. Second, an aqueous extract of the cream containing gentamicin was derivatized with o-phthalaldehyde in order to enhance the gentamicin UV detection and subjected to ion pairing chromatography on Inertsil ODS-3 C18 column (150 × 4.6, 5 μm), using methanol: 0.025 M heptane sulphonic acid: glacial acetic acid (75:20:5, by volume) as a mobile phase, flow rate 0.8 mL·min−1, scanned at 330 nm where the three active gentamicin isomers were separated at tR 11.7, 15.6 and 18.3 min. Suitability of this method for quantitative estimation of the drugs was proved by validation according to ICH guidelines. The method was selective, precise and accurate so could be used for analysis of cream formulation in QC labs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strongly 13C-depleted calcite in the Doushantuo cap dolostones (∼635 Ma) of South China is considered to form via thermochemical or biological oxidation of methane by sulfate in an environment with sulfate concentrations close to that of modern seawater (∼28 mM). Here we demonstrate that the coeval seawater sulfate levels were indeed low (∼1 to 3 mM) because all bulk δ34S values of pyrites are close to and higher than the coeval seawater, with only a few showing a wide in situ δ34S range from 5 to 62‰. Such low sulfate concentrations were initially consumed by sulfate reducing microorganisms to extremely low levels (<∼0.2 mM), and thus Mn-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) by sulfate occurred in pore water to produce H 2 S, which was in turn oxidized by Mn oxides back to sulfate. Consequently, with increasing Mn reduction and decreasing sulfate concentrations in pore waters, the produced pyrite shows an increase of in situ δ34S values, and is in association with calcite with more negative δ13C values, and an inherited positive Ce anomaly from Mn oxides. Finally, the pyrite with the highest δ34S value may have co-precipitated with the 13C-depelted calcite (with a nadir of −58‰), and thus show similarly high Mn concentrations (∼20000 μg/g). This is the first report of sulfate-dependent AOM driven by Mn- or Fe- oxides from the entire Precambrian record. Such a previously unrecognized biogeochemical cycling during Marinoan global deglaciation may serve as the mechanism for major methane sink during the Proterozoic and Archean with low sulfate concentrations in the oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the scope of this study, while the performance of slag (S)-based geopolymer mortars with bottom ash (BA) reinforcement was examined, chloride and sulfate attack tests were also carried out to investigate their durability properties. For the durability tests of geopolymer composites, sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium and magnesium sulfate (Na2SO4 and MgSO4) solutions were preferred for a period of 10 months and a 15% solution percentage. The performance of geopolymer composites after the effect of durability was determined by flexural and compressive strengths, SEM and XRD analyses, weight changes, and visual inspection. When the results obtained were evaluated, it was seen that 15% BA substitution provided the highest compressive strength. There was variation in durability tests. At the end of the 2-month period, there was an increase in the compressive strength, while a decrease was observed at the end of the 6-month period. The main factor that created these fluctuations was that alkali ions migrated from sample to solution while the solutions were diffusing into the matrix. Gypsum and ettringite formed in the pores were effective in the losses that occurred in the 6-month period. In addition, the alkali ions leaving the sample and passing into the solution effectively accelerated the formation of micro cracks. Thus, strength losses were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies the critical cement parameters that cause expansive delayed ettringite formation (DEF) and compares them with Australian cement standards and specifications. The comparison shows that general-purpose (GP) cements adhering to Standards Australia and specifications stipulating low sulphate, alkali contents may not be prone to expansive DEF. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence supporting the low risk of Australian cements for expansive DEF. Hence, in this study, the susceptibility of Australian GP cements to expansive DEF under different heat curing temperatures up to 90°C have been studied. Further, these cements have been chemically modified to simulate the characteristics of cements used where deleterious DEF is observed in field cases. The testing protocol included long-term mortar expansion studies supported by phase and microstructural analyses. The results indicate that mortars containing Australian GP cements do not exhibit DEF expansion. Furthermore, increasing the cement sulphate content to 4% or alkali content to 1% did not result in DEF expansion. However, for cements where both the sulphate and alkali contents were increased to 4% and 1%, respectively, mortars generated significant expansion associated with ettringite precipitation. Overall, the results obtained from this study indicate that GP cements complying with Standards Australia and specifications for sulphate and alkali limits are not susceptible to expansive DEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Numerous studies have found that probiotics benefit the intestinal barrier. However, the prophylactic effects of probiotics on the intestinal barrier, i.e., if probiotics exert protective effects in healthy individuals to defend them against harmful elements, have seldomly been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of potential strains with the function of preventing intestinal barrier damage. Methods: This study investigated nine potential probiotic strains using in vitro and in vivo models on their intestinal barrier-protecting properties. Transcriptomic was then employed to decipher the underlying mechanisms of action of the strains. Results: The results showed that the strains, to varying degrees, regulated the ratio of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), increased the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, and decreased Caco-2 cell monolayers permeability. Correspondingly, the strains showed different prophylactic efficacies in protecting mice from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal barrier damage. Remarkably, Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-228.1 (FL-228.1) showed the best prophylactic efficacies in protecting mice from DSS-induced intestinal barrier damage. Further research suggested that FL-228.1 exerted its prophylactic effects by enhancing mucin 2 (Muc2) production and Claudin (Cldn)-4 in the colon. Furthermore, the transcriptomic and protein-protein interactions (PPI) analyses indicated that the inhibition of NLRP3 and the activation of PPARγ and TLR2 could be involved in protecting the intestinal barrier by FL-228.1. Conclusion: Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-228.1 may be developed as a promising probiotic for the prevention of intestinal barrier damage via PPARγ/NLRP3/ TLR2 pathways by enhancing Muc2 and Cldn-4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands are among the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH4) worldwide. Microbial processes play a key role in regulating CH4 emissions from peatland ecosystems, yet the complex interplay between soil substrates and microbial communities in controlling CH4 emissions as a function of global change remains unclear. Herein, we performed an integrated analysis of multi‐omics data sets to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular processes driving changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in peatland ecosystems with increasing temperature and sulfate deposition in a laboratory incubation study. We sought to first investigate how increasing temperatures (4, 21, and 35°C) impact soil microbiome–metabolome interactions; then explore the competition between methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRBs) with increasing sulfate concentrations at the optimum temperature for methanogenesis. Our results revealed that peat soil organic matter degradation, mediated by biotic and potentially abiotic processes, is the main driver of the increase in CO2 production with temperature. In contrast, the decrease in CH4 production at 35°C was linked to the absence of syntrophic communities and the potential inhibitory effect of phenols on methanogens. Elevated temperatures further induced the microbial communities to develop high growth yield and stress tolerator trait‐based strategies leading to a shift in their composition and function. On the other hand, SRBs were able to outcompete methanogens in the presence of non‐limiting sulfate concentrations at 21°C, thereby reducing CH4 emissions. At higher sulfate concentrations, however, the prevalence of communities capable of producing sufficient low‐molecular‐weight carbon substrates for the coexistence of SRBs and methanogens was translated into elevated CH4 emissions. The use of omics in this study enhanced our understanding of the structure and interactions among microbes with the abiotic components of the system that can be useful for mitigating GHG emissions from peatland ecosystems in the face of global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the impact of dimethylsulfide (DMS) emissions on sulfate concentrations over the continental U.S. by using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model version 5.4 and performing annual simulations without and with DMS emissions for 2018. DMS emissions enhance sulfate not only over seawater but also over land, although to a lesser extent. On an annual basis, the inclusion of DMS emissions increase sulfate concentrations by 36% over seawater and 9% over land. The largest impacts over land occur in California, Oregon, Washington, and Florida, where the annual mean sulfate concentrations increase by ~25%. The increase in sulfate causes a decrease in nitrate concentration due to limited ammonia concentration, especially over seawater, and an increase in ammonium concentration with a net effect of increased inorganic particles. The largest sulfate enhancement occurs near the surface (over seawater), and the enhancement decreases with altitude, diminishing to 10–20% at an altitude of ~5 km. Seasonally, the largest enhancement in sulfate over seawater occurs in summer, and the lowest in winter. In contrast, the largest enhancements over land occur in spring and fall due to higher wind speeds that can transport more sulfate from seawater into land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anhydrite (CaSO4) and calcite (CaCO3) are two of the main mineral structures on which there is no longer any discussion today. The problem is different when it comes to analyzing the crystal chemical relationships between them and, in particular, the crystallography arising at the epitaxial interfaces between Ca sulfates (deposits) and the peculiar {10.4} form of cleaved calcite (substrate). Recently, Ca sulfates replacing calcite have acquired great importance in addressing the epitaxy challenge. The crystallographic epi‐interactions between CaSO4·2H2O gypsum and CaSO4·0.5H2O bassanite and the {10.4} form of calcite have already been analyzed in detail by this research group [Aquilano et al. (2022). CrystEngComm, 24, 5120–5127; Aquilano et al. (2022). J. Appl. Cryst.55, 1289–1296] (parts I and II, respectively). This work is intended to complete the research, presenting the re‐evaluation (part III) of anhydrite (CaSO4) epitaxially matching on the {10.4} rhombohedron of calcite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention should be paid to the sulfate reduction behavior in a pressure-bearing leachate saturated zone. In this study, within the relative pressure range of 0–0.6 MPa, the ambient temperature with the highest sulfate reduction rate of 50°C was selected to explore the difference in sulfate reduction behavior in a pressure-bearing leachate saturated zone. The results showed that the sulfate reduction rate might further increase with an increase in pressure; however, owing to the effect of pressure increase, the generated hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) could not be released on time, thereby decreasing its highest concentration by approximately 85%, and the duration extended to about two times that of the atmospheric pressure. Microbial community structure and functional gene abundance analyses showed that the community distribution of sulfate-reducing bacteria was significantly affected by pressure conditions, and there was a negative correlation between disulfide reductase B (dsrB) gene abundance and H 2 S release rate. Other sulfate reduction processes that do not require disulfide reductase A (dsrA) and dsrB genes may be the key pathways affecting the sulfate reduction rate in the pressure-bearing leachate saturated zone. This study improves the understanding of sulfate reduction in landfills as well as provides a theoretical basis for the operation and management of landfills. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor of the Journal of Gastroenterology raises concerns about a study comparing oral sulfate tablets (OST) to polyethylene glycol/ascorbate (PEG-Asc) for bowel preparation in older patients. The authors argue that the dietary compliance and tolerance of elderly patients should be carefully considered, as a 1-day low-residue diet (LRD) may be as effective as a 3-day LRD. They also suggest that excellent bowel preparation may not necessarily be better than good, as excessively clean bowels can decrease polyp and adenoma detection rates. Additionally, the authors question the impact of screening/surveillance indications on the detection rates of adenomas and polyps in the elderly population. While they appreciate the implications of the study, they call for more detailed research to optimize bowel preparation regimens for older patients. [Extracted from the article]

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient of fundamental importance to human health and the main Se source is from plant-derived foods. Plants mainly take up Se as selenate (SeO42−), through the root sulfate transport system, because of their chemical similarity. The aims of this study were (1) to characterize the interaction between Se and S during the root uptake process, by measuring the expression of genes coding for high-affinity sulfate transporters and (2) to explore the possibility of increasing plant capability to take up Se by modulating S availability in the growth medium. We selected different tetraploid wheat genotypes as model plants, including a modern genotype, Svevo (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum), and three ancient Khorasan wheats, Kamut, Turanicum 21, and Etrusco (Triticum turgidum ssp. turanicum). The plants were cultivated hydroponically for 20 days in the presence of two sulfate levels, adequate (S = 1.2 mM) and limiting (L = 0.06 mM), and three selenate levels (0, 10, 50 μM). Our findings clearly showed the differential expression of genes encoding the two high-affinity transporters (TdSultr1.1 and TdSultr1.3), which are involved in the primary uptake of sulfate from the rhizosphere. Interestingly, Se accumulation in shoots was higher when S was limited in the nutrient solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past years, indoxyl sulfate has been strongly implicated in kidney disease progression and contributed to cardiovascular morbidity. Moreover, as a result of its elevated albumin affinity rate, indoxyl sulfate is not adequately cleared by extracorporeal therapies. Within this scenario, although LC-MS/MS represents the conventional approach for IS quantification, it requires dedicated equipment and expert skills and does not allow real-time analysis. In this pilot study, we implemented a fast and simple technology designed to determine serum indoxyl sulfate levels that can be integrated into clinical practice. Indoxyl sulfate was detected at the time of enrollment by Tandem MS from 25 HD patients and 20 healthy volunteers. Next, we used a derivatization reaction to transform the serum indoxyl sulfate into Indigo blue. Thanks to the spectral shift to blue, its quantity was measured by the colorimetric assay at a wavelength of 420–450 nm. The spectrophotometric analysis was able to discriminate the levels of IS between healthy subjects and HD patients corresponding to the LC-MS/MS. In addition, we found a strong linear relationship between indoxyl sulfate levels and Indigo levels between the two methods (Tandem MS and spectrophotometry). This innovative method in the assessment of gut-derived indoxyl sulfate could represent a valid tool for clinicians to monitor CKD progression and dialysis efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to highlight limitations in the use of interim PET (iPET) for treatment decisions and prognostication in the frontline management of Hodgkin's lymphoma. It reinforces the observation from the ECHELON-1 study that outcomes of patients with a positive interim PET who nonetheless continue treatment with ABVD are not as dismal as previously described. Furthermore, we describe the performance of PET positivity grading by a quantitative measure based on SUV ratios compared to the subjective Deauville scoring. Recent prospective clinical trial data suggest that patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma who continue treatment with ABVD, despite failing to attain a complete metabolic response on interim PET (PET2+), may fare better than previously published. We describe the outcomes of PET2+ patients who continued ABVD and compare the performance of a quantitative measure based on the lesion-to-liver SUV ratio (LLS qPET2+) to that of the subjective Deauville criteria (dvPET2+). We analyzed all patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma treated with frontline ABVD at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 2008 and 2017. Eligibility was set to correspond with the RATHL inclusion criteria. Images were reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians and discordant cases were resolved with a third expert in consensus. qPET2+ was defined as LLS ≥ 1.3. We identified 227 patients of whom 25% (57) were qPET2+, but only 14% (31) were dvPET2+. Forty-eight patients (84%) continued ABVD with a 3-year PFS of 70% for qPET2+ and 64% for dvPET2+. In conclusion, interim PET interpretation in clinical practice may be associated with a higher rate of scans deemed positive. Irrespective of the criteria for PET2 positivity, a subset of patients may continue ABVD without a dismal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the effects of concentration of acid activation on the properties of rare earth tailings catalyst. The results show that the denitration activity of rare earth tailings catalyst is enhanced by acid activation. The best denitration activity of catalyst, activated by sulfuric acid of 8 mol/L, is 86%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, readily prepared biphenyl bis‐amidinium compound (1⋅Cl2) is able to selectively precipitate sulfate from water. The precipitant is effective at concentrations as low as 1 mM and shows complete selectivity against monovalent anions, and high selectivity even against CO32− and HPO42−. It is highly effective (>90 % sulfate removed) in both seawater and highly acidic conditions relevant to mining waste‐streams. X‐ray crystallography reveals that 1⋅SO4 forms a tightly packed, anhydrous, structure where each sulfate anion receives eight hydrogen bonds from amidinium N−H hydrogen bond donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, readily prepared biphenyl bis‐amidinium compound (1⋅Cl2) is able to selectively precipitate sulfate from water. The precipitant is effective at concentrations as low as 1 mM and shows complete selectivity against monovalent anions, and high selectivity even against CO32− and HPO42−. It is highly effective (>90 % sulfate removed) in both seawater and highly acidic conditions relevant to mining waste‐streams. X‐ray crystallography reveals that 1⋅SO4 forms a tightly packed, anhydrous, structure where each sulfate anion receives eight hydrogen bonds from amidinium N−H hydrogen bond donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogensulfate‐sulfates Ln(HSO4)(SO4) (Ln: Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been crystallized from sulfuric acid and their thermal decomposition behavior has been studied. The crystal structures for all members of the series were refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data (for all: Tb(HSO4)(SO4) structure type, P21, Z=2, a≈6.66 Å, b≈6.63 Å, c≈6.82 Å, β≈104.6°). Optical spectra (Sm–Dy) and magnetic susceptibilities (Eu–Dy) have been measured. For comparison the octahydrates Ln2(SO4)3 ⋅ 8 H2O (Sm, Eu) and the anhydrous sulfates Ln2(SO4)3 (Sm, Eu) have also been characterized by optical spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Ligand field analyses (angular overlap model) based on these data suggest for the square‐antiprismatic [LnIIIO8] chromophores in the hydrogensulfate‐sulfates a rather weak ligand field, which is comparable only to that in ultraphosphates LnP5O14 and in contrast to the much stronger field observed for most other lanthanoid(III) oxo‐compounds studied so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is one of the economic activities with the most potential in Colombia, given its climatic and geographical conditions. Bean cultivation is classified as climbing, which grows in a branched way, and bushy, whose growth occurs up to 70 cm. The objective of this research was to study zinc and iron sulfates in different concentrations as fertilizers capable of increasing the nutritional value of kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), whose strategy is known as biofortification, and thus determine the most effective sulfate. The methodology details the sulfate formulations, their preparation, the application of additives, sampling and quantification methods of total iron, total zinc, °Brix, carotenoids, chlorophylls a, b, and antioxidant capacity using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method in leaves and pods. As for the results, it was found that biofortification with iron sulfate and zinc sulfate is a strategy that favors the country's economy and human health, because it allows the increase of minerals, antioxidant capacity and total soluble solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactants have been used to modulate mechanical properties and hydration of calcium sulfate hemihydrates or other cement-like material, especially to improve the properties of cheap materials. In gypsum industry, β-Hemihydrate (β-H) costs less than the a-hemihydrate but presents lower mechanical strength after hydration. In this study, a group of polysulfonates was designed and synthesized to investigate their structure-performance relationship in hydration of β-H and properties of the gypsum plaster. It was found that the hydration of β-H can be modulated by changing the hydrophilic side chain of the polysulfonates, which endowed the gypsum with differential mechanical strength and water absorption. The sodium alkenyl methyl polyoxyethylene ether amide vinyl/ally sulfonate offered the β-H gypsum highest water absorption, retarded hydration and enhanced mechanical strengths by forming compacter rod crystals. The mechanical strength and water absorption of the gypsum were not in direct proportion to hydrophilicity of the polysulfonates and the molar fraction of sulfonic groups, but related to their McGowan's HLB values. When the HLB values were below 15, the water absorption of β-H gypsum induced by the polymers increases with the increasing HLB values of the polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anhydrite has become increasingly recognized as a primary igneous phase since its discovery in pumices from the 1982 eruption of El Chichón, Mexico. Recent work has provided evidence that immiscible sulfate melts may also be present in high-temperature, sulfur-rich, arc magmas. In this study we present partition coefficients for 37 trace elements between anhydrite, sulfate melt and silicate melt based on experiments at 0.2–1 GPa, 800–1200 °C, and fO2 > NNO+2.5. Sulfate melt–silicate melt partition coefficients are shown to vary consistently with ionic potential (the ratio of nominal charge to ionic radius, Z/r) and show peaks in compatibility close to the ionic potential of Ca and S. Partition coefficients for many elements, particularly REE, are more than an order of magnitude lower than previously published data, likely related to differences in silicate melt composition between the studies. Several highly charged cations, including V, W, and Mo are somewhat compatible in sulfate melt but are strongly incompatible in anhydrite. Their concentrations in quench material from natural samples may help to fingerprint the original presence of sulfate melt. Partition coefficients for 2+ and 3+ cations between anhydrite and silicate melt vary primarily as a function of the calcium partition coefficients (DCaAnh-Sil) and can be described in terms of exchange reactions involving the Ca2+ site in anhydrite. Trivalent cations are dominantly charge-balanced by Na1+. Most data are well fit using a simple lattice-strain model, although some features of the partitioning data, including DLaAnh-Sil > DCaAnh-Sil, suggest the occurrence of two distinct anhydrite Ca-sites with slightly different optimum radii at the experimental conditions. The ratio DSrAnh-Sil / DCaAnh-Sil is shown to be relatively insensitive to silicate melt composition and should vary from 0.63–0.53 between 1200–800 °C, based on a simple, "one-site" lattice strain model. Comparison to DSrAnh-Sil and DCaAnh-Sil calculated for natural anhydrite suggests that in most cases, including the S-rich eruptions of Pinatubo and El Chichón, the composition of anhydrite is consistent with early crystallization of anhydrite close to the liquidus of silicate melt with a composition approximately that of the bulk erupted material. This illustrates how anhydrite (and perhaps sulfate melt) provides a mechanism to transport large quantities of sulfur from significant depth to the eruptive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of wastewater contaminated with high sulfate concentrations is an environmental imperative lacking a sustainable and environmental friendly technological solution. Microbial electrochemical technology (MET) represents a promising approach for sulfate reduction. In MET, a cathode is introduced as inexhaustible electron source for promoting sulfate reduction via direct or mediated electron transfer. So far, this is mainly studied in batch mode representing straightforward and easy‐to‐use systems, but their practical implementation seems unlikely, as treatment capacities are limited. Here, we investigated bioelectrochemical sulfate reduction in flow mode and achieved removal efficiencies (Esulfate, 89.2 ± 0.4%) being comparable to batch experiments, while sulfate removal rates (Rsulfate, 3.1 ± 0.2 mmol L−1) and Coulombic efficiencies (CE, 85.2 ± 17.7%) were significantly increased. Different temperatures and hydraulic retention times (HRT) were applied and the best performance was achieved at HRT 3.5 days and 30°C. Microbial community analysis based on amplicon sequencing demonstrated that sulfate reduction was mainly performed by prokaryotes belonging to the genera Desulfomicrobium, Desulfovibrio, and Desulfococcus, indicating that hydrogenotrophic and heterotrophic sulfate reduction occurred by utilizing cathodically produced H2 or acetate produced by homoacetogens (Acetobacterium). The advantage of flow operation for bioelectrochemical sulfate reduction is likely based on higher absolute biomass, stable pH, and selection of sulfate reducers with a higher sulfide tolerance, and improved ratio between sulfate‐reducing prokaryotes and homoacetogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The adenoma detection rate (ADR), which is closely related to bowel preparation, is the most important factor for colonoscopy quality assessment. New oral sulfate tablets (OSTs) have been developed to improve bowel preparation compliance. This study evaluated the efficacy of OSTs in terms of the ADR and bowel preparation status. Methods: Medical records of subjects under the age of 65 who underwent colonoscopy from March 2019 to February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEG‐A) was used as a bowel preparation for the first half of the study period, and OSTs were used for the second half. In total, 16 971 subjects were included in the study: 9199 (54.2%) used PEG‐A, and 7772 (45.8%) used OSTs. Bowel cleansing quality was assessed by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Results: The average age was 50 years. The rate of adequate bowel preparation was higher in the OST group than in the PEG‐A group (97.2% vs 95.0%, P < 0.001). The mean BBPS was also higher in the OST group (8.02 vs 7.75, P < 0.001). The adenomas per colonoscopy (APC), the ADR and the sessile serrated polyp detection rate (SSPDR) were higher in the OST group than in the PEG‐A group (APC 0.56 ± 1.01 vs 0.48 ± 0.91, P < 0.001; ADR 34.5% vs 30.7%, P < 0.001; SSPDR 5.2% vs 3.3%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Compared with PEG‐A, OSTs yielded superior APC, ADRs, SSPDRs, and better bowel cleanliness. Therefore, OSTs are a good alternative for patients who have difficulty taking large‐volume bowel preparation formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fracture toughness (KIC) of Mode I cracked sandstone exposed to sodium sulfate was investigated in this study. The uniaxial behavior of sandstone specimens soaked in different sodium sulfate solutions was determined for different strain rates. The results revealed that the strain rate has a significant and positive influence on the deformation and strength characteristics of sandstone. Compression strength gradually increased with strain rate at an increased slope, but peak strain decreased gradually with an increase in strain rate. The physical–mechanical characteristics and brittleness of sandstone gradually declined with increasing immersion time under sodium sulfate attack, but its plasticity increased significantly. There were holes and pitting corrosions in specimen surfaces exposed to sodium sulfate attack, and the edges and corners were somewhat weakened. Chemical damage variables were proposed to analyze the damage degree of sandstone, based on the change in porosity. Based on the testing results, regression analysis was conducted to determine the relations between ion concentrations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) in corresponding sodium sulfate solutions and for corresponding degrees of damage, and indirectly realize correlations between physical–mechanical characteristics, damage degree, and ion concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of sulfate drying and wetting cycles on the bond performance between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and clay brick, a test was performed in this study by simulating the sulfate environment through the cyclic accelerated sulfate drying and wetting cycles. Results showed that the failure mode of the carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and clay brick interface was greatly affected by the sulfate wetting and drying cycles. Furthermore, the interfacial bonding properties (including ultimate bearing capacity and peak shear stress) increased slightly at the beginning and then showed a rapid decline. Based on the experiment and the existing interface theory, a bond–slip model that considers the cycle times is proposed. After comparing the predicted data with the experimental data, the results showed that the model can well reflect the degradation law of the interface bonding performance under the actions of sulfate drying and wetting cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]