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Background: The main goal of the study was to find the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters that optimize contrast between tissue and thermal lesions produced by focused ultrasound (FUS) using T1-weighted (T1-W) and T2-weighted (T2-W) fast spin echo (FSE) sequences. Methods: FUS sonications were performed in ex vivo porcine tissue using a single-element FUS transducer of 2.6 MHz in 1.5 and 3 T MRI scanners. The difference in relaxation times as well as the impact of critical MRI parameters on the resultant contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between coagulated and normal tissues were assessed. Discrete and overlapping lesions were inflicted in tissue with simultaneous acquisition of T2-W FSE images. Results: FUS lesions are characterized by lower relaxation times than intact porcine tissue. CNR values above 80 were sufficient for proper lesion visualization. For T1-W imaging, repetition time values close to 1500 ms were considered optimum for obtaining sufficiently high CNR at the minimum time cost. Echo time values close to 50 ms offered the maximum lesion contrast in T2-W FSE imaging. Monitoring of acute FUS lesions during grid sonications was performed successfully. Lesions appeared as hypointense spots with excellent contrast from surrounding tissue. Conclusion: MRI monitoring of signal intensity changes during FUS sonication in grid patterns using optimized sequence parameters can provide useful information about lesion progression and the success of ablation. This preliminary study demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed monitoring method in ex vivo porcine tissue and should be supported by in vivo studies to assess its clinical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concerns over public health and environmental safety have intensified the focus on minimizing harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in water treatment. Traditional methods like chlorination, while effective against pathogens, often lead to the formation of DBPs, which pose significant risks. This paper explores alternative strategies to reducing DBP formation while ensuring effective disinfection. The methodology involved a bibliographic study conducted through the Scopus platform, using appropriate keywords. The initial search yielded 9576 articles from the period 2020 to 2024. The key approaches identified include advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as UV/H2O2 and ozone, which mineralize natural organic matter (NOM) and minimize chemical use and sludge production; membrane-based filtration systems, like reverse osmosis, effectively removing contaminants without chemical disinfectants, reducing DBP risks. Furthermore, conventional processes, such as coagulation and filtration, serve as crucial pretreatment steps to lower NOM levels before disinfection. Additionally, optimizing chlorine dosing, using non-chlorine disinfectants, and employing post-disinfection methods like adsorption and biological filtration further mitigate DBP formation. Finally, the integration of artificial intelligence in process optimization is emerging as a promising tool for enhancing treatment efficiency and safety. This research contributes to the development of safer, more sustainable water treatment solutions, addressing regulatory demands and public health objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Agar-based phantoms are popular in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) studies, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preferred for guidance since it provides temperature monitoring by proton resonance frequency (PRF) shift magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry. MR thermometry monitoring depends on several factors, thus, herein, the PRF coefficient of agar phantoms was estimated. Materials and Methods: Seven phantoms were developed with varied agar (2, 4, or 6% w/v) or constant agar (6% w/v) and varied silica concentrations (2, 4, 6, or 8% w/v) to assess the effect of the concentration on the PRF coefficient. Each phantom was sonicated using varied acoustical power for a 30 s duration in both a laboratory setting and inside a 3T MRI scanner. PRF coefficients were estimated through linear trends between phase shift acquired using gradient sequences and thermocouple-based temperatures changes. Results: Linear regression (R2 = 0.9707-0.9991) demonstrated a proportional dependency of phase shift with temperature change, resulting in PRF coefficients between -0.00336 ± 0.00029 and -0.00934 ± 0.00050 ppm/°C for the various phantom recipes. Weak negative linear correlations of the PRF coefficient were observed with increased agar. With silica concentrations, the negative linear correlation was strong. For all phantoms, calibrated PRF coefficients resulted in 1.01-3.01-fold higher temperature changes compared to the values calculated using a literature PRF coefficient. Conclusions: Phantoms developed with a 6% w/v agar concentration and doped with 0%-8% w/v silica best resemble tissue PRF coefficients and should be preferred in HIFU studies. The estimated PRF coefficients can result in enhanced MR thermometry monitoring and evaluation of HIFU protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into the occurrence of priority substances regulated by 2000/60/EC Water Framework Directive and 2008/105/EC Directive was conducted for a period of one year in the surface water sources supplying the water treatment plants (WTPs) of Athens and in the raw water of WTPs. Samples from four reservoirs and four water treatment plants of Athens were taken seasonally. The substances are divided into seven specific groups, including eight volatile organic compounds (VOCs), diethylhexylphthalate, four organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), three organophosphorus/organonitrogen pesticides (OPPs/ONPs), four triazines and phenylurea herbicides, pentachlorophenol, and four metals. The aforementioned substances belong to different chemical categories, and different analytical methods were performed for their determination. The results showed that the surface waters that feed the WTPs of Athens are not burdened with significant levels of toxic substances identified as European Union (EU) priority substances. Atrazine, hexachlorocyclohexane, endosulfan, trifluralin, anthracene and 4-nonylphenol were occasionally observed at very low concentrations. Their presence in a limited number of cases could be attributed to waste disposal, agricultural activities, and to a limited industrial activity in the area nearby the water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]