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Field-scale trials were conducted to remove cadmium (Cd) from paddy soil by using recycled hydroxyapatite modified biochar (HBC) plus low-level CaCl

Cadmium (Cd) removal from paddy soil to reduce Cd accumulation in brown rice is essential for agroecology, food safety, and human health. In this study, we demonstrate that ferric chloride (FeCl

Cervicovaginal secretions, or their components collected, are referred to as cervicovaginal lavage (CVL). CVL constituents have utility as biomarkers and play protective roles in wound healing and against HIV‐1 infection. However, several components of cervicovaginal fluids are less well understood, such as extracellular RNAs and their carriers, for example, extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs comprise a wide array of double‐leaflet membrane extracellular particles and range in diameter from 30 nm to over one micron. The aim of this study was to determine whether differentially regulated CVL microRNAs (miRNAs) might influence retrovirus replication. To this end, we characterized EVs and miRNAs of primate CVL during the menstrual cycle and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of macaques. EVs were enriched by stepped ultracentrifugation, and miRNA profiles were assessed with a medium‐throughput stem‐loop/hydrolysis probe qPCR platform. Whereas hormone cycling was abnormal in infected subjects, EV concentration correlated with progesterone concentration in uninfected subjects. miRNAs were present predominantly in the EV‐depleted CVL supernatant. Only a small number of CVL miRNAs changed during the menstrual cycle or SIV infection, for example, miR‐186‐5p, which was depleted in retroviral infection. This miRNA inhibited HIV replication in infected macrophages in vitro. In silico target prediction and pathway enrichment analyses shed light on the probable functions of miR‐186‐5p in hindering HIV infections via immunoregulation, T‐cell regulation, disruption of viral pathways, etc. These results provide further evidence for the potential of EVs and small RNAs as biomarkers or effectors of disease processes in the reproductive tract., By comparing the microRNA and extracellular vesicle profiles of cervicovaginal lavage of both uninfected and infected macaques, we observed an enrichment of microRNAs in extracellular vesicle‐depleted supernatant and discovered a significant reduction in miR‐186‐5p after simian immunodeficiency virus infection. Furthermore, once transfected into HIV‐infected human macrophages, synthetic miR‐186‐5p mimics inhibited HIV replication, demonstrating its antiretroviral potential.

The utilization of recycled biochar combined with chemical leaching is an appropriate method to remove cadmium (Cd) from paddy soil. Some Cd-rich soil clay particulates (particulate Cd) are reported to be removed via biochar adsorption and the potential impact of biochar on soil properties need further study. The removal efficiencies and mechanisms of Cd from soil by using floatable hydroxyapatite modified biochar (HBC) combined with CaCl

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Early reports suggest significant difficulty with enteral feeding in critically ill COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of feeding intolerance in critically ill patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We examined 323 adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Massachusetts General Hospital between March 11 and June 28, 2020 who received enteral nutrition. Systematic chart review determined prevalence, clinical characteristics, and hospital outcomes (ICU complications, length of stay, and mortality) of feeding intolerance. RESULTS: Feeding intolerance developed in 56% of the patients and most commonly manifested as large gastric residual volumes (83.9%), abdominal distension (67.2%), and vomiting (63.9%). Length of intubation (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.08), ≥1 GI symptom on presentation (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.97), and severe obesity (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13-0.66) were independently associated with development of feeding intolerance. Compared to feed-tolerant patients, patients with incident feeding intolerance were significantly more likely to suffer cardiac, renal, hepatic, and hematologic complications during their hospitalization. Feeding intolerance was similarly associated with poor outcomes including longer ICU stay (median [IQR] 21.5 [14-30] vs. 15 [9-22] days, P

A pilot program was implemented to assess the feasibility of emergency department (ED) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) referral. Of 119 eligible patients approached and assessed, 39 (33%) expressed interest and were referred to peer navigators. Of these, 16 (41%) scheduled for appointments; four (10%) initiated PrEP, which demonstrated ED-based PrEP referral was feasible.

We compared four orthogonal technologies for sizing, counting, and phenotyping of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and synthetic particles. The platforms were: single-particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensing (SP-IRIS) with fluorescence, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) with fluorescence, microfluidic resistive pulse sensing (MRPS), and nanoflow cytometry measurement (NFCM). Results were compared with standard EV characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Western blot (WB). EVs from the human T lymphocyte line H9 (high CD81, low CD63) and the promonocytic line U937 (low CD81, high CD63) were separated from culture conditioned medium (CCM) by differential ultracentrifugation (dUC) or a combination of ultrafiltration (UF) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized per MISEV2018 guidelines. Mixtures of synthetic particles (silica and polystyrene spheres) with known sizes and/or concentrations were also tested. MRPS and NFCM returned similar particle counts, while NTA detected counts approximately one order of magnitude lower for EVs, but not for synthetic particles. SP-IRIS events could not be used to estimate particle concentrations. For sizing, SP-IRIS, MRPS, and NFCM returned similar size profiles, with smaller sizes predominating (per power law distribution), but with sensitivity typically dropping off below diameters of 60 nm. NTA detected a population of particles with a mode diameter greater than 100 nm. Additionally, SP-IRIS, MRPS, and NFCM were able to identify at least three of four distinct size populations in a mixture of silica or polystyrene nanoparticles. Finally, for tetraspanin phenotyping, the SP-IRIS platform in fluorescence mode and NFCM were able to detect at least two markers on the same particle. Based on the results of this study, we can draw conclusions about existing single-particle analysis capabilities that may be useful for EV biomarker development and mechanistic studies.

Magnetic biochar (MBC) has been used to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water, but the roles of Fe3O4 and persistent free radicals (PFRs) in MBC in Cr(VI) removal are still less investigated. In this work, the MBC synthesized by microwave co-pyrolysis of solid-state FeSO4 and rice husk was employed to remove Cr(VI) from water. In comparison to the rice husk biochar (BC), the MBC exhibits the 3.2- and 11.7-fold higher adsorption and reduction efficiency of Cr(VI), resulting in the higher Cr(VI) removal efficiency (84.3%) and equilibrium adsorption capacity of MBC (8.35 mg g−1) than that (26.5% and 2.63 mg g−1) of BC. Multiple characterization results revealed that the high Cr(VI) removal performance of MBC was mainly attributed to the presence of active Fe3O4 and carbon-centered PFRs in the porous and graphitic MBC. The Fe3O4 not only provided active chemisorption/reduction sites for Cr(VI) via its Fe(II)oct and Fe(III)oct coordination, but also facilitated the generation of more active electron donating carbon-centered PFRs than carbon-centered PFRs with an oxygen atom in the graphitic structure to reduce Cr(VI). The presence of Fe3O4 also elevated 36.7 m2 g−1 of BET-surface area and 0.043 cm2 g−1 of pore volume of MBC, promoting the Cr(VI) removal. The Fe3O4 and carbon-centered PFRs contributed to ∼81.8% and ∼18.2% of total Cr(III) generation, respectively. In addition, the initial solution pH was responsible for determining the relative significance of Cr(VI) adsorption and reduction. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of Cr(VI) removal from water by the MBC.

The utilization of recycled biochar combined with chemical leaching is an appropriate method to remove cadmium (Cd) from paddy soil. Some Cd-rich soil clay particulates (particulate Cd) are reported to be removed via biochar adsorption and the potential impact of biochar on soil properties need further study. The removal efficiencies and mechanisms of Cd from soil by using floatable hydroxyapatite modified biochar (HBC) combined with CaCl2 were studied. Synergetic removal efficiencies of total Cd (46.5%) and bioavailable Cd (37.9%) from the paddy soil were achieved with 2% HBC and 1 mM CaCl2. The increased soluble Cd in soil pore water by CaCl2 leaching could be efficiently adsorbed on HBC, and removed by HBC collection, reducing the risk of the residual soluble Cd in soil pore water to rice plants caused by the inefficient drainage in the field. The suspendability of clay particulates in overlying water was little affected by the low-level CaCl2 based on Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) calculation. Moreover, low-level CaCl2 facilitated the accumulation of particulate Cd on the floating HBC via decreasing the interaction energy (by 25%) between clay particulates and HBC. HBC-mediated Cd migration contributed ~70% of total Cd removal, while soluble and particulate Cd removed through the drainage accounted for ~30%. Soil clay proportion maintained at 25.3% due to the replenishment of HBC residues. In addition, soil nutrient and physicochemical conditions were improved with HBC residues. This work provides a novel soil remediation method by using floatable biochar combined with low-level CaCl2 for Cd-contaminated paddy soil remediation.

Engineered black carbon (biochar) can be introduced into groundwater through its extensive engineered applications (e.g., in-situ remediation of groundwater/soils), which can participate in geochemical processes that may alter the fate of trace contaminants such as arsenic (As(III)). Here we examined the impacts of the undissolved and dissolved fractions of reduced biochar (hereafter denoted as rUBC and rDBC, respectively) on the As(III) immobilization in the absence/presence of Ca

Biochars have demonstrated great potential for water decontamination and soil remediation; however, their redox reactivity toward trace contaminants and the corresponding redox-active moieties (RAMs, i.e., phenolic -OH, semiquinone-type persistent free radicals (PFRs), and quinoid C═O) remain poorly understood. Here we investigated the roles of the RAMs on biochar in oxidation of As(III) under varying pH and O2 conditions. The results showed that the promoted oxidation of As(III) by the RAMs is strongly pH dependent. Under acidic and neutral conditions, only the oxidation of As(III) by •OH and H2O2 produced from activation of O2 by phenolic -OH and semiquinone-type PFRs occurred. In contrast, the oxidation by semiquinone-type PFRs, quinoid C═O, and H2O2 (if O2 was introduced) appeared under alkaline conditions. This pH-dependent oxidation behavior was attributed to the varying redox activities of RAMs, as confirmed by multiple characterization and validation experiments using biochar with tuned RAMs compositions, as well as thermodynamics evaluation. Our findings provide new insights into the roles of the RAMs on biochar in the promoted oxidation of trace As(III) over a broader pH range under both anoxic and oxic conditions. This study also paves a promising way to oxidize As(III) with biochar.

Background U.S. Emergency Departments (EDs) serve many patients at high risk for HIV and could serve as a portal of entry for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We conducted a pilot study to determine feasibility and acceptability of PrEP referral from the ED. Methods From late December 2018 to March 2019, a pilot PrEP referral program was integrated into an established HIV/HCV screening program in an urban U.S. ED with HIV seroprevalence of 6%. Patients were deemed PrEP referral eligible if they had recent STI-related visit ( Results In this ongoing program, 290 ED patients were screened, 162 approached and 89 (55%) took the survey. 68 (42%) were categorized as high-risk and eligible for PrEP referral. Of these 68 patients, 36 (53%) accepted PrEP referral, 15 (22%) were successfully contacted by phone with additional 21 (31%) pending for follow-up calls, six (9%) were scheduled for appointments, and two (3%) completed an appointment. Conclusion Our preliminary findings demonstrate a high interest for PrEP referral and comparable PrEP care cascade outcomes in high-risk ED patients indicating that implementation of an ED-based PrEP referral program is feasible and acceptable and could serve as an important portal for PrEP care. Barriers along the PrEP care continuum to better engage and retain patients should be addressed as a future direction. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Elevated As(III) and Fe(II) in shallow reducing groundwater can be frequently re-oxidized by introducing O2 due to natural/anthropogenic processes, thus leading to oxidative precipitation of As as well as Fe. Nevertheless, the geochemical process may be impacted by co-existing engineered black carbon due to its considerable applications, which remains poorly understood. Taking rice husk-derived biochar prepared at 500 °C as an example, we explored its impact on the process particularly for the As(III) oxidation and (im)mobilization during the oxygenation. The presence of the biochar had a negligible effect on the As(III) oxidation and immobilization extents within 1 d, while accelerating their rates. However, the immobilized As(III) was significantly liberated from the formed Fe(III) minerals afterward within 21 d, which was 2.2-fold higher than that in the absence of the biochar. The enhanced As(III) liberation was attributed to the presence of the surface silicon-carbon structure, consisting of the outer silicon and inner carbon layers, of the rice husk-derived biochar. The outer silicon components, particularly for the dissolved silicate primarily promoted the As(III) release via ligand exchange, while significantly impeding the transformation of ferrihydrite to lepidocrocite and goethite still resulted secondarily in the As(III) release. Our findings reveal the possible impact of biochar on the environmental behavior and fate of As(III) in the Fe(II)-rich groundwater during the oxygenation. This work highlights that biochar, particularly for its structural features should be a concern in re-mobilizing As in such scenarios when the oxygenation time reaches several days or weeks.

Engineered black carbon (biochar) can be introduced into groundwater through its extensive engineered applications (e.g., in-situ remediation of groundwater/soils), which can participate in geochemical processes that may alter the fate of trace contaminants such as arsenic (As(III)). Here we examined the impacts of the undissolved and dissolved fractions of reduced biochar (hereafter denoted as rUBC and rDBC, respectively) on the As(III) immobilization in the absence/presence of Ca2+ (50 mM) at pH 11.5 under anoxic conditions. While neither rUBC nor rDBC alone was capable of immobilizing As(III), the apparent As(III) immobilization by rUBC and rDBC synergistically occurred in the presence of Ca2+, with an efficiency of 73.1% and 89.6% within 24 h, respectively. In the rUBC/Ca2+/As(III) system, rUBC enabled full oxidation of As(III) to As(V) by its residual redox-active moieties such as quinoid C O and persistent free radicals, thereby facilitating precipitation of the newly generated As(V) with Ca2+ adsorbed onto the rUBC’s surface. In contrast, rDBC induced in-situ local enrichment of Ca2+ in the nascent rDBC-derived flocs with predominant non-oxidative and slight oxidative precipitation of As(III) via ternary rDBC-Ca-As complexation. This ternary complex was created by Ca2+-bridging interactions between As species and oxygen-containing functional groups of rDBC, as evidenced by the FTIR results and the Ca2+-impeded As(III) oxidation. The generation of the flocs physically trapped a small amount of As species particularly As(III). Both the increases in Ca2+ concentration (0–100 mM) and solution pH (10.0–12.5) enhanced the apparent As(III) immobilization. This study provides new insights into the environmental impacts of two reduced biochar fractions released into typical Ca2+-rich aquifers on the fate and transport of As species.

Magnetic biochar (MBC) has been used to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water, but the roles of Fe

Introduction: The goal of this study was to characterize extracellular vesicles (EVs) and miRNA profiles of primate cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) during the menstrual cycle and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, and to determine if CVL-associated miRNAs might influence replication of retroviruses. Methods: CVL and peripheral blood were collected for five weeks from two uninfected and four SIV-infected macaques. EVs were enriched by stepped ultracentrifugation and characterized by population-level and single vesicle analyses. miRNA profiles were assessed with a medium-throughput stem-loop/hydrolysis probe qPCR platform and validated by targeted qPCR assays. Influence of miR-186-5p (miR-186) on HIV protein and RNA production was monitored in monocyte-derived macrophages. Results: Although menstrual hormone cycling was abnormal in infected subjects, EV concentration increased with progesterone in uninfected subjects. miRNAs were present predominantly in the EV-depleted supernatant fraction of CVL. Few changes in miRNA levels correlated with the menstrual cycle or SIV infection. miR-186, depleted in retroviral infection, was investigated for a possible role in controlling retroviral infection. miR-186 inhibited HIV production when transfected into monocyte-derived macrophages. Conclusions: We report profiles of a targeted set of miRNAs in CVL fractions. The menstrual cycle may affect quantity of EVs recovered from CVL, but has only minor effects on abundance of the miRNAs we examined. miR-186 decline appears to be associated with SIV infection, and miR-186 inhibits HIV replication in macrophages in vitro. Further studies are required to characterize the role of EVs and small RNAs as biomarkers of disease in the reproductive tract.