Enlèvement du chrome par infiltration verticale sur lits de Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steudel

L'objectif de la présente étude est de mettre en évidence les potentialités d'un hélophyte : Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steudel à épurer l'effluent du tannage riche en chrome sous un régime d'écoulement vertical et les comparer à celles d'un sol non planté sous climat aride.Le pilote expérimental est constitué de pots de capacité 120 litres, remplis sur une épaisseur de 15 cm de graviers et de 60 cm de sol (texture : limono - argilo- sableuse). Trois pots sont plantés de jeunes tiges de Phragmites australis (36 tiges /m2). Trois autres pots non plantés sont pris comme témoin. L'alimentation du système se fait par l'eau du tannage au chrome diluée à 50%. L’alimentation des systèmes se fait par bâchées de 10 litres/jour pendant 3 jours successifs suivie d’une période de repos de 4 jours. L'écoulement se fait par translation verticale à travers le substrat.L'étude du fonctionnement hydrologique des pilotes testés a montré que le débit moyen à la sortie du système planté est trois fois plus élevé que celui du lit non planté, ce qui permet de traiter un volume d’eau usée plus important ou bien de réduire la superficie nécessaire par équivalent habitant. Aucun signe de colmatage n’a été détecté aussi bien dans les pots plantés de Phragmites australis que dans les pots non plantés.Le suivi des performances épuratoires du système à Phragmites australis montre que le pH à la sortie des deux systèmes pilotes augmente de deux à trois unités par rapport à celui des rejets du tannage. La conductivité électrique des effluents traités augmente respectivement pour les deux systèmes.L’élimination moyenne de la DCO totale est de 74% pour le système planté et de 60,5% pour le système non planté. La différence entre les performances épuratoires des deux systèmes pour l’abattement de la DCO totale est statistiquement significative (p<0,05).Le Cr total subit globalement un abattement de 99% pour les deux pilotes qui fournissent des eaux épurées limpides. En effet, la concentration moyenne en chrome total dans les eaux usées brutes appliquées à l'entrée des différents pilotes varie de 534 mg/l à 1000 mg/l avec une concentration moyenne de 780±196 mg/l. Les teneurs de chrome total enregistrées à la sortie du lit à Phragmites varient de 2,2 mg/l à 3 mg/l avec une concentration moyenne de 2±0,5 mg/l. La concentration en chrome total des eaux usées à la sortie du sol non planté varie de 2,5 mg/l à 4 mg/l avec une valeur moyenne de 2,4±1,3 mg/l.La présence de Phragmites australis dans le système planté permet de maintenir une porosité suffisante pour assurer la percolation des eaux en traitement et réduire les risques de colmatage. Avec des temps de résidence hydraulique trois fois plus réduit, le système planté assure un abattement du chrome total comparable à celui du système non planté.The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of a helophytic plant, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steudel, to remove chromium from concentrated tannery effluent in comparison to unplanted soil, under arid climate conditions. The experiment was conducted from August 2002 to August 2003. Six plots (capacity: 120 L, diameter: 50 cm) were filled to depths of 15 cm and 60 cm with gravel and soil respectively (texture: 3.5% clay, 8.5% silt, and 88% sand). Three plots were planted with Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steudel. Young shoots of plants (36 stems/m2) were taken from local and natural reed stands. Three unplanted plots were used as controls. The soil for the study was from the Tensift River (Marrakech). The experimental plots were supplied exclusively with diluted tannery wastewater, 3 times a week (approximately 10 L each time). The water flowed vertically through the substratum.To investigate the capacity of the systems to increase pH, to decrease conductivity chemical oxygen demand (COD), and to remove total chromium, concentrations in the inflow and outflow of each plot were determined during the experiment. System hydrology indicated that for planted systems, the mean flow varied from 18 mL/min (in winter) to 49 mL/min (in summer), with an average value of 35 mL/min. For the unplanted system, the mean flow varied from 5 mL/min (in winter) to 15 mL/min (in summer) with an average value of 12 mL/min. Water recovery at the outflow of the planted system (PP) and unplanted system (NPP) was 40% and 60% respectively. This may be related to the phenomenon of evapotranspiration from the PP system, which was more significant than simple evaporation from the NPP system. No sign of clogging was observed in the planted systems due to the plant rhizomes that ensure a better aeration of the soil. The study of the hydrological operation showed that mean flow in the planted system was three times higher than that in the unplanted soil, which makes it possible to treat a larger volume of wastewater and to reduce the required per capita surface for treatment. The presence of Phragmites australis ensured a sufficient porosity for the percolation of water for treatment.The pH of the effluent at the outlets of the planted and unplanted systems increased by two to three units in comparison with the raw wastewater at the inlet. The average inflow pH was 5.5; at the outflow of the two systems, the pH was 7.30 and 8.20 respectively for the planted and unplanted soil. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the treated wastewater increased for the two systems. The average inflow conductivity was 54±5.5ms/cm. At the outflow of the two systems, the EC was about 75±14 ms/cm and 68±11 ms/cm respectively for the planted and unplanted systems. The EC removal for all systems varied significantly from season to another (p< 0.05).The planted system was more efficient in removing total COD (74%) than the unplanted one (61%). There were significant differences (ANOVA) between the PP and NPP systems (p<0.05). Total chromium concentrations at the inflow varied from 534 mg/L to 1000 mg/L with an average content of 780±196 mg/L. At the outflow, total chromium concentrations varied from 2.2 mg/L to 3 mg/L with an average content of 2±0.5 mg/L for the PP system and from 2.5 mg/L to 4 mg/L with an average value of 2.4±1.3 mg/L for the NPP system. Total chromium removal of 99% occurred for the two pilots, which provides limpid purified water. Despite the shorter retention time for the planted system, which was three times less than in the unplanted one, total chromium was almost completely removed.The aquatic macrophyte plant seemed to play a physical role by enhancing the hydrological conductivity of the substratum and consequently the operation and management of these systems. Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steudel has the ability to transfer oxygen from the rhizome towards the roots through an internal lacunar system, which offers the creation of an aerobic zone around the roots. This aerobic zone allows the proliferation of micro-organisms, which are the principal decomposers of the organic matter in the root zone.The treatment of tannery effluent by reed beds is a clean approach from an ecological point of view and constitutes a viable economic alternative in comparison to purely chemical approaches and is thus better adapted to the complexity of the systems used in the leather industry

Oscillatory Photodynamic Therapy for Choroidal Neovascularization and Central Serous Retinopathy; a Pilot Study

Purpose: To report the preliminary results of oscillatory photodynamic therapy (OPDT) for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and central serous retinopathy (CSR). Methods: This study included 7 eyes of 6 patients with CSR (2 eyes), idiopathic CNV (2 eyes), CNV due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (2 eyes), and peripapillary CNV secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (1 eye). Intravenous verteporfin (6 mg/m2 body surface area) was infused over 10 minutes followed by oscillating laser (wavelength 689 nm) covering slightly beyond the entire lesion. An Area Centralis lens was applied and laser was delivered (600 mW/cm2 fluence rate and 50 J/cm2 dose). Intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone combination therapy was used with OPDT in 4 eyes with CNV; intravitreal dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide were injected in the other eye with CNV. Clinical examination, funduscopy, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed at baseline and after treatment. Results: After mean follow-up of 7.1±5.1 months, visual acuity improved from 0.87±0.69 logMAR (20/160) to 0.60±0.65 logMAR (20/80) (P = 0.027); central foveal thickness decreased from 322±62.1 to 240.7±34.8 microns as measured by OCT (P = 0.018). Fluorescein angiography and OCT demonstrated cessation of vascular leakage, and resolution of hemorrhage and subretinal fluid in all eyes. No adverse events or recurrence were noted. Conclusion: OPDT was effective in treating CNV lesions and CSR. OPDT may be an improvement on standard PDT due to reduced side effects, thermal damage and scarring

Study protocol: The Adherence and Intensification of Medications (AIM) study - a cluster randomized controlled effectiveness study

Abstract Background Many patients with diabetes have poor blood pressure (BP) control. Pharmacological therapy is the cornerstone of effective BP treatment, yet there are high rates both of poor medication adherence and failure to intensify medications. Successful medication management requires an effective partnership between providers who initiate and increase doses of effective medications and patients who adhere to the regimen. Methods In this cluster-randomized controlled effectiveness study, primary care teams within sites were randomized to a program led by a clinical pharmacist trained in motivational interviewing-based behavioral counseling approaches and authorized to make BP medication changes or to usual care. This study involved the collection of data during a 14-month intervention period in three Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and two Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities. The clinical pharmacist was supported by clinical information systems that enabled proactive identification of, and outreach to, eligible patients identified on the basis of poor BP control and either medication refill gaps or lack of recent medication intensification. The primary outcome is the relative change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements over time. Secondary outcomes are changes in Hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), medication adherence determined from pharmacy refill data, and medication intensification rates. Discussion Integration of the three intervention elements - proactive identification, adherence counseling and medication intensification - is essential to achieve optimal levels of control for high-risk patients. Testing the effectiveness of this intervention at the team level allows us to study the program as it would typically be implemented within a clinic setting, including how it integrates with other elements of care. Trial Registration The ClinicalTrials.gov registration number is NCT00495794.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78258/1/1745-6215-11-95.xmlhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78258/2/1745-6215-11-95.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78258/3/1745-6215-11-95-S1.DOCPeer Reviewe

Inhibiting Lactate Dehydrogenase A Enhances the Cytotoxicity of the Mitochondria Accumulating Antioxidant, Mitoquinone, in Melanoma Cells

Limited options exist for inhibitors targeted against melanoma tumors with mutation subtypes other than BRAF. We investigated the cytotoxic activity of mitoquinone (MitoQ), an antioxidant and ubiquinone derivative, on various human melanoma cell lines, alone or in combination with other agents to perturb cellular bioenergetics. This lipophilic cation crosses the cell membrane, enters and accumulates in the mitochondria where it can disrupt mitochondrial function at micromolar concentrations or act as an antioxidant to preserve membrane integrity at nanomolar concentrations. Consistent with previous studies, cells treated with 12.5 μM MitoQ show significantly reduced viability versus control treatments. Although all melanoma cells were susceptible to cytotoxicity induced by MitoQ, cells with wild-type BRAF were responsive to lower doses, compared to cells with activating mutations in BRAF. Mechanistically, the positively charged lipophilic moiety of the MitoQ induced a dose-dependent collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and significantly reduced the mitochondrial ATP production and reduced oxygen consumption rate, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. We also combined MitoQ with a glycolytic lactate dehydrogenase A inhibitor (FX-11) and observed an enhanced reduction in viability, but not other therapies examined. To summarize, the data suggest that FX-11 enhances the cytotoxic effects of MitoQ in cells with wild-type BRAF

Outcome Measures for Interventions to Reduce Inappropriate Chronic Drugs: A Narrative Review

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163374/3/jgs16697-sup-0001-Supinfo.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163374/2/jgs16697_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163374/1/jgs16697.pd

Rapid phase adjustment of melatonin and core body temperature rhythms following a 6-h advance of the light/dark cycle in the horse

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Rapid displacement across multiple time zones results in a conflict between the new cycle of light and dark and the previously entrained program of the internal circadian clock, a phenomenon known as jet lag. In humans, jet lag is often characterized by malaise, appetite loss, fatigue, disturbed sleep and performance deficit, the consequences of which are of particular concern to athletes hoping to perform optimally at an international destination. As a species renowned for its capacity for athletic performance, the consequences of jet lag are also relevant for the horse. However, the duration and severity of jet lag related circadian disruption is presently unknown in this species. We investigated the rates of re-entrainment of serum melatonin and core body temperature (BT) rhythms following an abrupt 6-h phase advance of the LD cycle in the horse.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Six healthy, 2 yr old mares entrained to a 12 h light/12 h dark (LD 12:12) natural photoperiod were housed in a light-proofed barn under a lighting schedule that mimicked the external LD cycle. Following baseline sampling on Day 0, an advance shift of the LD cycle was accomplished by ending the subsequent dark period 6 h early. Blood sampling for serum melatonin analysis and BT readings were taken at 3-h intervals for 24 h on alternate days for 11 days. Disturbances to the subsequent melatonin and BT 24-h rhythms were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA and analysis of Cosine curve fitting parameters.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We demonstrate that the equine melatonin rhythm re-entrains rapidly to a 6-h phase advance of an LD12:12 photocycle. The phase shift in melatonin was fully complete on the first day of the new schedule and rhythm phase and waveform were stable thereafter. In comparison, the advance in the BT rhythm was achieved by the third day, however BT rhythm waveform, especially its mesor, was altered for many days following the LD shift.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Aside from the temperature rhythm disruption, rapid resynchronization of the melatonin rhythm suggests that the central circadian pacemaker of the horse may possess a particularly robust entrainment response. The consequences for athletic performance remain unknown.</p

Effects of Guideline and Formulary Changes on Statin Prescribing in the Veterans Affairs

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/139955/1/hesr12788-sup-0001-AppendixSA1.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/139955/2/hesr12788_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/139955/3/hesr12788.pd

First report on cyanotoxin (Mc-lr) removal from surface water by multi-soil-layering (msl) eco-technology: Preliminary results

Cyanobacteria blooms occur frequently in freshwaters around the world. Some can produce and release toxic compounds called cyanotoxins, which represent a danger to both the environment and human health. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most toxic variant reported all over the world. Conventional water treatment methods are expensive and require specialized personnel and equipment. Recently, a multi-soil-layering (MSL) system, a natural and low-cost technology, has been introduced as an attractive cost-effective, and environmentally friendly technology that is likely to be an alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods. This study aims to evaluate, for the first time, the efficiency of MSL eco-technology to remove MC-LR on a laboratory scale using local materials. To this end, an MSL pilot plant was designed to treat distilled water contaminated with MC-LR. The pilot was composed of an alternation of permeable layers (pozzolan) and soil mixture layers (local sandy soil, sawdust, charcoal, and metallic iron on a dry weight ratio of 70, 10, 10, and 10%, respectively) arranged in a brick-layer-like pattern. MSL pilot was continuously fed with synthetic water containing distilled water contaminated with increasing concentrations of MC-LR (0.18–10 µg/L) at a hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 200 L m−2 day−1. The early results showed MC-LR removal of above 99%. Based on these preliminary results, the multi-soil-layering eco-technology could be considered as a promising solution to treat water contaminated by MC-LR in order to produce quality water for irrigation or recreational activities. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.This research has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 823860

A Comparison of Embedded Deep Learning Methods for Person Detection

Recent advancements in parallel computing, GPU technology and deep learning provide a new platform for complex image processing tasks such as person detection to flourish. Person detection is fundamental preliminary operation for several high level computer vision tasks. One industry that can significantly benefit from person detection is retail. In recent years, various studies attempt to find an optimal solution for person detection using neural networks and deep learning. This study conducts a comparison among the state of the art deep learning base object detector with the focus on person detection performance in indoor environments. Performance of various implementations of YOLO, SSD, RCNN, R-FCN and SqueezeDet have been assessed using our in-house proprietary dataset which consists of over 10 thousands indoor images captured form shopping malls, retails and stores. Experimental results indicate that, Tiny YOLO-416 and SSD (VGG-300) are the fastest and Faster-RCNN (Inception ResNet-v2) and R-FCN (ResNet-101) are the most accurate detectors investigated in this study. Further analysis shows that YOLO v3-416 delivers relatively accurate result in a reasonable amount of time, which makes it an ideal model for person detection in embedded platforms