Dealing with Cumulative Effects (Impacts) in Asian Multi-Functional Wetlands

The paper proposes a technique for evaluation of natural and anthropogenic impacts on multiple functions of natural wetlands performing, amongst numerous other services, a service of water pollution mitigation at large scale. It is based on data available from elicitation of expert opinion, rapid environmental assessment, participatory rural appraisal and statistical analysis. The technique may be useful if extensive environmental data sets are not available, that is frequently the case in the developing world. Important conclusions on impacts of water pollution and other driver (stressors) on multi-functional wetlands, otherwise impossible, may be made through its use in situations of complex driver interactions. Cumulative Effects Assessment, of which the technique may be an integral part, is to be incorporated into both Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment to provide for a more sustainable use of the wetland services

Successful cervicothoracic esophageal stricture treatment with partial sternectomy and a pedicled TAAP flap: A case report

Postoperative benign esophageal anastomotic leakage and stenosis are common complications after esophagectomy. Treatment options for anastomosis stenosis include endoscopic mechanical dilation, dilation-combined steroid injection, incisional therapy, stent placement, and self-bougienage. However, long-segmental cervicothoracic esophageal stenosis and cutaneous fistula are always refractory to conservative treatments and are clinically challenging. When lesions extend well below the thoracic inlet, transthoracic esophagectomy and alimentary canal reconstruction seem to be the common choice but are susceptible to perioperative mortality and donor-site sequelae, especially for patients with poor health conditions. In this report, we present a novel surgical approach for cervicothoracic esophageal stenosis and fistula via partial sternectomy and reconstruction with a pedicled thoracoacromial artery perforator flap. No recurrence or complications occurred throughout 3 months of follow-up. This case study adds new perspectives to the treatment of anastomotic stenosis

ROLE OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES IN CARTILAGE BIOLOGY AND THERAPY

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Macromolecular depletion modulates the binding of diabetic erythrocytes to endothelial cells

In normal condition, the adherence of normal red blood cells (RBC) with endothelial cells (EC) is usually insignificant. However, such insignificant adhesion is magnified in several pathological conditions and the mechanisms of such adhesion have been poorly understood. The present study investigated whether depletion mechanism mediate diabetic red blood cells adhesion to endothelial cells. The results showed that both 500kDa dextran and 70kDa dextran promote RBC adhesion with EC and the adhesion efficiency is elevated with the increase of the molecular weight of dextran. Hence, the present study reveals a novel mechanism of RBC-EC interaction in diabetes mellitus and provides new therapeutic approach to prevent vascular complications associated with RBC-EC interaction.​Master of Science (Biomedical Engineering

Green Roof Retrofitting: Potential Assessment in an Academic Campus

Retrofitting becomes the priority action for existing buildings under uncertain economic times and increasing environmental awareness. Before retrofitting, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of the buildings to minimize the risks. The challenge in here is the evaluation with relevant criteria and assessment framework from sustainable perspective. Using AIT campus as study area, this paper aims to assess the potential of existing buildings for green roof retrofitting. Multi-criteria analysis was applied in the assessment of potential, where inputs were generated from questionnaires survey, visual inspection and literature records. The potential benefits were identified and estimated throughout a systematic literature reviews and saving calculators. The results revealed that physical factors are the most influence factors on the assessment where 33% of buildings in study area are found to be viable for retrofitting while 20% as not viable and 47% as possibly viable. Buildings as free standing, mid-rise-concrete-framed with flat roof and oriented to south are appeared to be more preferable for retrofitting. Environmental impacts such as UHI need a micro scale implementation to have more effective results. The study contributes to the building industry by providing a way to conduct the potential assessment for green roof retrofit in terms of criteria and assessment framework not only as micro scale but also in wider scale as under regional context.Retrofitting becomes the priority action for existing buildings under uncertain economic times and increasing environmental awareness. Before retrofitting, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of the buildings to minimize the risks. The challenge in here is the evaluation with relevant criteria and assessment framework from sustainable perspective. Using Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) campus as study area, this paper aims to assess the potential of existing buildings for green roof retrofitting. Multi-criteria analysis was applied in the assessment of potential, where inputs were generated from questionnaires survey, visual inspection and literature records. The potential benefits were identified and estimated throughout a systematic literature reviews and saving calculators. The results revealed that physical factors are the most influence factors on the assessment where 47% of buildings in study area are found to be viable for retrofitting while 6% as not viable and 47% as possibly viable. Buildings as free standing, concrete-framed with flat roof and oriented to south are appeared to be more preferable for retrofitting. Approximately 2% of annual energy use could be saved from campus-wide retrofitting however impacts such as urban heat island, air quality need a micro scale implementation to have more effective results. The study contributes to the building industry by providing a way to conduct the potential assessment for green roof retrofit in terms of criteria and assessment framework not only as micro scale but also in wider scale as under regional context

The valid publication of Salix suchowensis (Salicaceae)

The nomenclatural problems of Salix suchowensis have been addressed by different authors with varying opinions. However, these efforts were flawed by a lack of observation of relevant specimens. Accordingly, we carefully checked relevant publications and specimens both through internet databases and herbarium visits. Here, we thoroughly review the nomenclatural history of Salix suchowensis in light of the new definition of a gathering in the Shenzhen Code. We conclude that this name was validly published in the original publication in 1963. Furthermore, a lectotype is designated for the precise application of the name. We hope this article will offer guidance for interpreting similar cases

The complete chloroplast genome of Phoebe zhennan

Phoebe zhennan is a large tree with straight trunk and grey-brown or grey-yellowish villous as rare wood. In the study, the complete chloroplastid genome was assembled and annotated, its full length of 152,831 bp, include large single-copy (LSC) region of 93,753 bp, small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,928 bp, a pair of invert repeats (IR) regions of 20,075 bp. Plastid genome contains 127 genes, 81 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested P. zhennan is sister to Phoebe sheareri and embed in Lauraceae

The complete plastid genome of Camellia Octopetala (Theaceae)

Camellia octopetala is a native oil tree species in the south of China and is also a unique natural Chinese woody edible oil species. In the study, the complete plastid genome was assembled and annotated, the genome full-length is 156,615 bp, contains a large single-copy (LSC) region with 86,273 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region with 18,410 bp, two invert repeats (IR) regions with 25,966 bp. The plastid genome contains 135 genes, 90 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis shows C. octopetala sister to C. crapnelliana and embedded in Camellia