In this study, the simulations generated by two of the most widely used hydrological basin-scale models, the Annualized Agricultural Non-Point Source (AnnAGNPS) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool ...(SWAT), were compared in a Mediterranean watershed, the Carapelle (Apulia, Southern Italy). Input data requirements, time and efforts needed for input preparation, strength and weakness points of each model, ease of use and limitations were evaluated in order to give information to users. Models were calibrated and validated at monthly time scale for hydrology and sediment load using a four year period of observations (streamflow and suspended sediment concentrations). In the driest year, the specific sediment load measured at the outlet was 0.89 t ha−1 yr−1, while the simulated values were 0.83 t ha−1 yr−1 and 1.99 t ha−1 yr−1 for SWAT and AnnAGNPS, respectively. In the wettest year, the specific measured sediment load was 7.45 t ha−1 yr−1, and the simulated values were 8.27 t ha−1 yr−1 and 6.23 t ha−1 yr−1 for SWAT and AnnAGNPS, respectively. Both models showed from fair to a very good correlation between observed and simulated streamflow and satisfactory for sediment load. Results showed that most of the basin is under moderate (1.4–10 t ha−1 yr−1) and high-risk erosion (> 10 t ha−1 yr−1). The sediment yield predicted by the SWAT and AnnAGNPS models were compared with estimates of soil erosion simulated by models for Europe (PESERA and RUSLE2015). The average gross erosion estimated by the RUSLE2015 model (12.5 t ha−1 yr−1) resulted comparable with the average specific sediment yield estimated by SWAT (8.8 t ha−1 yr−1) and AnnAGNPS (5.6 t ha−1 yr−1), while it was found that the average soil erosion estimated by PESERA is lower than the other estimates (1.2 t ha−1 yr−1).
•Outputs, input data and time requirements are compared for SWAT and AnnAGNPS.•Models are assessed also in wet and dry seasons.•Most of the basin is under moderate or high risk of erosion.•SWAT and AnnAGNPS are compared with RUSLE2015 and PESERA.
The effective removal of heavy metals from aqueous wastes is among the most important issues for many industrialized countries. Removal of lead (II) and copper (II) from aqueous solutions were ...studied using pomegranate peel (raw), activated carbon prepared from pomegranate peel (AC
1) and activated carbon prepared from chemically treated pomegranate peel (AC
2 and AC
3). Batch adsorption experiments were performed as a function of pH, contact time, solute concentration and adsorbent dose. The optimum pH required for maximum adsorption were found to be 5.6 and 5.8, for lead and copper respectively. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data are tested for the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations. Results indicate the following order to fit the isotherms: Langmuir > Temkin > Freundlich in case of lead ions and Freundlich > Temkin > Langmuir in case of copper ions. Adsorption kinetics data were modeled using the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order, Elvoich equations and intraparticle diffusion models. The results indicate that the second-order model best describes adsorption kinetic data.
Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) propagates in chickens' gastrointestinal surfaces and is transmitted to humans, causing food poisoning. Oral supplementation with natural nanoparticles can overcome the ...harsh gastrointestinal conditions facing oral vaccines and requires no antibiotic administration to protect against microbial infection. This study was designed to study Nigella sativa-chitosan nanoparticles (CNP-NS) prophylactic immunomodulatory efficacy against SE infection in broiler chicks. The CNP-NS was prepared and characterized, and its in vivo immunomodulatory activities against an avian virulent-MDR SE-induced challenge in chicks were investigated.
To verify the immune-protective activities of the CNP-NS, colony forming units (CFU) in the liver and fecal droppings; intestinal histopathological alterations and immune cell recruitment; MUC-2, TLR-4, cecal cytokines, and specific IgA gene expression levels were assessed. On the 7th and 12th days after the SE challenge, the CNP-NS supplemented chicks showed complete clearance of SE CFU in livers and fecal droppings, as well as an improvement in food conversion rate compared to non-supplemented CNP-NS that revealed the presence of the challenge SE CFU on the same days. A prominent influx of antigen presenting cells and lymphoid aggregates into the intestinal wall, spleen, and liver was detected with improvements in the intestinal villi morphometry of the CNP-NS-supplemented chicks. The changes of INF-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 cecal cytokines, as well as TLR-4, MUC-2, and IgA mRNA expression levels, confirm CNP-NS immunomodulatory activities and provide a mechanism(s) for its protective actions against the induced SE challenge of the tested chickens.
These findings suggest promising useful insights into CNP-NS supplementation as a safe food additive for poultry meat consumers' and a protective immunomodulator of the chickens' mucosal immune systems. It could be recommended for epidemiological purposes to reduce the risk of SE food poisoning and transmission to humans.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
•The functionalized lignin (FL) successfully fabricated from industrial black liquor.•High quality FL was deeply characterized.•FL was effective for the unprecedented adsorption ...characteristics.•Results were verified by classical kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic studies.•Strong chemical interaction occurred between FLA and Reactive Green 19 dye.
The availability of lignin in significant quantities as a byproduct from the paper industry from industrial black liquor is still an issue. On the other hand, its potential for use as a green, low-cost adsorbent for the efficient removal of harmful organic dye from industrial effluent has attracted attention, although the challenge remains difficult. In this way, the goal of this study was to see if it was possible to remove the reactive green dye from the functionalized lignin-based adsorbent (FLA) using an acidic approach. The kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model with intra-particle diffusion. The FLA also demonstrated multi-layer adsorption, according to the isotherm data. Meanwhile, FTIR and SEM studies revealed that electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, - stacking, and physical adsorption were the RG-19 adsorption processes. Thermodynamic characteristics were also examined, and the results revealed that RG-19 adsorption on FLA is an exothermic and spontaneous process. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the atomic aspect have proven the response behind the higher adsorptive of FLA toward RG-19 under the force of interaction. FLA has the potential to be employed as a promising sustainable and economic use of biomass as a renewable, low-cost, and natural biomass material, inspiring more researchers to explore solutions to the problem of polluted rivers and streams.
Introduction
Human gut microbiota plays an important role in metabolic health. Atypical antipsychotics can lead to metabolic abnormalities and changes in the gut microbiota. Multiple studies have ...examined the role of probiotics in suppressing antipsychotics-induced weight gain, but they have never been examined in a meta-analysis.
Objectives
This network meta-analysis aims to compare the effect of probiotics + fibers, probiotics only, and fibers only on metabolic abnormalities induced by atypical antipsychotics.
Methods
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for all relevant studies. We used mean difference with its 95% confidence interval as our effect size. Primary outcomes were body weight and body mass index (BMI), while secondary outcomes were changes in other cardiometabolic risk factors.
Results
We included 4 randomized controlled trials comprising 319 patients. For body weight, probiotics + fibers (MD -3.96, 95% CI -5.16, -2.76), fibers only (MD -1.91, 95% CI -3.81, -0.01), and probiotics only (MD -1.37, 95% CI -2.07, 0.66) were significantly superior to placebo. Probiotics + fibers (MD -1.52, 95% CI -2.11, -0.92), but not fibers only or probiotics only, was associated with significant changes in BMI. Probiotics + fibers was also associated with significant changes in cholesterol (MD -0.37, 95% CI -0.67, -0.07), insulin levels (MD -3.37, 95% CI -5.35, -2.10), and insulin resistance index (MD -1.35, 95% CI -1.94, -0.76). There were no significant adverse events reported in the included studies.
Conclusions
Probiotics + fibers, probiotics only, and fibers can be effective in controlling antipsychotics-induced metabolic abnormalities, with probiotics + fibers being the most effective regimen. All three treatments were safe and well tolerated by patients.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
Despite being effective in schizophrenia, second-generation antipsychotics are potent histamine-H1 receptor antagonists associated with weight gain. Histaminergic agonists can ...potentially counteract the weight gain effects of antipsychotics. Betahistine is a centrally acting histamine-H1 agonist and, therefore, may reduce antipsychotic-induced weight gain, but it has never been examined in a meta-analysis.
Objectives
This meta-analysis aims to examine the efficacy of betahistine in counteracting the weight gain effects of antipsychotics.
Methods
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for all relevant trials. We used Hedges’ g with its confidence interval as our effect size to correct for the small sample size. The primary outcomes of this study were changes in weight and body mass index (BMI). Changes in insulin resistance and lipid parameters were secondary outcomes.
Results
165 studies were included in the title/abstract screening, and 5 studies with 217 patients were finally included. Betahistine led to statistically significant changes in weight (Hedges’ g -1.13, 95% CI -1.66, -0.60, p < 0001), BMI (Hedges’ g -1.64, 95% CI -2.39, -0.89, p < 0.0001), and waist circumference (Hedges’ g -0.98, 95% CI -1.47, -0.49, p < 0001). Nevertheless, betahistine did not lead to any significant changes in fasting glucose (Hedges’ g 0.02, 95% CI -0.41, 0.44, p = 0.94) or insulin levels (Hedges’ g -0.07, 95% CI -1.78, 1.64, p = 0.94).
Conclusions
Betahistine is an effective add-on treatment for second-generation antipsychotics to counteract weight gain experienced with these medications. Further trials are recommended to examine its effect on blood lipids and side effects.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
This study explores the possibility of using electrocoagulation to remove phenol from oil refinery waste effluent using a cell with horizontally oriented aluminum cathode and a horizontal aluminum ...screen anode. The removal of phenol was investigated in terms of various parameters namely: pH, operating time, current density, initial phenol concentration and addition of NaCl. Removal of phenol during electrocoagulation was due to combined effect of sweep coagulation and adsorption. The results showed that, at high current density and solution pH 7, remarkable removal of 97% of phenol after 2
h can be achieved. The rate of electrocoagulation was observed to increase as the phenol concentration decreases; the maximum removal rate was attained at 30
mg
L
−1 phenol concentration. For a given current density using an array of closely packed Al screens as anode was found to be more effective than single screen anode, the percentage phenol removal was found to increase with increasing the number of screens per array. After 2
h of electrocoagulation, 94.5% of initial phenol concentration was removed from the petroleum refinery wastewater. Energy consumption and aluminum Electrode consumption were calculated per gram of phenol removed. The present study shows that, electrocoagulation of phenol using aluminum electrodes is a promising process.
The present study is concerned with the removal of phenol from aqueous solution by adsorption onto low cost adsorbent. Luffa cylindrica fibers, LC, were investigated as an adsorbent for the removal ...of phenol. Batch adsorption experiments were performed as a function of pH, contact time, phenol concentration, adsorbent dose and temperature. The optimum conditions for maximum adsorption were attained at pH 7, LC dose of 3g/L. Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were selected to evaluate the adsorption of phenol on LC. It was found that the Langmuir isotherm model best fits the phenol adsorption onto LC. The pseudo-second-order rate equation as well as the micropore diffusion model described the kinetic data well. The adsorption process was found to be an exothermic process. Thermodynamic parameters of phenol adsorption were calculated. The FT-IR analysis confirms that the adsorption of phenol on LC has a good and favorable adsorptive capacity.
Electrochemical treatment of organic pollutants is a promising treatment technique for substances which are resistant to biodegradation. In this study an electrochemical treatment based on the ...principle of anodic oxidation was used to treat paper mill effluent from Rakta's Pulp and Paper Company where rice straw is used to produce paper pulp. Experiments were carried out in a cylindrical agitated vessel lined with lead sheet as anode while a concentric cylindrical stainless steel sheet screen was placed as a cathode. The effect of current density, pH, NaCl concentration, impeller rotational speed and temperature on the rate of color and COD removal was studied. The results showed that the use of electrochemical technique reduces the COD from an average value of 5500 to 160. The percentage color removal ranged from 53% to 100% depending on the operating conditions. Energy consumption calculation shows that energy consumption ranges from 4 to 29
kWh/m
3 of effluent depending on the operating conditions. The experimental results proved that the electrochemical oxidation is a powerful tool for treating paper mill effluents where rice straw is used as a raw material.
► The reactor used in the study was a rotating cylinder packed with cation exchange resin. ► The experimental data were analyzed using different isotherms. ► The equilibrium data fit well in the ...Langmuir isotherm. ► The experimental data were analyzed using four sorption kinetic models. ► Results show that the Elovich equation provides the best correlation for the biosorption process.
The present study is concerned with the mass transfer and kinetics study of zinc ions removal from aqueous solution using a cation exchange resin packed in a rotating cylindrical basket reactor. The effect of various experimental parameters on the rate of zinc ion removal, such as initial zinc ion concentration, packed bed rotation speed and temperature has been investigated. In addition to find a suitable equilibrium isotherm and kinetic model for the zinc ion removal in a batch reactor. The experimental isotherm data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and D–R equations. The equilibrium data fit well in the Langmuir isotherm. The experimental data were analyzed using four sorption kinetic models, pseudo-first and second-order equations, the Elovich and the intraparticle diffusion model equation, to determine the best fit equation for the biosorption of zinc ions onto purolite C-100 MH resin. Results show that the Elovich equation provides the best correlation for the biosorption process.
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