•Microplastic-induced changes affect soil function and soil microbial communities.•The effects of microplastics on soil or soil organisms depend on particle types, concentration and exposure ...time.•Consumption of microplastics can cause mechanical damage, chemical responses and disrupt gut microbial communities.•Microplastics have potential effects on plant growth and may accumulate and transport in plants.•Some bacteria biodegrade microplastics could be used for soil bioremediation.
Microplastics are emerging contaminants and their presence in water and soil ecosystems has recently drawn considerable attention because they pose a great threat to entire ecosystems. Recent researches have focused on the detection, occurrence, characterization, and toxicology of microplastics in marine and freshwater ecosystems; however, our understanding of the ecological effects of microplastics in soil ecosystems is still limited compared with that in aquatic ecosystems. Here, we have compiled literature, studying the sources, migration of microplastics in soil, negative impacts on soil health and function, trophic transfer in food chains, and the corresponding adverse effects on soil organisms in order to address the potential ecological and human health risks caused by microplastics in soil. This review aims to address gaps in knowledge, shed light on the ecological effects of microplastics in soil, and propose future studies on microplastic pollution and the resultant soil ecotoxicity. Furthermore, this review is focused on limiting microplastics in soil and establishing management and remediation measures to mitigate the risks posed by microplastic pollution.
Insight into effect of deuterium isotopes on organic near‐IR (NIR) emitters was explored by the use of self‐assembled Pt(II) complexes H‐3‐f and HPh‐3‐f, and their deuterated analogues D‐3‐f and ...DPh‐3‐f, respectively (Scheme 2). In vacuum deposited thin film, albeit having nearly identical emission spectral feature maximized at ~810 nm, H‐3‐f and D‐3‐f exhibit remarkable difference in photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 29 % and 50 %, respectively. Distinction in PLQY is also observed for HPh‐3‐f (800 nm, 50 %) and DPh‐3‐f (798 nm, 67 %). We then elucidated the theoretical differences in the impact on near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence between Pt(II) complexes and organic small molecules upon deuteration. The results establish a general guideline for the deuteration on NIR emission efficiency. From a perspective of practical application, NIR OLEDs based on D‐3‐f and DPh‐3‐f emitters attain EQEmax of 15.5 % (radiance 31,287 mW Sr−1 m−2) and 16.6 % (radiance of 32,279 mW Sr−1 m−2) at 764 nm and 796 nm, respectively, both of which set new records for NIR OLEDs of >750 nm.
We have developed general guidelines for the effect of deuterium isotopes on the NIR emission efficiency of Pt(II) complexes and common organic NIR emitters. Also, in this study the NIR OLED based on deuterated Pt(II) complex DPh‐3‐f emitter attains 796 nm electroluminescence with EQEmax of 16.6 % and radiance of 32,279 mW Sr−1 m−2, which sets new records for NIR OLEDs of >750 nm.
Although refractory high-entropy alloys have exceptional strength at high temperatures, they are often brittle at room temperature. One exception is the HfNbTaTiZr alloy, which has a plasticity of ...over 50% at room temperature. However, the strength of HfNbTaTiZr at high temperature is insufficient. In this study, the composition of HfNbTaTiZr is modified with an aim to improve its strength at high temperature, while retaining reasonable toughness at room temperature. Two new alloys with simple BCC structure, HfMoTaTiZr and HfMoNbTaTiZr, were designed and synthesized. The results show that the yield strengths of the new alloys are apparently higher than that of HfNbTaTiZr. Moreover, a fracture strain of 12% is successfully retained in the HfMoNbTaTiZr alloy at room temperature.
•Both HfMoTaTiZr and HfMoNbTaTiZr alloys have simple BCC structure.•The elevated temperature properties and microstructure evolution of both alloys are investigated.•HfMoNbTaTiZr has better combination of strength and plasticity than HfMoTaTiZr.•The yield strength of HfMoNbTaTiZr is six times that of HfNbTaTiZr at 1200 °C.•HfMoTaTiZr and HfMoNbTaTiZr have great potential in high-temperature applications.
Background
Biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) emerge rapidly in recent years, especially for new targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Methods
Recent, relevant ...peer‐reviewed evidence were critically reviewed and summarized.
Results
This review article briefly introduces essential biomarker concepts, including purposes and classifications (predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic markers), and the phases of biomarker development. We summarize current biomarkers in order of clinical utility; p16 and human papillomavirus status remain the most important and validated biomarkers in HNSCC. The rationale for biomarker study design continues to evolve with technological advances, especially whole‐exome or whole‐genomic sequencing. Noninvasive body fluid and liquid biopsy biomarkers appear to hold strong potential for development as tools for early cancer detection, cancer diagnosis, monitoring of disease recurrence, and outcome prediction. In light of discrepancies among different technologies, standardized approaches are needed.
Conclusion
Biomarkers from cancer tissue or blood in HNSCC could direct new anticancer therapies.
•Disposal of municipal sewage sludge containing HMs poses a high environmental risk.•Disposal of biochar derived from sludge pyrolysis poses a low environmental risk.•The effect of pyrolysis ...temperature on immobilization of HMs in biochar was studied.•Fractionation and bioavailability of heavy metals in sludge and biochar was analyzed.•The influence of pyrolysis temperature on properties of biochar was studied.
Dried raw sludge was pyrolyzed at temperatures ranging from 400 to 600°C at the increase of 50°C intervals to investigate the influence of pyrolysis temperature on properties and environmental safety of heavy metals in biochar derived from municipal sewage sludge. The sludge biochar yield decreased significantly with increasing pyrolysis temperature but the pH, ash content and specific surface area increased. Conversion of sludge to biochar markedly decreased the H/C and N/C ratios. FT-IR analysis confirmed a dramatic depletion of H and N and a higher degree of aromatic condensation in process of biochar formation at higher temperatures. The total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn, and Ni increased with conversion of sludge to biochar and increasing pyrolysis temperature. However, using BCR sequential extraction and analysis, it was found that most of the heavy metals existed in the oxizable and residual forms after pyrolysis, especially at 600°C, resulting in a significant reduction in their bioavailability, leading to a very low environmental risk of the biochar. The present study indicates pyrolysis is a promising sludge treatment method for heavy metals immobilization in biochar, and highlights the potential to minimize the harmful effects of biochar by controlling pyrolysis temperature.
Plastic debris in the global biosphere is an increasing concern, and nanoplastic (NPs) toxicity in humans is far from being understood. Studies have indicated that NPs can affect mitochondria, but ...the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The liver and lungs have important metabolic functions and are vulnerable to NP exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of 80 nm NPs on mitochondrial functions and metabolic pathways in normal human hepatic (L02) cells and lung (BEAS-2B) cells. NP exposure did not induce mass cell death; however, transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the NPs could enter the cells and cause mitochondrial damage, as evidenced by overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppression of mitochondrial respiration. These alterations were observed at NP concentrations as low as 0.0125 mg/mL, which might be comparable to the environmental levels. Nontarget metabolomics confirmed that the most significantly impacted processes were mitochondrial-related. The metabolic function of L02 cells was more vulnerable to NP exposure than that of BEAS-2B cells, especially at low NP concentrations. This study identifies NP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic toxicity pathways in target human cells, providing insight into the possibility of adverse outcomes in human health.
Anxiety and depression are risk factors for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), but their effects on coronary artery spasm (CAS) remain unestablished.
Patient records in this population-based ...study were retrospectively collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Using propensity score matching, we used 1:1:1 ratio stratification into a control group of 10,325 individuals without CAS or CAD, a CAS group comprising 10,473 patients, and a CAD group comprising 10,473 patients during 2000-2012.
The prevalence of CAS and CAD was 0.067% and 8.7%, respectively, in the general population. The prevalence of anxiety and depression diagnoses was significantly higher in patients with new-onset CAS than in those with new-onset CAD and controls without CAS/CAD, even after propensity score matching. Compared with CAD, anxiety and depression diagnoses conferred a higher risk of developing CAS (odds ratio OR = 2.29, 95% confidence interval CI, 2.14-2.45, p < .001, and OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.08-1.66, p = .007, respectively). The association was even stronger when comparing CAS with the control group without CAD or CAS (OR = 5.20, 95% CI, 4.72-5.74, p < .001, and OR = 1.98, 95% CI, 1.50-2.62, p < .001, respectively). The increased risk of new-onset CAS as related to previous anxiety and depression diagnoses was comparable between males and females.
Compared with CAD or the general population, anxiety and depression diagnoses confer a higher risk of developing CAS. No sex differences are found for the association of anxiety and depression with CAS.
The quick-switch sampling system (QSS) and tightened-normal-tightened sampling system (TSS) are efficient schemes for dispositioning a series of lots. However, the QSS mechanism for switching ...decision rules is too simple to satisfy the requirements of suppliers and buyers. Conversely, the TSS is more flexible due to its adaptable switching mechanism. The TSS was recently developed based on process capability indices (PCIs) to help practitioners make more reliable and accurate decisions in practice. The existing PCI-based TSSs are the required sample-size type (TSS-n). However, the TSS-n requires a large sample size for the tightened inspection, which is costly and time-consuming. We propose the acceptance-benchmark type TSS (TSS-k) based on the most commonly used PCI, to improve the lot-disposition sampling efficiency. The TSS-k adjusts the acceptance benchmark instead of the sample size to constitute tightened and normal inspections. We investigated combinations of TSS-k switching mechanism parameters and provided managerial suggestions for practitioners. Compared with the existing TSS-n, the proposed TSS-k can reduce the average sample number by more than 60% and has superior discrimination power. Moreover, we developed a cloud-computing programme to calculate the optimal system design online. Finally, we illustrate an industrial case to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed TSS-k.
Background
For R/M HNSCC, the differences in prognosis and treatment options between distant metastasis (DM) and locoregional recurrence, especially in the DM group, remain unclear.
Methods
From the ...Taiwan Head Neck Society registry database, patients who were diagnosed with R/M HNSCC and received cetuximab‐based frontline therapy were collected for analysis.
Results
Among the enrolled patients, 59.3% (491/827) belonged to the DM group. The DM group had less primary site of oral cavity, less betel nut chewing, higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and higher LDH/albumin ratio compared with the non‐DM group. For the patients with primary site of oral cavity and current smokers, DM coexisted with poorer outcomes. In the DM group, EXTREME‐like regimen was more suitable for older patients, those with elevated LDH, and those with higher LDH/albumin ratio than TPExtreme‐like regimen.
Conclusion
DM coexisted with poorer prognosis in certain groups. LDH‐associated biomarkers may aid treatment options for DM patients.
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is originally featured with a strong clustering of mutations in NOTCH3 exons 3-6 and ...leukoencephalopathy with frequent anterior temporal pole involvement. The present study aims at characterizing the genotypic and phenotypic profiles of CADASIL in Taiwan. One hundred and twelve patients with CADASIL from 95 families of Chinese descents in Taiwan were identified by Sanger sequencing of exons 2 to 24 of NOTCH3. Twenty different mutations in NOTCH3 were uncovered, including 3 novel ones, and R544C in exon 11 was the most common mutation, accounting for 70.5% of the pedigrees. Haplotype analyses were conducted in 14 families harboring NOTCH3 R544C mutation and demonstrated a common haplotype linked to NOTCH3 R544C at loci D19S929 and D19S411. Comparing with CADASIL in most Caucasian populations, CADASIL in Taiwan has several distinct features, including less frequent anterior temporal involvement, older age at symptom onset, higher incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage, and rarer occurrence of migraine. Subgroup analyses revealed that the R544C mutation is associated with lower frequency of anterior temporal involvement, later age at onset and higher frequency of cognitive dysfunction. In conclusion, the present study broadens the spectrum of NOTCH3 mutations and provides additional insights for the clinical and molecular characteristics of CADASIL patients of Han-Chinese descents.
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