Publications by authors named "Heran M"

This study critically analyses filtration process modeling in membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. More specifically, the variety of approaches and assumptions considered within a curated selection of resistance-in-series (RIS) filtration models found in the literature is critically assessed. Aimed to move towards good filtration process modeling practices, the basis for establishing a unified framework rooted in the fundamentals of membrane fouling is defined in this work, considering fouling classifications, process dynamics, and underlying processes used by different authors for elucidating membrane fouling phenomena.

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Background: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) accounts for 0.5-1% of all strokes. The role of endovascular therapy (EVT) in the management of CVT remains controversial and variations in practice patterns are not well known.

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The dripper clogging due to the development of biofilm can reduce the benefits of micro-irrigation technology implementation using reclaimed wastewater. The narrow cross-section and labyrinth geometry of the dripper channel enhance the fouling mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the water distribution and biofouling of drip irrigation systems at the field scale during irrigation with treated wastewater.

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Background: Functional cognitive disorder (FCD) may be common after a concussion, and no evidence-based treatment options are available. The current study evaluated the feasibility of a novel cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) protocol tailored to FCD after concussion.

Methods: Participants were randomised to CBT (n=11) or the current standard of care, cognitive rehabilitation (n=13).

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Objective: To present a case series with a long-term follow-up of CT-guided cryoablation procedure for the minimally invasive treatment of symptomatic lumbar facet synovial cyst with a mean follow-up of 38 months (range, 15-55).

Materials And Methods: We present a retrospective, uncontrolled clinical case series in a single institution on patients treated with CT-guided cryoablation for symptomatic lumbar facet joint synovial cyst refractory to or not suitable for imaging-guided rupture procedure. In two cases, patients underwent cryoablation and cyst rupture within a 2-week period.

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The optimization of integrated membrane bioreactors (MBRs) models is of paramount importance in view of reducing the costs, greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing the water quality. On this behalf, this paper, produced by the International Water Association (IWA) Task Group on Membrane modelling and control, reviews the current state-of-the-art regarding the control and optimization of integrated MBR models. Whether aerobic or anaerobic, such modelling allows the consideration of specific functioning conditions and optimization problems together with the estimation and monitoring of Performance Index (PIs).

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Background: Computed tomography (CT)-guided cordotomy has been shown to be a safe and effective method for treating cancer pain in adults in a palliative care setting. Its effectiveness has been rarely reported in children. During cordotomy, patient feedback is considered essential.

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Inferior vena cava (IVC) compression secondary to mass effect is accompanied by edema, ascites, back and abdominal pain, and central nervous system symptoms. Most IVC syndrome cases described in the literature focus on the focal treatment of IVC lesions, and reports of complete iliocaval reconstructions secondary to malignant IVC syndrome in the palliative context are limited. In this case report, we describe the clinical presentation, technical approach, and symptomatic outcomes of a patient with extensive malignant compression and invasion of the iliofemoral venous system.

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Background: Interhospital transfer for patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been associated with treatment delays.

Methods: We analyzed data from Optimizing Patient Treatment in Major Ischemic Stroke With EVT, a quality improvement registry to support EVT implementation in Canada. We assessed for unadjusted differences in baseline characteristics, time metrics, and procedural outcomes between patients with large vessel occlusion transferred for EVT and those directly admitted to an EVT-capable center.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study compared the effectiveness and safety of four first-generation flow diverters (FDs) used for treating sidewall ICA intracranial aneurysms, which include Pipeline, Silk, FRED, and Surpass devices, using data from 444 patients across 18 institutions from 2009-2016.
  • - Analysis revealed no significant differences in retreatment rates or complications among the devices; however, the Surpass device showed the highest probability of achieving effective occlusion at follow-up, followed by FRED, Pipeline, and Silk.
  • - Although all devices had good clinical outcomes, the study highlights the need for prospective research to further clarify the differences and long-term effects of these flow diverters.
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Background: Radial arterial access has gained interest for neurovascular procedures in recent years. Although there are no randomized control trials for neurointervention procedures using radial access, there is growing literature demonstrating its feasibility and favorable outcomes. Equipment technical improvements, like the recently introduced BENCHMARK™ BMX®81 System, have made radial navigation safer, with improved maneuverability and support for a variety of procedures.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study explores the connection between infarct volume in acute ischemic stroke patients and their chances of achieving good clinical outcomes based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).
  • Using data from the ESCAPE-NA1 trial, researchers analyzed how changes in infarct volume influence the probabilities of recovery in 1,099 patients over 24 hours post-treatment.
  • Findings indicate a nearly linear relationship between infarct volume and good outcomes up to 250 mL, suggesting that significant reductions in infarct size are necessary to improve chances of recovery, especially as patients with volumes over 250 mL have very low probabilities of good outcomes.
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Article Synopsis
  • The 7th edition of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR) offers evidence-based guidelines for healthcare providers to enhance stroke care and outcomes, with a new focus on cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).
  • CVT is a rare but serious form of stroke affecting the brain's veins, with higher prevalence in women, often linked to oral contraceptive use and pregnancy.
  • The guidelines detail comprehensive care for CVT, ranging from diagnosis and acute treatment to long-term management, while providing resources to help healthcare systems implement these recommendations effectively.
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The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation appears to be a relevant solution to the challenges of growing water demand and scarcity. However, TWW contains not only micro-pollutants including pharmaceutical residues but also antibiotic resistant bacteria. The reuse of TWW could contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in the environment.

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Introduction: To assess the association between the impact of the completeness of pre-operative spine tumour embolisation and clinical outcomes, including estimated blood loss (EBL), neurological status and complications.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all preoperative spine tumour embolisation procedures performed over 11 years by a single operator (2007-2018) at Vancouver General Hospital on 44 consecutive patients (mean age 57; 77% males) with 46 embolisation procedures, of which surgery was done en bloc in 26 cases and intralesional in the remaining 20. A multivariable negative binomial regression model was fit to examine the association between EBL and surgery type, tumour characteristics, embolisation completeness and operative duration.

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A simple model is developed for membrane fouling, taking into account two main fouling phenomena: cake formation, due to attached solids on the membrane surface, and pore clogging, due to retained compounds inside the pores. The model is coupled with a simple anaerobic digestion model for describing the dynamics of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR). In simulations, we investigate its qualitative behavior: it is shown that the model exhibits satisfying properties in terms of a flux decrease due to membrane fouling.

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Sugarcane industries produce wastewater loaded with various pollutants. For reuse of treated wastewater and valorization of biogas in a Sahelian climatic context, the performance of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor was studied for two solid retention times (40 days and infinity). The pilot was fed with real wastewater from a sugarcane operation with an organic load ranging from 15 to 22 gCOD/L/d for 353 days.

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The worldwide pressure on water resources is aggravated by rapid industrialization, with the food industry, particularly sugar factories, being the foremost contributor. Sugarcane, a primary source of sugar production, requires vast amounts of water, over half of which is discharged as wastewater, often mixed with several byproducts. The discharge of untreated wastewater can have detrimental effects on the environment, making the treatment and reuse of effluents crucial.

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To investigate the effect of wastewater (WW) treatment on soil bacterial communities, water of different quality was used to irrigate eight lettuces per tank: raw municipal wastewater (RWW), WW treated with an aerated constructed wetland (CWW) and WW treated with a membrane bioreactor (MBW), and tap water (TW). The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics (quality indicators) of these water types were characterized, and the water and soil bacterial communities were monitored by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Despite marked differences in microbial load and diversity of waters, soil communities remained remarkably stable after irrigation.

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A mathematical correlation between biomass kinetic and membrane fouling can improve the understanding and spread of Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, especially in solving the membrane fouling issues. On this behalf, this paper, produced by the International Water Association (IWA) Task Group on Membrane modelling and control, reviews the current state-of-the-art regarding the modelling of kinetic processes of biomass, focusing on modelling production and utilization of soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The key findings of this work show that the new conceptual approaches focus on the role of different bacterial groups in the formation and degradation of SMP/EPS.

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