The diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging compared to computed tomography in the evaluation of fat-containing thoracic lesions.

Intrathoracic fat-containing lesions may arise in the mediastinum, lungs, pleura, or chest wall. While CT can be helpful in the detection and diagnosis of these lesions, it can only do so if the lesions contain scopic fat. Furthermore, because CT cannot demonstrate microscopic or intravoxel fat, it can fail to identify and diagnose microscopic fat-containing lesions.

Lessons and challenges for the recycling sector of Brazil from the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19.

Abstract: The 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic imposed unprecedented challenges in Brazilian governance sectors, mostly in the waste management system. Herein, we analyse the main challenges of the recycling sector in Brazil to cope with this scenario. Understanding difficulties during the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 can help improve waste recycling in the post-pandemic period in Brazil and other developing nations that face similar issues.

Tributyltin and high-refined carbohydrate diet lead to metabolic and reproductive abnormalities, exacerbating premature ovary failure features in the female rats.

Exposure to the obesogen tributyltin (TBT) alone or high carbohydrate diet (HCD) alone leads to obesity and reproductive complications, such as premature ovary failure (POF) features. However, little is known about interactions between TBT and nutrition and their combined impact on reproduction. In this study, we assessed whether acute TBT and HCD exposure results in reproductive and metabolic irregularities.

Three-dimensional virtual planning for nodule resection in solid organs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To systematically review the effects of 3D-imaging virtual planning for nodule resection in the following solid organs: lung, liver, and kidney.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched through September 31, 2020 to include randomized and non-randomized controlled studies that compared outcomes of surgical resection of lung, liver, or kidney nodule resection with and without 3D virtual planning with computed tomography. From each article, the mean operation time (OT), mean estimated blood loss (EBL), mean postoperative hospital stay (POHS), and the number of postoperative events (POE) were extracted.

Assessment of fouling mechanisms on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane during permeation of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) solutions.

Fouling mechanisms are mainly caused by the deposition of organic compounds that reduce the removal efficiency on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. It can be described by mathematical models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the membrane fouling and rejection mechanisms when aqueous solutions containing 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in different concentrations are permeated at 5 and 10 bar in a bench-scale dead-end RO system.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia Presentations in Chest Computed Tomography: A Pictorial Review.

Despite imaging not being a tool for novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis, there has been an increased number of chest computed tomography (CT) scans done worldwide. There are no pathognomonic CT features for COVID-19 pneumonia, as findings are also common in other infectious diseases and noninfectious aetiologies. Nonetheless, point-of-care physicians should be familiarized with the most common imaging presentations of the COVID-19.

Treatment of Bisphenol A (BPA) in water using UV/HO and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes: assessment of estrogenic activity and membrane adsorption.

Removal of an endocrine disrupting compound, Bisphenol A (BPA), from water was investigated using two treatment processes, UV/HO advanced oxidation (AOP) and reverse osmosis (membrane separation). Furthermore, changes in estrogenic activity using in vitro yeast estrogen screen assay as well as the adsorption of BPA by the membrane surface were evaluated. The best UV/HO performance was obtained using the highest established values of all parameters, reaching 48% BPA removal.

Microbial processes driving coral reef organic carbon flow.

Coral reefs are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, with primary production rates compared to that of rain forests. Benthic organisms release 10-50% of their gross organic production as mucus that stimulates heterotrophic microbial metabolism in the water column. As a result, coral reef microbes grow up to 50 times faster than open ocean communities.

Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Submicroparticles Containing Pilocarpine for Glaucoma Therapy.

The objective of the present study was to optimize the preparation of chitosan submicroparticles and to assess whether they enhanced ocular permeation of pilocarpine. Submicroparticles were produced by spray drying and characterized to determine process yield, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, size distribution, drug-polymeric matrix interaction, porcine sclera permeation as well as ocular irritancy and drug retention. Quantification of pilocarpine using High Performance Liquid Chromatography was found to be selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust.

Processing of spent platinum-based catalysts via fusion with potassium hydrogenosulfate.

This work describes a route for processing spent platinum-based commercial catalysts (Pt and PtSnIn/Al(2)O(3)) via fusion with potassium hydrogenosulfate (KHSO(4)). Samples were previously ground. The optimized experimental parameters were: temperature, 450°C; time, 3h; sample/flux mass ratio, 1/10.

Recovery of platinum from spent catalysts by liquid-liquid extraction in chloride medium.

This work examines a hydrometallurgical route for processing spent commercial catalysts (Pt and PtSnIn/A(2)O(3)) used in Brazilian refineries for recovery of the noble metal with less final wastes generation. Samples were initially pre-oxidized (500 degrees C, 5 h) in order to eliminate coke. The basis of the present route is the partial dissolution of the pre-oxidized catalyst in aqua-regia.