Integrating Bayesian Belief Networks in a toolbox for decision support on plastic clean-up technologies in rivers and estuaries

Current mitigation strategies to offset marine plastic pollution, a global concern, typically rely on preventing floating debris from reaching coastal ecosystems. Specifically, clean-up technologies are designed to collect plastics by removing debris from the aquatic environment such as rivers and estuaries. However, to date, there is little published data on their potential impact on riverine and estuarine organisms and ecosystems. Multiple parameters might play a role in the chances of biota and organic debris being unintentionally caught within a mechanical clean-up system, but their exact contribution to a potential impact is unknown. Here, we identified four clusters of parameters that can potentially determine the bycatch: (i) the environmental conditions in which the clean-up system is deployed, (ii) the traits of the biota the system interacts with, (iii) the traits of plastic items present in the system, and, (iv) the design and operation of the clean-up mechanism itself. To efficiently quantify and assess the influence of each of the clusters on bycatch, we suggest the use of transparent and objective tools. In particular, we discuss the use of Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) as a promising probabilistic modelling method for an evidence-based trade-off between removal efficiency and bycatch. We argue that BBN probabilistic models are a valuable tool to assist stakeholders, prior to the deployment of any clean-up technology, in selecting the best-suited mechanism to collect floating plastic debris while managing potential adverse effects on the ecosystem.

Critical peripheral ischemia precipitated by severe episode of Raynaud's phenomenon in a patient with aPL-positive systemic lupus erythematosus, upon high titer anti-RNP seroconversion

A 35-year-old female with long standing aPL-positive lupus without history of thromboembolic events, who has developed critical peripheral ischemia (CPI) is described. An episode of severe Raynaud's phenomenon rapidly progressed to an extensive digit-threatening ischemia, involving bilateral hands and feet. She was successfully treated with corticosteroids, anticoagulation, iloprost, sildenafil, and nifedipine. Her serological studies were remarkable for the emergence of high titer anti-RNP seroconversion and an increase in aPL titer, suggesting that these autoantibodies played a role in the pathogenesis of CPI. It is important to note that such observation should herald this potentially devastating complication of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Enol-keto tautomerism of alpha-ketophosphonates

A number of alpha-ketophosphonates have been prepared and their enol-keto tautomerism has been studied by means of proton and phosphorus NMR and infrared spectroscopy and the ferric chloride test. Aliphatic ketophosphonates exist largely in the keto tautomeric forms, with only a small amount of enol forms present. All the aromatic acylphosphonates studied, however, enolize extensively. An x-ray analysis confirmed enolization and E configuration as the only stereochemical isomer. Reaction of diazomethane with diethyl p-methoxyphenylacetyl phosphonate gave a mixture of O-methylation and carbene insertion products, whereas the same reaction with diethyl isobutyryl phosphonate gave only carbene insertion products.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for nonhealing vasculitic ulcers

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous nonhealing ulceration is a threatening manifestation of vasculitis. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), frequently used as adjuvant therapy for patients with ischaemic ulcers, exerts additional beneficial effects on the vascular inflammatory response.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of HBO on vasculitis-induced nonhealing skin ulcers.

METHODS

The study population comprised 35 patients aged >or= 18 years with severe, nonhealing, vasculitis-induced ulcers that had not improved following immunosuppressive therapy. Baseline ulcer tissue oxygenation was evaluated at room air concentration (21% O2), at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) breathing 100% O2, and at 2 ATA breathing 100% O2. The baseline treatment protocol consisted of a 4-week course of 100% O2 for 90 min at 2 ATA, five times/week.

RESULTS

The mean baseline ulcer tissue oxygenation (3.1 +/- 2.4 kPa at room air concentration), was significantly increased to 13.9 +/- 11.9 kPa at 1 ATA breathing 100% O2 (P < 0.001), and subsequently increased further to 59.1 +/- 29.8 kPa at 2 ATA breathing 100% O2 (P < 0.001). At the end of the hyperbaric therapy, 28 patients (80%) demonstrated complete healing, 4 (11.4%) had partial healing and 3 (8.6%) had no improvement. None of the patients had any side-effects related to the HBO therapy.

CONCLUSION

HBO therapy may serve as an effective safe treatment for patients with vasculitis having nonhealing skin ulcers. Further studies are needed to evaluate its role as primary therapy for this group of patients.