Heliyon

Our medical research library holds 22 studies published in Heliyon (2019–2024). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 22 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
• Published: 2015 to the present, England
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2405-8440 (electronic)
• Absorbed: Vaccine Reports
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• A comprehensive study on the spatial and temporal variation of BTEX and asbestos in the northwest of Iran: Human risk assessment. E. Zarezadeh, A. Jonidi Jafari, M. Gholami, et al. 2024;10(11):e31640. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Substances like asbestos and other air pollutants, such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), are hazardous compounds due to their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to investigate the levels, seasonal variations, spatial distribution, potential sources, and associated health risks associated with BTEX compounds and asbestos fibers in the ambient air of Tabriz. Air samples were taken at 16 different locations during the 2020-2021 period. Glass containers with charcoal were used for sample collection, and the BTEX content was determined using the GC-FID method. Phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) analysis was conducted with a low-volume peripheral pump for asbestos fiber sampling. The results showed that the average concentration of ∑BTEX was 37.94 and 27.98 μg/m3 in autumn and spring, respectively. The same parameter was 2.26 and 1.68 f/L for asbestos in the autumn and winter, respectively. The contribution of BTEX to ozone formation potential (OFP) in the research area showed that xylene and toluene were the major contributors to ozone production in different seasons. The risk of exposure to benzene compounds was 24 × 10-4 in children and 55.9 × 10-4 in adults, while the risk of exposure to ethylbenzene was 3.78 × 10-4 in children and 3.25 × 10-4 in adults. The estimated lifetime cancer risk was found to be the highest for benzene, followed by ethylbenzene. The estimated cancer risk for benzene and ethylbenzene exceeded the threshold values set by EPA, which signals a significant carcinogenic risk due to exposure to these substances in the ambient air of Tabriz. According to the EPA guidelines, the low carcinogenicity risk levels are between 10-4 and 10-6. According to the findings for the exposure to asbestos fibers, the maximum values of excess cancer risk (ECR) and estimated lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were observed in the 16-30 age range across all locations, suggesting increased exposure to asbestos fibers compared to other age groups.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Assessment of asbestos-cement roof distribution and prioritized intervention approaches through hyperspectral imaging. D. Enrique Valdelamar Martínez, M. Saba, L.K. Torres Gil. 2024;10(3):e25612. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The discernment of asbestos-cement (AC) roofs within urban areas stands as a pivotal concern pertinent to communal well-being and ecological oversight, particularly in emerging nations where asbestos continues to be extensively employed. Conventional methodologies entailing the recognition of asbestos-cement roofs and the characterization of their degradation status, such as tangible examinations and laboratory assays, prove to be temporally protracted, financially demanding, and arduous to extrapolate comprehensively across expansive urban domains. In this paper, it is presented a novel approach for identifying asbestos-cement roofs in urban areas using hyperspectral airborne acquisition and carry out a diagnosis that allows to identify the state of asbestos-cement roofs and thus provide a tool for the competent authorities to develop and prioritize intervention strategies to mitigate the problem. Four different methodologies were implemented and compared, three of which are new in the literature, to identify the deterioration of asbestos-cement (AC) roof state in large urban areas. This, in turn, furnishes a tool for competent authorities to identify the state of AC roofs, develop and prioritize intervention strategies to mitigate the problem. The control points in field allowed validating the classification and the proposed methodology for the prioritization of intervention in AC roofs. Some neighborhoods in the city showed peaks in the area of asbestos-cement roofs of 47% of the total area of the neighborhood, representing practically all of the roofs present in the neighborhood. On average around 20% of the total area of a neighborhood in Cartagena is covered by AC. Furthermore, it was found a total area of AC roofs throughout the city of more than 9 km2 (9 million square meters). On the other hand, two of the 4 methods used showed encouraging results that demonstrate their ability to identify covers in poor and good condition at a large scale from hyperspectral images. This academic novelty suggests that there is a possibility of practical application of these methods in other urban contexts with high concentrations of AC roofs, helping in the planning and optimization of intervention strategies to mitigate the risk in public and environmental health due to the presence of asbestos.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Characterization of KLHL14 anti-oncogenic action in malignant mesothelioma. A. Canciello, R.B. Domínguez, B. Barboni, et al. 2024;10(6):e27731. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive neoplasia with a short life expectancy and limited therapeutic options. Thus, the identification of novel molecular targets is a matter of great urgency. Kelch-like (KLHL) proteins play an important role in a number of physiological and pathological cell-regulatory processes. Among this family, the function of KLHL14 is still very poorly characterized. KLHL14 was originally identified as a gene involved in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Here, we demonstrate that KLHL14 not only prevents EMT but also plays an anti-oncogenic role in MM. Indeed, KLHL14 depletion enhanced proliferation, motility, invasion and colony formation in MM cells. Importantly, we also demonstrated that KLHL14 mechanism of action is dependent on Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β). In fact, TGF-β promotes de novo synthesis, increases protein stability and induces nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of KLHL14. Collectively, this research is an important step further to decipher KLHLs mechanism of action and further contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating MM.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Comparative analysis of genetic variants in pleural fluids and solid tissue biopsies of pleural mesothelioma patients: Implications for molecular heterogeneity assessment. R. Silvestri, F. Rea, M. Vitiello, et al. 2024;10(11):e32152. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Objectives: This study aims to determine whether the sequencing of DNA extracted from pleural fluids (PFs) of Pleural Mesothelioma (PM) patients accurately represents the genetic information obtained from the solid tissue counterpart biopsies with particular attention to the identification of single nucleotide variants (SNVs).

  Materials And Methods: Single pleural biopsy, PFs, and blood were collected from PM patients. DNA was extracted from these samples and then subjected to Whole-Exome Sequencing.

  Results: A higher number of SNVs was identified in PFs than in solid tissue biopsies (STBs). Most SNVs were detected in PFs samples but not in STBs samples, while only a few SNVs were detected in STBs samples but not in PFs samples.

  Conclusion: The current findings support the notion that PFs might offer a more robust depiction of cancer's molecular diversity. Nonetheless, the current outcomes challenge the assertion that liquid biopsies can encompass the entirety of intra-patient variations. Indeed, a subset of potential cancer-driver SNVs was exclusively identified in STBs. However, relying solely on STBs would have precluded the detection of significant SNVs that were exclusively present in PFs. This implies that while PFs serve as a valuable complement to STBs, they do not supplant them.

  © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

• Comprehensive approach integrating remote sensing, machine learning, and physicochemical parameters to detect hydrodynamic conditions and groundwater quality deterioration in non-rechargeable aquifer systems. M.H. Eid, A. Shebl, M. Eissa, et al. 2024;10(12):e32992. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The current study integrates remote sensing, machine learning, and physicochemical parameters to detect hydrodynamic conditions and groundwater quality deterioration in non-rechargeable aquifer systems. Fifty-two water samples were collected from all water resources in Siwa Oasis and analyzed for physical (pH, T°C, EC, and TDS) chemical (SO4 2-, HCO3 -, NO3 -, Cl-, CO3 2-, SiO2, Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+, and K+), and trace metals (AL, Fe, Sr, Ba, B, and Mn). A digital elevation model supported by machine learning was used to predict the change in the land cover (surface lake area, soil salinity, and water logging) and its effect on water quality deterioration. The groundwater circulation and interaction between the deep aquifer (NSSA) and shallow aquifer (TCA) were detected from the pressure-depth profile of 27 production wells penetrating NSSA. The chemical facies evolution in the aquifer systems were (Ca-Mg-HCO3) in the first stage (freshwater of NSSA) and changed to (Na-Cl) type in the last stage (brackish water of TCA and springs). Support vector machine successfully predicted the rapid increase of the hypersaline lake area from 22.6 km2 to 60.6 km2 within 30 years, which deteriorated a large part of the cultivated land, reflecting the environmental risk of over-extraction of water for irrigation of agricultural land by flooding technique and lack of suitable drainage network. The waterlogging in the study was due to a reduction in the infiltration rate (low permeability) of the soil and quaternary aquifer. The cause of this issue could be a complete saturation of agricultural water with chrysotile, calcite, talc, dolomite, gibbsite, chlorite, Ca-montmorillonite, illite, hematite, kaolinite and K-mica (saturation index >1), giving the chance of these minerals to precipitate in the pore spaces of the soil and decrease the infiltration rate. The NSSA is appropriate for irrigation, whereas TCA is inappropriate due to potential salinity and magnesium risks. The best way to manage water resources in Siwa Oasis could be to use underground drip irrigation and combine water with TCA and NSSA.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Evaluation of asbestos dispersion during laser ablation of rocks containing Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA). A. Bloise, F. Parisi, M.F. La Russa, et al. 2024;10(21):e39624. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Health risks are often overlooked when the short-term consequences are not immediately apparent. During restoration work, cleaning actions can generate particles that pose health risks to workers through inhalation. This is particularly true in the case of asbestos fibres that might be spread out from the laser cleaning of buildings or heritage artifacts made of stone, such as serpentinite and other ultramafic rocks, that have a high probability of containing asbestos (e.g., chrysotile, tremolite asbestos, actinolite asbestos). To show workers the importance of wearing proper protection to prevent health injuries, several serpentinite samples, ascertained to contain asbestos minerals by specific investigations, have been laser ablated using ad hoc modified equipment in order to collocate a HEPA filter prone to collect all dust emitted during ablation. The powder deposited on the surface of these filters after laser ablation was analyzed, by Powder X -ray Diffraction (PXRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (TEM/EDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR). The results confirmed the presence of asbestos fibres during the laser ablation of rocks containing Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), emphasizing the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during these procedures. Noteworthy, approximately 33 % of the analyzed fibres met the WHO criteria in size for respirable fibres. Furthermore, through our experiments, we also demonstrated that using tools that integrate filters into working tools would definitively further decrease the risk of fibres inhalation to workers.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Ferritin adsorption onto chrysotile asbestos fibers influences the protein secondary structure. M. Zangari, F. Piccirilli, L. Vaccari, et al. 2024;10(20):e38966. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Asbestos fiber exposure triggers chronic inflammation and cancer. Asbestos fibers can adsorb different types of proteins. The mechanism of this adsorption, not yet completely understood, has been studied in detail mainly with serum albumin and was shown to induce structural changes in the bound protein. The findings of these works regarded mainly the changes of the protein structure, independently of any relation with asbestos-related diseases. For the first time, we have focused our attention to the consequences of the interaction between asbestos fibers and ferritin, a protein involved in iron metabolism, which is strongly modified in asbestos-related diseases. Even if it is known that ferritin can be adsorbed by asbestos fibers, the results of this interaction for the ferritin secondary structure has not previously been studied. One consequence of asbestos-ferritin interaction, is the formation of the so-called ferruginous/asbestos bodies (ABs). In the AB-coating material, the secondary structure of ferritin is modified, and at present, it is unclear whether or not this modification is a direct consequence of the asbestos interaction. In the present study, chrysotile asbestos, more than other asbestos fiber types tested, was found to rapidly bind holo-ferritin, and the presence of iron seemed to play a key role in this process, since iron-free apo-ferritin was adsorbed at a lower level, and iron-saturated chrysotile lost its ferritin-adsorbing capacity. To directly study the details of ferritin adsorption on asbestos fibers, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) was employed together with FTIR microspectroscopy and Infrared nanoscopy, which to the best of our knowledge, have not previously been used for this purpose. Chrysotile-bound apo-ferritin underwent a significant change in secondary structure, showing a shift from a prevalent α-helix to a β-sheet conformation. Conversely, the adsorbed holo-ferritin structure appeared to be only weakly modified. These findings add a new potential mechanism to the toxic activities of asbestos: the fibers can modify the structure, and very likely, the function of adsorbed proteins. This, in relation to ferritin, could be a key mechanism in cell iron homeostasis alteration, typically reported in asbestos-related diseases.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Isolation and whole genomic analysis of mesophilic bacterium Pseudoglutamicibacter cumminsii in epithelial mesothelioma. N. Xu, K. Wu, T. La, et al. 2024;10(15):e35617. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The relationship between bacteria and tumors has been the hot spot of clinical research in recent years. Pseudoglutamicibacter cumminsii is an aerobic Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in soil. Recent studies have identified P. cumminsii in patients with cutaneous and urinary tract infections. However, little is known on its pathogenesis as well as involvement in other clinical symptoms. In this study, we first report the isolation of P. cumminsii in blood of an epithelial mesothelioma patient. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of P. cumminsii were first described and evaluated. The pure colony of P. cumminsii was then identified using automated microorganism identification system and mass spectrum. The whole genome of the newly identified strain was sequenced with third generation sequencing (TGS). The assembled genome was further annotated and analyzed. Whole genomic and comparative genomic analysis revealed that the isolated P. cumminsii strain in this study had a genome size of 2,179,930 bp and had considerable unique genes compared with strains reported in previous findings. Further phylogenetic analysis showed that this strain had divergent phylogenetic relationship with other P. cumminsii strains. Based on these results, the newly found P. cumminsii strain was named P. cumminsii XJ001 (PC1). Virulence analysis identified a total of 71 pathogenic genes with potential roles in adherence, immune modulation, nutrition/metabolism, and regulation in PC1. Functional analysis demonstrated that the annotated genes in PC1 were mainly clustered into amino acid metabolism (168 genes), carbohydrate metabolism (107 genes), cofactor and vitamin metabolisms (98 genes), and energy metabolism (68 genes). Specifically, six genes including yodJ, idh, katA, pyk, sodA, and glsA were identified within cancer pathways, and their corresponding homologous genes have been documented with precise roles in human cancer. Collectively, the above results first identified P. cumminsii in the blood of tumor patients and further provide whole genomic landscape of the newly identified PC1 strain, shedding light on future studies of bacteria in tumorigenesis.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Mapping roof coverings of asbestos-cement, the first step to control the technical condition/threat and establish priorities for replacement in developing countries. L.K.T. Gil, D. Valdelamar Martínez, K.B. Franco, et al. 2024;10(17):e37522. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  This paper presents a systematic and data-driven approach to prioritize interventions in urban areas with asbestos cement (AC) roofs, addressing the urgent need to mitigate asbestos-related risks. The objective is to propose a comprehensive methodology that considers multiple criteria at the neighborhood level, allowing for a nuanced assessment of intervention priorities. The methodology involves the normalization of various parameters, including population density, facility density, and the area covered by asbestos-cement roofs. In addition, an innovative aspect is introduced by incorporating weathering status identification data, represented as an index, validated in previous research, further enriching the evaluation process. The integration of these diverse factors allows for a holistic understanding of the risk landscape associated with AC roofs in urban settings. The cornerstone of the proposed approach is the development of a Priority Intervention Index (PII) at the neighborhood level. This index serves to standardize the assessment of intervention priorities, enabling a fair and transparent comparison across different regions. To enhance practical application, the PII is discretized into three categories, low, mid and high intervention priority. The results obtained are robust, replicable in other scenarios, and practical for decision-makers. The new methodology provides a structured and quantifiable approach to identify and prioritize areas for asbestos-related interventions based on well-defined criteria at the neighborhood level. The resulting prioritization strategy offers urban planners and local officials a clear and evidence-based tool to allocate resources efficiently and effectively manage the inherent risks associated with AC roofs in urban environments. The paper will describe how the prioritization can be applied "at the neighborhood level" by urban planners and local officials.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Newest therapeutic strategies impacting on rarest thoracic malignancies: The clinical case report of biphasic pleural mesothelioma. F. Pellicioli, L. Sala, F. Colonese, et al. 2024;10(16):e36306. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  A caucasian 62-year-old woman, diagnosed with biphasic pleural mesothelioma (PM) of II stage and BAP1 loss, was treated with therapies included in clinical trial and Early Access Programmes (EAP). During her clinical history, radiological images presented an unusual representation of the disease, with a pseudo progression discussed many times by several specialists. The patient's overall survival improved as a result of the multidisciplinary team and the availability of medicines outside of clinical practice.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Prognostic significance of LAT1 expression in pleural mesothelioma. R. Taguchi, K. Kaira, Y. Miura, et al. 2024;10(17):e37414. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: The L-type amino acid transporter (LAT1) exhibits significantly increased expression within tumor cells across various neoplasms. However, the clinical significance of LAT1 expression in patients with pleural mesothelioma (PM) remains unclear.

  Methods: Eighty patients diagnosed with PM between June 2007 and August 2022, were eligible for this study. LAT1, alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2), Ki-67, and VEGFR2 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory and nutritional indices were also correlated with different variables, including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI), and Glasgow prognostic score (GPS).

  Results: LAT1 was highly expressed in 57.5 % of patients with PM. Among the 80 patients included in this study, 65 (81.3 %) received chemotherapy, either alone or followed by surgical resection, while 15 (18.7 %) opted for best supportive care. The level of LAT1 significantly correlated with cell proliferation and ASCT2. Factors such as performance status, histology, LAT1 expression, PNI, ALI, and GPS were significant prognostic indicators for progression-free survival (PFS), while Ki-67, LAT1, NLR, SII, PNI, ALI, and GPS were identified as significant predictors for overall survival (OS). LAT1 expression emerged as an independent prognostic factor for predicting PFS and OS in all patients, as well as in the subgroup of 65 patients receiving chemotherapy. Notably, high LAT1 expression proved to be a significant predictor of outcome, particularly in the subgroup with high PLR and SII.

  Conclusion: LAT1 was a significant predictor of outcomes in patients with PM and was more predictive of worse outcomes in patients with high inflammatory and low nutritional status.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• Targeted degradation of specific TEAD paralogs by small molecule degraders. H. Chen, A. Gridnev, N. Schlamowitz, et al. 2024;10(18):e37829. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The transcription factors, TEAD1-4 together with their co-activator YAP/TAZ function as key downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway. Hyperactivation of TEAD-YAP/TAZ activity is observed in many human cancers. TEAD1-4 possess distinct physiological and pathological functions, with conserved sequences and structures. Targeting specific isoforms within TEAD1-4 can serve as valuable chemical probes for investigating TEAD-related functions in both development and diseases. We report the TEAD-targeting proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), HC278, which achieves effective and specific targeting of TEAD1 and TEAD3 at low nanomolar doses while weakly degrading TEAD2 and TEAD4 at higher doses. Proteomic analysis of >6000 proteins confirmed their highly selective TEAD1 and TEAD3 degradation. Consistently, HC278 can suppress the proliferation of YAP-dependent NCI-H226 mesothelioma cells. Mechanistic exploration revealed that both CRBN and proteasome systems are involved in the TEAD degradation induced by HC278. Moreover, RNA-seq and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that the YAP signature genes such as CTGF, CYR61, and ANKRD1 are significantly downregulated by HC278 treatment. Overall, HC278 serves as a valuable chemical tool for unraveling the intricate biological roles of TEAD1 and TEAD3 and holds the potential as a lead compound for developing targeted therapy for TEAD1/3-driven pathologies.

  © 2024 The Authors.

• A critical review of asbestos concentrations in water and air, according to exposure sources. M. Peña-Castro, M. Montero-Acosta, M. Saba. 2023;9(5):e15730. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Asbestos, a group of minerals with unique physical and chemical properties, has been widely used in various industries. However, extensive exposure to asbestos fibers, present in the environment, has been linked to several types of cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Despite worldwide regulations prohibiting or regulating the use of this material, the uncertainty surrounding the concentrations of asbestos fibers in the environment (air and water) from different sources of exposure persists. The objective of this review paper is to identify the levels of asbestos in air and water reported in the literature based on the source of exposure in diverse contexts to assess conformity with the reference limits for this mineral. Initially, the review delineates various forms of exposure and the origin of fiber generation in the environment, whether direct or indirect. Regarding the presence of asbestos in the environment, high concentrations were identified in natural water bodies known as Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), and there is a risk in the process of distributing drinking water due to the presence of asbestos-cement pipes. In the air, studies to determine asbestos concentrations vary based on the sources of exposure in each region or city studied. The presence of asbestos mines around the city and the intensity of vehicular traffic are some of the most relevant sources found to be related to high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air. The present review paper features a critical review section in each chapter to highlight critical points found in the literature and suggest new methodologies/ideas to standardize future research. It emphasizes the necessity to standardize methods for measuring asbestos concentrations in air and water arising from diverse sources of exposure to enable comparisons between different regions and countries.

  © 2023 The Authors.

• Comparison of video-assisted pleurectomy/decortication surgery plus hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy with VATS talc pleurodesis for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma: A pilot study. M. Migliore, M. Fiore, T. Filippini, et al. 2023;9(6):e16685. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) adjunct to surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) has no definite role. The primary objective of this pilot-trial was to evaluate the feasibility for future large studies. The study design was a prospective randomized three-centric pilot trial. We recruited patients diagnosed with MPM and prospectively assigned them to two groups: Group A: Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) talc pleurodesis or Group B: Video-assisted P/D plus HITHOC. From November-2011 to July-2017 24 males and 3 females, with a median age of 68-years were enrolled (recruitment rate 5 patients/year). Preoperative stage was I-II, and 18 had epithelioid type. 14 patients were in the Group A. Operative mortality was 0. Follow-up ranged 6-80 months. The median overall survival time started to diverge at 20 months, being 19 months (95% CI 12-25) in Group A and 28 months (95% CI 0-56) in Group B. Survival rate for the epithelioid type was 15 months (95% CI 0-34) in Group A and 45 months (95% CI 0-107) in the Group B. These findings suggest that video-assisted P/D plus HITHOC may improve survival time in MPM patients undergoing surgical treatment and support the need for a larger multicenter randomized clinical trial.

  © 2023 The Authors.

• Development of eco-friendly wall insulation layer utilising the wastes of the packing industry. A.K.K. Alsaffar, S.S. Alquzweeni, L.R. Al-Ameer, et al. 2023;9(11):e21799. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Efficient thermal insulation materials considerably lower power consumption for heating and cooling of buildings, which in turn minimises CO2 emissions and improves indoor comfort conditions. However, the selection of suitable insulation materials is governed by several factors, such as the environmental impact, health impact, cost and durability. Additionally, the disposal of used insulation materials is a major factor that affects the selection of materials because some materials could be very toxic for humans and the environment, such as asbestos-containing materials. Therefore, there is a continuous research effort, in both industry and academia, to develop sustainable and affordable insulation materials. In this context, this work aims at utilising the packing industry wastes (cardboard) to develop an eco-friendly insulation layer, which is a biodegradable material that can be disposed of safely after use. Experimentally, wasted cardboard was collected, cleaned, and soaked in water for 24 h. Then, the wet cardboard was minced and converted into past papers, then cast in square moulds and left in a ventilated oven at 75 °C to dry before de-moulding them. The produced layers were subjected to a wide range of tests, including thermal conductivity, acoustic insulation, infrared imaging and bending resistance. The obtained results showed the developed material has a good thermal and acoustic insulation performance. Thermally, the developed material had the lowest thermal conductivity (λ) (0.039 W/m.K) compared to the studied traditional materials. Additionally, it successfully decreased the noise level from 80 to about 58 dB, which was better than the efficiency of the commercial polyisocyanurate layer. However, the bending strength of the developed material was a major drawback because the material did not resist more than 0.6 MPa compared to 2.0 MPa for the commercial polyisocyanurate and 70.0 MPa for the wood boards. Therefore, it is recommended to investigate the possibility of strengthening the new material by adding fibres or cementitious materials.

  © 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

• Effect of the addition of silica obtained from rice husk on physicochemical and mechanical properties of fibercement. D.M. Gomez Mejia, D.F. Hincapie-Rojas, F.N. Jimenez-Garcia, et al. 2023;9(2):e13567. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  After replacing asbestos with other types of fibers used as reinforcement of cementitious matrices, it has been found that rice husk, an agro-industrial waste with high silica content, can be used to improve the properties of fibercement. In this work, the effect of adding different forms of silica (rice husk, rice husk ash, and silica microparticles) on fibercement's physicochemical and mechanical properties was investigated. Rice husk ash and silica microparticles were extracted from the rice husk incineration and acid leaching process. The chemical composition of silica was determined by X-Ray Fluorescence, and the ash leached with hydrochloric acid was found to contain more than 98% silica. Cement, fiberglass, additives, and different forms of silica were used to manufacture fibercement specimens in their different forms. Concentrations of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% were taken for each form of silica, and four replicates were performed. The setting time was 28 days, during which absorption, density, and humidity tests were performed. Experiments were statistically analyzed at a 95% confidence value, and it was determined that there are significant differences in the compressive resistance, density, and absorption in relation to the type of additive and the interaction between the type of additive and its percentage of addition, but not whit percentage of addition. It was found that the fibercement specimens with 3% of rice husk present a modulus of elasticity of 9.4% higher than de control sample. The use of rice husk as an additive in fibercement composites seems to be interesting because these agro-industrial wastes are inexpensive and easily available everywhere to utilize in the cement industry and also helpful in reducing environmental pollution due to their cost and the positive effect on their properties.

  © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

• Sequential multi-parametric MRI in assessment of the histological subtype and features in the malignant pleural mesothelioma xenografts. Z. Zhang, S. Shen, J. Ma, et al. 2023;9(4):e15237. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Objective: It is still a challenge to find a noninvasive technique to distinguish the histological subtypes of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and characterize the development of related histological features. We investigated the potential value of multiparametric MRI in the assessment of the histological subtype and development of histologic features in the MPM xenograft model.

  Methods: MPM xenograft models were developed by injecting tumour cells into the right axillary space of nude mice. The T1, T2, R2*, T2*, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) at 14 d, 28 d, and 42 d were measured and compared between the epithelial and biphasic MPM. Correlations between multiparametric MRI parameters and histologic features, including necrotic fraction (NF) and microvessel density (MVD), were analysed.

  Results: This study found that T2, T2* and IVIM-DWI parameters can reflect the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of MPM. Compared to the epithelial MPM, T2 and T2* were higher and ADC, D, D*, and f were lower in the biphasic MPM (P < 0.05). MRI parameters were different in different stages of epithelial and biphasic MPM. Moderate correlations were found between ADC and tumor volume and NF in the epithelial MPM, and there was a correlation between f and tumor volume and NF and MVD in the two groups.

  Conclusion: MRI parameters changed with tumor progression in a xenograft model of MPM. MRI parameters may provide useful biomarkers for evaluating the histological subtype and histological features development of MPM.

  © 2023 The Authors.

• Differentiating malignant pleural mesothelioma and metastatic pleural disease based on a machine learning model with primary CT signs: A multicentre study. Y. Li, B. Cai, B. Wang, et al. 2022;8(11):e11383. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Rationale And Objectives: It is still a challenge to make confirming diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), especially differentiating from metastatic pleural disease (MPD). The aim of this study was to develop a model to distinguish MPM with MPD based on primary CT signs.

  Materials And Methods: We retrospectively recruited 150 MPM patients and 147 MPD patients from two centers and assigned them to training (115 MPM patients and 113 MPD patients) and testing (35 MPM patients and 34 MPD patients) cohorts. The images were analyzed for pleural thickening, hydrothorax, lymphadenopathy, thoracic volume and calcified pleural plaque (CPP). The selected clinical characteristics and primary CT signs comprised the model by multivariate logistic regression in the training cohort. Then the model was tested on the external testing cohort. ROC curve and F1 score were used to validate the capability of the model in both two cohorts.

  Results: There were significant differences between two groups: (1) carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA); (2) nodular and mass pleural thickening; (3) the enhancement of pleura; (4) focal, diffuse and circumferential pleural thickening; (5) the thickest pleura; (6) thickening of diaphragmatic pleura; (7) multiple nodules and effusion of interlobar pleura; (8) hilar LN and ring enhancement of LN; (9) punctate and stipe CPP. The AUC and F1 score of the model were 0.970 and 0.857 in the training cohort, 0.955 and 0.818 in the testing cohort.

  Conclusion: The model holds promise for use as a diagnostic tool to distinguish MPM from MPD.

  © 2022 The Author(s).

• Spectroscopic and crystallographic analysis of nephrite jade gemstone using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. R.A. Khan, M. Anwar-Ul-Haq, M. Qasim, et al. 2022;8(11):e11493. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The elemental composition, mineral phases, and crystalline structure of nephrite jade were investigated using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). For compositional analysis, the laser-induced plasma was generated on the surface of nephrite jade. The plasma emissions were then acquired and analyzed, which revealed several elements in the sample, including Si, Mg, Ca, Li, Fe, Al, Na, K, and Ni. The plasma temperature was extracted from the Boltzmann plot before and after two-step self-absorption correction, and used in CF-LIBS calculations to get the elemental concentration. After self-absorption correction, the quantitative results obtained using CF-LIBS were found to be in close agreement with ICP-OES. The Raman spectrum of nephrite jade exhibits Si-O and M-OH stretching vibrations in the regions of 100 cm-1 to 1200 cm-1 and 3600 cm-1 to 3700 cm-1, respectively, whereas the XRD spectrum revealed the monoclinic crystalline phase of tremolite.

  © 2022 The Author(s).

• Characterization of airborne dust samples collected from core areas of Kathmandu Valley. B.B. Neupane, A. Sharma, B. Giri, et al. 2020;6(4):e03791. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Kathmandu Valley is reported to be one of the highly polluted and populated cities in the world. Particulate matter is one of the major contributors of unhealthy air in Kathmandu. Although there are several reports on spatial and temporal variation of air quality of Kathmandu Valley, the morphological and mineralogical characteristics of particulate matter are very limited or none. In this study, we report on the mineralogical and morphological analysis of airborne particulate matter collected from densely populated core areas of Kathmandu Valley using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) data showed the presence of clay minerals, crystalline silicate mineral, carbonate minerals, and asbestiform mineral in the dust samples. The field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis confirmed the existence of particles having diverse morphology with some of the particles having aspect ratio as high as twenty; indicating the existence of asbestiform type minerals. Based on SEM-EDX data, we found that the relative distribution of elements to be different in different samples and C, O, Mg, Ca, and Si were the major elements in the dust samples. Interestingly, the XRD data analysis showed that in all the samples quartz mineral having high degree of crystallinity was present. The XRD measurement was also carried out in three different brands of cement samples. Few minerals present in dust samples were also identified in the cement samples. This observation could indicate that cement is one of the sources of minerals in the airborne particulate matter in the Kathmandu Valley.

  © 2020 The Author(s).

• Chrysotile asbestos treated with phosphoric acid as an adsorbent for ammonia nitrogen. C.P. Girotto, S.D. de Campos, É.A. de Campos. 2020;6(2):e03397. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to find an alternative application for chrysotile asbestos, given that there is a complete structure of extraction and production of this class of serpentine minerals, but its use is banned for many applications. The idea was to obtain a compound that could immobilize phosphate by triggering a reaction between the magnesium oxide and hydroxide contained in the mineral, without causing phosphate leaching. To this end, chrysotile (Mg3SiO5(OH)4) was treated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) in a molar ratio of 1:3 in an aqueous medium at 85 °C until the solvent evaporated, resulting in two different solid compounds, which were prepared in a similar manner. The first compound (cri/H3PO4 1:3)1, was obtained by rinsing and then heat-treating it at 150 °C for 6 h, while the second one, (cri/H3PO4 1:3)2, was rinsed after the heat treatment. Compound (cri/H3PO4 1:3)1 underwent partial leaching, while compound (cri/H3PO4 1:3)2 showed a mass increase of 48%, with the formation of crystalline magnesium pyrophosphate mixed with amorphous SiO2. The latter compound adsorbed N-NH3 at pH 10, following the pseudo-first-order model (activation energy = 8329 ± 1696 J mol-1). Equilibrium experiments, which were performed following Hill's sigmoidal type S2 isotherm model, indicated that the adsorption phenomenon was governed by two processes, i.e., complexation up to the inflection point (KH between 10.0 mg L-1 at 40 °C and 13.6 mg L-1 at 25 °C) followed by adsorption. The qmax varied from 18.0 to 19.6 mgN g-1 and the adsorbent was reusable, maintaining its initial adsorbent capacity during its first reuse. This material, which was tested on real effluents, presented a N-NH3 removal rate similar to that shown by the test solutions. The treatment of chrysotile with H3PO4 conducts it to a composite that adsorbs ammoniacal nitrogen at pH 10 and it is reusable maintaining the adsorption capacity.

  © 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

2010s

• Solastalgia's mourning and the slowly evolving effect of asbestos pollution: A qualitative study in Italy. I. Testoni, L. Mauchigna, G.L. Marinoni, et al. 2019;5(12):e03024. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  In Italy, the problem of asbestos pollution is increasing in severity. In fact, in recent years, the number of people affected by asbestos-related illnesses has been growing because of the fibre's slowly evolving effects and its progressive pollution in the environment adjacent to the places where it is processed. Even though the physical consequences of asbestos are now quite clear, few studies have examined the psychological consequences of this kind of disaster. Since it is difficult to perceive its pathogenicity in daily life, this study was conducted in the affected areas of north-eastern Italy, using the qualitative research in psychology with 51 persons who experienced asbestos-related illnesses (19 sick persons and 37 relatives of sick persons). Their narratives described being rooted in a space contaminated by an invisible enemy. In particular, attention was paid to the consequent solastalgia, a kind of mourning arising from loss of place attachment. Results of the qualitative analysis revealed how the different phases of the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross DABDA (Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance) model of coping with death constitute such feelings, whereas the dual-process model of Stroebe and Schut emphasised how these people seem to be loss oriented because of their perceived lack of community restoration. A discussion of the relationships between attribution of responsibility, entirely external and mostly inscribed in the DABDA categories of ‛anger' and ‛acceptance', is presented, with further considerations about mourning and the need to improve specific psychological support in this field of environmental disaster.

  © 2019 The Author(s).

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