RESUMEN

Microplastic (MP) pollution in urban environments is a pervasive and complex problem with significant environmental and human health implications. Although studies have been conducted on MP pollution in urban environments, there are still research gaps in understanding the exact sources, regulation, and impact of urban MP on the environment and public health. Therefore, the goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex pathways, harmful effects, and regulatory efforts of urban MP pollution. It discusses the research challenges and suggests future directions for addressing MPs related to environmental issues in urban settings. In this study, original research papers published from 2010 to 2024 across ten database categories, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, were selected and reviewed to improve our understanding of urban MP pollution. The analysis revealed multifaceted sources of MPs, including surface runoff, wastewater discharge, atmospheric deposition, and biological interactions, which contribute to the contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. MPs pose a threat to marine and terrestrial life, freshwater organisms, soil health, plant communities, and human health through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Current regulatory measures for MP pollution include improved waste management, upgraded wastewater treatment, stormwater management, product innovation, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement. Despite these regulatory measures, several challenges such as; the absence of standardized MPs testing methods, MPs enter into the environment through a multitude of sources and pathways, countries struggle in balancing trade interests with environmental concerns have hindered effective policy implementation and enforcement. Addressing MP pollution in urban environments is essential for preserving ecosystems, safeguarding public health, and advancing sustainable development. Interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, stringent regulations, and public participation are vital for mitigating this critical issue and ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for urban environments and the planet.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Coastal aquifers are complex systems governed by fresh-saline water interactions and ocean tidal effects. The vertical electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature (T) are general indicators for detecting the fresh-saline water interface (FSI) and sea water intrusion in groundwater wells located in coastal aquifers. In this method brief, we developed a cost-effective Arduino-based automatic-vertical profile monitoring system (A-VPMS) to continuously record vertical EC and T in groundwater wells, with the aim of testing its effectiveness in spatiotemporal monitoring of the FSI in a coastal aquifer located in eastern Korea. By analyzing the high-density EC and T data obtained by the A-VPMS, we evaluated the characteristics of the FSI, such as depth and spatial distribution. Our established EC and T data collection method using the A-VPMS proved to be efficient and reliable, providing an excellent tool for fine-scale temporal and spatial understanding of sea water intrusion. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of the A-VPMS for continuous monitoring of the FSI in coastal aquifers, which is crucial for sustainable management of groundwater resources.

RESUMEN

Microplastics (MPs) defined as smaller 5 mm plastic particles have received increasing attention due to their global occurrence and potential toxicity. This study investigated the effects of environmental factors (rainfall intensity, 13 and 29 mm/h) and MP characteristics (morphology (fiber, flake, and film), polymer type (polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS)) and size (100-300, 300-500, and 500-1000 µm)) on the vertical transport of MP in unsaturated soil conditions using lab-scale column experiments. Additionally, the occurrence and characteristics of MP detected in soil/sediment (total 13 samples) and groundwater samples (total 6 samples) were explored in the field study. Laboratory-scale column experiments revealed that heavy rainfall intensity (29 mm/h) increased the degree of MP vertical transport in unsaturated soil conditions and MP fibers showed the greatest vertical mobility among the various morphologies of MPs assessed. For the polymer type and size, the lighter PP polymer or the larger size of MP (500-1000 µm) showed higher mobility. In the field study, a statistical difference in MP abundance was observed depending on the population density and degree of urban development in both soil and groundwater samples. Comparing to the two different types of environmental media samples obtained from the same site, there was a significant difference in the composition of polymer types present while statistically no difference in MP abundance was observed between the two media samples (i.e., soil or sediment and groundwater). In addition, MP fibers and polyethylene (PE) were predominantly detected in our two study areas. These results suggest that various types of MP can pass through the unsaturated zone by water infiltration, even if it takes a long time to reach groundwater. Overall, we found that the degree of vertical transport of the MPs was highly sensitive to environmental conditions and MP characteristics.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, and multifactorial disease. The anticancer drug docetaxel (Taxotere) can lead to fluid retention, which is the main cause of peripheral edema of the extremities, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and ascites in patients undergoing chemotherapy. While there have been a few case reports documenting fluid retention-induced edema as a side effect of docetaxel, it is not yet clear whether docetaxel causes lymphedema directly. Here, we report cases of three patients who developed lymphedema after treatment with docetaxel.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative effectiveness of three injections methods suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) alone, intra-articular steroid injection (IAI) alone, or both-on relief of hemiplegic shoulder pain. METHODS: We recruited 30 patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain after stroke. SSNB was performed in 10 patients, IAI in 10 patients, and a combination of two injections in 10 patients. All were ultrasonography guided. Each patient's maximum passive range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder was measured, and the pain intensity level was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Repeated measures were performed on pre-injection, and after injection at 1 hour, 1 week, and 1 month. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests. RESULTS: All variables that were repeatedly measured showed significant differences in shoulder ROM with time (p<0.05), but there was no difference according injection method. In addition, VAS was statistically significantly different with time, but there was no difference by injection method. Pain significantly decreased until a week after injection, but pain after a month was relatively increased. However, pain was decreased compared to pre-injection. CONCLUSION: The three injection methods significantly improved shoulder ROM and pain with time, but no statistically significant difference was found between them.