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Environmental Science & Technology Jun 2021Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) have raised environmental concern due to their potential for persistence, long-range...
Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) have raised environmental concern due to their potential for persistence, long-range transport, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. However, little is known about the production, use, and environmental emissions of SCCPs and MCCPs in China, the world's largest producer and consumer. In this study, we estimated the amounts of SCCPs and MCCPs produced and used in China in 2018-2019 based on a nationwide survey and measurements of concentrations in products, from which we estimated the environmental emissions of SCCPs and MCCPs in China. Our results show that 225.2 and 236.4 metric kilotons (kt) of SCCPs and 428.5 and 450.2 kt of MCCPs were used in China in 2018 and 2019, respectively, with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) products dominating SCCP and MCCP usage. Moreover, a total of 3.9 and 4.2 kt SCCPs and 3.8 and 4.1 kt MCCPs were emitted into China's environment in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Although less MCCPs are released into the air relative to SCCPs, their level exceeds the emission of SCCPs into soil. Finally, detailed mass balance calculation indicates that, although emissions from the use of PVC products dominate SCCP and MCCP inputs into the air, emissions from the use of polyurethane foam adhesives are more closely related to input into surface waters for SCCPs and MCCPs. For input into soil, the main emission sources are the use of polyurethane foam adhesives (for SCCPs) and rubber products (for MCCPs). This study provides a preliminary overview of the distributions of SCCPs and MCCPs in products and insight into the mass balance of SCCPs and MCCPs from their production and use to emission in China. This assessment also provides an important foundation for better understanding the environmental risks and fates associated with SCCPs and MCCPs in China and around the world.
Topics: China; Environmental Monitoring; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Paraffin; Soil
PubMed: 33988974
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07058 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2023Short and medium-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP/MCCP) have been widely studied because of their extensive environmental hazards. In this study, product source...
Source toxicity characteristics of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffin in multi-environmental media: Product source toxicity, molecular source toxicity and food chain migration control through silica methods.
Short and medium-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP/MCCP) have been widely studied because of their extensive environmental hazards. In this study, product source toxicity, molecular source toxicity and food chain migration of SCCP and MCCP in multi-environmental media were comprehensively considered. The additive combination of SCCP and MCCP in the air, water and soil environment was adjusted, and PVC, PU and rubber products with the lowest source toxicity were screened. The source toxicity of SCCP and MCCP in the water environment was inhibited by design of the feed additive addition scheme (highest inhibition was 16.29 %), and the source toxicity of SCCP and MCCP in the soil environment was affected by different field management measures (highest inhibition was 38.22 %). A forage fertilizer addition plan, a cattle feed addition plan and a special population healthy complementary food regulation plan were developed to prevent the migration step by step and absorption of SCCP and MCCP in the terrestrial food chain. In addition, by means of density functional theory and analysis of key amino acid residues, the mechanism of toxicity difference between SCCP and MCCP was analyzed from the level of chemical interaction, and rationality of the inhibition scheme designed in this study was verified.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Paraffin; Emigration and Immigration; Food Chain; Environmental Monitoring; Soil; China
PubMed: 36931521
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162861 -
Journal of Nephrology Sep 2022(Pre-)Implantation biopsies provide important data on the quality of donor kidneys. Interstitial fibrosis, as a known predictor for kidney disease progression, is an...
Computer-assisted evaluation enhances the quantification of interstitial fibrosis in renal implantation biopsies, measures differences between frozen and paraffin sections, and predicts delayed graft function.
BACKGROUND
(Pre-)Implantation biopsies provide important data on the quality of donor kidneys. Interstitial fibrosis, as a known predictor for kidney disease progression, is an essential feature of this evaluation. However, the assessment of frozen sections of implantation biopsies is challenging and can result in the disposal of candidate organs. We sought to apply digital image analysis (DIA) to quantify the differences between frozen and paraffin sections when evaluating interstitial fibrosis, identify factors that influence these variations and test the predictive value of the computerised measures.
METHODS
We quantified the differences between frozen and paraffin sections in the same biopsy samples by measuring Sirius red-stained interstitial areas (SRIA) in DIA. We compared them to the original reports, and retrospectively correlated our findings to clinical data, graft function and outcome in 73 patients.
RESULTS
Frozen sections display a broader interstitial area than paraffin sections, in some cases up to one-third more (mean difference + 7.8%, range - 7 to 29%). No donor-related factors (age or gender, cold ischemia time, or non-heart-beating donor) influenced significantly this difference. Compared to the original assessment of frozen vs paraffin sections in optical microscopy, the DIA of interstitial fibrosis shows a higher consistency (ICC 0.69). Our approach further allows to distinguish SRIA in paraffin sections as an independent predictor for delayed graft function (OR = 1.1; p = 0.028).
CONCLUSIONS
DIA is superior to and more consistent than routine optic microscopy for interstitial fibrosis evaluation. This method could improve implantation biopsy diagnostics and help to reduce disposal of organs.
Topics: Biopsy; Computers; Delayed Graft Function; Fibrosis; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation; Paraffin; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35438423
DOI: 10.1007/s40620-022-01315-y -
Environmental Science & Technology Sep 2022This study reports on the occurrence and distribution of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) in edible insects purchased from...
This study reports on the occurrence and distribution of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) in edible insects purchased from Asia and Europe. A total of 36 edible insect samples ( = 24 from Asia, = 12 from Europe) authorized and prepared for human consumption were purchased and analyzed for SCCPs and MCCPs via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. SCCPs were detected in 83% of all edible insect samples with an overall median ∑SCCP concentration of 8.7 ng/g dry weight (dw) and a range of <2.0 to 410 ng/g dw, while MCCPs were present in 92% of samples with a median ∑MCCP concentration of 51 ng/g dw and a range of <6.0 to 380 ng/g dw. Median ∑SCCP and ∑MCCP levels in edible insects purchased in Asia were approximately two- and four-times higher, respectively, than those from Europe, while the difference was statistically significant for ∑MCCPs ( < 0.001). Differences in homologue patterns were also observed between Asian and European samples to suggest diverse sources of CP contamination to insects which may include environmental accumulation, industrial processing equipment and food additives. Estimated daily intake of SCCPs and MCCPs via consumption of edible insects suggested that adverse health outcomes were very unlikely, but that continued monitoring of insect farming and processing practices are warranted.
Topics: Animals; China; Edible Insects; Environmental Monitoring; Food Additives; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Paraffin
PubMed: 35969810
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03255 -
Journal of Wound Care Feb 2023Circumcision wounds are commonly dressed with paraffin gauze dressings. Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Dermabond; Ethicon, US) is increasingly being used for wound... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Circumcision wounds are commonly dressed with paraffin gauze dressings. Octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Dermabond; Ethicon, US) is increasingly being used for wound closure, as well as wound dressing. This study compared the outcomes of tissue adhesive dressing versus paraffin gauze dressing for circumcision wounds.
METHOD
Adult male patients undergoing circumcision were randomised into two groups: tissue adhesive dressing (study group) or paraffin gauze dressing (control group). They were followed up at two weeks and at two months after surgery. The primary objective of this study was to determine the difference in patient-reported dressing satisfaction at two week follow-up. Our secondary outcomes included operation time, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction, surgeon-reported cosmetic satisfaction, and surgeon-reported objective measure of cosmetic outcome using a validated scale.
RESULTS
A cohort of 40 patients was randomised into two equal groups, study and control. Tissue adhesive dressing was associated with a significantly better patient-reported dressing satisfaction, with a mean Likert scale score of 4.53±0.51 for the study group versus 3.20±1.24 for the control group (p<0.001). It was also associated with a significantly better patient-reported cosmetic satisfaction of 4.58±0.51 versus 4.00±1.12 (p<0.05), respectively. There was no difference in operation time, postoperative pain, postoperative complications or surgeon-reported cosmetic outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Tissue adhesive dressing is an acceptable alternative to paraffin gauze dressing for circumcision wounds. This option should be offered to all patients undergoing circumcision.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Tissue Adhesives; Paraffin; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing; Bandages; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 36735528
DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2023.32.2.116 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023Post-stroke spasticity is a significant debilitating condition with negative consequences on individual functional independence and quality of life. This study aimed to...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Post-stroke spasticity is a significant debilitating condition with negative consequences on individual functional independence and quality of life. This study aimed to identify the differences between transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), ultrasound therapy and paraffin procedures on post-stroke upper extremity spasticity and dexterity.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Twenty-six patients were enrolled in the study, divided into three therapy groups: TENS (n=9), paraffin (n=10) and ultrasound therapy (n=7). For 10 days, the patients received specific group therapy and conventional physical therapy exercises for upper extremities. Modified Ashworth Scale, Functional Independence Measure, Functional Coefficient, Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale, Activities of Daily Living score and ABILHAND questionnaire were used to assess the participants before and after therapy.
RESULTS
The results of the group comparisons by analysis of variance showed no significant difference between outcomes by the applied treatments. In contrast, one-way analysis of variance suggested significant improvements in patients in all three groups after therapy. Step-wise regression results on functional independence measure and quality-of-life scales suggested that functional range of motion values for elbow and wrist influence individual independence and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
TENS, ultrasound, and paraffin therapy bring equal benefits in the management of post-stroke spasticity.
Topics: Humans; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Paraffin; Activities of Daily Living; Quality of Life; Physical Therapy Modalities; Upper Extremity; Stroke
PubMed: 36881086
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13163 -
Chemosphere Mar 2022Technical chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are produced via radical chlorination of n-alkane feedstocks with different carbon chain-lengths (∼C-C). Short-chain CPs (SCCPs,...
Technical chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are produced via radical chlorination of n-alkane feedstocks with different carbon chain-lengths (∼C-C). Short-chain CPs (SCCPs, C-C) are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. This regulation has induced a shift to use longer-chain CPs as substitutes. Consequently, medium-chain (MCCPs, C-C) and long-chain (LCCPs, C) CPs have become dominant homologues in recent environmental samples. However, no suitable LCCP-standard materials are available. Herein, we report on the chemical synthesis of single-chain C-CP-materials, starting with a pure n-alkane and sulfuryl chloride (SOCl). Fractionation of the crude product by normal-phase liquid-chromatography and pooling of suitable fractions yielded in four C-CP-materials with different chlorination degrees (m = 39-52%). In addition, polar side-products, tentatively identified as sulfite-, sulfate- and bis-sulfate-diesters, were separated from CPs. The new single-chain materials were characterized by LC-MS, H-NMR and EA. LC-MS provided Relative retention times for different C-CP homologues and side-products. Mathematical deconvolution of full-scan mass spectra revealed the presence of chloroparaffins (57-93%) and chloroolefins (COs, 7-26%) in the four single-chain C-CP-materials. Homologue distributions and chlorination degrees were deduced for CPs and COs. H-NMR revealed chemical shift ranges of mono-chlorinated (δ = 3.2-5.3 ppm) and non-chlorinated (δ = 1.0-3.2 ppm) hydrocarbon moieties. The synthesized C-single-chain standard materials and respective spectroscopic data are useful to identify and quantify LCCPs in various materials and environmental samples. CP- and CO-distributions resemble the ones of existing SCCP and MCCP reference materials and technical mixtures. Furthermore, these materials now allow specific studies on the environmental fate and the transformation of long-chain chloroparaffins and chloroolefins.
Topics: China; Environmental Monitoring; Halogenation; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Mass Spectrometry; Paraffin
PubMed: 34798110
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132938 -
Surgery Today Oct 2021Micro computed tomography (micro-CT) can provide detailed information about the internal structure of materials. This study aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic value of...
Differentiation of benign and malignant regions in paraffin embedded tissue blocks of pulmonary adenocarcinoma using micro CT scanning of paraffin tissue blocks: a pilot study for method validation.
PURPOSE
Micro computed tomography (micro-CT) can provide detailed information about the internal structure of materials. This study aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic value of micro-CT in formalin fixed paraffin embedded pulmonary adenocarcinomas by correlating the micro-CT findings of tumoral and non-tumoral areas with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) sections.
METHODS
Paraffin blocks obtained from three adenocarcinomas were scanned with micro-CT. Ten regions of interest (ROIs) from adenocarcinoma and 11 ROIs from pulmonary parenchyma (ROI-C and ROI-N, respectively) areas were compared regarding the various structural parameters.
RESULTS
All parameters were significantly different regarding the tumoral and non-tumoral ROIs. The percent object volume, structure thickness, structure linear density, connectivity and connectivity density were higher in ROI-Cs (p < 0.000, p < 0.000, p = 0.001, p < 0.000, and p < 0.000 respectively); whereas intersection surface and structure model index were higher in ROI-Ns (p < 0.000 and p < 0.000). The open porosity percentage was higher in ROI-Ns (68.86 + 2.96 vs 48.29 + 5.11, p < 0.000) and the closed porosity percentage was higher in ROI-Cs (2.29 + 0.55 vs 0.57 + 0.17 p < 0.000).
CONCLUSIONS
The tumoral and non-tumoral areas in paraffin blocks can be distinguished from each other, using the quantitative and qualitative information obtained by micro-CT. Making this distinction with quantitative data obtained from micro-CT can therefore be the basis of creating artificial intelligence algorithms in the future.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Diagnosis, Differential; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Hematoxylin; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Paraffin; Pilot Projects; Tissue Fixation; X-Ray Microtomography
PubMed: 33646412
DOI: 10.1007/s00595-021-02252-2 -
International Journal of Biometeorology Aug 2022Although it is thought that peloid and paraffin treatments may have positive effect on pain, functional status, and quality of life in patients with hallux rigidus (HR),... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of the efficacies of peloid therapy and paraffin treatment given as an adjuncts to exercise therapy in patients with hallux rigidus: a randomized, uncontrolled, prospective study.
Although it is thought that peloid and paraffin treatments may have positive effect on pain, functional status, and quality of life in patients with hallux rigidus (HR), there are no comprehensive and comparative studies with a high level of evidence. We aimed to compare peloid and paraffin treatments in symptomatic hallux rigidus patients. A total of 113 patients diagnosed with HR between May 2019 and June 2021 were included in the study. After exclusion criteria, the remaining 90 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the peloid therapy group (peloid therapy + home exercise) and the paraffin therapy group (paraffin therapy + home exercise). Peloid and paraffin treatments were applied for 2 weeks (5 days a week for a total of 10 sessions). Patients were evaluated before treatment, at the end of treatment, and one month after treatment. The groups were compared in terms of pain, functional status, quality of life, and joint range of motion. In the final analysis, 40 patients in each treatment group were compared. Statistically significant improvements were achieved for all parameters at the end of treatment and at follow-up, and the treatments were found to be highly effective. As a result of the comparison, the methods were not found to be superior to each other. The present study is the first randomized study comparing peloid therapy and paraffin therapy given as an adjuncts to exercise therapy. Exercise therapy plus peloid and exercise therapy plus paraffin treatments seem to have similar effects on HR; however, controlled trials are necessary for confirmation of our results.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Hallux Rigidus; Humans; Mud Therapy; Pain; Paraffin; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35654863
DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02311-4 -
Annals of Diagnostic Pathology Apr 2023Patients with early-stage breast cancer currently undergo sentinel lymph node dissection to evaluate the axillary region. Frozen tissue blocks are evaluated intra...
INTRODUCTION
Patients with early-stage breast cancer currently undergo sentinel lymph node dissection to evaluate the axillary region. Frozen tissue blocks are evaluated intra operatively and paraffin-embedded samples are studied postoperatively. We explored whether sentinel lymph node dissection adequately reflected axillary involvement (as revealed by the paraffin blocks) in patients with early-stage breast cancer; we sought to avoid axillary dissection.
METHODS
The agreement/non-agreement rates between the results of axillary ultrasonography and biopsy, sentinel lymph node and axillary dissections, and frozen and paraffin block results, were retrospectively analyzed for 200 patients with early-stage breast cancer. The positive predictive values and accuracies were recorded in those who were positive on both ultrasonography and biopsy. The negative predictive values were calculated for doubly negative cases.
RESULTS
The frozen and paraffin block results disagreed in 19 (9.5 %) cases and agreed in 181 (90.5 %). The frozen block and dissection results differed in five of 38 patients who underwent axillary dissection (AD) (one patient did not undergo AD); the results were in agreement in 32. Of the 19 block-disagreement cases, 16 were in the non-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) group and three in the NAC treatment group. Clinically, the negative predictive values of the frozen and paraffin block data were 80 % in patients lacking axillary involvement.
CONCLUSION
Paraffin block evaluations only (thus, without frozen block examinations) of early-stage breast cancer lymph nodes seem to be sufficient to guide treatment. Also, a thorough clinical examination (with ultrasonography and axillary biopsy) reduces the dissection rate and the associated functional impairments.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Paraffin; Retrospective Studies; Lymph Nodes; Lymph Node Excision
PubMed: 36587436
DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.152097