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Introduction: One lung ventilation (OLV) is a technique used during lung resection surgery to facilitate optimal surgical conditions. However, this may result in severe hypoxemia due to the right-to-left shunt created in the collapsed lung. Several techniques are used to overcome hypoxemia, one of which is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the non-dependent lung. Another technique is ventilating the non-dependent lung with a minimal volume, thus creating differential lung ventilation (DLV) or split lung ventilation (SLV). In this study, we compared the efficacy of CPAP to DLV during video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung resection., Materials and Methods: In this single-center randomized controlled, cross-over study, each patient acted as his control as well as the study. Patients crossed over from SLV to CPAP (or vice versa) with an interval period during which only OLV was used (control period). The primary objective of the study was to observe the changes in oxygenation, ventilation, and the surgeons' perception of the surgical field using CPAP or SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV in patients undergoing thoracic surgery., Results: The study revealed that oxygenation was significantly better when using SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV (P = 0.03). However, the surgeon found a significantly better surgical field when applying CPAP to the surgical field., Conclusions: The study showed that using SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV was superior in terms of oxygenation, although it interfered more with the surgical field., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia.)

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo hemodialysis are predisposed to interstitial cerebral edema. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery can increase optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and intracranial pressure. The impact of robotic-assisted kidney transplant (RAKT) on ONSD is complicated by the presence of CKD, the administration of furosemide and mannitol, and the manipulation of hemodynamics. We examined ONSD variations in patients undergoing RAKT over a 1-year period at our institution. Furthermore, we attempted to identify any perioperative hemodynamic factors influencing these changes., Methods: This prospective study included 20 patients undergoing RAKT. ONSD, heart rate, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured following intubation (T1), after assuming the steep Trendelenburg position (T2), 1 hour after docking (T3), upon reperfusion (T4), after transition to the supine position (T5), and 3 hours postextubation (T6). Repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni correction was employed to compare variables at each time point. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to assess relationships between variables. P-values ≤0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance., Results: ONSD (in mm) increased from T1 (3.60±0.44) to T3 (4.06±0.45, P=0.002) and T4 (3.99±0.62, P=0.046), before falling to its lowest value at T6 (3.42±0.64, P=0.002). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations (P<0.05) between changes in ONSD at T3 and both DBP (r=0.637) and MAP (r=0.522)., Conclusions: During RAKT with open ureteric anastomosis, ONSD initially increased, then decreased following reperfusion. DBP and MAP displayed positive correlations with ONSD changes at T3.

Groundwater quality in Wadi Fatimah is evaluated and demarcated for agriculture utilities using comprehensive approaches namely, international standards, agricultural water quality (AWQ) indices, irrigation water quality index (IWQI), and trace metals. Groundwater samples were collected (n = 59) and analysed for EC, pH, major and minor ions and trace metals. According to FAO recommendations, 42% of samples (EC > 3000 µS/cm) are inappropriate for agricultural uses. AWQ indices including salinity hazard, Kelly's ratio and Na% show that 50%, 19% and 37% of samples, respectively, are unsuitable for agricultural uses. USSL classification reveals that groundwater is preferable only for high-permeability soils and salt-tolerant crops. IWQI suggests that 88% of samples are moderately usable for agriculture. The interrelationship between water salinity and crop yield justified that 73%, 59%, 51% and 25% of samples are desirable to yield 90% in date palm trees, sorghum, rice and citrus fruits, respectively. Groundwater is appropriate for date palm trees except in downstream regions. Boron concentration suggests that 52%, 81% and 92% of samples are suitable for sensitive, semi-tolerant and tolerant crops, respectively. Groundwater in the central part (suitable for sensitive crops), central and upstream regions (semi-tolerant crops) and all regions except downstream (tolerant crops) are suitable for cultivation. Trace metals contents illustrate that 36%, 34%, 22%, 8%, 5% and 100% of samples are inappropriate for agriculture due to high concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, V, Mn and Mo, respectively in the groundwater. Further, AWQ indices, IWQI, USSL classifications and trace metals ensure that groundwater in the downstream, and a few pockets in the upstream are unfit for agricultural uses. This study recommends that groundwater in this basin is more suitable for tolerant crops (ie. date palm, sorghum) followed by semi-tolerant and sensitive crops., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Groundwater sustainability in hard rock aquifers is compromised largely due to nitrate contamination from anthropogenic sources resulting in diminishing potable resources and attendant health issues. A purpose-driven study through an integrated approach was undertaken in the area of interest (hard rock aquifer) to assess the variations in nitrate concentration and resultant health impacts in response to variations in monsoon and land use patterns. Groundwater samples (n = 284) were collected for a period of three years (2017-2019) and analysed. From the analytical data, it is inferred that 27% and 9% of groundwater samples in the study area have high NO 3 - values of > 45 mg/l and > 100 mg/l, respectively. NO 3 - contamination zones mapping illustrates that NO 3 - contaminated area (> 45 mg/l) varied seasonally 1164 km 2 (2017), 1086 km 2 (2018) and 1640 km 2 (2019)) and high-risk area (NO 3 -  > 100 mg/l) has reduced drastically during 2018 due to dilution by monsoon (277 km 2 (2017), 41 km 2 (2018), 634 km 2 (2019)). The lowest NO 3 - and Cl - concentrations are recorded during 2018 which coincides with high rainfall (2061 mm). NO 3 - concentrations in response to land use pattern indicate that the hot spots (NO 3 -  > 45 mg/l and > 100 mg/l) are observed in groundwater samples of residential areas which are vulnerable to contamination from domestic wastewater, septic tanks and other pollutants. Further, wastewater infiltration facilitated the dissolution of certain minerals in the unsaturated zone which enhanced the accumulation of NO 3 - and other ions in this aquifer. Mineral weathering, denitrification and evaporation processes also affected the groundwater chemistry. The health risk model (HQ oral ) indicates that groundwater in 1261 km 2 (2017), 1232 km 2 (2018) and 1669 km 2 (2019) is unsuitable for drinking (HQ > 1) and causes adverse health risks to the local inhabitants. The study has identified areas from the central and southeastern regions significantly affected by nitrate pollution underpinning the necessity of using treated groundwater for drinking purposes., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The sources of chemical constituents of groundwater and its associated hydrogeochemical processes in the part of Mhlathuze catchment was identified. Groundwater of the area is classified into soft to very hard and the nature is identified as acidic to alkaline. The overall electrical conductivity is < 3000 μS/cm except in three wells. The predominant water type is NaCl (69% of samples) and CaMgCl facies. Gibbs plots, mCa/Mg ratio, mNa/Cl ratio, Ca + Mg vs HCO 3 +SO 4 plot, Na + K vs HCO 3 plot, Ca/Na vs HCO 3 /Na, Chloroalkaline indices (CAI 1, CAI 2) and Ca + Mg-HCO 3 -SO 4 vs Na + K-Cl plots confirm the impact of silicate, carbonate mineral weathering and ion exchange reaction in this aquifer. However, few wells are influenced by the evaporation process. Groundwater is highly undersaturated with sulphate, chloride minerals and saturated with carbonate minerals. CA revealed that Cl and SO 4 are derived from anthropogenic sources and a significant positive correlation between HCO 3 and Cl reveals that wastewater recharge has most likely simulated the mineral weathering in the vadose zone, which could have further enhanced HCO 3 and Cl in the aquifer. PCA resulted in three factors. Factor 1 defines the influence of geogenic and anthropogenic processes while Factors 2 and 3 imply the mineral weathering and nitrification processes. Hierarchical cluster analysis defines that evaporation, anthropogenic input, silicate and carbonate weathering and nitrification process are the sources of chemical constituents of groundwater in this aquifer., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Groundwater quality in Yalamlam basin, Saudi Arabia, was appraised for drinking, irrigation, livestock and poultry applications by international standards, drinking water quality index (DWQI), irrigation water quality (IWQ) parameters, and irrigation water quality index (IWQI) calculations. Potential non-carcinogenic health risks due to high NO 3 - water were assessed for various age groups using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) models. Groundwater samples (n = 40) were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and major and minor constituents. The average total dissolved solids (TDS), EC, and total hardness (TH) in the groundwater are 3478 µS/cm, 1739 mg/l, and 1240 mg/l, respectively. High salinity, TH, NO - water were assessed for various age groups using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) models. Groundwater samples (n = 40) were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and major and minor constituents. The average total dissolved solids (TDS), EC, and total hardness (TH) in the groundwater are 3478 µS/cm, 1739 mg/l, and 1240 mg/l, respectively. High salinity, TH, NO 3 - , and F - in this aquifer restrict the usage of groundwater for drinking. DWQI values suggest that only 47.5% of samples are potable. According to USEPA recommendation, 72.5%, 80%, and 100% of samples for NO 3 - and 22.5%, 32.5%, and 40% of samples for F - surpassed the limit (HQ oral  > 1) for adults, children, and infants, respectively, which creates non-carcinogenic health hazards to the respective age groups. The total hazard index is greater than one in 75%, 87.5%, and 100% of samples computed for adults, children, and infants, respectively. Due to high salinity, 53% of samples are not pertinent for irrigation. USSL classification reveals that groundwater samples in the study site are recommended only for salt-tolerant crops and coarse-textured high permeability soil. In this study, IWQI is reclassified using salinity, which suggests that 68% of samples are moderately suitable for irrigation. Based on EC alone, 83% are desirable for livestock and poultry uses whereas integration of multiple parameters with EC indicates that only 53% are acceptable for all kinds of livestock and poultry uses in the study site. Spatial distribution of major and minor ions, DWQI, HQ oral , and IWQI imply that groundwater quality is degraded from upstream to downstream. High salinity groundwater in the downstream wells is unsuitable for any application, which needs a proper treatment before use. Spatial maps created for various parameters are useful for identifying the good quality groundwater zone for groundwater development potential for various stakeholders., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

A systematic study was performed in the arid coastal aquifer to evaluate groundwater quality using drinking water quality indices (DWQI) and health risk assessment models in southern Saudi Arabia. Groundwater samples were collected (n = 80) and analysed for major and minor ions. Results suggest that 85% of wells are unsuitable for drinking due to high salinity and hardness. Likewise, high NO 3 - and F - are encountered in 51% and 46% of wells, respectively. High salinity, Cl - and SO 4 2- are noticed in the coastal wells, which are derived from saline sources, evaporation and anthropogenic activities. High NO 3 - is originated from anthropogenic sources and the nitrification process. Recharge of wastewater with high NO 3 - is mixed with high salinity groundwater in this shallow aquifer. DWQI indicates that 66% of samples are poor to unsuitable classes. Wells with poor quality groundwater existed in the coastal belt and water quality is degraded while moving from upstream to downstream. The average values of hazard quotient (HQoral, NO 3 - , F - ) and total hazard index (THI) ensured that highly vulnerable groups are in the order of infants > children > adults. In the study region, the THI are > 1 in 75% (adults), 89% (children) and 94% (infants) of samples, respectively. The spatial distribution of HQoral reveals that groundwater in the coastal and southern regions is not advisable for direct oral ingestion, which causes serious non-carcinogenic health risk to inhabitants. Groundwater in these regions needs proper treatment to remove the contaminants before use., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background and objective The advent of robot-assisted kidney transplant (RAKT) has ushered in a new set of challenges. In this single-center retrospective observational study, we aimed to highlight the anesthetic challenges and analyze perioperative parameters to identify the risk factors for delayed graft function (DGF) in RAKT. Methods A descriptive analysis of perioperative factors of the first 100 cases of RAKT at our center was performed. Data were retrieved from the hospital's electronic medical records (EMR) of donors and adult patients who underwent RAKT between July 2015 and December 2020. The data analyzed included demographics, preoperative optimization, intraoperative and postoperative management, and complications. DGF was defined as a requirement of dialysis within one week of transplant. The Fisher's exact test, independent sample t-test, and the Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze data. Results Among a total of 193 renal transplants performed during the study period, 100 patients underwent RAKT, which included 27 females and 73 males. Of these, 91 were live while the remaining involved deceased-donor transplants. Pneumoperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg position required various "anesthetic maneuvers" to maintain hemodynamics and respiratory parameters. Optimal fluid management, with frusemide and mannitol, ensured good urine output (UOP) (93%). Post-reperfusion, the release of pneumoperitoneum, maintenance of adequate perfusion pressures, immunosuppression, and regional hypothermia helped in ensuring adequate graft function (93%). The incidence of DGF in our series was 7% and the mortality rate was 3%. Recipient age (p=0.045), dyslipidemia (p=0.021), and diabetes mellitus (p=0.023) were identified as significant risk factors for DGF. Conclusion Advanced recipient age, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were factors significantly associated with DGF in RAKT in our series of 100 cases. However, the duration of the steep Trendelenburg position, docking of robot/pneumoperitoneum (console time), fluid management, warm and cold ischemia times, rewarming time, and type of graft did not influence DGF. Awareness of the systemic involvement in RAKT, proper preoperative optimization, and knowledge of potential problems are essential for the efficient anesthetic management of RAKT., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Rajmohan et al.)

Trace metals pollution, distribution and associated health risk were evaluated in the arid coastal aquifer, Hada Al-Sham, Western Saudi Arabia using an integrated approach namely heavy metal pollution index (HPI), contamination index (C d ), health risk assessment (HRA) model and multivariate statistical analysis. Groundwater samples (n = 47) were analysed for EC, pH, TDS, Ag, Al, B, Ba, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. Groundwater is mostly alkaline (72%) with high salinity (TDS >1500 mg/l, 77%). Average trace metals concentrations are in the dominance order of B > Cu > Al > Mo > Pb > V > Ba > Zn > Ni > Cr > Fe > Ag. Groundwater (100% wells) is unsafe for drinking based on V, Mo, Al concentrations followed by the Pb (96%), B (91%), Ni (72%), Cr (23%), Cu (17%) and Ag (6%), which exceeded the WHO and USEPA prescribed limits. Results of HPI and C d also implied the high contamination and enhanced level of metals in the groundwater. Chronic daily intake (CDI oral ), hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard quotient (THQ) were employed for health risk assessment. HQ values reveal that 100% (Al, Mo), 85% (Cu), 21% (B), 13% (Cr) and 6% (Pb) of samples exceeded the recommended limit (>1), which can cause an adverse health risk to adult and children. Pearson correlation, principal components analyses, and Hierarchical cluster analysis justified that aluminium silicates weathering and Fe oxides/hydroxides dissolution (Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe, Ag, Al, Mo and V), evaporation, anthropogenic input (Cu and B) and dissolution of carbonate and sulphate minerals (Ba and Zn) controlled the water chemistry in this aquifer. This study recommends a proper treatment of the groundwater to be safe for various uses. The comprehensive approach, employed here, is applicable to any arid aquifers worldwide., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The demand for mint is increasing from year to year, and it is more important than ever to secure a sustainable and robust supply of such an important plant. The USDA mint core collection provides the basis for many researches worldwide regarding, e.g., sequencing, cytology, and disease resistances. A recently developed toolbox enables here for the first time the analysis of such a complex collection in terms of the aroma compound composition and the mapping of flavor alterations depending on taxonomy, environmental conditions, and growing stages by means of comprehensive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Therefore, in this study, not only the aroma compound composition of 153 genotypes was characterized but it was also demonstrated that the composition varies depending on taxonomy and changes during the growth of the plant. Furthermore, it could be shown that greenhouse conditions have an enormous influence on the concentrations of aroma compounds.

In December 2019, New Jersey became one of the first states to have its industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) plan approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) following enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill that authorized the production of hemp. Following this approval, hemp was legally grown for the first time in 2020. During the growing seasons of 2020 and 2021, powdery mildew-like symptoms were observed during the summer months (Jun to Aug) in greenhouse hemp research and fall months (Aug to Oct) in field production plots on Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station farms in southern and northern New Jersey. Symptoms were observed on leaves and stems of hemp cultivars 'CB Genius', 'Cherry Wine' and 'Bay Mist'. Symptoms initially appeared as small white patches of mycelia and conidia on the adaxial surface of leaves that gradually spread to entire leaves and stems. Leaf discoloration (e.g., chlorosis) and premature leaf drop were observed. More severe symptoms and damage were observed in the greenhouse than outdoor cultivation. A voucher specimen was deposited in the U.S National Fungus Collections, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD (accession number 929187). Morphological examination of the white colonies from the cultivar 'Baymist' was carried out using light microscopy and further characterized by sequencing. This isolate was labelled PMH2. Hyphae were septate, conidiophores were hyaline, unbranched, measuring 130 to 240 μm in length and produced 1 to 4 conidia in chains. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid to ovoid in shape and measured 20 to 36 ×10 to 18 μm (n=30). Oil-like drops were present within conidia, although no distinct fibrosin bodies were observed. Chasmothecia were not observed. Morphological observations were consistent with those of Golovinomyces spp. as described by Braun and Cook (2012). Morphological observations (conidiophore and conidial measurements) were also similar to the description of G. ambrosiae on Hemp, as described in Wiseman et al, 2021. Sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large ribosomal subunit (28S), intergenic spacer (IGS), beta- tubulin (TUB2) and chitin synthase 1(CHS1) region, were carried out with the primer sets ITS5/ITS4, LSU1/LSU2, IGS-12a/NS1R, TubF1/TubR1 and gCS1a1/gCS1b respectively, as shown by Qiu et al. (2020). Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis confirmed the grouping of the PMH2 isolate within the G. ambrosiae accessions. Each individual gene alignment was treated as a separate partition. Sequences were not concatenated for maximum -likelihood phylogenetic analysis. Sequence data were deposited in GenBank under the accessions OK626453 (ITS), OK626454 (28S), OL456201 (IGS), OL415512 (TUB2) and OL415513(CHS1). To fulfill Koch's postulates, two mature, potted plants of C. sativa cv. 'Alpha Explorer' were inoculated by gently pressing symptomatic hemp leaves onto their leaf surface. They were incubated in an indoor grow room at 23°C and relative humidity of 50%. Non-inoculated healthy plants of C. sativa cv. 'Alpha Explorer' served as control. Inoculated plants developed powdery mildew symptoms within 10 to 12 days, while all control plants were asymptomatic. The powdery mildew on inoculated plants was found to be morphologically similar to the original. G. ambrosiae has been reported on C.sativa in Oregon (Wiseman et al. 2021) and G. ambrosiae (as G. spadiceus) has been reported on Cannabis in Kentucky (Szarka et al. 2019), Ohio (Farinas and Hand 2020) and New York (Weldon et al. 2020). This is the first known report of Golovinomyces ambrosiae causing powdery mildew on hemp in New Jersey. With the recent opening ( Dec15, 2021) of cultivation licensing and retailing of recreational marijuana, the acreage of Hemp production in New Jersey is expected to significantly increase, particularly for greenhouse production. It is important to document the species to develop management strategies to control this disease.

Water quality index and chemometric methods were employed to assess the groundwater quality and contamination sources in the upper Ganges basin (UGB) and lower Ganges basin (LGB) as groundwater is a sole source for drinking, domestic and agricultural uses. Groundwater samples were collected from UGB (n = 44) and LGB (n = 26) and analysed for physicochemical parameters. Groundwater in this basin is desirable (51%) to permissible (TDS < 1000 mg/l, 96%) classes for drinking. Chemical constituents in the groundwater are lower than the maximum allowable limit recommended by the WHO for drinking except K. Drinking water quality index (DWQI) values reveal that groundwater belongs to excellent (89%) and good (10%) classes. However, the high concentrations of Fe and Mn in 61 and 77% of samples, respectively, restrict the usage for drinking according to USEPA recommendations. Both LGB and UGB groundwater in shallow wells have elevated concentration of TDS, EC and other ions (Ca 2+ , Cl - and SO 4 2- in LGB; major ions, NO 3 - , PO 4 3- , F - , Fe and Mn in UGB) and imply the influences of anthropogenic activities. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis reiterated that groundwater quality is affected by the anthropogenic activities as well as mineral dissolutions (carbonate and silicate minerals). This study highlighted that the infiltration of wastewater from various contamination sources likely triggered the dissolution of the minerals in the vadose zone that resulted in the accumulation of ions in the shallow aquifer. An effective management plan is essential to protect this shallow aquifer.

Groundwater quality and associated health risk in the arid environment, Rabigh basin, Western Saudi Arabia, was assessed using an integrated approach namely groundwater suitability zone (GWSZ) maps, drinking water quality index (DWQI), irrigation water quality (IWQ) parameters, irrigation water quality index (IWQI), chronic daily index (CDI), and hazard quotient (HQ). Groundwater samples were collected (n = 50) and analysed. Groundwater is alkaline (80%), fresh to brackish, and hard to very hard, and 78% of samples exceeded the international drinking water safe limit. The DWQI indicates that groundwater samples are excellent (24%), good (24%), poor (20%), very poor (10%), and unsuitable (22%) classes for drinking use. Total HQ (HQ oral F - + HQ oral NO 3 - ) indicated that 68%, 80%, and 72% of samples express non-carcinogenic health threat to adult, children, and infant, respectively, in the study region. IWQ parameters, namely, EC, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly's ratio (KR), sodium percentage (Na%), permeability index (PI), and magnesium hazard (MH), suggest that 72%, 66%, 64%, 98%, and 92% of samples have SAR < 6, KR < 1, MH < 50, PI > 25%, and Na% < 60%, respectively, which are suitable for irrigation. USSL classification implies that groundwater is suitable only for salt-tolerant crops and high permeability soil. IWQI values suggest that groundwater in 12%, 82%, and 6% of wells are low, medium, and highly suitable, respectively, for irrigation. Furthermore, only 42% of samples are recommended for livestock uses due to high F - (> 2). GWSZ maps, DWQI, and IWQI imply that groundwater in the upstream region is suitable whereas groundwater in the downstream is not recommended for any uses. Hence, this study recommended proper groundwater augmentation methods to reduce the salinity and improve the water quality in the shallow aquifer in the arid environment. The GWSZ, DWQI, and IWQI maps will aid to identify the suitable zones for groundwater development and sustainable management.

The first systematic study on high fluoride contaminated fractured rock aquifer in South Africa using geochemical and chemometric approach is presented. Groundwater samples were collected from 49 boreholes and analysed for EC, pH, major and minor ions. The groundwater with high fluoride is associated with NaCl water types. The groundwater chemistry is governed by mineral weathering, evaporation and wastewater infiltration. PHREEQC modelling indicates that carbonate mineral saturation is decreasing with increasing salinity due to evaporation whereas fluorite saturation increases with increasing F being one of the prime controlling factors. Silicate minerals namely chalcedony, quartz and talc express saturation and over-saturation while chrysotile and sepiolite are undersaturated in most of the samples. PCA provided four factors and justified the role of mineral weathering, evaporation, ion exchange, longer residence time and anthropogenic impacts on water chemistry. R-mode and Q-mode cluster analysis resulted in four clusters. In cluster 1, (29%) of groundwater is less mineralized due to recent recharge. In cluster 2 (45%), groundwater chemistry is governed by weathering of silicates and fluorite minerals. Cluster 3 (20%) reveals the impact of anthropogenic activities and induced mineral weathering. Cluster 4 shows high EC, TDS, major ions, F and low HCO 3 implying that groundwater is affected by evaporation and longer residence time promoting mineral-water interaction and precipitation of carbonate minerals. More than 50% of the study area is degraded due to fluoride contamination which requires proper remedial actions and further investigations on human health risk due to impact of fluoride contamination in groundwater is recommended., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Groundwater samples were collected from 44 wells in the Ramganga Sub-Basin (RSB), India, and analysed for major ions, nutrients and trace metals. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the hydrochemistry and to identify the geochemical processes that govern the water chemistry in the shallow and deep tube wells in the study area using geochemical methods. The knowledge of changes in hydrochemistry of the aquifers is important for both groundwater recharge and use in the region. This study found that there are substantial differences of water chemistry between shallow and deep wells. In the shallow wells, the average concentrations of total dissolved solid (TDS), Na, K, Ca, Mg, HCO 3 , Cl, SO 4 , NO 3 , PO 4 , F, Cu, Mn, Fe and Cr are twofold higher than the deep wells. The concentrations of dissolved silica in the groundwater do not vary with the depth, which implies that the variation in the water chemistry is not due to mineral dissolution alone. Major ion ratios and saturation indices suggest that the water chemistry is predominantly controlled by dissolution of carbonate minerals, silicate weathering and ion exchange reactions. Thermodynamic evaluation (ion activity ratios and stability filed diagrams) indicates that the kaolinite and gibbsite controlled the water chemistry in the both shallow and deep wells. In addition, the groundwater chemistry in the shallow wells is affected by the vertical infiltration of contaminated water from surface contamination sources and nitrification process. In the deep wells, absence of NO 3 and low concentrations of Cl, SO 4 , PO 4 and F imply the role of regional flow and denitrification in the groundwater. Results concluded that proper management plan is necessary to protect the shallow aquifer in the RSB since shallow aquifer pumping is less expensive than the deeper one.

Background and Aims: Lactate levels predict outcomes after hepatectomy. We compared metabolic effects of lactated versus lactate free solutions in living donor hepatectomy., Methods: Consecutive right lobe donors ( n = 53) were alternatively allotted to lactated Ringer's solution and normal saline (Group L-control) or acetated crystalloid (Sterofundin B Braun ® Group S -study group) in an observational prospective randomised study. The primary outcome measure was lactate level, and secondary outcomes were base excess, bicarbonate, glucose and chloride intra- and post-operatively. Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests were used for analysis., Results: The intraoperative, post-operative lactate levels and the time for normalisation were comparable. Group L had significantly lower intraoperative bicarbonate levels (mmol/L) at 6 and 8 h (20.0 ± 2.14 vs. 21.3 ± 1.6, P = 0.0471; 18.68 ± 2.04 vs. 20.39 ± 17, P = 0.002), base excess at 4 and 6 h (mmol/L) (-3.64 ± 2.73 vs. -3.0 ± 1.52, P = 0.031; -6.64 ± 2.76 vs. -4.35 ± 1.7 P = 0.006). The intraoperative chloride levels (mmol/L) were higher in group L at 4 and 8 h (108 ± 5.9 vs. 105.99 ± 2.76, P = 0.0471; 109.51 ± 3.86 vs. 106.93 ± 3.09, P = 0.002). Intraoperative glucose (mg/dL) at 6 h was higher in group L, 160.55 ± 31.52 vs. 145.5 ± 24.29, P = 0.043. The highest post-operative chloride (mmol/L) was higher in Group L (112.3 ± 3.86 vs. 109.81 ± 3.72, P = 0.034). Post-operative base excess and bicarbonate showed an improved profile in Group S (-7.37 ± 2.99 vs. -5.06 ± 1.71 P = 0.001 and 17.79 ± 2.23 vs. 19.68 ± 1.51 P = 0.005)., Conclusion: Acetated fluids were associated with higher levels of bicarbonate, lesser base deficit, glucose and chloride but no difference in lactate levels in comparison with Ringer's lactate and normal saline in living donor hepatectomy.

The accumulation of heavy metals in soil and water is a serious concern due to their persistence and toxicity. This study investigated the vertical distribution of heavy metals, possible sources and their relation with soil texture in a soil profile from seasonally waterlogged agriculture fields of Eastern Ganges basin. Fifteen samples were collected at ~0.90-m interval during drilling of 13.11 mbgl and analysed for physical parameters (moisture content and grain size parameters: sand, silt, clay ratio) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni and Cd). The average metal content was in the decreasing order of Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Co > Pb > Cd. Vertical distribution of Fe, Mn, Zn and Ni shows more or less similar trends, and clay zone records high concentration of heavy metals. The enrichment of heavy metals in clay zone with alkaline pH strongly implies that the heavy metal distributions in the study site are effectively regulated by soil texture and reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn oxy-hydroxides. Correlation coefficient analysis indicates that most of the metals correlate with Fe, Mn and soil texture (clay and silt). Soil quality assessment was carried out using geoaccumulation index (I(geo)), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF). The enrichment factor values were ranged between 0.66 (Mn) and 2.34 (Co) for the studied metals, and the contamination factor values varied between 0.79 (Mn) and 2.55 (Co). Results suggest that the elements such as Cu and Co are categorized as moderate to moderately severe contamination, which are further confirmed by I(geo) values (0.69 for Cu and 0.78 for Co). The concentration of Ni exceeded the effects-range median values, and the biological adverse effect of this metal is 87%. The average concentration of heavy metals was compared with published data such as concentration of heavy metals in Ganga River sediments, Ganga Delta sediments and upper continental crust (UCC), which apparently revealed that heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd are influenced by the dynamic nature of flood plain deposits. Agricultural practice and domestic sewage are also influenced on the heavy metal content in the study area.

Extracorporeal 'work bench surgery' with subsequent autotransplantation is a challenge from both anaesthetic and surgical point of view when performed bilaterally or in a solitary kidney. A 28-year-old female with bilateral giant angiomyolipoma of kidneys was taken up for renal autotransplantation. Patient had a huge tumour, which was the largest reported exophytic tumour to be excised by this technique. Both kidneys were operated at an interval of 1 month, under combined general and epidural anaesthesia. Anaesthetic challenges faced during the procedure were maintenance of adequate perfusion of the grafted kidneys, containment of massive blood loss and coagulopathy during the perioperative period. Patient recovered in due course with functioning autotransplanted kidney. A careful pre-operative preparation with intraoperative maintenance of adequate blood volume and blood pressure is the key for graft survival.

As groundwater is a vital source of water for domestic and agricultural activities in Thanjavur city due to lack of surface water resources, groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and agricultural usage were evaluated. In this study, 102 groundwater samples were collected from dug wells and bore wells during March 2008 and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, major ions, and nitrate. Results suggest that, in 90% of groundwater samples, sodium and chloride are predominant cation and anion, respectively, and NaCl and CaMgCl are major water types in the study area. The groundwater quality in the study site is impaired by surface contamination sources, mineral dissolution, ion exchange, and evaporation. Nitrate, chloride, and sulfate concentrations strongly express the impact of surface contamination sources such as agricultural and domestic activities, on groundwater quality, and 13% of samples have elevated nitrate content (>45 mg/l as NO(3)). PHREEQC code and Gibbs plots were employed to evaluate the contribution of mineral dissolution and suggest that mineral dissolution, especially carbonate minerals, regulates water chemistry. Groundwater suitability for drinking usage was evaluated by the World Health Organization and Indian standards and suggests that 34% of samples are not suitable for drinking. Integrated groundwater suitability map for drinking purposes was created using drinking water standards based on a concept that if the groundwater sample exceeds any one of the standards, it is not suitable for drinking. This map illustrates that wells in zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 are not fit for drinking purpose. Likewise, irrigational suitability of groundwater in the study region was evaluated, and results suggest that 20% samples are not fit for irrigation. Groundwater suitability map for irrigation was also produced based on salinity and sodium hazards and denotes that wells mostly situated in zones 2 and 3 are not suitable for irrigation. Both integrated suitability maps for drinking and irrigation usage provide overall scenario about the groundwater quality in the study area. Finally, the study concluded that groundwater quality is impaired by man-made activities, and proper management plan is necessary to protect valuable groundwater resources in Thanjavur city.

Hydrogeochemical investigations were carried out in Chithar River basin, Tamil Nadu, India to identify the major geochemical processes that regulate groundwater chemistry. For this study, long-term (1991-1997) and recent water quality data (2001-2002) for 30 groundwater wells spread over the study area were used to understand the groundwater geochemistry and hydrogeochemical process regulating groundwater quality. Groundwater quality data obtained from more than 400 water samples were employed. Results of electrical conductivity and chloride express large variation between minimum and maximum values and high standard deviation, which suggests that the water chemistry in the study region is not homogeneous and influenced by complex contamination sources and geochemical process. Nitrate and depth to water table expose the influences of surface contamination sources, whereas dissolved silica, fluoride and alkalinity strongly suggest the effect of rock-water interaction. In the study region, weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals and ion exchange reactions predominantly regulate major ion chemistry. Besides, the concentrations of sulphate, chloride and nitrate firmly suggest the impact of agricultural activities such as irrigation return flow, fertiliser application, etc on water chemistry in the study region.

A study was carried out to develop a vulnerability map for Barka region in the North Batina of Oman using DRASTIC vulnerability index method in GIS environment. DRASTIC layers were created using data from published reports and the seven DRASTIC layers were processed by the ArcGIS geographic information system. Finally, DRASTIC maps were created for 1995 and 2004 to understand the long-term changes in the vulnerability index. DRASTIC vulnerability maps were evaluated using groundwater quality data such as chemical and biological parameters. DRASTIC vulnerability maps of 1995 and 2004 indicate that the northern part of Barka is more vulnerable to pollution than southern part and the central part of Barka also shows high relative vulnerability which is mostly related to the high conductivity values. Moreover, the changes in water level due to high abstraction rate of groundwater reflect in the vulnerability maps and low vulnerability area is increased in the southern part during 2004 compared to 1995. Moreover, regional distribution maps of nitrate, chloride and total and fecal coliforms are well correlated with DRASTIC vulnerability maps. In contrast to this, even though DRASTIC method predicted the central part of the study region is highly vulnerable, both chemical and biological parameters show lower concentrations in this region compared to coastal belt, which is mainly due to agricultural and urban development. In Barka, urban development and agricultural activities are very high in coastal region compared to southern and central part of the study area. Hence, this study concluded that DRASTIC method is also applicable in coastal region having ubiquitous contamination sources.

A study was carried out in a part of Palar and Cheyyar river basin to evaluate the current status of iron, manganese, zinc and atrazine concentrations, their origin and distribution in groundwater. Groundwater samples were collected during post-monsoon (March 1998 and February 1999) and pre-monsoon (June 1999) periods from 41 sampling wells distributed throughout the study area. The groundwater samples were analyzed for trace metals using AAS and atrazine using HPLC. The concentration of the trace elements in groundwater is predominant during pre-monsoon period. Distribution pattern indicates that the concentration of these elements increases from west to northeast and towards Palar river. Lower concentrations in the central part may be due to recharge of fresh water from the lakes located here. During most of the months, as there is no flow in Palar river, the concentrations of trace elements in groundwater are high. Drinking water standards indicate that Mn and Zn cross the permissible limit recommended by EPA during the pre-monsoon period. A comparison of groundwater data with trace element chemistry of rock samples shows the abundance of trace elements both in the rock and water in the order of Fe > Mn > Zn and Fe > Zn > Mn. This indicates that iron in groundwater is derived from lithogenic origin. Further, Fe, Mn and Zn have good correlation in rock samples, while it is reverse in the case of water samples, indicating the non-lithogenic origin of Mn and Zn. Atrazine (a herbicide) was not detected in any of the groundwater samples in the study area, perhaps due to low-application rate and adsorption in the soil materials.

Groundwater samples were collected from both dugwells and borewells in an intensively irrigated area of Kancheepuram Taluk, Tamil Nadu. pH, EC and TDS of groundwater samples were measured in the site. The collected samples were analysed in the laboratory for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, HCO3, CO3, SO4, NO3, P-PO4 and Si-SiO2. The results are used for inter elemental correlation analysis which indicates that most of the elements having good correlation. Piper Trilinear diagram is used to find out the hydrochemical type of groundwater which shows that most of them are CaHCO3 and the remaining are CaMgCl type. Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater indicate that silicate weathering reaction is a probable source for high concentration of major ions.