Digital Commons Network^™

Reproducibility And Repeatability Of 18f-(2s, 4r)-4-Fluoroglutamine Pet Imaging In Preclinical Oncology Models, Gregory D Ayers, Allison S Cohen, Seong-Woo Bae, Xiaoxia Wen, Alyssa Pollard, Shilpa Sharma, Trey Claus, Adria Payne, Ling Geng, Ping Zhao, Mohammed Noor Tantawy, Seth T Gammon, H Charles Manning

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Measurement of repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) is necessary to realize the full potential of positron emission tomography (PET). Several studies have evaluated the reproducibility of PET using 18F-FDG, the most common PET tracer used in oncology, but similar studies using other PET tracers are scarce. Even fewer assess agreement and R&R with statistical methods designed explicitly for the task. 18F-(2S, 4R)-4-fluoro-glutamine (18F-Gln) is a PET tracer designed for imaging glutamine uptake and metabolism. This study illustrates high reproducibility and repeatability with 18F-Gln for in vivo research.

Methods: Twenty mice bearing colorectal cancer cell line xenografts were injected with ~9 …

Patterns Of Loco-Regional Progression And Patient Outcomes After Definitive-Dose Radiation Therapy For Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Julianna K Bronk, Alexander Augustyn, Abdallah S R Mohamed, C David Fuller, Adam S Garden, Amy C Moreno, Anna Lee, William H Morrison, Jack Phan, Jay P Reddy, David I Rosenthal, Michael T Spiotto, Steven J Frank, Ramona Dadu, Naifa Busaidy, Mark Zafereo, Jennifer R Wang, Anastasios Maniakas, Renata Ferrarotto, Priyanka C Iyer, Maria E Cabanillas, G Brandon Gunn

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The aim of this study is to characterize the patterns of loco-regional progression (LRP) and outcomes after definitive-dose intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with macroscopic neck disease at the time of IMRT.

Methods: Disease/treatment characteristics and outcomes for patients with unresected or incompletely resected ATC who received IMRT (≥45 Gy) were retrospectively reviewed. For those with LRP after IMRT, progressive/recurrent gross tumor volumes (rGTV) were contoured on diagnostic CTs and co-registered with initial planning CTs using deformable image registration. rGTVs were classified based on established spatial/dosimetric criteria.

Results: Forty patients treated between 2010-2020 formed …

Selective Inhibition Of Canonical Stat3 Signaling Suppresses K-Ras Mutant Lung Tumorigenesis And Reinvigorates Anti-Tumor Immunity, Michael J Clowers, Zahraa Rahal, Sung-Nam Cho, Avantika Krishna, Bo Yuan, Leticia G Hamana Zorrilla, T Kris Eckols, Moses M Kasembeli, Samuel Liu, Stephen Peng, Marco Ramos-Castaneda, Annamarie L Thompson, Carlos Ignacio Rodriguez Reyna, Katherine E Larsen, Maria T Grimaldo, Shanshan Deng, Nastaran Karimi, Cody Chou, Walter V Velasco, Melody Zarghooni, Sayan Alekseev, Luisa M Solis Soto, Edwin J Ostrin, Humam Kadara, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, David J Tweardy, Seyed Javad Moghaddam

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: K-ras mutant lung adenocarcinoma (KM-LUAD) is a difficult-to-treat cancer subtype in which chronic inflammation pervades the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Pro-inflammatory pathways dampen the response to treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, necessitating therapies that target this inflammatory signaling network in the TIME. One of the lynchpins of chronic inflammation in KM-LUAD is signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3).

Methods: Here, we tested the anti-tumor and early immunotherapeutic efficacy of TTI-101, a selective small-molecule inhibitor of canonical STAT3 signaling, in a K-rasG12D mutant lung cancer mouse model (CC-LR).

Results: Treatment of CC-LR mice with TTI-101 resulted in reduced …

Dedifferentiated Liposarcomas Treated With Immune Checkpoint Blockade: The Md Anderson Experience, Madeline B Torres, Cheuk Hong Leung, Marianne Zoghbi, Rossana Lazcano, Davis Ingram, Khalida Wani, Emily Z Keung, M Alejandra Zarzour, Christopher P Scally, Kelly K Hunt, Anthony Conley, Andrew J Bishop, B Ashleigh Guadagnolo, Ahsan Farooqi, Devarati Mitra, Alison K Yoder, Michael S Nakazawa, Dejka Araujo, Andrew Livingston, Ravin Ratan, Shreyaskumar Patel, Vinod Ravi, Alexander J Lazar, Christina L Roland, Neeta Somaiah, Elise F Nassif Haddad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is one of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) characterized by liposarcomatous differentiation and a predilection for the retroperitoneum. Despite the growing number of histology-specific immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) trials in STS, it is still difficult to identify the radiographic objective response rate (ORR) for DDLPS in the real world setting. This study aimed to evaluate the ORR and survival of patients with DDLPS treated with ICB at a single center.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 31 patients with pathologically confirmed DDLPS treated with ICB at MD Anderson Cancer Center between …

A Plain Language Summary Of The Final Analysis Of The Griffin Study Of Daratumumab Plus Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, And Dexamethasone For People With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, Peter M Voorhees, Douglas W Sborov, Jacob Laubach, Jonathan L Kaufman, Brandi Reeves, Cesar Rodriguez, Rebecca Silbermann, Luciano J Costa, Larry D Anderson, Nitya Nathwani, Nina Shah, Naresh Bumma, Yvonne A Efebera, Sarah A Holstein, Caitlin Costello, Andrzej Jakubowiak, Tanya M Wildes, Robert Z Orlowski, Kenneth H Shain, Andrew J Cowan, Shira Dinner, Katharine S Gries, Huiling Pei, Annelore Cortoos, Sharmila Patel, Thomas S Lin, Saad Z Usmani, Paul G Richardson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Grape-Pi: Graph-Based Neural Networks For Enhanced Protein Identification In Proteomics Pipelines, Chunhui Gu, Seyyed Mahmood Ghasemi, Yining Cai, Johannes F Fahrmann, James P Long, Hiroyuki Katayama, Chong Wu, Jody Vykoukal, Jennifer B Dennison, Samir Hanash, Kim-Anh Do, Ehsan Irajizad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Motivation: Protein identification via mass spectrometry (MS) is the primary method for untargeted protein detection. However, the identification process is challenging due to data complexity and the need to control false discovery rates (FDR) of protein identification. To address these challenges, we developed a graph neural network (GNN)-based model, Graph Neural Network using Protein-Protein Interaction for Enhancing Protein Identification (Grape-Pi), which is applicable to all proteomics pipelines. This model leverages protein-protein interaction (PPI) data and employs two types of message-passing layers to integrate evidence from both the target protein and its interactors, thereby improving identification accuracy.

Results: Grape-Pi achieved significant …

A Critical Assessment Of Artificial Intelligence In Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of Cancer, Chengyue Wu, Meryem Abbad Andaloussi, David A Hormuth, Ernesto A B F Lima, Guillermo Lorenzo, Casey E Stowers, Sriram Ravula, Brett Levac, Alexandros G Dimakis, Jonathan I Tamir, Kristy K Brock, Caroline Chung, Thomas E Yankeelov

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Given the enormous output and pace of development of artificial intelligence (AI) methods in medical imaging, it can be challenging to identify the true success stories to determine the state-of-the-art of the field. This report seeks to provide the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) community with an initial guide into the major areas in which the methods of AI are contributing to MRI in oncology. After a general introduction to artificial intelligence, we proceed to discuss the successes and current limitations of AI in MRI when used for image acquisition, reconstruction, registration, and segmentation, as well as its utility for assisting …

Rules And Laws For Civil Actions 2026, Stella Burch Elias, Derek T. Muller, Jason Rantanen, Caroline Sheerin, Maya Steinitz

Books

Rules and Laws for Civil Actions is an open-access resource for law students containing the U.S. Constitution, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and selected federal and state statutes. The book was created by a team of faculty members at the University of Iowa College of Law to supplement the study of Civil Procedure, Evidence, Constitutional Law, and other law school courses. In addition to containing the official text, each legal source found in Rules and Laws for Civil Actions is accompanied by an introductory section written by an Iowa Law professor …

Book Review: Biglaw's Race Problem, Angela Onwuachi-Willig, Anthony V. Alfieri

Faculty Scholarship

Ever since the 1970s when BigLaw firms began to hire Black lawyers into their associate ranks, these firms have wrestled with problems in both recruiting and retaining Black associates. During the ensuing decades, BigLaw firms have minimally increased the low numbers of Black attorneys who have become partners, particularly equity partners, within their organizations. Numerous scholars have explored how racial bias and discrimination, both within BigLaw firms and greater society, have contributed to such failures in the recruitment, retention, and promotion of Black lawyers. In his new book The Black Ceiling: How Race Still Matters in the Elite Workplace, …

Disentangling Effects Of The Dr And Dq Isomers Encoded By The Hla Class Ii Haplotype Drb1*15:01/Dqb1*06:02 To Help Establish The True Risk Allele For Fviii Inhibitor Development In Hemophilia A, Vincent P Diego, Bernadette W Luu, Marcio A Almeida, Raja Rajalingam, Marco Hofmann, Jacob A Galan, Eron G Manusov, Jerry S Powell, Long V Dinh, Henry Mead, Huy Huynh, Anne M Verhagen, Juan M Peralta, Paul V Lehmann, Satish Kumar, Eli J Fine, Joanne E Curran, Harald H Goring, Miguel A Escobar, Sarah Williams-Blangero, Eugene Maraskovsky, John Blangero, Tom E Howard

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Hemophilia A (HA) patients (HAPs) with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-class-II (HLAII) haplotype DRB1*15:01/DQB1*06:02, and thus antigen presenting cells which express HLAII β-polypeptide chains that form heterodimers of DR15- and DQ6-serotypes, respectively, have an increased risk of developing factor (F)VIII inhibitors (FEIs)-neutralizing antibodies against the therapeutic-FVIII-proteins (tFVIIIs) infused to prevent/arrest bleeding. As DRB1*15:01 and DQB1*06:02 exist in strong linkage disequilibrium, association analysis cannot determine which is the actual risk allele.

Methods: To establish the true risk allele of this haplotype, we analyzed the tFVIII-derived peptides (tFVIII-dPs) bound to either the DR or DQ molecules that comprise the individual HLAII …

Inhibition Of Nitric Oxide Synthase Transforms Carotid Occlusion-Mediated Benign Oligemia Into De Novo Large Cerebral Infarction, Ha Kim, Jinyong Chung, Jeong Wook Kang, Dawid Schellingerhout, Soo Ji Lee, Hee Jeong Jang, Inyeong Park, Taesu Kim, Dong-Seok Gwak, Ji Sung Lee, Sung-Ha Hong, Kang-Hoon Je, Hee-Joon Bae, Joohon Sung, Eng H Lo, James Faber, Cenk Ayata, Dong-Eog Kim

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

A Call For Integration Of Trauma-Informed Care Into Occupational Therapy: Improving Provider Competency Through A Case Study Of A Cooking Skills Program For Survivors Of Human Trafficking, Natalie Pravinkumar

OT Doctoral Capstones

Trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and violence, has evident lasting physical and mental health effects, such as chronic illness, behavioral changes, and depression. While trauma-informed care (TIC) helps providers recognize and respond to trauma, this training is often limited to mental health and social work fields. Many survivor populations never receive interventions designed with TIC in mind, restricting outcomes leading to reduced rehabilitation and reintegration.

Occupational therapy (OT) is fundamentally client-centered and functional, making it well suited for TIC. However, while they cover many similar topics, most OT programs do not include specific curriculum on TIC.

TIC education in OT …

Trends In Contacts Made By Immigrants To The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sarah Treves-Kagan, Vi D Le, Liris S Berra, Colleen M Ray, Yanet Ruvalcaba, Leila Wood, Denise V D'Angelo, Tatiana M Vera, Lianne Fuino Estefan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Immigrants in the United States are more likely than nonimmigrants to experience risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) and problems in getting support. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent incidents of xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment may have exacerbated exposure to IPV risk factors. We examined immigrant experiences of IPV before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This study identified changes in characteristics of abuse, services used, referrals, and barriers to services among those who contacted the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) and identified as immigrants, reported immigration status as a concern, needed immigration support, and/or identified immigration status as …

Caring For Caregivers: An Occupational Therapy-Centered Mental Health And Wellness Program, Natalie Burgess

OT Doctoral Capstones

Objective: Address the mental health and wellness needs of caregivers of individuals with disabilities at Fundación Integra A.C.

Methods: Conducted a needs assessment, developed and implemented an 8-week occupational therapy-based wellness program, and evaluated outcomes using pre/post assessments and weekly feedback surveys.

Results: Caregivers showed reduced stress, improved self-reported health, and increased use of mindfulness and coping strategies.

Conclusion: Occupational therapy interventions can improve caregiver well-being and support sustainable caregiver education in community settings.

Skewed Adaptive Immune Responses Are Involved In Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Emphysema, Joselyn Rojas-Quintero, Scott A Ochsner, Hyun-Sung Lee, Christine Cong, Alan Waich Cohen, Adrianne S Colborg, Konstantin Tsoyi, Maria C Basil, Edward Cantu, Ivan O Rosas, Neil J Mckenna, Raúl San-José Estépar, Igor Barjaktarevic, Andrew A Wilson, Francesca Polverino

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of A Spiritually Intergrated Trauma Healing Program On Ptsd Symptoms And Spiritual Well-Being In Nigeria, Emily Hervey

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been identified as a significant concern worldwide, but very few spiritually oriented programs to address trauma have been tested in low to middle-income countries. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a faith-based, community-centered program in reducing PTSD symptoms and enhancing spiritual well-being. The program is designed for the participants’ well-being, while also equipping them to help their community in a form of task sharing. A total of 98 Nigerians participated in six five-day workshops, half in the capital city and half in areas farther north, where conflict was more common. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist …

Natural Disasters, Psychosocial Distress, Psychological Flexibility, And Satisfaction With Life, Rodger K. Bufford, Javeen Skoubo, Kenneth Logan, Aundrea Paxton

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Although common, natural disasters (NDs) remain little studied, and their aggregate psychological impact is unknown. No aggregate measure of ND exposure could be located. This study reports the development and preliminary validation of the Natural Disaster Scale (NDS). In a sample of 131 US adults, disaster exposure was measured for NDs, for childhood and adult human disasters, for psychological flexibility, and for social support. Criteria included general distress, simple and complex PTSD, and life satisfaction. The NDS showed good internal consistency. Eleven of thirteen items loaded on a single factor. After controlling demographic factors, social support, and psychological flexibility, the …

The Ethical Theory Of Enrique Dussel: An Investigation Of Violence And Coercion In His Three Foundational Principles, Eric Antonio Del Valle Cruz

Dissertations

Problem

Enrique Dussel's ethics proposes addressing global inequality through legitimate coercion as a means of liberating the poor, contrasting it with the violence of the current system. However, the inclusion of life-threatening acts, such as armed revolution, as coercion raises practical challenges for the Christian community, including ethical-political dialogue, inclusion of opposing parties, and potential dehumanization, which need further exploration in light of Dussel’s use of Scripture in support of his proposals.

Purpose

This dissertation aims to assess Dussel's philosophical principles and their connection to coercion and violence, ultimately establishing a framework for a conservative Christian proposal that combines the …

The Wellbeing Study: Exploring Healthcare Professionals (Hcps) Psychological Wellbeing At Work And Patients’ Experiences Of Care, Kathryn Bamforth

School of Nursing and Midwifery Theses

Kathryn Marie BamforthTitle: The WELLBEING Study: Exploring Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) Psychological Wellbeing at Work and Patients’ Experiences of CareBackground: HCPs’ psychological wellbeing affects patients’ experiences of care. The COVID-19 pandemic, cost of living and workforce crises have taken their toll on HCP wellbeing. There is scant evidence on HCPs’ perceptions of psychological wellbeing at work or how they could be better supported. There is less research that considers patients’ perspectives.Aim: To explore HCPs’ and patients’ perceptions of staff psychological wellbeing at work and use the first four stages of experience-based co-design (EBCD) to identify models of practice to support HCP …

Bibliometric And Visualisation Analysis Of Biomass Burning Research In Thailand (1997-2024), Weerachon Sawangproh, Arika Bridhikitti

Applied Environmental Research

Biomass burning is a major driver of air pollution and climate-related impacts in Thailand, but a national-level synthesis of research efforts is lacking. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and qualitative review of 256 peer-reviewed publications from 1997–2024, using Scopus-indexeddata to explore research trends, thematic patterns, and existing gaps. The analysis reveals a strong emphasis on atmospheric chemistry, air quality modeling, and remote sensing, which collectively account for more than 60% of the research landscape.Studies frequently focus on pollutants such as PM2.5,PAHs, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, with biomass burning identified as a dominant source, especiallyduring the dry season in …

Quantifying Biodiversity In The Absence Of Taxonomic Data: A Study Of Thailand’S Economic Development Zones, Nikorn Mahawan, Wanpen Charoentrakulpeeti

Applied Environmental Research

The biodiversity status measures the ecological capacity of a given area. However, biodiversity assessments in developing countries are limited by the absence of taxonomic data on plants and animals. By developing methods to evaluate biodiversity via alternative data, it is now possible to quantify the ecological carrying capacity in areas where taxonomic data are lacking. The relationship between forest ecosystem health and biodiversity values can be used to estimate biodiversity values by considering the proportions of different land use types that are associated with forest ecosystem abundance. The biodiversity value of the area can be assessed by adding the abundance …

Low-Temperature Catalytic Oxidation Of White Spirit Vapor In Air By Binary Oxides Of Feo-Mnox Supported On Oms-2 Material, Ngo Quoc Nguyen, Pham Duy Quang, Nguyen Ha Nhu, Le Thi Van Anh, Nguyen Thi Thuy, Vo Thanh Hang, Le Van Thang, Nguyen Thi Le Lien, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Nguyen Nhat Huy

Applied Environmental Research

In this work, catalysts of iron and manganese oxides supported on OMS-2 were prepared and applied to remove white spirit (WS) in air. Among the fabricated catalysts, the FeO-MnOx/OMS-2 catalyst with a surface Fe+Mn loading of 15% (Fe:Mn = 6:4) exhibited the highest catalytic performance, achieving a high WS removal efficiency of 97.91% at 200 °C. The catalyst retained the cryptomelane-type tunnel structure of OMS-2 and possessed enhanced redox activity due to the synergistic interaction between surface Fe and Mn species. The physico-chemical properties were characterized via BET, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The suitable conditions for WS oxidation were …

Spatial And Temporal Dynamics Of Water Use Efficiency And Climate Influence In The Central Highlands Of Vietnam Via Satellite Time Series, Thi Nguyen Quang, Hoang Van Hung

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of water use efficiency (WUE) anomalies across the Central Highlands of Vietnam from 2001–2024 via MODIS time series data, with a focus on seasonal differences and climatic drivers. The results revealed pronounced interannual and spatial variability in the WUE, with significant improvements observed during 2004, 2015, and 2021–2024 and substantial declines during 2005–2008, 2010–2013, and 2016–2017, which coincided with major drought events in the region. Seasonal analysis indicated that WUE was lower during the early dry season and peaked during the postmonsoon months (October–November), reflecting the interplay between water availability and vegetation …

Using A Water Quality Index To Assess The Impacts Of Heavy Metals Contamination For Sustainable Water Management: A Case Study Of The Bang Pakong River, Thailand, Khin Yadana Soe, Pokchat Chutivisut, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat

Applied Environmental Research

Anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal, excessive fertilizer use, and industrial effluents cause heavy metal contamination in water, soil, and the atmosphere. Herein, the water quality index (WQI) was used to characterize heavy metal (i.e., cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) contamination in the Bang Pakong River, Thailand. Specifically, water samples were collected during the dry season from four stations along the river from 2012–2022. The heavy metal concentrations in the samples were analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and WQI values were calculated on the basis of standard water quality parameters. At the four sampling stations, high As …

Halotolerant Biodegradation And Detoxification Of Synthetic Dyes By Marine-Derived Penicillium Oxalicum M6a: Metabolite Profiling And Ecotoxicity Assessment, Ugochukwu Okechukwu Ozojiofor, Mohammed Sani Abdulsalami, Nkechi Eucharia Egbe, Ahmed Ali Haroun, Yakubu Magaji

Applied Environmental Research

The complex aromatic structures of synthetic dyes in contaminated water bodies make them difficult to degrade, posing a serious environmental challenge and representing a significant emerging pollutant that warrants urgent intervention. This study evaluated the biodegradation and detoxification potential of a halotolerant, marine-derived fungal strain, Penicillium oxalicum M6A, isolated from the Nigerian coastline, against Indigo carmine (IC) and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). The effects of pH, temperature, salinity, and dye concentration on degradation efficiency, alongside enzymatic activity, were assessed. FTIR and GC‒MS analyses were employed to identify degradation products and predict metabolic pathways, whereas toxicity was evaluated in three …

Blue Carbon Stock Assessment Of The Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve In Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines, Renz Morales Lanaban, Yves Paul M. Montero, Hilario L. Wong, Jr., Marnie Grace I. Sonico

Applied Environmental Research

Mangrove ecosystems are vital carbon sinks, yet they are threatened by anthropogenic pressures and natural disturbances, causing significant carbon stock losses. Given the limited data for Baganga, Davao Oriental, this study quantified the aboveground biomass (AGB) and blue carbon stock in the Lucod mangrove swamp forest reserve. We identified mangrove species, measured AGB and carbon content via allometric equations, and compared storage among species. The results indicated that the mangrove forest AGB was within typical ranges for tropical wet regions and the Asia-Pacific region, but its overall carbon content did not reach highly productive ecosystem levels. Nonparametric analysis revealed significant …

Investigating Spatial And Temporal Changes In Vegetation Via Remote Sensing Indicators And Revealing Their Trends In The Central Desert Of Iran, Peyman Akbarzadeh, Shima Nikoo, Mehran Akbarzadeh

Applied Environmental Research

Vegetation changes can significantly affect the conditions and productivity of ecosystems. Consequently, studying vegetation dynamics across various temporal and spatial scales has emerged as a critical environmental concern. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in vegetation cover via vegetation indices, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), ratio vegetation index (RVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and difference vegetation index (DVI), derived from multitemporal Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite images processed via the Google Earth Engine. The study area is located in the Damghan arid and desert watershed, which represents the central desert of Iran. Furthermore, …

Assessment Of Metal Contamination And Potential Health Risk Of Roadside Vegetables Along The Sayre Highway, Province Of Bukidnon, Philippines, John R.N. Labajo, Junesa U. Cristobal, Myrna G. Pabiona

Applied Environmental Research

This study assessed heavy metal contamination in roadside vegetables (Ipomoea batatas and Moringa oleifera) across five urbanized localities in Bukidnon, Philippines, and evaluated potential human health risks. Metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were analyzed via atomic absorption spectro-photometry and compared against FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits. The results revealed severe contamination, with Mn (575.27–862.17 mg kg-1) and Fe (256.46–706.68 mg kg-1) dominating natural soil mineralogy (Adtuyon series) and anthropogenic inputs. Toxic Cr (16.20–21.93 mg kg-1) exceeded permissible limits by nine and a half times in Quezon. Health risk assessments revealed negligible noncarcinogenic risks (THQ …

Spatial Distribution And Potential Ecological Risk Of Microplastics In Surface Sediments Of The Inner Gulf Of Thailand, Sarayut Suanluang, Pathompong Vibhatabandhu, Sarawut Srithongouthai

Applied Environmental Research

The global surge in plastic usage during the COVID–19 pandemic raised concerns about increased microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic environments. This study assessed the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of MPs in surface sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand during the post–COVID–19 period (April 2021). The sediment samples were analyzed via density separation, stereomicroscopic examination, and polymer identification via micro–FTIR. The mean MP abundance was 196.07 ± 85.60 pieces kg-1, with concentrations ranging from 73.08 to 351.19 pieces kg-1. PTFE and PP were the dominant polymer types, comprising 50% and 32% of all the MPs, respectively. Fibers (34%) and …

Health Risk Assessment Of Copper Exposure Through Hand-To-Mouth Activities In The Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Industry, Adisorn Phungkum, Worawat Meevasana, Khanidtha Marungrueang

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to evaluate the occupational exposure levels of copper (Cu) among workers in a battery manufacturing facility by analyzing the Cu concentrations on hand surfaces at three distinct time periods: before work (BW), before lunch (BL), and after work (AW). A total of 30 workers involved in 13 different workstations or tasks—such as battery cell preparation, spot welding, soldering, and labeling—were included in the study to reflect diverse exposure scenarios. Surface wipe sampling was conducted according to NIOSH Method 9102, and the Cu concentrations were quantified via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). Additionally, the hazard quotient (HQ) was …