Embolization with micron-sized particulates is widely applied to treat uterine fibroids. The objective of this work was to develop mixture designs to predict materials composition-structure-property relationships for the SiO₂-CaO-ZnO-La₂O₃-TiO₂-MgO-SrO-Na₂O glass system and compare its fundamental materials properties (density and cytocompatibility), against a state-of-the-art embolic agent (contour polyvinyl alcohol) to assess the potential of these materials for embolization therapies. The glass structures were evaluated using ²⁹Si MAS NMR to identify chemical shift and line width; the particulate densities were determined using helium pycnometry and the cell viabilities were assessed via MTT assay. ²⁹Si MAS NMR results indicated peak maxima for each glass in the range of -82.3 ppm to -89.9 ppm; associated with Q² to Q³ units in silicate glasses. All experimental embolic compositions showed enhanced in vitro compatibility in comparison to Contour PVA with the exceptions of ORP9 and ORP11 (containing no TiO₂). In this study, optimal compositions for cell viability were obtained for the following compositional ranges: 0.095-0.188 mole fraction ZnO; 0.068-0.159 mole fraction La₂O₃; 0.545-0.562 mole fraction SiO₂ and 0.042-0.050 mole fraction TiO₂. To ensure ease of producibility in obtaining good melts, a maximum loading of 0.068 mole fraction La₂O₃ is required. This is confirmed by the desirability approach, for which the only experimental composition (ORP5) of the materials evaluated was presented as an optimum composition; combining high cell viability with ease of production (0.188 mole fraction ZnO; 0.068 mole fraction La₂O₃; 0.562 mole fraction SiO₂ and 0.042 mole fraction TiO₂).
/ Proper disposal of human waste is an important concern for the appropriate management of wildlands. This paper reviews the state of knowledge regarding pathogens and human waste disposal in dispersed backcountry recreation areas in the United States. Of concern is the impact of travelers, such as backpackers, backcountry skiers, and mountaineers, in areas where toilets are not provided. At this time, the magnitude of problems related to human waste disposal in wildlands is unclear. Aesthetics and water contamination with the resultant potential for disease transmission are the predominant issues. Few studies have analyzed the aesthetics of human waste disposal. In wildlands, contamination of water sources primarily originates from surface soil. The fate of enteric pathogens on or in soils is highly variable and dependent on the complex interactions of many factors, most importantly soil type, moisture, and temperature. It is difficult to make general recommendations that apply to all ecosystems. There is still a relative dearth of studies that allow the manager or visitor to come up with specific practices that are the best for their area. The preferred method of disposal remains to dig a small hole (cat hole) and bury the waste. Other site specific methods are also discussed. Treatment of drinking water has become standard practice for most backcountry travel. With such treatment, there is little evidence currently to suggest that the health hazard to humans is great enough to impose further regulation in areas currently using cat holes.
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