4-day Test Research Articles

Single and combined effects of metal-based fungicides on Eisenia andrei in different scenarios of climatic change.

This study evaluated the ecotoxicity of metal-based fungicides under the current scenarios of global climatic change (20°C and 25°C) and moisture content (30% and 50%) in single and binary mixtures of copper oxychloride (CuOx) [200, 500 and 1000mg/kg] and mancozeb (MnZn) [44, 850 and 1250mg/kg]. Endpoints assessed included mortality, changes in biomass, avoidance behaviour, and reproduction utilising standardised protocols (ISO and OECD). The changes in biomass and mortality tests lasted 28days, followed by a 28-day reproduction test and a two-day avoidance test. In all temperature-moisture combinations, the mortality rate in the exposure groups exceeded 10% only in the CuOx1000 and CuOx1000 + MnZn1250 mg/kg groups. However, at 20°C and 30% moisture, the mortality rate exceeded 10% only in the CuOx500 + MnZn850 mg/kg treatment. Relative growth rates in the CuOx and MnZn treatment groups decreased with increasing concentrations. In CuOx MnZn and the binary mixture treatments at 20°C 30% and 25°C 50% conditions, avoidance response behaviour was greater than 80% throughout the exposure, except in CuOx200 mg/kg, MnZn44 mg/kg and CuOx200 + MnZn44 mg/kg. The reproduction of exposed earthworms in all treatment groups was concentration-dependent and influenced by varying temperatures and soil moisture conditions. No juveniles or cocoons were produced in the CuOx1000 mg/kg treatment at 25°C 30%, indicating that copper oxychloride may be more toxic than mancozeb, especially in drought conditions. This study found that different temperatures and soil moisture levels altered the ecotoxicity of CuOx and MnZn. It can be concluded that climate change is likely to significantly impact the outcomes of metals to earthworms and their ecological activities.

A test method for assessing chronic oral toxicity of a pesticide to solitary nesting orchard bees, Osmia spp. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae).

Orchard bees of the genus Osmia Panzerare important pollinators of fruit trees in various regions of the world, with some species commercially available in the United States and Europe. In addition to their pollination services, Osmia lignaria, Osmia cornifrons, Osmia bicornis, and Osmia cornuta have been identified as potential model species for solitary bees in pesticide risk assessment and have been used for the development of new methods to test acute lethal effects via contact and oral routes of exposure. Our goal was to expand the available methodology to characterize the toxicity of pesticides for these solitary bees through a chronic oral test for adult bees. Chronic oral toxicity of pesticides to orchard bees has been reported, but methods differ among research groups. In our study, O. lignaria, O. cornifrons, O. bicornis, and O. cornuta female bees had access to sucrose solution ad libitum in separate, species-specific 10-day tests. Mean body mass, mean daily consumption, and survival differed among the studied bee species. The dose-response test design was validated with dimethoate, a reference toxic compound, and chronic toxicity endpoints were estimated for the 4 Osmia species. The median lethal daily doses normalized by weight for O. lignaria, O. bicornis, O. cornuta, and O. cornifrons were within the same order of magnitude at 0.23, 0.26, 0.49, and 0.61 µg dimethoate/g bee/day, respectively. The methodology described here was aligned as much as possible with the available honey bee and bumble bee standard methods to facilitate the comparison of chronic toxicity profiles among bee species.

Polyelectrolyte-modified covalent organic framework membranes for multivalent cation removal

Covalent organic framework (COF) has become a promising membrane material in chemical separations. However, the application of COF membranes for ion separation is still challenging, due to the mismatch between the pore size of COFs (1–5 nm) with the diameter of hydrated ions (<1 nm). Herein, a cationic polyelectrolyte surface modification strategy of COF membranes was proposed, by assembling a cationic polyelectrolyte (PEI, PDDA, PAH) layer on the surface of an anionic COF (TpPa-SO3H) membrane via dip coating. The cationic polyelectrolytes on the membrane surface offered abundant positive charges and reduced the surface pore size, leading to the synergistic enhancement of the size sieving and the electrostatic repulsion. Accordingly, effective rejection of multivalent cations was realized with a significantly increased rejection rate of 97.1 % for MgCl2, compared to that of TpPa-SO3H membrane (10.3 %). Furthermore, the polyelectrolyte-modified COF membrane exhibited desirable separation performance for heavy metal ions in water. The rejection rates for heavy metal salts, including CrCl3, CdCl2, CuCl2, PbCl2 and NiCl2, reached 98.5 %, 97.3 %, 97.0 %, 96.2 %, and 96.0 %, respectively, and remained above 95 % during the 7-day long-term operation test.

Quantifying Effects and Ingestion of Several Pristine Microplastics in Two Early Life Stages of Freshwater Mussels.

Microplastics have been found in freshwater systems, and in turn have been detected in freshwater bivalves. However, there is limited research that defines the toxicity of bicroplastics to native freshwater bivalves that have long been imperiled in North America. Our objective was to determine whether a suite of pristine microplastics has an adverse effect on two early life stages of unionid freshwater mussels. Glochidia of Lampsilis fasciola (a Canadian species at risk) and Lampsilis siliquoidea (widespread across Canada) were individually exposed to spheres of polystyrene (6 and 90 μm), polyethylene (28, 90, and 1000 μm), and cellulose acetate (1000 μm), as well as fibers of polyethylene terephthalate (60 μm). After 24 h, there was no significant decrease in glochidia viability in either species. Juvenile L. siliquoidea mussels were also exposed to spheres of polystyrene (6 and 90 μm) and polyethylene (28 μm), and fibers of polyethylene terephthalate (60 μm) in individual 28-day subchronic tests followed by a 7-day depuration period. Burial was assessed weekly, and ingestion of each microplastic was compared in nondepurated and depurated mussels. There was no sustained effect on juvenile burial with any microplastic tested. Ingestion of microplastics was concentration dependent, and depuration occurred for all particles and size ranges tested. The results suggest that pristine microplastics were not acutely toxic to the early life stages of these freshwater mussels, but that the energetic costs associated with particle uptake and depuration, which were not measured in our study, may have an impact on fitness that warrants further investigation. In addition, testing with other shapes and polymers of microplastics typically detected in the environment is recommended. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

An eco-friendly strategy of cell wall stapling: In situ crosslinking of acrylic acid emulsion impregnated in thermally treated poplar wood

Traditional wood modification methods often result in the release of harmful substances and energy wastage. This study proposes an efficient and environmentally friendly modification strategy for fast-growing poplar wood. The approach involves polymerizing organic linear molecules within the cell wall to form stitches, thereby enhancing the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of wood and increasing its ability to withstand various environments. Poplar wood specimens were treated via a method that combines heat treatment with acrylic emulsion impregnation. The research findings indicated an improvement in the mechanical properties of poplar wood following the combined treatment. Moreover, poplar wood subjected to this treatment approach exhibited a 35.24 % lower water absorption rate after a 7-day water immersion test, and tangential and radial swelling rates of the wood were reduced by 29.66 % and 45.68 %, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed excellent penetration of acrylic emulsion into wood cells; the emulsion infiltrated the wood and adhered to the cell walls, forming a crosslinked network structure. Analysis of the modification mechanism through X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the successful infusion of acrylic emulsion compensated for the lower mechanical properties of thermally treated wood, thus improving the utilization value of poplar. The acrylic emulsion is an environmentally friendly and harmless modifier, making the modified wood suitable for various applications, including indoor furniture, logistics, and outdoor facilities. This modification strategy enables efficient resource utilization and provides valuable insights for the sustainable development of the timber industry.

Defending against fluorine corrosion: Insights from FeCoNiCrMo high-entropy alloy behavior in hydrofluoric acid solutions

The surging demand for advanced fluorine corrosion-resistant materials underscores their significance in ensuring operational safety and reliability across various industries. This study investigates the corrosion behavior of the FeCoNiCrMo high-entropy alloy (HEA) via a series of 28-day immersion tests in hydrofluoric acid (HF) solutions. The results demonstrate the FeCoNiCrMo HEA's superior corrosion-resistant performance in HF environments, exhibiting remarkably low corrosion rates of 0.179 mm/y, 0.276 mm/y, and 0.352 mm/y in 20 vol%, 30 vol%, and 40 vol% HF solutions, respectively. Comprehensive phase and microstructural characterizations were conducted on samples exposed to the 40 vol% HF solution to elucidate the corrosion mechanisms. The study revealed that localized pitting corrosion preferentially initiates within the interdendritic regions of the HEA matrix upon HF exposure. During the intermediate stage, micro-galvanic corrosion occurs between the dendritic arms and interdendritic regions, leading to the formation of a uniform and compact corrosion product film on the alloy surface. This film, enriched with Mo, Cr, and O, provides temporary protection. However, as corrosion progresses, the partial detachment of particulate corrosion products compromises the integrity of the film, resulting in increased dissolution within the interdendritic regions and the formation of irregular corrosion grooves in the later stage. These insights significantly enhance the understanding of the corrosion mechanisms of FeCoNiCrMo HEA in HF environments and provide valuable guidance for developing innovative protective materials designed for fluorine-rich engineering applications.

A cutting-edge atomization-based methodology for enhancing formulation ability to resist photoaging

BackgroundSkin photoaging mainly occurs in exposed skin irradiated by ultraviolet rays from the sunlight. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, the skin will undergo certain changes to avoid damage. The inflammatory factors produced by light stimulation will induce melanocytes to produce more melanin, leading to the skin shows a rough, dark, dry, loose, and leathery appearance. In particular, when the skin is exposed to external damage and then received the damage of sunlight, such as after an aesthetic medicine treatment, it is more likely to produce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). However, there is a lack of a non-invasive and efficient solution. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to verify a new skincare method to resist photoaging. The essence itself has a very good effect in resisting photodamage, when it through atomized to skin, it showcases a non-invasive but better-result approach to skin care. Materials and MethodsThis study assessed anti-photoaging effects through in vitro (antioxidant, UVB protection, ROS tests) and human trials. In vitro results indicate the essence's efficacy. A randomized trial with 60 women (20-45 years, sensitive skin) compared atomized essence vs. smear control. After 28 days, atomized essence improved skin hydration, gloss, reduced redness, TiVi, TEWL, and UV protection. A 7-day test with Moyal Luminous Serum and Atomizer showed this skincare combo effectively prevents photodamage. ResultsThrough in vitro and human experiments, we have verified that the self-developed essence itself has a very good effect of anti-photoaging. Through further comparison of human efficacy tests, we found that with the support of an atomizer, the anti-photoaging effect of the essence has been improved. ConclusionEssence through atomization to resists photoaging, improves skin moisture, gloss, UV protection and reduces redness. Its non-invasive delivery ensures efficacy and user-friendliness.

The efficacy study of trinity permeation synergism on anti-aging

BackgroundMore and more consumers are paying attention to skin rejuvenation. However, there is a lack of a non-invasive and efficient solution. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a trinity permeation synergism (TPS), which consists of a firming essence, an atomizer and a photoelectric penetrator, for facial anti-aging efficacy. Material and methodsIn this work, in vitro cell experiments and human efficacy study were used to evaluate the firming and anti-wrinkle effects. Cell experiments were used to verify the effect of the firming essence on the cell proliferation, migration, and anti-inflammation in keratinocytes (HaCaT), and on the gene expression levels of type I and type III collagen (Col-1 and Col-3) and type I matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) in human skin fibroblasts (HSF). After in vitro test, 60 women aged 35–60 years were enrolled in the randomized test, of which 30 subjects were randomly selected to be the experimental group and treated with the TPS system, while the left 30 subjects were treated with the firming essence only considered as control. After 28 days, skin elasticity, skin redness value, and skin wrinkles were measured to evaluate the efficacy of the TPS system. ResultsCell experiments showed that the firming essence can significantly improve the proliferation and the migration of HaCaT cells. It also promoted the expression level of Col-1 and Col-3 gene, and inhibited the expression level of MMP-1 gene in HSF cells. After confirming the efficacy of firming essence, the efficacy benefit of the TPS was further studied. The 28-day tests show that combined use firming essence with atomizer and penetrator can significantly increase skin elasticity, reduce skin hemoglobin value and skin wrinkles on Day 28. Moreover, all the mentioned improvements are significantly better than that in the control group. ConclusionThrough efficient delivery in the whole process, TPS boosts the efficacy of active components in the firming essence. TPS offers an efficient, non-invasive, and convenient way for enhanced facial rejuvenation efficacy.

Establishment of a Flow-Through System for the Macrophyte Growth Inhibition Test (OECD 239) Including Photosynthetic Activity Measurement to Determine Early Effects.

Maintaining constant exposure concentrations during ecotoxicological studies while testing rapidly degradable substances is a challenge. To achieve stable concentrations during exposure, flow-through systems are used. To assess the impact of substances on higher aquatic plants, the 14-day macrophyte water-sediment Myriophyllum spicatum growth inhibition test (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD, 2014a] test guideline 239) only includes a static or a semistatic test design. The main aim of our study was to investigate the applicability of a flow-through system for M. spicatum. The standard OECD test design was miniaturized, and a flow-through system with spill-over was developed to achieve stable exposure concentrations of a rapidly degrading substance. The main endpoints were total shoot length and fresh and dry weight. Photosynthetic activity was used as an endpoint for the identification of early effects using the noninvasive Image-Producing Pulse Amplitude Modulation (IMAGING-PAM) procedure. Atorvastatin (AV; fast degrading) and bentazone (BT; photosynthesis inhibitor) were used as model substances to observe differences of the effect concentration depending on the test design. At higher exposure levels of AV, stronger necrosis combined with lower effect concentrations was observed in the flow-through test compared with the semistatic test, indicating the applicability of the flow-through test for evaluating degradable substances. The test with BT demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease in the photosynthetic yield (Y(II)) from day 3 onward even before macroscopically visible changes occurred. Our results show that the flow-through system in the macrophyte growth inhibition test (OECD test guideline 239; 2014a) is a suitable alternative when one is testing rapidly degradable substances such as AV. In addition, we showed that photosynthetic yield can serve as a supplementary endpoint, when one is testing substances with photosynthesis inhibition as a mode of action. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

A preliminary study on the effects of substituting fishmeal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal on Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) juveniles: Growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient composition, disease resistance, and economic returns.

This study aims to develop an alternative aquafeed derived from insect meal for Lates calcarifer juveniles, with the objectives of exploring the physiological performance, biological parameters, and economic analysis of substituting fishmeal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) as part of the diet of L. calcarifer juveniles. Five practical diets were formulated to include 0% (BSFL0, serves as control group), 5% (BSFL5), 10% (BSFL10), 15% (BSFL15), and 20% (BSFL20) of BSFL meal, partially or fully replacing FM, respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 fish (10.70 ± 0.07 g) per tank (300 L). The fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of defatted BSFL meal replacing FM on the growth performance, feed efficiency, composition analysis of fish muscle, cumulative mortality rate challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. These results show that differences in weight gain and specific growth rate among the different treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.05), except for the absence of significant variation (p < 0.05) between BSFL0 and BSFL5, and followed by BSFL10 > BSFL0 > BSFL5 > BSFL15 > BSFL20. However, the feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio showed the opposite trend as above. Although the diets experienced a decline in crude protein content and an increase in crude fat content with the increasing proportion of BSFL substituting FM, the crude protein and fat content of fish muscle were only slightly influenced. It is worth mentioning that levels of nonessential amino acids, delicious amino acids, saturated fatty acids, omega-6, omega-9 in BSFL10 group all showed an increase compared with the control group. After a 7-day challenge test with V. parahaemolyticus, the cumulative mortality rates of the BSFL5 and BSFL10 groups, respectively, dropped to 5.20%, 5.28% compared to the control group's 16.88%; however, the mortality rates of BSFL15 (34.67%) and BSFL20 (41.77%) groups were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased. From an economic perspective, the incidence cost for each experimental group showed a trend as BSFL10 < BSFL0 < BSFL5 < BSFL15 < BSFL20, whereas the profit index in each treatment exhibited the opposite trend as above. It was concluded that low (5%) or moderate (10%) levels of BSFL substituting FM in aquaculture feed could improve the physiological performances, disease resistance, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. However, excessive substitution (>15%) leads to a negative effect. From an economic point of view, 10% inclusion of BSFL in practical diets is recommended for L. calcarifer juveniles.

Application of an integrated device for ultra-low temperature desulfurization and denitration in large rotary kiln

To tackle the problem of excessive nitrogen oxide emissions during the denitration process of the lime rotary kiln at Beitai Iron Mine, it was proposed to integrate ultra-low temperature SCR denitration catalysts and a moving-burden bed reactor into a radial combined desulfurization and denitration device to achieve ultra-low temperature denitration in a low-sulfur state. The self-built integrated device features two desulphurization beds and one denitration bed, through which the flue gas passes successively in a radial flow manner. Industrial test results indicate that the denitration efficiency reached an average of 96.07% at temperatures ranging from 70 to 130°C during a 14-day test period, indicating a good denitration effect. The ultra-low temperature SCR denitration device has been put into use, effectively reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and air pollution, while also promoting the optimization and upgrading of the energy structure. The research results can provide a reference for the environmental management of mining and processing enterprises.

Delayed canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) microfilarial reduction following Advocate™ for dogs (imidacloprid, moxidectin) treatment

Macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics are currently the only class of drugs available for canine heartworm prevention. Recent reports of Dirofilaria immitis infection occurring in dogs reportedly receiving ‘rigorous’ prevention in Queensland, Australia, coupled with the confirmation of ML-resistant isolates in the USA, has led to speculation about the potential emergence of ML-resistance in Australia. In this study, we describe two cases (Dog 1 and 2) of asymptomatic canine heartworm disease in Townsville, Australia, that were reportedly receiving ‘rigorous’ heartworm prevention according to the owners’ claims. We aimed to deploy currently available tools to assess the phenotypic and genotypic ML-resistance status of these two dogs. For phenotypic testing, we performed an in-vivo 7-day microfilariae suppression test using a dose of spot-on moxidectin (Advocate™ for Dogs, 100 g/L imidacloprid + 25 g/L moxidectin). This formulation is marketed as Advantage Multi® for Dogs in the USA, which claims a D. immitis microfilaricidal effect. For genetic testing, an Illumina amplicon metabarcoding approach was used to target single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with ML-resistance in D. immitis from the USA. Dog 1 and Dog 2 demonstrated <10 % and <40 % reductions in circulating microfilariae seven days after moxidectin treatment, respectively. These phenotypes were not corroborated by genetic SNP testing, as both dogs were classified as susceptible across all examined markers. To streamline testing of D. immitis SNPs, we developed a rhAmp™ SNP qPCR approach for rapidly genotyping suspect cases of ML-resistant infections at the two major loci (L15709_A and L30575). These findings illustrate a phenomenon shown in some heartworm cases outside the USA, whereby infected dogs are failing to see marked reductions in microfilaraemia after ML treatment but possess an ML-susceptible genotype.

Study of Manipulative In Situ Pore-Formation upon Polymeric Coating on Cylindrical Substrate for Sustained Drug Delivery.

Herein, the micro-porous polylactic acid coating applied on the surface of the cylindrical substrate is fabricated by a novel in situ pore-formation strategy based on the combinational effect of breath figure (BF) and vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) processes. Under the condition of high environmental humidity, solvent pair of chloroform and dimethylformamide is employed for post-treatment onto pre-formed PLA coating to induce the pore-formation following the mechanism of BF and VIPS, respectively. A composite porous structure with both cellular-like and bi-continuous network morphologies is obtained. By tunning the experimental factors including the ratio of the solvent pair, environmental humidity, and temperature, morphological manipulation upon the pore morphology can be facilely achieved based on the control of mechanism transition between BF and VIPS. Paclitaxel is used as a model drug and loaded into the porous coating by the wicking effect of post-immersion. Coatings with different morphological features show varying drug loading and release capacities. The 28-day release test reveals dynamic release profiles between different coating samples, with the total release rate ranging from 35.70% to 79.96%. Optimal loading capacity of 19.28µg cm-2 and 28-day release rate of 35.70% are achieved for the coating with composite BF-VIPS structure. This research established a cost-efficient strategy with high flexibility in the structural manipulation concerning the construction of drug-eluting coating with the feature of manipulative drug delivery.

Acute Urticaria: Symptoms, Causes, and Evaluation of Phenotypes Prone to Chronicity

Introduction: Urticaria is a condition that is characterized by the development of wheals (hives), angioedema, or both. If symptoms persist for less than 6 weeks, it is classified as acute urticaria (AU), and if they persist for longer than 6 weeks, it is classified as chronic urticaria (CU). Disease activity is evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the 7-day urticaria activity score (UAS-7) and urticaria control test (UCT). In this study, we aimed to determine whether there was a difference between patients with chronic and recovered urticaria in terms of age, sex, symptoms, disease severity, disease control, and triggering factors by following patients with AU for 6 months. Methods: The routine tests were requested at the first admission of the patients. If previously examined, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-nuclear antibody, etc., were recorded. After the first examination, the patients were evaluated again using a visual analog scale (VAS), UCT, UAS-7, and medication scores (MSs) in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months. Results: One hundred nine (F/M: 80/29) patients were included in the study. Twenty-seven patients had a previous history of AU, 22 of these patients were evaluated as having recurrent AU, and five became chronic during follow-up. Urticaria continued in 22 of 82 patients who presented with first-attack AU in the 3rd month and 17 in the 6th month. We had a chronicity rate of 24.7%. It was determined that having positive anti-TPO increased the risk of CU 1.69 times. A statistically significant improvement was found in the mean VAS, UCT, UAS-7, and MSs evaluated in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of patients with CU compared with baseline. Conclusion: AU is a common disease and usually heals in a short time without becoming chronic. Studies on the causes of chronicity are limited. Testing anti-TPO in patients presenting with AU may be useful in terms of disease course and risk of chronicity.

Formulation and Optimization of Effective Oil Spill Dispersants Composed of Surface-Active Ionic Liquids and Nonionic Surfactants.

The use of chemical dispersants to remove oil spills in aquatic environments raises serious concerns, including heightened toxicity and limited biodegradability, which diminish their effectiveness. This study aimed to develop an environmentally friendly formulation by combining two nonionic surfactants (Tween 80, Span 80) with two surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs): 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium lauroyl sarcosinate [Bmim][Lausar] and choline myristate [Cho][Mys], to remediate crude oil spill. The performance of the formulation was evaluated by its emulsion stability, surface tension, interfacial tension (IFT), and effectiveness. The toxicity and biodegradability of the formulation were also assessed to ensure their safe application in aquatic environments. The formulation (F9) exhibited the most stable emulsion, maintaining stability even after 5 h with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 3.52 mM. The efficiency of the formulation in dispersing various crude oils (Arab, Ratawi, and Doba) ranged from 70.12 to 93.72%. Acute toxicity tests conducted on zebrafish demonstrated that the formulation, with an LC50 value of 450 mg L-1, exhibited practically nontoxicity after 96 h. The formulation showed rapid biodegradability, exceeding 60% within a 28-day testing period. This research presents a promising approach for synthesizing the green formulation which can contribute to mitigating the environmental impacts of oil spills and enhancing the efficiency of cleanup operations.

Measurement ofenergy availability in highly trained male endurance athletes and examination of its associations with bone health and endocrine function.

Despite the introduction of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-s) in 2014, there is evidence to suggest that male endurance athletes still present with a high prevalence of low energy availability (LEA). Previous findings suggest that energy availability (EA) status is strongly correlated with impairments in endocrine function such as reduced leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), and insulin, and elevated bone loss. This study aimed to report the current EA status, endocrine function and bone health of highly trained Irish male endurance athletes. In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 3 triathletes; n = 10 runners) completed a 7-day testing period during the competition season using lab-based measures, to ascertain EA status, hormone level and rates of bone metabolism. Serum blood samples were obtained to assess hormone levels and markers of bone metabolism. Mean EA was < 30kcal/kg lean body mass (LBM)/day in 76.9% of athletes. There was a strong association between LEA and low carbohydrate intake, and lower LBM. Mean levels of insulin, IGF-1 and leptin were significantly lower than their reference ranges. Elevated mean concentrations of β-CTX and a mean P1NP: β-CTX ratio < 100, indicated a state of bone resorption. The EA level, carbohydrate intake, hormone status and bone metabolism status of highly trained male endurance athletes are a concern. Based on the findings of this study, more frequent assessment of EA across a season is recommended to monitor the status of male endurance athletes, in conjunction with nutritional education specific to EA and the associated risks.

Assessment of oral toxicity of Moringa oleifera Lam aqueous extract and its effect on gout induced in a murine model.

Although widely employed in traditional remedies globally, the safety and efficacy of Moringa oleifera remain inadequately documented through scientific research. This study evaluated the oral toxicity of M. oleifera leaf aqueous extract (MoAE) and its impact on gout-induced rats. 2000 mg/kg was given in a single dose during the acute oral toxicity test, while 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg were given daily for 28 days in the repeated dose toxicity test. 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg MoAE doses were administered during the assessment of its impact on gout caused by monosodium urate. In the hyperuricemia model induced by oxonic acid, serum uric acid levels were assessed and pain response was measured through acetic acid-induced writhing. In acute oral and 28-day repeated dose tests, no indications of toxicity were detected, while MoAE alleviated ankle joint swelling and reduced serum uric acid concentrations in arthritic rats, causing a significant reduction in acetic acid-induced contortions. No acute oral toxicity or toxicity in 28-day repeated doses was found for MoAE, while it exhibited antiarthritic, antihyperuricemic, and pain-relieving effects in the murine model.

Study of the effect of magnetic fields on static degradation of Fe and Fe-12Mn-1.2C in balanced salts modified Hanks’ solution

Iron and its alloys are attractive as biodegradable materials because of their low toxicity and suitable mechanical properties; however, they generally have a slow degradation rate. Given that corrosion is an electrochemical phenomenon where an exchange of electrons takes place, the application of magnetic fields from outside the body may accelerate the degradation of a ferrous temporary implant. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of alternating and direct low magnetic field (H = 6.5 kA/m) on the corrosion process of pure iron (Fe) and an iron-manganese alloy (FeMnC) in modified Hanks' solution. A 14-day static immersion test was performed on the materials. The corrosion rate was assessed by mass and cross-sectional loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after degradation. The results show that the presence of magnetic fields significantly accelerates the degradation rate of both materials, with the corrosion rate being twice as high in the case of Fe and almost three times as high for FeMnC. In addition, a homogenous degradation layer is formed over the entire surface and the chemical composition of the degradation products is the same regardless of the presence of a magnetic field.

Microbial Biomass in Mesophilic and Thermophilic High-Rate Biodigestion of Sugarcane Vinasse: Similar in Quantity, Different in Composition

This study compared the behavior of the biomass in two fixed-film anaerobic reactors operated under equivalent organic loading rates but at different temperatures, i.e., 30 °C (RMM) and 55 °C (RMT). The reactors were fed with sugarcane vinasse and molasses (both fermented) in a simulation of sequential periods of season and off-season. The dynamics of biomass growth and retention, as well as the microbial composition, were assessed throughout 171 days of continuous operation, coupled with an additional 10-day test assessing the microbial activity in the bed region. Despite the different inoculum sources used (mesophilic granular vs. thermophilic flocculent sludge types), the biomass growth yield was identical (0.036–0.038 g VSS g−1COD) in both systems. The retention rates (higher in RMT) were regulated according to the initial amount of biomass provided in the inoculation, resulting in similar amounts of total retained biomass (46.8 vs. 43.3 g VSS in RMT and RMM) and biomass distribution patterns (30–35% in the feeding zone) at the end of the operation. Meanwhile, hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis mediated by Methanothermobacter coupled to syntrophic acetate oxidation prevailed in RMT, while the Methanosaeta-mediated acetoclastic pathway occurred in RMM. The results show that different anaerobic consortia can behave similarly in quantitative terms when subjected to equivalent organic loads, regardless of the prevailing methane-producing pathway. The community grows and reaches a balance (or a given cell activity level) defined by the amount of substrate available for conversion. In other words, while the metabolic pathway may differ, the endpoint (the amount of biomass) remains the same if operational stability is maintained.

Enhancing the Use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for Lightweight Concrete Wall Panels

Concrete is widely used in for construction purposes due to many advantageous properties. Depending on the density, concrete can be categorized as either conventional or lightweight. However, incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly elements like Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) can reduce the weight of concrete resulting in construction material. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effects of the inclusion of EPS towards the physical characteristics of concrete such as compressive strength, flexural strength, density and water absorption. This research also aim to analyze the soundproofing capabilities of wall panels produced using EPS. The study focuses on evaluating percentages (10%, 15% and 20%) of EPS as aggregates in terms of their impact on mechanical properties, physical properties and soundproofing qualities, in lightweight concrete. A total of 36 cube samples measuring 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm were prepared for testing at both 7 day and 28-day curing periods. In addition, 12 wall panel samples measuring 100 mm x 100 mm x 500 mm and another four wall panel samples measuring 600 mm x 600 mm x 40mm for analysis. Findings of the research indicate that the desired targets were met for water absorption (10%) density (15%) and soundproof performance (20%). During the 28-day strength test, the compressive strength decreased by 21.86%, 30.57% and 35.56% when replacing 10%, 15% and 20% of the material respectively. Lightweight concrete achieved a value of 19.45 MPa with a replacement of only 10% EPS. However, the samples, with a replacement of 15% and 20% did not reach this compressive strength level. This study demonstrates that EPS can be effectively utilized in applications. There was a reduction for the flexural strength ranging from 13.42% to 27.89% compared to the control mix when replacing with EPS at rates of 10%, 15% and 20%. This study succeeded in producing the novel discovery of the use of EPS in contributing to reducing overall structure weight, which in turn helps decrease energy consumption during transportation and construction processes.