Complete Mixture Research Articles

Effect of cellulose degradation products on 63Ni sorption on Portland cement

Concepts of nuclear waste repositories make use of large quantities of cementitious materials, especially near surface disposal facilities in which cement, mortar, and concrete are used both as structural materials and waste immobilization matrices. The retardation of radionuclides by the cementitious barriers of these repositories is crucial for the safe long-term management of the waste. Yet both the degradation of the cementitious materials and the presence of complexing ligands originating from the waste can affect the sorption of radionuclides. Cellulosic materials present in nuclear waste degrade under irradiation and under the alkaline conditions generated by the cementitious materials and they release organic compounds. Within the cellulose degradation products, α-isosacharinic acid (α-ISA) is generally assumed to be the strongest radionuclide complexant and to have the most impact on radionuclide sorption, though the presence of other ligands in the mixture could also have an effect. In this work, the sorption of 63Ni was assessed on fresh and state III hardened cement paste (HCP). The effect of α-ISA on the 63Ni sorption at these two degradation states was investigated and compared to the effect of a complete mixture of cellulose degradation products generated by irradiation and alkaline degradation of cellulosic tissues. A higher sorption of 63Ni was observed on state III HCP (Rd = (8.6 ± 3.3) × 103 L/kg) than on fresh HCP (Rd = (1.0 ± 0.3) × 103 L/kg), and, in both cases, the sorption was higher than previously observed on pure C–S–H (calcium silicate hydrate) suggesting the involvement of other mechanisms than the sole surface complexation on C–S–H. The effect of α-ISA on the sorption of 63Ni depended on the cement degradation state, ranging from no effect on fresh cement to a maximal sorption reduction factor of 8 ± 3 on degraded cement for 10−2 M α-ISA. The effect of the mixture of degradation products from cellulosic tissues on the sorption of 63Ni was found to be considerably higher on both fresh and degraded HCP, with a sorption reduction factor of 582 ± 972 and 718 ± 327 for the fresh and degraded cement, respectively, for a corresponding α-ISA concentration of 10−2 M.

A Young Super Star Cluster Powering a Nebula of Retained Massive Star Ejecta

We suggest that “Godzilla” of the lensed Sunburst galaxy (z = 2.37) is a young super star cluster powering a nebula of gravitationally trapped stellar ejecta. Employing Hubble Space Telescope photometry and spectroscopy from the Very Large Telescope (VLT) MUSE and VLT/X-Shooter, we infer the physical and chemical properties of the cluster and nebula, finding that Godzilla is young, 4–6 Myr; massive, 2 × 106 M ⊙ (1000/μ); of stellar metallicity, Z ≃ 0.25 Z ⊙; and has a compact far-UV component of ≲1 pc (1000/μ), where μ is the flux magnification factor. The gas is significantly enriched with N and He, indicating stellar wind material, and has highly elevated O relative to the stellar metallicity, indicating entrainment of core-collapse supernova (CCSN) ejecta. The high density, n e ≃ 107−8 cm−3, implies a highly pressurized intracluster environment. We propose that the pressure results from CCSN-driven supersonic turbulence in warm, self-shielding gas, which has accumulated in the cluster center after runaway radiative cooling and is dense enough to resist removal by CCSNe. The nebula gas shows subsolar C/O, Ne/O, and Si/O, which may reflect the CCSN element yields for initial stellar masses >40 M ⊙. A comparison to element yield synthesis models for young star clusters shows that the gas abundances are consistent with complete retention and mixture of stellar winds and CCSN ejecta until the inferred cluster age. The inferred O and He enhancement may have implications for the formation of multiple stellar populations in globular clusters, as stars formed from this gas would contradict the observed abundances of second-population stars.

Mutational landscape induced by chronic exposure to environmental PM10 and PM2.5 in A549 lung epithelial cell.

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been linked to an increased risk of multiple diseases, primarily lung cancer, through various molecular mechanisms. However, the mutagenic potential of PM remains unclear. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of genetic mutations and mutagenic signatures resulting from chronic exposure to PM10 or PM2.5. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified driver mutations and mutational signatures in A549cells, a lung epithelial cell model subjected to weekly exposure to either PM10 or PM2.5, for a period of 28 weeks. The number of single nucleotide variations, insertions, and deletions increased depending on the duration of exposure. PM10 generated the highest number of genomic alterations. Amplifications in SYK (oncogene) and mutations in NCOR1 (tumor suppressor gene) were prevalent in cells exposed to either PM10 or PM2.5; however, other mutations were exclusive, such as TP53 and ANK3 for PM10, and ERCC1 and ERCC2 for PM2.5. Different p53-related signaling pathways were most enriched by driver mutations upon exposure to both PM10 and PM2.5, particularly the glucose deprivation pathway. Exposure to either PM10 or PM2.5 resulted in high frequencies of C>A substitutions and one-base insertions/deletions in microhomology sites. The single-base substitution (SBS) signature SBS05, related to the nucleotide excision DNA repair pathway, contributed the most to both PM10-and PM2.5-exposed cells. The contribution of signature SBS18, related to oxidative stress, was observed in cells exposed to either PM10 or PM2.5, but a greater contribution was observed in PM2.5-exposed cells. In addition, SBS03 and SBS36, which are related to different DNA damage repair mechanisms, were observed more frequently in PM10-exposed cells. We assessed the mutagenic potential of PM10 and PM2.5, as a complete mixture, identifying mutated driver genes and mutational signatures generated by chronic PM exposure, which could contribute to the development of cancer, cardiovascular, and digestive diseases.

The Effects of Adding Hempseed Cake on Sperm Traits, Body Weight, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Rabbit Males.

Incorporating of agro-industrial co-products into animal nutrition could represent an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of the food production chain. One such co-product is a hempseed cake originating from cold pressing hemp seeds to extract oil for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of hempseed cake in the diet on male rabbit reproductive and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group; C; n = 10) or a diet enriched with hempseed cake (experimental group E5 with 5% of a hempseed cake; n = 10, and experimental group E10 with 10% of a hempseed cake; n = 10) in 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Rabbit weight gain, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and sperm quality were evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Feeding with a hempseed cake, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Hempseed cake addition had no effect on sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility (p > 0.05). Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. The E5 group showed positive tendencies in hepatic profile parameters, while in the E10 group the tendencies were opposite, though within the reference values. Based on our results, no negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on rabbit reproduction and health status were found, and we can recommend the use of hempseed cake at doses up to 10% in the nutrition and feeding of rabbits. Therefore, agro-industrial co-products can decrease the feeding cost.

Novel cold asphalt mixture featuring fast curing and self-healing by means of magnetic induction

Cold asphalt mixtures require a longer curing time and have lower durability than hot asphalt. So, a novel cold magnetic asphalt mixture with industrial by-product and control mixture with virgin steel fibers was designed and compared with a traditional reference mixture curing by oven according to U.S. standard. The research has two main chapters: first, a novel curing process by magnetic induction was evaluated; second, the self-healing capacity of the same magnetic cold mixture by magnetic induction was assessed.In the first chapter, fast curing by magnetic induction was compared with the traditional method established by the U.S. Asphalt Institute with respect to evaporated water, time and energy used. Also, the binder was evaluated after the curing process by the penetration test, ring and ball and Dynamic shear rheometer. Finally, the complete mixture was evaluated mechanically by means of the Cantabro test, stiffness modulus and indirect tensile strength. Regarding the results, the novel magnetic induction curing method evaporates the same water percentage using less energy reducing the curing time from days to only hours. In addition, the binder of the experimental mixture with by-products was less affected at the rheological level. Regarding mechanical properties, the experimental mixture shows a statistically equivalent performance than control and reference mixture.In the second chapter, the self-healing capacity was determined by means of a rupture-healing-rupture test. Then, the healing process was applied in different cycles of the Cantabro test to evaluate its impact on durability against particle loss. Finally, the permeability was measured after 20 cycles of healing. Results show the experimental mixture achieved 83 % self-healing. In addition, applying a heal cycle every 50 revolutions in the Cantabro test allowed tripling the durability against particle loss. Finally, the repetition of healing cycles in the cold mixture affects the internal structure of the mixture, reducing permeability.

Occurrence of Ochratoxin in Complete Feed Mixtures for Monogastric Animals

Abstract Ochratoxin A is a foreign substance of natural origin. It can be found in a wide range of commodities, including animal feed. Ochratoxin A is a dangerous contaminant, which can have a negative effect on the health and production of animals. In this study, the incidence of ochratoxin A in a complete feed for broilers (n = 25) and pigs (n = 6) was determined. Ochratoxin A was detected in one sample of pigs feed (16.67 %) and its concentration was 1.221 µg.kg−1. This mycotoxin was not detected in the broiler feed samples. These results indicate that the feed samples collected were safe and do not pose a risk of acute mycotoxicosis in animals.

Investigation of microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties of MoSi2-reinforced copper-graphene composites

The MoSi2-reinforced copper-graphene composites (Cu-MoSi2-GNS) were prepared using mechanical ball milling and spark plasma sintering techniques. The effects of MoSi2 content on the microstructure, electrical conductivity, mechanical performance, and tribological properties were systematically investigated. Results indicate that the addition of MoSi2 significantly enhanced strength and hardness, although slightly reducing electrical conductivity. When the MoSi2 content does not exceed 5 wt%, MoSi2 is uniformly dispersed, refining copper matrix grains and improving GNS dispersion. Optimal MoSi2 addition facilitates the formation of a stable subsurface structure with complete mechanical mixture layer, improving wear resistance and self-lubricating properties. The main wear mechanism shifts from adhesive to abrasive wear. At 5 wt% MoSi2, the Cu-MoSi2-GNS composites exhibits superior mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and tribological performance.

Selective Degradation of Technically Relevant Lignin to Vanillic Acid and Protocatechuic Acid.

A new and practical method for the thermal degradation of technically relevant bio-based lignin is presented. By heating a solution of lignin in highly concentrated caustic potash, vanillic acid is almost exclusively obtained in yields up to 10.6 wt %. By altering the reaction parameters, the selectivity of the reaction can be shifted towards the demethylation product, protocatechuic acid, which is obtained in a yield of 6.9 wt %. Furthermore, the procedure was applicable to different types of Kraft and organosolv lignin. To create an economically feasible process, ion exchange resins were used for the work-up of the highly caustic reaction media without neutralizing the complete mixture. By the selective removal of the desired vanillic acid from the caustic potash, this alkaline media could directly be reused for at least 5 further lignin degradations without significant loss of yield.

Effectiveness of the use of enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT for growing young goslings

Agricultural waterfowl have certain biological characteristics: intensive metabolism and rapid growth, early maturity and signifcant reproduction potential, high body temperature, and resistance to many infectious diseases. The article presents the results of an experimental study of the effect of the exogenous enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT (1 kg contains the active ingredient β-mannase - 160x106 units) on the productive qualities of young goslings of Shadryna and Italian breeds. To achieve this goal, four experimental groups of goslings were formed: Group 1 - control, 2, 3, 4 - experimental, which were fed the enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT as part of a complete feed mixture - 150 g for the second experimental group, 250 g for the third and 310 g for the fourth experimental group per 1 tonne of fodder. It was found that the introduction of the exogenous enzyme preparation Hemicell® in the above doses into the diet of young geese signifcantly affects the growth rate of young geese and metabolic processes in their bodies. If at the end of the frst decade the most positive effect on the body was found in low and high dos- age of the enzyme preparation (birds of the 2nd and 4th groups), as a result of which, compared to the analogues of the 1st control group, the difference in the average daily gain was 3.4 and 2.8 g (p<0.001), then the average dosage of the enzyme preparation in the analogues of the 3rd experimental group provided a difference of only 1.1 g (p<0.01). However, by the end of the frst rearing period (up to 21 days), the highest average daily weight gain was observed in geese of the 3rd experimental group compared to the analogues of the control, 2nd and 4th experimental groups. Thus, while the average daily weight gain in geese of the 1st control group was 43.1 g, this fgure was 2.6 g higher in the 2nd group (p<0.01), 5.1 g in the 3rd group and 3.6 g in the 4th group (p<0.001). This pattern was maintained until the end of the experiment, with signifcant differences in goslings of the 3rd experimental group compared to the control: at the age of 31 days - by 9.7 g (p<0.01), 41 days - by 10.1 g (p<0.05), 66 days - by 9.2 g (p<0.05). In geese of the 2nd and 4th groups, the average daily weight gain was higher than in the control group, but did not have significant differences during the same age period. As a result, in general, the average daily weight gain of goslings of the 1st control group was 59.9 g, in the 2nd experimental group it was 3.1 g (p<0.01), or 5.2%, in the 3rd - 6.6 g (p<0.001), or 11%, and in the 4th group - 4.2 g (p<0.001), or 7.0%, compared to the same indicator of the control. The use of the enzyme preparation had a positive effect on the goslings' organism, which made it possible to realise the genetic potential of goslings' productivity at a higher level in all experimental groups, but the highest growth rate was observed in the 3rd experimental group of geese. Key words: geese, Shadryna breed, Italian breed, enzyme preparation, Hemicell® HT, weight gain, live weight.

Effects of refused melon fruit in Canarana grass ensilage on intake, digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass characteristics and meat attributes of feedlot lambs.

Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of ensiling refused melon fruit (RMF) with Canarana grass on the intake, apparent digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of feedlot lambs. Four distinct silage treatment types were prepared by ensiling RMF at 0g/kg (control), 70g/kg, 140g/kg, and 210g/kg (as fed) with Canarana grass. Twenty-eight male Santa Inês lambs (7 lambs per treatment), initially weighing 22.3 ± 1.0kg at 120 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design and confined for a total of 96 days, including a 23-day adaptation period and 73 experimental days in a feedlot. The lambs received the treatment-silage in diets as a complete mixture with a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70. The inclusion of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage decreased (P < 0.05) the lambs' intake of dry matter, crude protein and metabolisable energy. The inclusion of RMF in ensilage had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates. The serum total protein and cholesterol levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage, but we observed no effect on the final weight and average daily gain of the lambs. The feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) by including RMF in the Canarana grass ensilage. The RMF in the ensilage did not influence cold carcass weight and yield. The fat content of the meat decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage. It is recommended the inclusion of up to 210g/kg of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage to increase feed efficiency and avoid impacts on the performance and carcass attributes of confined lambs.

Sulfur Supplementation Enhanced the Growth and Photosynthesis of Lettuce in Hydroponic Production Using One-bag Complete Fertilizer

Sulfur (S) is an essential plant nutrient that regulates plant growth and metabolism. However, S is often absent from certain one-bag hydroponic fertilizers designed to provide a complete and balanced mixture of nutrients. We quantified the effects of S supplementation on the growth, morphology, and photosynthesis of lettuce grown in a deep-water culture hydroponic system. Two lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars, green butterhead Rex and red oakleaf Rouxai, were grown using a prepackaged fertilizer specially formulated for reverse osmosis (RO) and other low-alkalinity water sources. The base nutrient solution was mixed using Jack’s FeED 12–4–16 fertilizer and RO water at a nitrogen concentration of 100 mg⋅L−1 (control). Three S supplementation treatments were implemented over a 4-week production period: 10 mg⋅L−1 supplemental S (provided using MgSO4); 20 mg⋅L−1 supplemental S (MgSO4); and a treatment using H2SO4 (instead of nitric acid) for pH adjustment. In both lettuce cultivars, shoot fresh and dry mass, total leaf area, leaf photosynthetic rate, total chlorophyll content, and leaf S concentration with all three S supplementation treatments increased significantly compared with those of the control. In contrast, the ratio of shoot dry mass to fresh mass, root dry mass, and percentage of root dry mass (i.e., root dry mass/total shoot and root mass) were significantly higher with the control treatment. Notably, ‘Rouxai’ lettuce grown in the control treatment had intense red coloration with a 216.6% to 288.9% increase in the anthocyanin index. There were no statistical differences in any of the growth and morphological parameters among the three S supplementation treatments. Overall, we observed significantly enhanced lettuce growth and photosynthetic performance with S supplementation, resulting in a 144.0% to 215.9% increase in shoot fresh mass in the two cultivars compared with the control. Thus, we recommend that at least 10 mg⋅L−1 of S should be supplemented when growing lettuce hydroponically to ensure optimal plant growth, especially when S is absent or low in the fertilizer and water source.

Effect of mixing chamber structure on the performance of adjustable ejector

The study employs numerical simulation method to analyze performance of an adjustable ejector, with a specific focus on the influence of the structure dimension of mixing chamber. R41/R1234yf refrigerant is used as the working medium in the study. The primary and secondary flow inlets are set at the pressure of 1.4 MPa and 0.2 MPa, respectively, along with temperature of 353.15 K and 288.15 K corresponding. The outlet pressure of the ejector is 0.3 MPa. The simulation results show that optimal mixing chamber diameter within a range from 14.7mm to 18.7mm exists for obtaining peak adjustable ejector performance. Maximum entrainment ratio of 0.59 is obtained when cone diameter ratio is 65% and diameter of the mixing chamber is 15.7mm. Furthermore, the optimal mixing chamber length within range from 24mm to 220mm exists for obtaining peak adjustable ejector performance. Maximum entrainment ratio of 0.624 is obtained when cone diameter ratio is 76% and length of the mixing chamber is 88 mm. Therefore, it is crucial during designing process of the mixing chamber to ensure the complete fluid mixture and minimal flow resistance.

Direct Impact of the Air on Mutant Cells for Mutagenicity Assessments in Urban Environments.

Urban air pollution is recognized as a critical problem for public health and is classified as a carcinogen for humans. A great number of studies have focused on the monitoring of urban air mutagenicity. One of the best-known and applied methods for assessing mutagenicity is the Ames test, a bacterial reverse mutation test. The classic protocol for assessing air mutagenicity involves the concentration of particulate matter (PM) on filters and subsequent extraction using organic solvents. This work aimed to develop a method for the evaluation of air mutagenicity directly impacted by air on microbial plates already containing an Ames' microbial sensor. A specific six-month sampling campaign was carried out in Turin in a period with high air pollution. Samples were tested for mutagenicity on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, and YG1024 with the traditional method and with the new direct method. The new protocol is able to evaluate the mutagenicity of the sampled air and obtain repeatable results. The final sensitivity is similar to the traditional method (≈10 net revertants/m3); however, the mutagenic response is due to the complete air pollution mixture, including volatile and semivolatile pollutants avoiding the concentration of filters and the following laborious extraction procedures. Despite some critical issues in contamination control, the method is easier, faster, and less expensive than traditional methods.

335 Use of Feed Additives Added to the Milk Replacer and Concentrate Or Only to the Concentrate in Unweaned Dairy Beef Calves After Transportation and Its Effects on Performance

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the use of additives to enhance intake and immunity at farm arrival could be a strategy to minimize the negative effects of stress and feed restriction during transportation in unweaned calves. Unweaned dairy beef calves are fed low liquid feeding programs to avoid mechanical diarrheas and to enhance the consumption of solid feed to increase growth. A total of 78 dairy beef calves (57.8 ± 1.64 kg) coming from auction market were used to evaluate the effect of various feed additives [FA; comprising palatability enhancers (PE), standardized olive pomace extract (OE), and tributyrin (TB)] added to the milk replacer (MR) and concentrate or only to the concentrate on performance until 1 week after weaning. Calves were distributed in 6 treatments: calves fed MR and concentrate without FA (CTR-CTR; n = 13); calves fed MR without FA and concentrate with PE (CTR-PE; n = 13); calves fed MR without FA and concentrate with complete mixture OE + TB + PE (CTR-COM; n = 13); calves fed MR and concentrate with PE (PEPE; n = 13); calves fed MR with PE and concentrate with complete mixture OE + TB + PE (PE-COM; n = 13); calves were fed MR with complete mixture OE + TB + PE and concentrate with PE (COM-PE; n = 13). At arrival calves were only fed 2 L of MR twice daily at 12.5% and concentrate feed ad libitum. On day 35 of the study, animals were submitted to a social stress challenge, calves within one treatment were mixed for 24 h, and on day 36, calves returned to their home pens and the afternoon milk was removed. On day 42, all calves were weaned, and they were followed until day 49. Data were analyzed with a mixed-effects model. No differences were observed in concentrate intake the first week after transportation. However, an interaction between treatment and time (P &amp;lt; 0.01) was observed among treatments in concentrate intake from day 35 until day 49 when calves were already weaned. The PE-PE and PE-COM calves had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.10) concentrate intake from day 28 to day 42 than CTR-CTR or CTR-PE calves, while from day 42 to day 49 the CTR-COM was the group of calves with the greatest concentrate intake. Although no differences were observed on final BW among treatments, the CTR-COM calves had numerically greater ADG than the rest of the treatments. In unweaned dairy beef calves with liquid feeding restriction, the mixture of palatability enhancers, standardized olive pomace extract, and tributyrin potentially increases concentrate intake and growth when added in the concentrate feed.

Optimization of novel method for isolation of high purity food grade α-linolenic acid from Linum usitatissimum seeds

Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids are derived from marine sources and offer disadvantages like heavy metal toxicity, unfit for vegetarians, sinking sources of fish, fishy smell, and side effects. Long-term fish oil consumption increases oxidative stress, inflammation, and risk of chronic diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are abundantly available in plant seeds like Perilla frutescence, Linum usitatissimum, etc. Plant-based PUFAs are either not available in the market or available as complete extracts.The present study was undertaken to standardize the method for extraction and isolation of α-linolenic acid (C18:3, ω-3) from Linum usitatissimum. The gas chromatograph-FID was used to characterise lipids. A complete mixture of lipids was extracted through cold maceration and saponified to separate saturated lipids. The unsaturated lipids, thus obtained were subjected to urea crystallization. Following the segregation of monounsaturated fatty acids, the lipids were esterified by a chemical method to segregate ω-3 PUFAs. The ω-3 PUFAs were subjected to column chromatography to isolate α-linolenic acid (C18:3, ω-3).

Cytotoxic Effects of Indonesian Betel Quid Components on Oral Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts

A betel quid (BQ) chewing habit has been strongly associated with the development of several oral mucosal diseases. In order to investigate whether individual components of BQ mixtures have distinct physio-pathological effects on oral mucosal cells, we examined the impact of areca nut (AN), Piper betle leaf (Leaf), Piper betle stem inflorescence (SI), areca husk (Husk) and the complete BQ mixture on the growth of oral keratinocytes (OKF-6) and primary oral fibroblasts (MMF-1). Based on their known chemical properties, we selected BQ samples from Banda Aceh (BA) and West Papua (WP) regions for our in vitro study. We used a fluorescein diacetate assay (FDA) to assess the cell viability of BQ components on OKF-6 and MMF-1 cells. The cytotoxic effect of WP-AN on the OKF-6 cell line was observed at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, resulting in a 50% reduction in cell viability (IC50) after a 2-day incubation. Similarly, BA-AN exhibited cytotoxic effect, although at a higher concentration (500 μg/mL). WP-SI also displayed cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 500 μg/mL following 2 days of incubation. In contrast, Leaf, BQ mixture and husk extracts did not show any cytotoxic effects even after 3 days of incubation. No cytotoxic effects were observed at any concentration of BQ components when exposed to MMF-1 cells. Regarding cell proliferation, MMF-1 cells exposed to BA-AN and WP-AN showed increased growth on day 1, followed by decreased growth on day 2, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Overall, our study indicates that BQ components induce distinctive cytotoxic effects on stromal and epithelial cells from the oral cavity.

Impact of Automobile Workshop Activities on Groundwater in Aule, Ondo State, Nigeria

In many parts of Nigeria, groundwater is one of the most essential sources of water. Pollution brought on by petroleum products (a complete mixture of hydrocarbons) has been acknowledged as a severe environmental issue. This research is aimed at examining the impact of automobile repair activities on well water quality in Aule, Ondo state, Nigeria. Physio-chemical parameters such as temperature, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, acidity, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, total suspended solids, magnesium, calcium and bacteriological parameters from 5 wells in different automobile workshops and a control well in Aule were analyzed in this research. The results were compared with the WHO standards. The analysis revealed that the mean values of NO3, SO4, Mg, Ca, and pH were within the WHO permissible limit, while the mean value of the other water parameters exceeded the WHO permissible limit. Also, NO3 negatively correlated pH, and positively with Ca (r=0.873, p&lt;0.05). PO4 correlated positively with Ca (r=0.903, p&lt;0.05). TDS correlated negatively with Temp, and pH and positively with TSS (r=0.879, p&lt;0.05). pH correlated negatively with EC, pH, and TVBC. This study also revealed that poor waste disposal practices by automobile repairers, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and a lack of awareness among community members on the dangers of groundwater pollution are contributing factors to the problem.

Effect of a diet supplemented with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and goat’s rue (Galega officinalis L.) on growth, slaughter traits and meat quality of rabbits

The purpose of the study was to compare the growth, slaughter performance and selected meat quality traits (such as meat texture and basic chemical composition of meat) of Termond White rabbits fed fodder with addition of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and goat’s rue (Galega officinalis L.). The rabbits were divided into three feeding groups after weaning. The control group (n=22; 10♂, 12♀) received a commercial complete feed mixture, the first test group (n=18; 12♂, 6♀) was fed with the commercial pellet containing 1% of fennel seeds. Group II (n=22; 14♂,8♀) was fed with the commercial pellet containing 1% of extra goat's rue leaves. Feed and water was available ad libitum. At day 84, the animals were slaughtered, during which post-slaughter traits were examined, and detailed dissection was performed. At 45 minutes and 24 hours after slaughter, the pH and colour of rabbit meat were measured on the m. longissimus lumborum and m. biceps femoris. During dissection, samples of m. longissimus lumborum were collected on which texture profiling analysis was performed. The experiment showed that the highest weight of carcasses obtained, as well as of individual cuts, was found in animals fed the control diet. The highest dressing out percentage was also found in this group. Fennel and goat's rue were shown to increase pH and affect meat colour. The highest value of shear force, hardness, chewiness and cohesiveness was recorded in meat from animals in the goat's rue feeding group. The conducted analysis did not show a positive effect of the herbs studied on the post-slaughter traits and quality of rabbit meat.

Sugarcane silage added with detoxified castor bean meal in the diet of confined lambs

This study evaluated the effects of increasing levels of detoxified castor bean meal (DCM) in sugarcane silage on intake, digestibility, blood parameters, ingestive behaviour, performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of confined lambs. Forty male Santa Inês lambs, non-castrated, with an initial weight of 17.4 ± 2.2 kg and an age of 150 days, were used. Treatments consisted of 0 (Control), 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % DCM in natural silage matter. The sheep were confined in individual stalls for 70 days and received the diets in the form of a complete mixture with a forage: concentrate ratio of 60:40. Including DCM in sugarcane silage increased (P < 0.05) the intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates, increased (P < 0.05) DM ingestion and rumination efficiency, decreased (P < 0.05) the serum levels of urea, increased (P < 0.05) the serum levels of glucose of lambs and increased (P < 0.05) empty body weight, mean daily gain, cold carcass weight, the weight of the commercial carcass cuts and the weights of the leg muscle, fat and bone. The moisture content and luminosity (L*) of the meat decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the red content (a*) and shear force of the meat responded quadratically (P < 0.05) to the inclusion of DCM in the sugarcane silage. It is recommended to include up to 20 % detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage to improve lamb performance and carcass characteristics.

Long exposure to a mixture of endocrine disruptors prediposes the ventral prostate of rats to preneoplastic lesions.

Endocrine disruptors (ED) are compounds dispersed in the environment that modify hormone biosynthesis, affecting hormone-dependent organs such as the prostate. Studies have only focused on evaluating the effects of ED alone or in small groups and short intervals and have not adequately portrayed human exposure. Therefore, we characterized the prostate histoarchitecture of rats exposed to an ED mixture (ED Mix) mimicking human exposure. Pregnant females of the Sprague-Dawley strain were randomly distributed into two experimental groups: Control group (vehicle: corn oil, by gavage) and ED Mix group: received 32.11mg/kg/day of the ED mixture diluted in corn oil (2ml/kg), by gavage, from gestational day 7 (DG7) to post-natal day 21 (DPN21). After weaning at DPN22, the male pups continued to receive the complete DE mixture until they were 220days old when they were euthanized. The ED Mix decreased the epithelial compartment, increased the fractal dimension, and decreased glandular dilation. In addition, low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was observed in addition to regions of epithelial atrophy in the group exposed to the ED Mix. Exposure to the mixture decreased both types I and III collagen area in the stroma. We concluded that the ED Mix was able to cause alterations in the prostatic histoarchitecture and induce the appearance of preneoplastic lesions.