Days Of Exposure Research Articles

Track of methylparaben in the bulk phase and on the extracellular matrix of dual-species biofilms: Biodegradation and bioaccumulation

Methylparaben (MP) is a preservative considered an environmental contaminant of emerging concern due to its persistence in water sources, including drinking water (DW). This study assesses the interaction between MP and dual-species biofilms of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. These biofilms were grown under realism-based conditions in a multiple-cylinder biofilm reactor on polypropylene (PPL) surfaces, for 7 days, and then exposed to MP at 0.5 mg/L for three consecutive days. S. maltophilia predominantly succeeds within these biofilms compared to A. calcoaceticus. Exposure to MP resulted in a 4-fold increase in the number of culturable cells and a 1.4-fold rise in polysaccharide content, suggesting that bacterial cells may utilize MP as a carbon source to enhance biofilm fitness. MP was found to adsorb to PPL with biofilms following a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Circa 37 % of MP adsorbed to PPL after 3 days of exposure. Besides that, MP was biodegraded by biofilms following an apparent first-order kinetic model. Part (25 %) of the MP was biodegraded whereas only 0.02 % bioaccumulated on the biofilm matrix. Biodegradation was related to esterase and lipase activity. The results provide new insights into the interaction between MP with biofilms and materials used in DW industries.

Ecotoxicity of bioinsecticide spinosad to soil organisms: Commercial formulation versus active ingredient

Spintor® (SPIT®) is a commercial formulation of a bioinsecticide with the active ingredient Spinosad (SPIN). Despite the efforts of regulatory agencies, there still is a lack of information regarding short- and long-term exposures to soil-dwellers, as well as effects at environmentally relevant concentrations. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of SPIT® and SPIN, on the oligochaete Eisenia fetida, and the arthropod Folsomia candida. For this, natural soil was spiked with environmentally relevant concentrations (0.00–1.49 mg of the active ingredient·kg−1 of dry soil) to assess avoidance behaviour in E. fetida and reproduction effects on both species. Further, in E. fetida adults exposed for 2- and 28-day biomarkers of oxidative stress, energetic reserves, neurotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated. A significant reduction in juvenile production for F. candida was observed for SPIT® at ≥0.66 mg kg−1 and SPIN at ≥0.13 mg kg−1, and although no effect was observed on E. fetida reproduction, the oligochaeta revealed a tendency to avoid soil spiked with SPIT® at 0.44, 0.66 and 1.49 mg kg−1. The sub-individual responses of E. fetida demonstrate genotoxicity upon exposure to SPIT® and SPIN for 2 days. The 2-day exposures of SPIT® and SPIN seem to induce defence mechanisms, and in general, SPIN exerted higher effects than SPIT® on the oligochaetes. Overall, the pro-oxidant performance and energy metabolism pathways were disrupted in both exposures to SPIT® and SPIN. The results suggest that spinosyns-based products can have an impact on soil arthropods F. candida and oligochaete's health, possibly affecting their essential functions in terrestrial ecosystems.

Mass Timber Buildings: The associated risks of rainwater exposure during construction in the Portuguese climate

The increase in the number and complexity of wooden buildings creates a series of challenges, like moisture control and management during the construction phase. The risks associated with the direct exposure of timber elements to rain during construction depend on the severity of the climate and the specific details of each project and therefore must be analysed locally. In this context, the results of 16 weeks of moisture content monitorization of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor-wall connection specimens exposed to the outdoors are presented and evaluated. The monitorization demonstrated that end-grain surfaces are the most sensitive to the action and movement of water in CLT and within a few days of exposure to rain reached alarming moisture content (MC>30 %), with water entrapment at the interface between elements, preventing drying in a reasonable time for construction workflow (MC>30 % after 39 days of drying). On the other hand, zones with faster drying exhibited severe physical damage such as delamination and cracks. Additionally, the study evaluates the feasibility of using satellite-obtained meteorological data to develop a degradation risk map (Scheffer Climate Index) for mainland Portugal. The high coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.81) and model efficiency (EF ~ 0.80–0.90) demonstrate the reliability of the data. Finally, two degradation risk maps for mainland Portugal are presented.

Long-term inhalation exposure: A model for phthalate accumulation in the respiratory tract

BackgroundInhalation is a major pathway for phthalates (PAEs), an endocrine disruptor, to enter the human body. The actual internal exposure amount that participates in metabolism cannot be estimated by calculating total inhalation intake. ObjectiveTo estimate the accumulation in each region of the respiratory tract after long-term exposure to PAEs in different populations. MethodsA mass transfer model was developed to simulate the long-term accumulation of PAEs in respiratory tract through inhalation. The model considered (1) mass transfer of PAEs in three phases across seven regions, (2) the effect of temperature differences on the mass transfer process. Based on this model, we simulated adult exposure to PAEs in a laboratory, identified key model parameters, and further simulated various scenarios for children, adults, and elders. ResultsPAEs are not completely cleared from the respiratory tract after 16 hours, following 8 hours of daily exposure. Under regular laboratory environment, accumulation after 30 days is 3.8 times higher than that after the first day. The distribution of PAEs between the gas and mucus phases has a greater impact on the results than between the gas and particle phases. Children are at the highest risk to Diethyl phthalate (DEP) exposure compared with adults and elders. Nearly 80 % of DEP is exhaled, with 14 % accumulating in the alveolar region after an hour. ConclusionThis model links indoor air PAEs to human internal exposure, showing that most PAEs are exhaled, while the remainder accumulates in the respiratory tract and may participate in human metabolism.

Changes in Auditory Performance Following a Virtual Reality Music Concert.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate threshold and suprathreshold auditory risk from a newly popular platform of music concert entertainment; virtual reality (VR) headsets. Recreational noise exposure to music is the primary source of hearing hazard in young-adults, with noise doses of in-person concert venues and music festivals well in excess of the recommended daily exposure recommendation from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. While research on the relationship between personal music players and noise-induced hearing loss risk is abundant, no study has yet evaluated noise-induced hearing loss risk from VR headsets, which are newest to the commercial market at this time. Thirty-one young-adult participants (18 to 25 years) with normal-hearing sensitivity (0 to 16 dB HL) experienced a VR music concert and participated in three data collection timepoints: Session A preexposure, Session A post-exposure, and Session B post-exposure. Participants underwent baseline testing for audiometry (0.25 to 20 kHz), distortion product otoacoustic emission testing (1 to 10 kHz), and Words-in-Noise testing. Participants then wore a commercially available VR headset (Meta Quest 2) and experienced a freely available online VR music concert (via the video-sharing website "YouTube"). The VR music concert duration was 90 min set to maximum volume, which yielded an average sound level equivalent of 78.7 dBA, max sound level of 88.2 dBA, and LC peak sound level of 98.6 dBA. Post-exposure testing was conducted immediately at the conclusion of the VR concert, and again within 24 hr to 1 week after the exposure. Participants also answered a questionnaire that estimated noise exposure history (National Acoustics Laboratory "Noise Calculator"). Post-exposure deficit was not observed in DPOAEs or Words-in-Noise score (p's > 0.05). However, statistically significant temporary post-exposure deficit was observed in audiometry at 4, 8, and 12.5 kHz (p's < 0.05) (mean differences: 2 to 3 dB HL). Twenty-four hours and 1-week post-exposure measurements revealed no permanent changes from baseline measurements (p's > 0.05) aside from one spurious difference at 12.5 kHz. Males tended to exhibit a significantly higher noise history score on average than females. The primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of noise hazard history in this young-adult cohort included amplified music. These preliminary data suggest that VR music concerts-which are likely to produce a substantially lower noise dose than in-person music concerts-may still be capable of producing at least slight, temporary threshold shifts on the order of 2 to 3 dB HL. Future research should include VR headsets in personal music player risk assessment, as the VR music concert platform is increasing rapidly in popularity among young-adults.

Immunological resilience of a temperate catshark to a simulated marine heat wave.

Marine heatwaves (MHW) have recently been proposed as more relevant in driving population changes than the continuous increase in average temperatures associated with climate change. The causal processes underpinning MHW effects in sharks are unclear but may be linked to changes in fitness caused by physiological trade-offs that influence the immune response. Considering the scarcity of data about the immune response of sharks under anomalous warming events, the present study analyzed several fitness indices and characterized the immune response (in the blood, epigonal organ, liver, spleen, and intestine) of temperate adult small-spotted catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) after a 30-day exposure to a Category II MHW. The results indicated that adult small-spotted catsharks have developed coping strategies for the MHW. Specifically, among the 35 parameters investigated, only the gonad-to-body ratio (GBR) and plasma glucose showed significant increases. In contrast, igm and tumor necrosis factor receptor (tnfr) gene expression in blood cells, tnfr in the epigonal organ, and the number of monocytes significantly decreased. Although a decline in immune function in small-spotted catsharks was revealed following the MHW exposure, energy mobilization restored homeostasis and indicated a shift in energy allocation towards reproduction. Group resilience may be due to the variable tolerance of individuals, the phenotypic plasticity of cellular immunity, thermal imprinting, and/or metabolic capacity of the individuals.

Field Trial with Vaccine Candidates Against Bovine Tuberculosis Among Likely Infected Cattle in a Natural Transmission Setting.

Background/Objectives: Vaccines may improve the control and eradication of bovine tuberculosis. However, the evaluation of experimental candidates requires the assessment of the protection, excretion, transmission and biosafety. A natural transmission trial among likely infected animals was conducted. Methods: Seventy-four male heifers were randomly distributed (five groups) and vaccinated subcutaneously with attenuated strains (M. bovis Δmce2 or M. bovis Δmce2-phoP), a recombinant M. bovis BCG Pasteur (BCGr) or M. bovis BCG Pasteur. Then, they cohoused with a naturally infected bTB cohort under field conditions exposed to the infection. Results: A 23% of transmission of wild-type strains was confirmed (non-vaccinated group). Strikingly, first vaccination did not induce immune response (caudal fold test and IFN-gamma release assay). However, after 74 days of exposure to bTB, animals were re-vaccinated. Although their sensitization increased throughout the trial, the vaccines did not confer significant protection, when compared to the non-vaccinated group, as demonstrated by pathology progression of lesions and confirmatory tools. Besides, the likelihood of acquiring the infection was similar in all groups compared to the non-vaccinated group (p > 0.076). Respiratory and digestive excretion of viable vaccine candidates was undetectable. To note, the group vaccinated with M. bovis Δmce2-phoP exhibited the highest proportion of animals without macroscopic lesions, compared to the one vaccinated with BCG, although this was not statistically supported. Conclusions: This highlights that further evaluation of these vaccines would not guarantee better protection. The limitations detected during the trial are discussed regarding the transmission rate of M. bovis wild-type, the imperfect test for studying sensitization, the need for a DIVA diagnosis and management conditions of the trials performed under routine husbandry conditions. Re-vaccination of likely infected bovines did not highlight a conclusive result, even suggesting a detrimental effect on those vaccinated with M. bovis BCG.

A hot exciton organic glassy scintillator for high-resolution X-ray imaging.

Hot exciton organic scintillators offer promising prospects due to their efficient generation of bright triplet excitons and ultrafast response time, having potential applications in security detection and medical diagnostics. However, fabricating large-area, highly transparent scintillator screens still remains challenging, impeding the realization of high-resolution X-ray imaging. Herein, we firstly demonstrate a novel highly-transparent hot exciton organic glassy scintillator (>87% transmittance @ 450-800 nm), produced using a low-temperature melt-quenching method with 2',5'-difluoro-N4,N4,N4'',N4''-tetraphenyl-[1,1':4',1''-terphenyl]-4,4''-diamine (DTPA2F) powder. Remarkably, compared to crystalline DTPA2F, which has a photoluminescence quantum yield of 67.8% and a relative light yield of 46 400 ± 406 photons MeV-1, the DTPA2F glass retains 49.8% and 28 341 ± 246 photons MeV-1, respectively. This results in a low detection limit of about 53.7 nGy s-1 and an ultrafast decay time of 1.66 ns for DTPA2F glass. Besides, it exhibits excellent environmental stability with no recrystallization or degradation after over 100 days of exposure to ambient conditions. Furthermore, the scintillator screen demonstrates exceptional spatial resolution of 38.5 lp mm-1 for X-ray imaging. It provides a simple molecular design strategy and a screen fabrication method for developing large-area, highly-transparent, efficient and ultrafast organic glassy scintillators.

Population Pharmacokinetic Simulations for Dose Optimization of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in HIV-Infected Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Renal Impairment.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) requires dosage adjustments from the standard 300 mg once daily to every 48-96 h for moderate-to-severe renal impairment to avoid excessive exposure. However, this extended interval can lead to variable drug exposure and inconvenience. This study aimed to utilize the population pharmacokinetic (PPK) models to optimize TDF dosing regimens for HIV-infected patients with renal impairment. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases to identify relevant PPK studies of TDF in HIV-infected patients. From the included studies, the PPK models and associated parameters were extracted. Monte Carlo simulations (n = 2000) were performed to generate concentration-time profiles and derive PK parameters compared against reference ranges. For moderate renal impairment, the TDF 150 mg once-daily regimen achieved cumulative exposure comparable to the approved 300 mg every-other-day regimen. In severe renal impairment, TDF 75-100 mg administered once daily provided similar cumulative exposure as 300 mg every 72-96 h regimen while maintaining daily exposure comparable to the standard dose in patients with normal renal function. The approved extended dosing intervals of 72-96 h exhibited high drug exposure variability, initially resulting in supratherapeutic levels followed by suboptimal levels preceding the subsequent dose administration. In conclusion, administering smaller once-daily doses of TDF maintains consistent daily drug exposure comparable to the standard dose in patients with normal renal function while reducing variability in drug exposure, potentially mitigating the risk of nephrotoxicity. However, additional clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.

Tinnitus Generation and Behavioral Changes Caused by Chronic Stress: A Behavioral and Brain Study in a Rat Model.

This study explores the connection between chronic stress and tinnitus, a phantom auditory perception, using an animal model. Rats were subjected to 2 h of daily restraint stress for 10 days. Tinnitus was assessed on the last day of stress exposure using the gap response of pre-pulse inhibition acoustic reflex, measured at 60 dB background sound level at 8, 16, and 20 kHz. Chronic stress-exposed rats were categorized into two groups: tinnitus (RTG) and non-tinnitus (RNTG). Various tests, including hearing assessments (distortion product otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response), behavioral evaluations (elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test), and immunohistochemical studies in the auditory and limbic brain regions, were conducted to understand the relationship between chronic stress, tinnitus, and behavioral changes. Following chronic restraint stress, 64.3% of the rats exhibited tinnitus with no audiometric changes. EPM and FST indicated an increase of anxiety- and depression-related behavior in RTG. Immunohistochemical analyses identified specific alterations in the expression of neurotransmitter receptors within brain regions implicated in tinnitus. Specifically, we observed a decrease in γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor α1 expression and an increase in glutamate receptor (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 and receptor subunit 2B) expression in specific brain region. These changes suggest a reorganization of neural circuits associated with the tinnitus generation and behavioral changes of the rats after chronic stress exposure. Chronic stress alone can be a causal factor for the generation of tinnitus and behavioral changes through altered neural activities in tinnitus-related brain networks. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Hexavalent chromium exposure induces lung injury via activation of NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes in rats

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has been identified as a Class I human carcinogen, but its carcinogenic mechanism is currently unclear. There is still a lack of understanding of its associations with early pulmonary inflammatory damages. Inflammation is an important stage before the occurrence of tumors, and under the long-term stimulation of inflammation, it can promote the development of tumors. In this study, the aim is to explore the effect of Cr(VI) exposure on pulmonary inflammation and its relationship with the mechanism of inflammation cancer transformation. We established a Cr(VI) exposure model in SD rats using tracheal instillation of potassium dichromate solution, and collected samples at the time of cessation of exposure and 14 days after cessation of exposure. Analyzing the experimental results, it was found that the lung index increased after exposure to Cr(VI), promoting the occurrence of apoptosis in lung tissue cells and exacerbating lung tissue damage. The damage situation improved after exposure termination; Inductively coupled plasma mass (ICPRQ) spectrometer detection found that the exposed group had significantly increased levels of blood chromium, blood manganese, blood copper, blood arsenic, urine chromium, urine copper, and urine lead; After two weeks of repair, blood chromium and blood manganese levels were significantly lower than those in the same dose group of the exposure group, while blood copper levels were significantly higher than those in the same dose group of the exposure group. There was no significant difference in blood arsenic levels between the exposure group and the exposure group. Urine chromium and urine lead levels were significantly lower than those in the same dose group of the exposure group, while urine copper levels only increased. At the same time, it was found that Cr(VI) exposure caused disruption of oxidative stress levels in rat lung tissues. After 14-day exposure, Cr(VI) significantly decreased and oxidative stress levels significantly decreased. Further investigation revealed that Cr(VI) induces activation of inflammasomes NLRP3, AIM2, and their signaling pathways in lung inflammatory injuries, but this condition persists even after cessation of exposure. The study suggested that in hexavalent chromium induced lung tissue injuries in rats, NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes and their signaling pathways activation. Furthermore, the characteristic of sustained activation after cessation of exposure was also indicated. These results provide new ideas and references for further elucidating the mechanisms of Cr(VI), lung inflammation and inflammation cancer transformation.

Nanopolystyrene and phoxim pollution: A threat to hepatopancreas toxicity in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Significant concerns have been raised by the widespread pollutants phoxim (PHO) and nanopolystyrene (NP) in the natural environment. This study evaluated the toxicity effects on the hepatopancreas of Eriocheir sinensis caused by NP and/or PHO at concentrations found in the environment. Subchronic exposure to NP and/or PHO triggered hepatopancreas histological damage within a 21-day exposure period. The NP, PHO, and co-exposure (NPO) groups exhibited fewer blister-like (B) cells, along with the appearance of vacuolation. Furthermore, these exposures induced impairment in the hepatic tubule mucus barrier and mechanical barrier, as evidenced by altered expression of oxidative stress-related genes, mucin-related genes, and TJ-related genes. Additionally, alterations in immunity-related genes and inflammatory cytokine genes expression were observed. The findings showed that hepatopancreas inflammation was caused by both individual and combined exposure to NP and PHO and that the inflammatory response was exacerbated by the co-exposure. The possible pathways of hepatopancreas toxicity were further investigated by transcriptomic analysis. Hepatopancreas inflammation was brought on by subchronic exposure to PHO and co-exposure; this inflammation was exacerbated by co-exposure and was backed by the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway via targeting-related genes. In summary, this research represents the initial documentation, to the best of our understanding of the detrimental effects of exposured to NP and/or PHO at levels found in the environment disrupt the hepatopancreas mucus and mechanical barrier in crustaceans, triggering inflammatory responses. These findings highlight the significance of NP and/or PHO pollution for hepatopancreas health.

Response of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity biomarkers in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) after exposure to six-metal mixtures

ABSTRACT The activity of liver catalase and brain acetylcholinesterase was assessed in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) after 7- and 14-day exposure to a six-metal mixture at the maximum permissible concentrations accepted for inland waters in the EU (2013/39/EU; 2008/105/EC) (Zn − 0.1, Ni − 0.034, Cu − 0.01, Cr − 0.01, Cd − 0.0015 and Pb − 0.014 mg L−1) and to the same six-metal mixtures with tenfold reduced concentration of Cu and Cr ions. A statistically significant increase of up to 26% of catalase and 52% of acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in rainbow trout after 7 days of exposure to the six-metal mixture at the maximum permissible concentrations in comparison to a control group. After 14-day treatment, neither CAT nor AChE showed significant response to all tested metal mixtures. The six-metal mixture with the tenfold reduced concentration of Cr increased brain AChE activity in O. mykiss after 7 days of exposure (35%). Enhancement of catalase activity caused by the mixture of the six metals at the maximum permissible concentrations and the increased acetylcholinesterase activity in response to the same metal mixture and mixture with tenfold reduced Cr concentration after 7 days of exposure indicates the induction of oxidative stress and disturbance of cholinergic system homeostasis respectively.

Arsenic content in tissues, Fungus combs, Herbs, Termite mounds and Soils of termites of the genus Macrotermes and assessment of the health risk associated with their food use in the industrial zone of the Societe Nouvelle Des phosphates du Togo (SNPT)

Arsenic is present in different environmental matrices of the phosphate mining and processing area of the Société Nouvelle des Phosphates du Togo; including termite tissues, termite waste, termite mounds, termite Fungus combs, soils and nearby herbs. Arsenic levels vary across matrices, with termite waste having the highest concentration (approximately 27.01 mg/kg) compared to the outside herbs, which have the lowest. Phosphate mining sites, including Hahotoé-Kpogamé and Akoumapé, have higher levels of As contamination in soils and termite tissues compared to the phosphate processing site. A positive correlation is observed between As levels in termite tissues and termite waste; suggesting an ability of termites to eliminate arsenic via their waste. Regarding health risks, the hazard quotient (HQ) for arsenic in termites exceeds 1, and for non-threshold effects, the excess individual risk (EIR) assessment gives EIR &gt; 10-4 in both adults and children; which would mean that termite consumption poses a significant health risk, including cancer risks for human populations, particularly children. However, it should be noted that the estimation in this study includes total As (organic and inorganic). Since the toxicological reference values were calculated on the basis of inorganic arsenic, which presents more hazard and whose fraction represents 10% of total As, the daily exposure dose values for adults and children represent 1.40.10-4 mg/kg/d and 1.02.10-4 mg/kg/d of inorganic arsenic, respectively. These doses will then become lower than the toxicological reference value (TRV) with the consequence of hazard quotient (HQ) lower than 1 and resulting in low risks of carcinogenic effects. It is therefore necessary to specifically determine the inorganic fraction to refine the risk assessment and to extend this study to other trace elements in the prospected area.

Natural pesticide, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem), disrupted reproductive parameters of male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNeem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is native to India and belongs to the Meliaceae family. It has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine, and more recently, as a natural pesticide. Although the use of bioinsecticides is supported by organic food production, further research is needed on each formulation, particularly on their effects on organisms. Aim of the studyThis study evaluated the reproductive toxicity of an aqueous extract of neem leaves in male Wistar rats of reproductive age after eight days of exposure. Materials and methodsFor this study, 20 rats were divided into four groups of five animals each and treated with different concentrations: Group 1 received 10,000 ppm, Group 2 received 7500 ppm, Group 3 received 5000 ppm, and Group 4 served as the control, received distilled water. The animals were observed for eight days for any clinical signs of toxicity. Semen quality, including sperm motility and viability, was analyzed. ResultsNo significant differences in physiological changes were observed between treatments. However, sperm motility and viability were affected in a concentration-dependent manner, with the group that received the highest dose exhibiting inviable spermatozoa. ConclusionThe data suggested that the administered doses had low toxicity. Nevertheless, concerns regarding reproductive toxicity remain because motility and sperm viability are negatively affected at the highest dose. Although bioinsecticides are widely used in organic food production, further research on each formulation, particularly regarding their long-term effects on organisms, is required.

Ambidextrous approach in action: Mg(OMe)2-doped hierarchical porous zirconium MOFs for decontaminating toxic chemical agents in nonbuffered systems

Utilizing a ligand-truncation strategy, a hierarchically porous structure was engineered within MOF-808, designated as HP-MOF-808. Furthermore, Mg(OMe)2 doping yielded HP-MOF-808@Mg(OMe)2, materials with both hierarchical porosity and basic character, for decontamination of two types of toxic chemical agents in nonbuffered solutions. In aqueous solution, the HP-808-2 exhibited decontamination rate constants for dimethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP) and the nerve agent soman (GD) that were 3.13 and 1.98 times higher than MOF-808, respectively. The decontamination half-lives of HP-808-2@Mg(OMe)2 1:2 for DMNP and GD were further reduced by 13.87 and 36.82 times compared to HP-808-2. The material retains its decontamination efficacy for DMNP even after 60-days exposure in air and maintains structural integrity in solvents devoid of labile hydrogen for at least 24 h. In methanol, HP-808-2@Mg(OMe)2 achieved 100% DMNP decontamination in 25 min, outperforming HP-808-2 at 31.8%, marking it as the fastest DMNP decontamination material in methanol. Theoretical simulations confirmed the experimental findings, clearly demonstrating the energy changes during reactions with various nucleophiles and revealing the degradation process and mechanism of DMNP on the active sites of MOFs. Moreover, these materials rapidly degraded 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) through hydrolysis, dehydrohalogenation, and heterolytic cleavage, demonstrating great potential for dual decontamination of toxic chemical agents in unbuffered systems.

Optimizing Indoor Comfort and Energy Efficiency using Right-Angled Triangular Responsive Facades in Cairo, Egypt

Building energy consumption has been rapidly increasing in recent years due to several factors such as climate change and global population growth. Besides, the majority of buildings are not designed with the consideration of the alteration of the severe conditions of the external surrounding environment, which affects the indoor environment negatively. As a result, excessive HVAC systems are utilized in order to maintain the indoor environment and achieve the indoor human comfort. Thus, large amounts of energy are being consumed and the rates of the energy consumption are increasing rapidly. Responsive architecture is considered as one of the solutions that architects, and façade designers use in order to block the excessive solar radiation and direct natural light and thus enhance the indoor comfort zone. However, the majority of the façade’s pattern designs are not following specific guidelines. This study contributes to the field by identifying an optimal right-angled triangular façade design that effectively enhances indoor thermal comfort, reduces solar radiation, and minimizes energy consumption, thereby providing a practical solution for improving building performance in response to climate change and urban growth challenges. This article will study four different façade pattern cases, which are common in the rotational movement, façade orientation and pattern dimensions; however, they differ in the orientation of the axes of movement. The four-façade pattern proposals will be investigated through simulating the solar radiation, consumed cooling energy and the indoor operative temperature during the maximum solar exposure day. A comparative analysis will be conducted between the results in order to highlight the most efficient right-angled triangular pattern that can be used on the south façade in Cairo, Egypt in order enhance the indoor thermal comfort, enhance the energy consumption rates, reduce the solar radiation and improve the building performance.

Ambient smoke exposure and indoor air quality in eastern Massachusetts during the 2023 wildfire season

ABSTRACT Widespread North American wildfires in 2023 led to exposure to ambient wildfire smoke outside of traditionally wildfire-prone regions. The objective was to evaluate levels of indoor air pollutants in relation to ambient wildfire smoke exposure in eastern Massachusetts. Using a real-time multipollutant sensor system in five Boston area households, this study assessed indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and total volatile organic compound concentrations (TVOC) two days before and during days of hazardous wildfire smoke exposure (smoke days). The relationship between ambient PM2.5 from regulatory monitors and indoor PM2.5 before and during smoke days was investigated by mixed effects linear regression. During smoke days and the preceding non-smoke days, median indoor PM2.5 was 9.9 µg/m3 and 3.5 µg/m3 (p < 0.001), respectively; median NO2 was 20.5 ppb and 18.4 ppb (p = 0.11); median TVOC was 6,715 µg/m3 and 5,361 µg/m3 (p = 0.35). A 1% increase in ambient PM2.5 was associated with a 0.93% increase in indoor PM2.5 on smoke days (95% CI, 0.54%–1.32%) and a 0.34% increase on non-smoke days (95% CI, 0.17%–0.66%), though interaction testing of smoke day status was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). In Northeastern US homes, indoor PM2.5 increased significantly during ambient wildfire smoke exposure, which may reflect increased infiltration and increased indoor particle-generating activities during smoke days. Implications: This study reports on household exposure to wildfire smoke in eastern Massachusetts, finding that indoor PM2.5 more than doubled compared to preceding non-smoke days, while indoor NO2 and TVOC did not significantly rise. Though the generalizability of this study is limited by the small number of homes studied, the findings suggest that more investigation is needed to understand indoor air pollution during future wildfire smoke exposure in regions not traditionally wildfire-prone and to inform mitigation efforts.

Modeling of Biologically Effective Daily Radiant Exposures over Europe from Space Using SEVIRI Measurements and MERRA-2 Reanalysis

Ultraviolet solar radiation at the Earth’s surface significantly impacts both human health and ecosystems. A biologically effective daily radiant exposure (BEDRE) model is proposed for various biological processes with an analytical formula for its action spectrum. The following processes are considered: erythema formation, previtamin D3 synthesis, psoriasis clearance, and inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virions. The BEDRE model is constructed by multiplying the synthetic BEDRE value under cloudless conditions by a cloud modification factor (CMF) parameterizing the attenuation of radiation via clouds. The CMF is an empirical function of the solar zenith angle (SZA) at midday and the daily clearness index from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) measurements on board the second-generation Meteosat satellites. Total column ozone, from MERRA-2 reanalysis, is used in calculations of clear-sky BEDRE values. The proposed model was trained and validated using data from several European ground-based spectrophotometers and biometers for the periods 2014–2023 and 2004–2013, respectively. The model provides reliable estimates of BEDRE for all biological processes considered. Under snow-free conditions and SZA &lt; 45° at midday, bias and standard deviation of observation-model differences are approximately ±5% and 15%, respectively. The BEDRE model can be used as an initial validation tool for ground-based UV data.

Acetamiprid elicits oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory response, and cellular proliferation in human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro and in silico: alleviative implications of the mixture of heat-killed Lactobacillus strains

BackgroundAcetamiprid (ACE), a neonicotinoid insecticide, has been extensively used to control pests in agricultural and industrial environments. It has been reported that ACE is detrimental to the lungs. Nevertheless, the extent to which the activation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular proliferation contributes to the pulmonary toxicity induced by ACE exposure remains insufficiently understood. This study explored the mechanism of toxicological consequences after ACE exposure in bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells). The research also examined the potential ameliorative effects of the mixture of heat-killed Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus fermentum (HKL) on the toxicities of ACE.ResultsFollowing 14 days of exposure to ACE at 0.5 and 1 μM, oxidative stress was induced, as evidenced by the decreased levels of reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, along with increased levels of malondialdehyde. Also, ACE exposure results in overexpression and raised protein levels of the IL-25, NF-κB1, NF-κB2, IL-33, TSLP, and NF-κB target genes, which induce inflammatory responses. In addition, ACE boosted Ki-67-positive BEAS-2B cells. The molecular docking of ACE with target genes and their proteins demonstrated a potent binding affinity, further supported by the presence of hydrophobic contacts, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonds. The post-treatment of HKL following the ACE (1 μM) exhibited its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities in suppressing ACE-induced toxicity.ConclusionsOur research revealed that ACE toxicity in BEAS-2B cells is caused by driving oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory response, and cellular proliferation. This study would give us a strategy to alleviate ACE-induced lung impairment by heat-killed probiotic supplements. As a result, dietary supplements that contain these microorganisms may potentially be beneficial in countries with high levels of pesticide contamination.