Drinking Tap Water Research Articles

Chronic nonbacterial prostate inflammation in a rat model is associated with changes of gut microbiota that can be modified with a galactoglucomannan-rich hemicellulose extract in the diet.

To investigate dietary effects on the gut microbiota composition in a rat model of nonbacterial chronic prostate inflammation (CPI). Nonbacterial CPI was induced in the Wistar rat strain with subcutaneous testosterone and 17β-oestradiol (E2 ) hormone pellets for 18 weeks. Rats with placebo pellets served as healthy controls. Rats with CPI were stratified into two groups, which drank either plain tap water (control group) or tap water supplemented with 2% galactoglucomannan-rich hemicellulose extract (GGM group) from Norway spruce (Picea abies) for 5 weeks. Faecal samples were collected at the end of the study, total DNA was extracted, and the bacterial composition was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In addition, faecal samples were assayed for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations using gas chromatography. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) was measured in serum samples, as an indirect indicator for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) load in blood. The microbial biodiversity was significantly different between the treatment groups. In the rats with CPI, there was a significant increase in gut microbial populations Rikenellaceae, Odoribacter, Clostridiaceae, Allobaculum and Peptococcaceae compared with healthy rats. Conversely, levels of Bacteroides uniformis, Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae were decreased in rats with CPI. SCFA butyric-, valeric- and caproic-acid concentrations were also decreased in the faecal samples of the rats with CPI. In contrast, acetic acid concentrations and serum LBP were significantly elevated in CPI rats compared with healthy ones. Amongst rats with CPI, treatment with the GGM extract significantly reduced the abundance of Odoribacter and Clostridiaceae levels, and increased the B. uniformis levels compared with CPI rats drinking tap water only. In addition, GGM significantly increased the levels of butyric acid and caproic acid, and reduced the levels of LBP in serum. Hormone-induced nonbacterial CPI in rats is associated with specific changes in gut microbiota and secondary changes in SCFAs and LPS due to gut microbiota alteration. Our results further suggest that fermentable compounds may have a beneficial effect on CPI.

Photocatalytic removal of fluoroquinolones and their antimicrobial activity from water matrices at trace levels: a comparison of commercial TiO2 catalysts.

In this study, a solution containing the fluoroquinolones (FQs) ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, and ofloxacin (antimicrobial agents) was subjected to photocatalytic oxidation under UVA irradiation, employing the commercial titanium dioxide as catalyst. On-line solid phase extraction coupled to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to pre-concentrate and quantify the analytes. The process provided an almost 95% degradation efficiency for all the FQs. The TiO2 PC500 (100% anatase) was more efficient than TiO2 P25 (80% anatase) for FQs degradation. The matrix effect on the efficiency of the process was evaluated by ultrapure water - UW, simulated water - SW, bottled water -BW, and public drinking tap water - TW. Simulated water showed lower interference, compared to drinking water and bottled mineral water, due to the lower concentrations of hydroxyl radical scavengers. The assessment of the residual antimicrobial activity in the solution, when using 50 mg L-1 PC500 or 100 mg L-1 P25, showed reductions of biological activity (after 120 min of reaction) of 92.4% and 95.4% for Escherichia coli, and 78.1% and 84.2% for Bacillus subtilis, respectively. It shows that the photocatalytic oxidation process was able to not only degrade the FQs but also deactivate its biological activity in the resultant solution.

Effect of unboiled water consumption data on sensitivity analysis in quantitative microbial risk assessment

Quantitative microbial risk assessment of drinking water is generally followed by sensitivity analysis for examining the relative importance of variables of the simulation model on the outcome. This study investigated the effect of the statistical methods applied to unboiled water consumption data on sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis for concentration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in treated water showed completely different results from the analysis for E. coli dose. This was due to the application of a Poisson model to the water consumption, which suggested that 27% of the people did not drink tap water. Our study then applied a different model—an exponential distribution—to the water consumption data. In addition, incidental water intake was assigned to non-consumers in the Poisson model. The results of sensitivity analyses for these cases were very different from the ones obtained from the first analysis. This study therefore demonstrated that the statistical methods used to analyze water consumption data have great impacts on sensitivity analysis, although they do not affect the yearly risk of infection. Specifically, statistical methods may devalue sensitivity analysis. To avoid this problem, it is preferable to apply a continuous model such as the exponential model, rather than a discrete one such as the Poisson model, to describe the variability in water consumption.

Протокол контролю хімічної та бактеріологічної безпеки води для гемодіалізу/гемодіафільтрації

Проведення гемодіалізу / гемодіафільтрації вимагає наявності спеціально підготовленої води, яка є основним компонентом діалізуючого розчину. Джерелом води для діалізу є питна вода, що подається до каскаду очищення, та включає в себе, зокрема, процеси зворотного осмосу (ЗO). Належне очищення води є не лише запорукою безпечності процедури гемодіалізу, але й суттєво впливає на якість та тривалість життя пацієнтів.
 Контроль хімічної та мікробіологічної якість води, що використовується для діалізу дозволяє уникнути додаткового ризику для пацієнтів, які лікується гемодіалізом / гемодіафільтрацією

Perceptions and Consumption of Bottled Water at the University of the Basque Country: Showcasing Tap Water as the Real Alternative towards a Water-Sustainable University

This paper examines the beliefs and environmental attitudes of university individuals towards bottled and tap water use and examines tap and bottled water availability and sales volumes at the University of the Basque Country. The research employed a mixed methods approach including (i) an exploratory survey to document environmental beliefs and behaviors towards bottled and tap water; (ii) written questionnaires addressed to faculty administrators to inquire about accessibility to tap water and, (iii) personal interviews with restaurant managers to inquire about sales volumes of bottled water. Respondents to our survey predominately drink tap water and no health or taste issues associated with its consumption are perceived among respondents reporting to drink two or fewer bottles per week. These results imply that in our context, there are positive perceptions towards tap water and pro-environmental behavior regarding water consumption. However, respondents also claimed to use reused plastic water bottles as the most common tap water container. Moreover, there was widespread presence of bottled water sales at university premises, confirming the ubiquity of this commodity worldwide. Collectively, both survey and sales volume analyses suggest that a greater shift in sustainable behavior is needed in our community. Regarding measures and policies to promote tap water accessibility, considerable differences were found within and between campuses. These findings should help to inform university managers and support sustainability goals where bottled water consumption could be minimized or even eliminated.

Dietary Fructose Increases the Sensitivity of Proximal Tubules to Angiotensin II in Rats Fed High-Salt Diets

Dietary fructose causes salt-sensitive hypertension. Proximal tubules (PTs) reabsorb 70% of the filtered NaCl. Angiotensin II (Ang II), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and norepinephrine (NE) regulate this process. Although Ang II signaling blockade ameliorates fructose-induced salt-sensitive hypertension, basal PT Na+ reabsorption and its sensitivity to the aforementioned factors have not been studied in this model. We hypothesized consuming fructose with a high-salt diet selectively enhances the sensitivity of PT transport to Ang II. We investigated the effects of Ang II, ANP and NE on PT Na reabsorption in rats fed a high-salt diet drinking tap water (HS) or 20% fructose (HS-FRU). Oxygen consumption (QO2) was used as a measure of all ATP-dependent transport processes. Na+/K+-ATPase and Na+/H+-exchange (NHE) activities were studied because they represent primary apical and basolateral transporters in this segment. The effect of 10−12 mol/L Ang II in QO2 by PTs from HS-FRU was larger than HS (p < 0.02; n = 7). In PTs from HS-FRU 10−12 mol/L Ang II stimulated NHE activity by 2.6 ± 0.7 arbitrary fluorescence units/s (p < 0.01; n = 5) but not in those from HS. The stimulatory effect of Ang II on PT Na+/K+-ATPase activity was not affected by HS-FRU. Responses of QO2 and NHE activity to ANP did not differ between groups. The response of QO2 to NE was unaltered by HS-FRU. We concluded that the sensitivity of PT Na+ reabsorption specifically to Ang II is enhanced by HS-FRU. This maintains high rates of transport even in the presence of low concentrations of the peptide, and likely contributes to the hypertension.

The Potential Use of Pottery Jugs as Drinking Water Filters

The use of porous pottery jugs (fired clay) to the purification of drinking water and reductionof heavy metals and other contaminants is the aim of this study. A total of twenty-eight samplesof drinking tap water tested for pH, Turbidity, TDS, Electrical Conductivity, Salinity, TH, Ca++hardness, Mg++ hardness and Total Coliform bacteria, in addition to some heavy metals (Pb, Zn,Mn, Fe, Cd and Cu) in water before and after filtration also inside the jugs through 24 hour. Thepaper discusses the ability for this technique to reduce such these pollutants that may beremaining after treatment. Pottery jugs (B) represented the best one in WQI and AWQI that maybe due to its composition of silt and the high quality of clay. Pottery jugs (B) able to reduce theconcentrations of turbidity, TH, Ca++ and Mg++ hardness. Also, improved its efficiency indecreasing levels of some heavy metals as Mn, Pb, and Cd. Statistical ANOVA tests showed asignificant difference between pottery jugs with physicochemical parameters and filtrationefficiencies. The concentrations of examined physicochemical parameters and heavy metals indrinking tap water and inside the pottery jugs and in the filtrate were within the safe limits ofEMH (2007), WHO (2011) and Egyptian Standards (EEAA, 1994) regulations, except theconcentration of Fe inside and in the filtrate, was above safe limit.

Вплив цистеїл-гістидил-тирозил-гістидил-ізолейцину на вміст продуктів пероксидного окиснення ліпідів та активних форм Оксигену в щурів різного віку за дії важких металів і гліфосату

Introduction. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of several diseases: liver cirrhosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, carcinogenesis, etc. The main mechanism of oxidative stress induced is the disturbance oxidation and reduction processes by various factors such as toxic substances, radiation, temperature, drugs. Ions of heavy metals (transition metals) lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing a lipid peroxidation and other main biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids).The aim of the study – to learn the influence of peptid: cisteil-histidil-tyrosil-histidil-isoleucine on generation of active forms of oxygen the content of products of free lipid peroxidation.Research Methods. The experiment was carried out on lab nonlinear white rats – males three age periods: puberty, mature and old aging animals. The rats received the lead acetate, copper sulfate, glyphosate (in herbicide Roundup) in combined and peptide as correction agent. Subhronic lesions in rats was modelled by intragastric administration of water solution of Lead Acetate at a dose of 11 mg/kg, Copper Sulfate at a dose of 13 mg / kg, Glyphosate at a dose of 250 mg / kg. Dehlorinated drinking tap water to intact animals was added. The correction effect was research by the during 10 days intragastric administration of water solution of peptide cisteil-histidil-tyrosil- histidil-isoleucine in a dose of 9 mg / kg at 21th day of the experiment after 6 hours after toxins. The degree of lipid peroxidation was assayed by estimating the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and diene conjugates (DK) in blood serum and liver homogenates by spectrophotometric method. The superoxide anion-radical content was determined by test with Nitrobluetetrazolium, hydroxyl radical content was determined by the product of oxidation of 2-deoxyribose.Results and Discussion. It was established that the production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation increase by the combined effect of glyphosate (in Roundup form herbicide), lead acetate, copper sulfate in different age rats. There was a significant increase in concentration of TBARS, diene conjugates, superoxide anionradical and hydroxyl radical. One of the most probable mechanisms of peptide: cisteil-histidil-tyrosil-histidil-isoleucine corrective activity is based on its ability to antioxidantion activity that decrease concentration of a production of reactive oxygen species and a lipid peroxidation.Conclusion. The protective effect of peptide: tsysteil-histidil-tyrosil-histidil-isoleucine on liver damages rats induced by toxicity is administration induced loss to the production of reactive oxygen species, causing a lipid peroxidation

Determinants of plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in pregnant women from a birth cohort in Shanghai, China

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in commercial applications and have been commonly detected in pregnant women in Europe and North America. However, data on PFAS concentrations in pregnant women in China are limited. Additionally, the determinants of maternal PFAS concentrations with respect to diet habits have been less extensively described, especially in Asian countries. In the present study, we aimed to measure PFAS concentrations in pregnant women and evaluate sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors as potential determinants of PFAS concentrations. We analyzed eleven PFASs in maternal blood samples (N = 981) collected at 12–16 weeks of gestation between April and December 2012 at Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Minhang District in Shanghai, China. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations of PFAS concentrations with maternal sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors. Eight PFASs, including perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), were detected in >85% of the samples. PFOA and PFOS were the predominant PFASs with high median concentrations (19.97 ng/mL and 10.81 ng/mL, respectively). Pregnant women who were older, multiparous, well educated, passive smokers, with lower per capita household incomes, and had lived in rooms decorated within the past two years had higher PFAS concentrations, after mutual adjustment for maternal sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles. With regard to dietary factors, intake of red meat, poultry, animal offal, fish, pastries and fried food, and drinking tap water during pregnancy contributed to higher concentrations of most PFASs, after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles. Furthermore, higher intake of wheat, coarse cereals, tubers, and soy products was associated with lower maternal PFAS concentrations. Our findings indicate that PFASs were ubiquitous among pregnant women in Shanghai. We provide new evidence for the association between dietary factors and maternal PFAS exposure in China.

Public perception related to inadequate drinking water quality among Brazilian adults

Abstract This study aimed to identify the main sources of drinking water, evaluate public perception and satisfaction with regards to tap water and compare it with the distance from provider in Florianopolis city, Southern Brazil. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water at daycare centers were also assessed. Questionnaires were applied to 1,298 residences in six districts regarding water quality and consumption preferences and analyzed by adjusted binary logistic regression. Tap water physicochemical and microbiological parameters at the selected districts were assessed during summer and winter seasons. Of the 581 questionnaire respondents, 93% did not drink tap water, mostly due to a lack of confidence in water safety and taste. Only 39% were satisfied with water quality and approximately 30% reported that water is worse in summer season. Most water samples collected were not in accordance with Brazilian regulations. Thirty percent of samples were positive for total coliform, and one sample was positive for infectious adenovirus (38 PFU/L). Chlorine concentration was higher in some districts closer to the provider and during the summer season. These results could be useful in informing political resolutions aiming to improve the quality of drinking water, and to protect human health.

EFFECT OF WATER AND FEED SALINITY ON COAT COVER TRAITS OF BARKI SHEEP IN SOUTH SINAI

Twenty nine Barki sheep ewes (2-3 years old) were randomly assigned into four groups (7, 7, 8 and 7 animals for group 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively) to investigate the impact of salinity in both water and feed on some wool fiber traits (greasy fleece weight; GFW, fibre diameter; FD, staple length; STL, fibre length; FL and fibre type ratios; FTR) and skin follicles characteristics (secondary to primary follicles ratio; S/P ratio) in addition to triiodotyronine; T3 and thyroxin; T4 hormones under semi-arid condition of South Sinai, Governorate, Egypt. Ewes of group 1 (G1) were served as control and fed on berseem hay and drink tap water. Ewes of group 2 (G2) were fed on berseem hay and drink saline water, while ewes of group 3 (G3) and group 4 (G4) were fed on salt-tolerant plants and drink either tap water or saline water, respectively. Results of the present study showed the high variability of both fibre lengths and fibre type ratios compared to the other traits. Type of ration had a significant (P Ewes in G1 had higher GFW and S/P ratio, longer coarse fibres (FL) and smaller FD than ewes in the other groups. However, differences among groups were not significant in the case of fibre type ratios, FL (fine fibres) and kemp. Ewes in both G2 and G4 showed the lighter GFW and the shorter SL compared to their partners in the other two groups. In conclusion, results indicated that Barki sheep are tolerant to both drinking saline water and feeding on salt tolerant plants although there was decreased in greasy fleece weight and staple length with slightly increases in fibre diameter.

Determination of bromide in aqueous solutions via the TlBr molecule using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry

The paper describes the determination of bromide by evaluating the molecular absorption of thallium mono-bromide (TlBr) at the rotational line at 342.9815nm by making use a high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The effects of variables such as the wavelength, graphite furnace program, amount of Tl and the use of a modifier were investigated and optimized. Various chemical modifiers have been studied, such as Pd, Mg, Ag and a mixture of Pd/Mg. It was found that best results were obtained by using Ag which prevents losses of bromide during pyrolysis step through precipitation of bromide as AgBr. In this way, a maximum pyrolysis temperature of 400°C could be used. The optimum molecule forming temperature was found to be 900°C. Bromide concentrations in various water samples (CRM, bottled drinking water and tap water) were determined. The quantification was made by both linear calibration and standard addition techniques. The results were matched well those of the reference method. The calibration curve was linear in the range between 1 and 1000ng Br with a correlation coefficient R=0.999. The limit of detection and characteristic mass of the method were 0.3ng and 4.4ng of Br.

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Using RO Water on Zinc and Copper Level and its Effect on the Level of Hemoglobin in Pregnant Women

This study was conducted in the department of pathological analysis in Al-Kut technical institute of Iraq, were the total dissolved solid (TDS) and the level of zinc and copper trace elements measured for tap water and reverse osmosis RO water in several areas of Al-Kut city. Two groups of healthy pregnant women attending maternity health centers in Al-Kut city were selected for this study during the week 24-28 of gestation, aged between 20-40 years. The first group consisted of 55 pregnant women using tap water as drinking source and the second group also included 55 pregnant women using RO water as drinking source. The blood samples were collected from both groups and hemoglobin, zinc and copper levels were measured in both groups. The study showed a highly decreased in the level of TDS(15 + 5), zinc (1 + 0. 1) and copper (1 + 0. 2) of RO water in comparison with tap water were TDS(680 + 32), zinc (5.4 + 2.1) and copper (8.7 + 3.1) also study show significance decrease in hemoglobin(10.8 + 1.1), zinc(7.8 + 1.8) and copper (9.1 + 2.1) levels in pregnant woman who drinking RO water in comparison with woman drinking tap water were the level of hemoglobin(11.3 + 1.3), zinc(9.4 + 2.6) and copper(10.9 + 3.6).

WATER COMPOSITION ASSESMENT FROM THE WATER SUPPLY AND MINERAL WATER

Water is a key factor conditioning our lives and the minerals dissolved in it are one of the main sources of supplementing their deficiency. Water makes up about 60% of the body weight of an adult human, while the human body does not store water, which is why it is very important to permanently refill it. Without water, it would be impossible to have many processes in the body such as digestion, regulation of body temperature, proper mobility of joints or intrabody transport of nutrients and metabolic products. Water supplied to the body comes mainly from two distribution channels, as bottled water or water from the water conduit. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the consumption of bottled water, which is the result of ubiquitous advertising of drinking water in this form. However, there is a group of consumers who drink tap water.&#x0D; The aim of the work was to compare the content of selected minerals in botteled waters purchased in stores and water from the water supply network. An attempt was made to answer the question whether the incurring of higher costs for the purchase of bottled water is justified in order to satisfy the body's needs for minerals or perhaps tap water meets these needs to a similar degree.&#x0D; Comparison of the content of selected mineral components in tap water and bottled water shows that in most cases tap water is not inferior to the content of the determined minerals in bottled water.

Forced ethanol ingestion by Wistar rats from a juvenile age increased voluntary alcohol consumption in adulthood, with the involvement of orexin-A.

Human adolescents who drink alcohol are more likely to become alcoholics in adulthood. Alcohol administration (intraperitoneally) or drinking (in a 2-bottle free choice paradigm) during the juvenile/adolescent age of rats promotes voluntary alcohol consumption in adulthood. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that the orexinergic system plays a role in several rewarded behaviors, including alcohol ingestion. Since it is unknown what effect is exerted in adulthood by forced oral ethanol intake and/or administration of orexin-A (OX-A) in juvenile rats, the present study aimed to evaluate this question. A group of male Wistar rats was forced to drink ethanol (10% v/v) as the only liquid in the diet from weaning (postnatal day 21) to postnatal day 67 (46 days), followed by a forced withdrawal period. An age-matched group was raised drinking tap water (control). OX-A or its vehicle was microinjected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) (1nmol/0.6μL) to explore its effect as well. Locomotor activity and voluntary ethanol consumption were later assessed in all groups. The rats forced to consume ethanol early in life showed an elevated level of ambulation and alcohol ingestion in adulthood. A single injection of OX-A increased locomotor activity and acute ethanol intake in rats with or without prior exposure to alcohol at the juvenile stage. In conclusion, forced ethanol consumption in juvenile rats led to increased voluntary alcohol drinking behavior during adulthood, an effect likely facilitated by OX-A.

Disparities in plain, tap and bottled water consumption among US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2014.

Differences in bottled v. tap water intake may provide insights into health disparities, like risk of dental caries and inadequate hydration. We examined differences in plain, tap and bottled water consumption among US adults by sociodemographic characteristics. Cross-sectional analysis. We used 24 h dietary recall data to test differences in percentage consuming the water sources and mean intake between groups using Wald tests and multiple logistic and linear regression models. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2014. A nationally representative sample of 20 676 adults aged ≥20 years. In 2011-2014, 81·4 (se 0·6) % of adults drank plain water (sum of tap and bottled), 55·2 (se 1·4) % drank tap water and 33·4 (se 1·4) % drank bottled water on a given day. Adjusting for covariates, non-Hispanic (NH) Black and Hispanic adults had 0·44 (95 % CI 0·37, 0·53) and 0·55 (95 % CI 0·45, 0·66) times the odds of consuming tap water, and consumed B=-330 (se 45) ml and B=-180 (se 45) ml less tap water than NH White adults, respectively. NH Black, Hispanic and adults born outside the fifty US states or Washington, DC had 2·20 (95 % CI 1·79, 2·69), 2·37 (95 % CI 1·91, 2·94) and 1·46 (95 % CI 1·19, 1·79) times the odds of consuming bottled water than their NH White and US-born counterparts. In 2007-2010, water filtration was associated with higher odds of drinking plain and tap water. While most US adults consumed plain water, the source (i.e. tap or bottled) and amount differed by race/Hispanic origin, nativity status and education. Water filters may increase tap water consumption.

Preventive effects of the aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus L. flower on ethylene glycol-induced renal calculi in rats.

Urolithiasis remains a global problem. Despite the availability of numerous methods, no definite therapeutic agent has been yet introduced for the prevention or treatment of kidney stones. In this study, we evaluated the possible preventive effects of aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) flowers on ethylene glycol-induced renal calculi in rats. A total of 24 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and were treated for 30 days. Group A received drinking tap water, while groups B, C, and D were administered with 1% ethylene glycol for induction of calcium oxalate stone formation. Rats in groups C and D received intraperitoneal injections of the aqueous extract of chicory flowers (50 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) since the first day of the experiment. The urine volume, urine pH, and urinary levels of oxalate, citrate, calcium, uric acid, and creatinine as well as serum levels of calcium, uric acid, and creatinine were measured. After 30 days, the rats' kidneys were removed and prepared for histological evaluation of calcium oxalate deposits. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test, was performed, using SPSS version 20. The number of calcium oxalate crystals was significantly higher in group B (ethylene glycol-only treated animals), compared to group A (control), group C (50 mg/kg of aqueous extract), and group D (200 mg/kg of aqueous extract) (p<0.05). On day 30, the urine level of citrate, oxalate (p>0.05), and creatinine (p<0.05), as well as urine pH (p<0.05) decreased in groups C and D, compared to group B. Also, urine calcium level, urine uric acid (p>0.05), and urine volume (p<0.05) were higher in group D, compared to group B. In addition, the serum level of calcium, creatinine (p<0.05), and uric acid (p<0.001) decreased in groups C and D. The aqueous extract of chicory flower (50 mg/kg) could reduce the number of calcium oxalate deposits in the urine and reduce the level of serum parameters.

Comparison of short-term and medium-term swimming training on cardiodynamics and coronary flow in high salt-induced hypertensive and normotensive rats.

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of 3- and 6-week swimming exercise on cardiodynamics and coronary flow in high salt-induced hypertensive and normotensive rats. 80 male Wistar albino rats (6weeks old) were divided into 8 groups: hypertensive animals that swam for 3 weeks; hypertensive animals that swam for 6weeks and their respective sedentary controls; normotensive animals that swam for 3weeks; normotensive animals that swam for 6weeks and their respective sedentary controls. Hypertensive animals were on high sodium (8% NaCl solution) diet for 4weeks, and these animals did not drink tap water during the experimental protocol. After sacrificing, hearts were isolated and perfused according to Langendorff technique at gradually increased coronary perfusion pressure (40-120cmH2O). The following parameters of cardiac function were continuously recorded: maximum and minimum rate of pressure development in LV, systolic, and diastolic left ventricular pressure, and heart rate. Coronary flow was measured flowmetrically. Findings of the present study may help in better understanding of short- to medium-term exercise-induced direct effects on cardiac function and perfusion. Generally viewed, swimming of both durations did not change myocardial function and perfusion in hypertensive and normotensive conditions.

Enhanced degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) by peroxymonosulfate with Co3O4-Bi2O3 catalyst activation: Effects of pH, inorganic anions, and water matrix

In this study, a novel Co3O4-Bi2O3 catalyst was synthesized using a microwave-assistant method, and the corresponding characteristics were studied through XRD, SEM, and N2 adsorption. As a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator, the catalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst was evaluated on Bisphenol A (BPA) removal, and the result showed that Co3O4-Bi2O3 catalyst promoted BPA degradation, where 100% BPA was degraded within 15 min under the condition of [catalyst] = 0.1 g·L−1 and [PMS]/[BPA]molar = 5. The Co3O4-Bi2O3/PMS system presented a good catalytic activity when the solution pH varied from 3.0 to 11.0. Under the different concentrations of various inorganic anions in the Co3O4-Bi2O3/PMS system, Cl− showed an inhibited effect at low concentration and a promoted effect at high concentration. CO32− showed a slight inhibited effect, while H2PO4− showed a considerable inhibited effect. Additionally, both NO3− and SO42− showed a negligible effect on BPA removal. For the real water bodies, both the drinking water and tap water showed a slight decrease in degradation efficiency of BPA but a distinctly negative effect on BPA mineralization, which might be contributed to the competition between BPA and indigenous organic matters in the two water matrices for their oxidation by radical species. The quenching experiment was enforced and it was found that both SO4− and OH on the surface-bound of catalyst were the main active radicals in this system. Overall, the Co3O4-Bi2O3 catalyst as a PMS activator is a promising catalyst in PMS activation for sulfate radical-based wastewater treatment.

A mindful product acceptance model

ABSTRACTWe posit, develop and test a new mindful product acceptance model that includes the independent variable constructs of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, mindful judgement constructs (taste and environmental concerns), trust and perceived safety. Concerns about the environment are addressed in the bottled water context because of its ubiquitous use and increasing sales. This increasing bottled water use raises the question about why people drink bottled water versus tap water and provides a venue for testing how mindfulness influences the decision process. This study contributes to the literature by providing a new application of technology acceptance model (TAM) that includes the ‘mindful’ judgement construct as well as the context of applying TAM to a non-traditional technology. This research found that increasing mindfulness of environmental concerns in our community limits bottled water consumption. The statistically significant findings of this research suggest that companies can benefit from examining their manufacturing and recycling processes.