Excessive Levels Research Articles

Deciphering adsorption behaviour and mechanisms of enhanced phosphate removal via optimized cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified nanofibrillated cellulose.

To combat the persistent environmental issues resulting from eutrophication, it is necessary to scavenge excess phosphorous levels from aquatic ecosystems. In response, a cationic adsorbent was prepared by modifying agrowaste-derived natural biomacromolecule; nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant. Comprehensive characterization through XRD, FTIR, HR-SEM, SEM-EDX, BET and XPS demonstrated that quaternizing NFC significantly improved its surface chemistry by introducing substantial quaternary ammonium groups. This modification imparted positive ζ potential across broad pH range, underscoring a strong affinity for negatively charged phosphate ions. Enhanced roughness and improved spatial dispersion led to nearly threefold increase in phosphate removal efficiency compared to pristine NFC, attributable to a higher number of available active sites. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and Sips isotherm model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 21.78 mg P/g, reaching equilibrium within 120 min. Besides, the prepared adsorbent demonstrated pH-dependent adsorption and displayed stable adsorption capacity particularly at weakly acidic or neutral pH conditions. Furthermore, it exhibited excellent retention capacity with only 12.61 % desorption rates over three cycles. Both XPS and FTIR results revealed that electrostatic adsorption (based on Lewis acid-base principle) and hydrogen bonding were primary adsorption mechanism.

Tumor microenvironment regulation by reactive oxygen species-mediated inflammasome activation.

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of diverse cell types whose interactions, both direct and indirect, significantly influence tumorigenesis and therapeutic outcomes. Within TME, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by various cells and exhibit a dual role: moderate ROS levels promote tumor initiation and progression, whereas excessive levels induce cancer cell death, influencing the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Inflammasomes, cytosolic multiprotein complexes, are pivotal in multiple stages of tumorigenesis and play a crucial role in establishing the inflammatory TME. By releasing cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18, inflammasomes contribute to immune cell recruitment and sustain a chronic inflammatory state that supports tumor growth. ROS are critical regulators of inflammasome activation, with the impact of ROS-mediated activation differing across cell types, leading to distinct influences on tumor progression and therapeutic responses. This review explores how ROS drive inflammasome activation in various TME-associated cells and the reciprocal ROS generation induced by inflammasomes, examining their multifaceted impact on tumorigenesis and therapeutic efficacy. By elucidating the complex interplay between ROS and inflammasomes in TME, we provide insights into potential therapeutic approaches that could modulate cancer progression and enhance treatment outcomes.

Comprehensive evaluation of groundwater quality in population-dense and extensive agricultural regions and study on its relationship with agricultural production and human activities.

Extensive agricultural regions commonly face issues of poor groundwater management, non-standard agricultural production practices, and unordered discharge of domestic pollution, leading to a continuous decline in groundwater quality and a sharp increase in risks. A comprehensive understanding of groundwater conditions and pollution is a crucial step in effectively addressing the water quality crisis. This study employs the Comprehensive Water Quality Index, Irrigation parameter, and Pollution Index to comprehensively investigate the groundwater quality in a typical agricultural area in Shandong, China, and assesses the suitability of groundwater for irrigation and the risks to human health. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis methods are utilized to analyze the relationship between groundwater quality and agricultural production and human activities. The results of the comprehensive quality evaluation indicate that the groundwater in the study area is primarily characterized as weakly alkaline hard freshwater and slightly brackish water, with a hydrochemical type of HCO3-Ca. 42% of the groundwater is unsuitable for drinking, with the main pollutants being TDS, TH, F-, and NO3-. The shallow groundwater level and high soil permeability provide favorable conditions for pollutant migration. Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) and Potential Salinity (PS) indicate that 37% of the water samples have excessive bicarbonate levels and 5% have excessive salinity, making them unsuitable for irrigation. Nitrate poses non-carcinogenic risks to all three age groups. Multivariate analysis results show that agricultural pollution dominates in the groundwater, with major pollutants including SO42-, NO3-, COD, NH4-N, F-, etc. Domestic pollution mainly increases the concentrations of ions such as Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and also contributes to Cl- and NO3-. The findings of this study contribute to enhancing the rational utilization of groundwater quality in agricultural areas, standardizing agricultural production activities, and promoting the sustainable development of green agriculture.

Rotavirus infections in the pediatric population: a comparative study of pre-COVID and COVID-19 pandemic periods

BackgroundThis study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and clinical outcomes of rotavirus infections in the pediatric population.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at the Pediatrics Clinic of Gülhane Research and Training Hospital, analyzing data from the pre-COVID-19 period (January 1, 2017 – January 1, 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic period (March 11, 2020 – August 31, 2022). Patient data, including demographic characteristics, presenting complaints, laboratory results, and hospitalization status, were collected from hospital records. Statistical comparisons were made to evaluate changes in rotavirus infection patterns between the two examined periods.ResultsThe data of a total of 3,915 pediatric patients with diarrhea were included, with 468 (6.8%) testing positive for rotavirus. Three hundred and forty of these cases (72.6%) were detected during the COVID-19 pandemic period, while 128 cases (27.4%) were detected before the pandemic period. The median age of the patients was 2 years, while 62.7% were under 2 years of age. Significant differences were found between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods in terms of the number of emergency department visits (p = 0.003), the duration of emergency observations (p = 0.001) and the rates of patient visits from urban or rural centers (p = 0.001). Laboratory parameters, including blood sodium levels (p = 0.02), neutrophil counts (p = 0.02), base excess (p = 0.03), and bicarbonate levels (p = 0.05), also showed significant differences. Factors influencing hospitalization were found to be emergency department observation time (hours) with an OR of 0.91, 95% CI (0.867–0.974) (p = 0.005), blood glucose levels with an OR of 1.03, 95% CI (1.02–1.05) (p = 0.002), serum potassium levels with an OR of 2.36, 95% CI (1.14–4.87) (p = 0.02), and CRP levels with an OR of 1.02, 95% CI (1.01–1.03) (p = 0.006).ConclusionThe results of this study emphasize the need for targeted interventions to manage rotavirus infections, particularly in the context of ongoing public health challenges. Understanding the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on rotavirus epidemiology is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate severe outcomes in vulnerable pediatric populations.

Thyme and Basil Essential Oils Attenuate Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Hepatic Damage in Rats

Background Excessive levels of oxidative radicals injure organs by directly reacting with macromolecules [proteins, lipids, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)]. Anti-oxidant supplements with compounds rich in anti-oxidants, such as essential oils, combat oxidative radicals. Purpose This investigation aimed to assess the theory that supplementation with thyme essential oil (TEO) and basil essential oil (BEO) lessen the harmful consequences of hepatic oxidative stress that occur when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is added to drinking water. Methods Rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC) received a basal diet; positive control (PC) was intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 3% H2O2; and TEO or BEO groups were PC groups received 200 mg/kg of TEO or BEO for 30 days. Results BEO demonstrated a higher capacity for radical scavenging than TEO in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 assays. Treatment with BEO and TEO significantly improved various liver functions, including total protein, total bilirubin, albumin, and liver enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] with BEO preferred over TEO. TEO and BEO administration significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation by lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) values and enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, and maintaining normal levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitrite production in H2O2-treated rats. TEO and BEO also repaired the deformed liver structure to the normal. Conclusion These results provide critical insight into how thyme and basil essential oils might protect the liver from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Polydopamine-Coated NaGdF4 Nanoparticles with Ca2+ Chelation Ability for Ischemic Stroke Therapy.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. However, the survival of transplanted MSCs is often compromised by the excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ions (Ca2+) in the ischemic microenvironment following blood flow occlusion. In this study, a protective strategy is developed using functional nanomaterials to escort and shield MSCs. Specifically, NaGdF4@PDA-ALD nanoparticles (NPANs) are synthesized, featuring a NaGdF4 core coated with polydopamine (PDA) for ROS scavenging and further modified with alendronate sodium (ALD) for Ca2+ chelation. The internalization of NPANs by MSCs protected them from oxidative damage and calcium overload, thereby promoting their viability and functionality. Furthermore, NaGdF4 generated T1 signal enhancement, enabling in vivo tracking of MSCs via magnetic resonance imaging. The NPANs-treated MSCs demonstrated improved survival and migration to the ischemic region, promoting blood flow restoration and angiogenesis. These findings confirm the feasibility of employing functional nanoparticles to augment MSCs-based therapies, offering a promising strategy to improve their therapeutic efficacy in ischemic stroke treatment.

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-tyrosinase Activity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Flower Extract Encapsulated in Layered Double Hydroxide

Dermatological problem is mainly caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and excessive tyrosinase level in human body. It becomes interesting in the field of biological research which has been attempted to develop new materials from plant extracts to solve this problem. The concern is how those components in the plant extract can be used, protected, and released efficiently during application processes. In this study, we aimed to create a layered double hydroxide (LDH) encapsulating white lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) flower extract (WLE-LDH), investigate the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase effects of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. flower extract encapsulated in the layered double hydroxide (WLE-LDH), and assess the release properties of the nanohybrid. DPPH assay and anti-tyrosinase enzyme assay were performed on methanol extract of N. nucifera and WLE-LDH. The white lotus methanolic extract demonstrated antioxidant activity with an EC50 of 0.17 mg mL-1 and uncompetitive inhibition of tyrosinase with an IC50 of 0.43 mg mL-1. The reconstruction method was used to encapsulate the white lotus flower extract into Mg-Al LDH without isolating the phytochemicals. The successful intercalation of the crude flower extract into the layered structure was confirmed by an increase in the interlayer spacing as indicated by shift in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data and SEM image also showed that an encapsulated nanohybrid had been successfully formed. Further, the data of exposure to ultraviolet–visible light suggested that the crude extract of N. nucifera Gaertn. flower was stabilized within the LDH bilayer, protecting its bioactivities. The resulting nanohybrid with bioactive phytoconstituents showed antioxidant activity with an EC50 of 0.58 mg mL-1 and anti-tyrosinase activity with an IC50 of 0.63 mg mL-1. Furthermore, the WLE-LDH sample demonstrated slow and controlled release characteristics with antioxidant activity for up to 3½ h and anti-tyrosinase activity for up to 2½ h. Our findings suggest a promising strategy of its potential applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Net Assimilation Rate and Mean Relative Growth Rate of Horticulture Plants on Swamp Land under Control of Organic Compounds

This research involved two experiments and was conducted in the experiment station of Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic University of Riau, Indonesia. This experiment was arranged with a randomly simple design with two factors. First, the effects of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) compost and rice husk ash on Brassica juncea, and secondly the effects of water hyacinth compost and Rhizobium inoculant on soybean (Glycine max) were investigated. The data analysis was performed with Duncan’s multiple range test with significant differences at p <0.05. The net assimilation rate and mean relative growth rate were used as indicators for the dry weight accumulation of plants. The combination of water hyacinth compost and rice husk ash had an interacting effect on soybean and Brassica juncea. An increase of net assimilation rate was followed by an increase in mean relative growth and a significant increase in dry matter weight was also observed. A combination of water hyacinth compost and rice husk ash had a significant positive effect on plant growth in swamp land. Rice husk ash can potentially balance excess iron and aluminum levels in soil impedes the absorption of essential minerals in swamp land. Rice husk ash can potentially balance excess iron and aluminum levels in soil that impedes the absorption of essential minerals in swamp land. The combination of water hyacinth compost and rice husk ash in swamp land increased the production of seed dry weight of soybean and crop dry weight of Brassica juncea.

Detection of postpartum women anemia and its impact on their offspring in Zhejiang Province, China

BackgroundInformation on the prevalence of postpartum women anemia is scarce in China, as well as its impact on their offspring. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of anemia and the impact on the offspring.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 977 women within 2 years postpartum in 10 sites from 2016 to 2017 in Zhejiang Province, China. Information on demographics, nutrient supplementation and diet was collected. Whole blood hemoglobin, serum ferritin and transferrin receptor were assessed for all women and whole blood hemoglobin was assessed in offspring. The multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of anemia and the impact on the offspring by calculating odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI).ResultsAmong 977 participants, 144 (14.74%) had anemia. Regression analysis showed that women intaking iron supplements during pregnancy (0.549, 0.350 ~ 0.860), and intaking sufficient red meat (0.647, 0.437 ~ 0.958) had lower rates of anemia, while women wo had anemia during pregnancy (2.754, 1.844 ~ 4.113 for mild anemia, and 3.815, 1.564 ~ 9.309 for moderate or severe anemia), had postpartum over 7 months (1.717, 1.112 ~ 2.650), with abnormal serum ferritin (11.931, 4.846 ~ 29.379) and excessive transferrin receptor levels (1.817, 1.050 ~ 3.145) had higher rates of anemia. Moreover, maternal anemia significantly increases the rate of anemia in offsprings, with ORs being 1.456 (0.994 ~ 2.133) for mild anemia, and 2.961 (1.242 ~ 7.058) for moderate or severe anemia, respectively.ConclusionThe status of anemia in postpartum women was severe and its impact on the anemia of their offspring should be noted. It is highly necessary to strengthen the regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels in pregnant and postpartum women, as well as implement targeted dietary interventions and suggest to intake dietary supplements if necessary.

Glioprotective Effects of Resveratrol Against Glutamate-Induced Cellular Dysfunction: The Role of Heme Oxygenase 1 Pathway.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, has shown promising neuroprotective effects in several in vivo and in vitro experimental models. However, the mechanisms by which resveratrol mediates these effects are not fully understood. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain; however, excessive extracellular glutamate levels can affect neural activity in several neurological diseases. Astrocytes are the glial cells that maintain brain homeostasis and can attenuate excitotoxicity by actively participating in glutamate neurotransmission. This study aimed to investigate the glioprotective effects of resveratrol against glutamate-induced cellular dysfunction in hippocampal slices and primary astrocyte cultures, with a focus on the role of heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Glutamate impaired glutamate uptake activity through a glutamate receptor-dependent mechanism, in addition to altering other important astroglial parameters, including glutamine synthetase activity, glutathione levels and cystine uptake, which were normalized by resveratrol. Resveratrol also prevented glutamate-induced disruption in antioxidant defenses, as well as in trophic and inflammatory functions, including the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) transcriptional activity. Most of the effects of resveratrol, mainly in astrocytes, were dependent on the HO-1 signaling pathway, as they were abrogated when HO-1 was pharmacologically inhibited. Resveratrol also increased HO-1 mRNA expression and its transcriptional regulator, nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2). Finally, resveratrol prevented glutamate-induced p21 senescence marker, indicating an anti-aging effect. Therefore, we demonstrated that the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 system in astrocytes by resveratrol represents an astrocyte-targeted neuroprotective mechanism in neurodegeneration, with glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as common neurochemical alterations.

Post-War Air Quality Index in Mosul City, Iraq: Does War Still Have an Impact on Air Quality Today?

The air quality in Mosul was adversely affected both directly and indirectly during and after the conflict phase, spanning from the occupation to the liberation of the city from ISIS (2014–2017). Direct impacts included the ignition of oil fields and sulphur deposits, as well as the use of military weapons and their propellants. Indirectly, the air quality was also compromised by various other factors negatively affecting the quality due to excessive emission levels of air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other toxic gases. Six important locations in the city of Mosul were selected, and the concentrations of the parameters PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde (HCHO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), NO2 and SO2 were determined at monthly intervals during the year 2022. The sites were selected both according to their proximity and their specific distance from the direct conflict zone. The aim was to assess the present pollutant levels based on WHO guidelines and to compare the results with previous pre-war studies to understand the long-term war impact on air quality. The results showed that the annual average values of PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 were above the WHO limits at all locations throughout the year. In contrast, the annual average values of TVOC, HCHO and SO2 were within the limits in the hot months but exceeded them in the cold months (December to March), which can be attributed to the use of heating material in winter. Two sites revealed higher pollution levels than the others, which can be attributed to their proximity to the devastated areas (conflict zones), high traffic density and a high density of power generators. These factors were further exacerbated by post-war migration from the destroyed and unsafe areas. Thus, in addition to the short-term effects of burning oil fields and sulphur deposits, as well as airborne weapon emissions, the increase in traffic, the use of decentralized power generators, and the higher demand for heating oil, progressive desertification due to deforestation and the destruction of extensive green areas, as well as increasing and unaddressed environmental violations in general, can be held responsible for declining air quality in the urban area. This work should be considered as preliminary work to emphasise the urgent need for conventional air quality monitoring to consolidate air quality data and monitor the effectiveness of different approaches to mitigate war-related air quality deterioration. Possible approaches include the implementation of air purification technologies, the preservation of existing ecosystems, the replacement of fossil energy sources with renewable energy options, proactive and sustainable urban planning and enforcing strict air quality regulations and policies to control and reduce pollution levels.

How Does Emotion Impact Sports Performances?

This paper examines the significant impact of emotions on sports performance, exploring both positive and negative emotional states and their influence on athletic outcomes. Emotions, as complex affective states, shape perception, judgment, and behavior, making them a critical focus in sports psychology. Utilizing the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model, we assess how athletes perform best within unique emotional ranges and how deviating from these zones can hinder performance. Positive emotions, fostering openness and flexibility, generally enhance performance up to a certain intensity, while excessive levels may backfire. Conversely, negative emotions like stress can impair focus but, when controlled, may serve as performance challenges. The paper delves into emotional intelligence, emphasizing its role in helping athletes recognize, manage, and leverage their emotions for peak performance. Practical applications are proposed for coaches and teams, including emotional monitoring, team-based identity building, and mental training techniques. Future research directions advocate for integrating technology in personalized emotional training, alongside considerations of cultural contexts, to refine athlete performance in high-pressure environments.

Biomolecular Microneedle Initiates Fe3O4/MXene Heterojunction-Mediated Nanozyme-Like Reactions and Bacterial Ferroptosis to Repair Diabetic Wounds.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in wound healing. They act as crucial signaling molecules and antimicrobial agents when present at moderate levels. However, excessive levels of ROS can hinder the healing process for individuals with diabetes. As a result, targeting ROS levels to maintain redox balance has become a promising strategy for improving wound recovery. Currently, no biomaterials have been reported to simultaneously up-regulate and down-regulate ROS to achieve broad-spectrum antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Inspired by the site-dependent effect of nanomaterials, a micron-sized ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4)/MXene (FM) heterojunction is synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The FM heterojunction could scavenge extracellular ROS by activating catalase (CAT)-like and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like nanozyme activities. Meanwhile, FM heterojunction could release ferric ions and ferrous ions by defect engineering to induce bacterial ferroptosis, up-regulating intercellular ROS, and lipid peroxidation. For applications in vivo, FM heterojunction is incorporated into the tips of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based microneedle (termed as GFM microneedle) using a two-step casting technique. The results showed that GFM microneedle combined with photothermal therapy could improve S. aureus-infected skin regeneration in diabetic rats. The effectiveness and safety of GFM microneedle are not less favorable than that of a commercial wound dressing. This study provides a proof-of-concept for heterojunction-mediated regenerative medicine via a site-dependent ROS-targeting strategy.

Evaluation of the predictive value of the glucose-to-potassium ratio in predicting in-hospital mortality of patients with sepsis and septic shock.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of the glucose-to-potassium ratio in predicting in-hospital mortality and prognosis of patients diagnosed with sepsis and septic shock in an emergency department and admitted to an emergency critical intensive care unit (ICU). This study was aretrospective and observational evaluation of nontraumatic sepsis and septic shock patients > 18years of age who were admitted to the emergency department of atertiary training and research hospital and had available glucose and potassium values at the time of admission. The patients were evaluated over a24-month period. The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship between the glucose-to-potassium ratio and in-hospital mortality in sepsis patients. Data derived from 175 patients were included in the statistical analysis. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, direct bilirubin, C‑reactive protein, and lactate levels were found to be significantly higher in the nonsurvivor group than in the survivor group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, pH, HCO3 and base excess levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the survivor group than in the nonsurvivor group (p < 0.05). The glucose-to-potassium ratio was not significant in terms of predicting mortality in sepsis patients (p = 0.324). In the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of various parameters' significance in terms of predicting mortality, APACHE2 scores had the highest area under the curve (AUC) value (0.729). According to the results of this study, the glucose-to-potassium ratio did not have asignificant value in predicting mortality risk in sepsis and septic shock patients admitted from the emergency department to the emergency critical ICU.

Prediksi Diabetes Menggunakan Algoritma K-Nearest (KNN) Teknik SMOTE-ENN

Nowadays, diabetes is a common disease affecting millions of people worldwide, and it is generally more prevalent among women. Recent health research has adopted various innovative and advanced technologies to diagnose individuals and predict diseases based on clinical data. One such technology is Machine Learning (ML), which enables more accurate diagnosis and prediction. The data used in this study is the Pima Indian women diabetes dataset from Kaggle and the UCI data repository. This study focuses on predicting diabetes using the KNN algorithm model by applying optimization to the dataset using the SMOTE-ENN technique to enhance prediction accuracy for Pima Indian women. The dataset was trained and tested with five different splits using Jupyter Notebook to determine the best accuracy for the KNN algorithm model. Parameters such as classification accuracy, classification error, and the ROC curve were evaluated, along with identifying the variables influencing the risk of diabetes. The results showed that applying SMOTE-ENN optimization to the research dataset significantly improved the prediction accuracy using the KNN algorithm model. With a 70% training and 30% testing data split, the model achieved a classification accuracy of 0.96, a classification error of 0.04, and an AUC of 0.95. These predictions indicated that Pima Indian women are more likely to develop diabetes due to factors such as age above 33 years, the number of pregnancies, excessive sugar consumption, blood pressure, skin thickness, insulin levels, BMI (Body Mass Index), and genetic predisposition to diabetes

Neurotensin receptor agonist PD149163 modulates LPS-induced enterocyte apoptosis by downregulating TNFR pathway and executioner caspase 3 in endotoxemic mice: insights from in vivo and in silico study.

This study was designed to evaluate the dose-dependent efficacy of neurotensin receptor-1 (NTSR1) agonist PD149163 in the amelioration of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mice. PD149163 is an analogue of NTS, a GIT tri-decapeptide with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Swiss-albino mice (female/8 weeks/25±2.5g) were divided into six groups: control; LPS, LPS+PD149163L, and LPS+PD149163H groups were treated with LPS (0.2μmol/L/kgBW; 5 days), followed by exposure of PD149163 to LPS+PD149163L (10.6μmol/L/kgBW), and LPS+PD149163H (21.2μmol/L/kgBW) for 28 days. OnlyPD149163L (10.6μmol/L/kgBW) and onlyPD149163H (21.2μmol/L/kgBW) groups were maintained for 28 days. Both the LPS and PD149163 were given intraperitoneally. PD149163 treatment for 4 weeks alleviated the LPS-induced enterocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-induced excessive levels of caspase-3, tumour necrosis factor-α, and leptin (biomarkers of LPS-induced apoptosis) in plasma were decreased by PD149163H treatment. Moreover, LPS-induced gut oxidative stress was ameliorated by PD149163H supplementation, as evidenced by the decreased content of malondialdehyde, lipid-hydroperoxide and increased level of superoxide-dismutase, catalase. Furthermore, PD149163H mediated elevation of the plasma anti-apoptotic protein (B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma-2) along with the NTS level contributed to the modulation of LPS-induced enterocyte apoptosis, reflected in histopathology. In vivo results were substantiated with in silico molecular docking analysis that predicted the binding of PD149163-TLR4 complex, suggesting that PD149163 can act as a TLR4 modulator and inhibit the activation of TLR4. The role of PD149163 in ameliorating GIT apoptosis by its anti-apoptotic and antioxidative effects is suggested. Further research may provide significant insights into the therapeutic intervention of PD149163 in apoptosis-related diseases of GIT.

Dietary Fiber-Rich Spartina anglica Improves Intestinal Health and Antioxidant Capacity of Zhedong White Geese.

Spartina anglica (SA), a plant rich in dietary fiber, has demonstrated considerable potential for enhancing gut health and antioxidant capacity in animals. This study investigates the integration of SA as a novel dietary ingredient for Zhedong white geese, with a specific focus on evaluating its effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, intestinal health, and cecal microbiota composition. A total of 360 1-day-old Zhedong white geese with an average weight of 114.94 ± 0.81 g were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments, with 6 replicates per treatment and 15 geese per pen. The 4 dietary treatments included different SA supplement levels: a control group receiving a basal diet (CON), and three experimental groups supplemented with 3% SA (SA3), 6% SA (SA6), and 12% SA (SA12). Supplementation with 6% SA significantly enhanced the final body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the SA12 group exhibited reduced digestibility of crude protein and ether extract, relative to the SA3 and SA6 groups (p < 0.05). The highest antioxidant capacity was observed in the SA6 and SA12 groups, while the lowest was recorded in the CON group. SA supplementation did not significantly influence serum biochemical parameters or organ indices but increased cecum length (p < 0.05). Notably, SA supplementation markedly improved intestinal morphology, although excessive levels appeared to compromise these benefits. Additionally, SA supplementation significantly enhanced the richness and diversity of cecal microbiota and increased short-chain fatty acid concentrations. In conclusion, SA at an optimal supplementation level of 6% may be effectively utilized in Zhedong white geese diets to improve growth performance, gut health, and antioxidant capacity.

Monitoring of Temporal and Spatial Variation of Water Quality in Agricultural Reservoir During Summer

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of water quality in a small‐scale agricultural reservoir, the Bangok Reservoir, during the summer. The study is motivated by the increasing importance of preserving river ecosystems, ensuring irrigation water quality and expanding agricultural water use. Seven water quality parameters were monitored at multiple points from July to October 2020, and Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to understand their spatial relationships. The results revealed that the Bangok Reservoir had reached a hypertrophic state, indicating excessive nutrient levels. While heavy rainfall and dilution effects posed challenges for accurate analysis, significant correlations were observed between chlorophyll‐a and total phosphorus, as well as between dissolved oxygen and pH. The trophic state index of Korea (TSIKO) indicated conditions favourable for algal growth due to phosphorus abundance. Higher concentrations of pollutants were found upstream, which was likely attributed to the inflow of livestock manure during rainfall and shallow water mixing. The study recommends the implementation of algae removal and reduction facilities in the upstream areas of the reservoir. These findings provide essential data for ongoing research on water quality in small‐scale agricultural reservoirs and emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring for better environmental management.

Dietary Reference Intakes of Selenium for Chinese Residents.

The plasma selenoprotein P (SELENOP) concentration leveling out was thought to represent saturation of the functional selenium body pool and an appropriate supply of selenium to all tissues, indicating that the necessary amount of selenium had been supplied. Based on the selenium intake when SELENOP reaches saturation, the estimated average requirement (EAR) of selenium was set as 50 μg/d, and the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) was 60 μg/d for Chinese general population. According a recent study, "lactating Chinese women with the optimal daily selenium intake" was defined, and the adequate intake (AI) of 0‒6 months old infants was set as 15 μg/d, and 20 μg/d was calculated for 7‒12 months old infants. Considering the negative health effects of intake of excessive nutrient levels of selenium, we recommend reducing the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for adults from 400 μg/d to 255 μg/d based on the results of the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). The SELECT trial is a key basis for setting selenium's UL. It has a large sample size and long-term design. Rigorously measures selenium intake and monitors multiple health endpoints precisely. Also, with proper control groups, it effectively determines the threshold of adverse effects, enhancing the reliability of UL determination.

Prospects for using antioxidants in flour confectionery production

Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s antioxidant system cannot cope with excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Free radicals, which are molecules with an unpaired electron, attack proteins, membrane lipids, and DNA, causing damage that can lead to disease, accelerated aging, and disruption of cellular functions. The main sources of free radicals are endogenous processes (metabolism, inflammation) and exogenous factors (pollution, ultraviolet radiation, smoking). The body’s protection from oxidative stress is provided by antioxidants, which neutralize ROS and reduce the negative impact of oxidative stress. The article discusses the prospects for using various antioxidants in the fl our confectionery production, with the aim of making a positive impact on consumers’ health.