Exposure Conditions Research Articles

A strategy to detect metabolic changes induced by exposure to chemicals from large sets of condition-specific metabolic models computed with enumeration techniques

BackgroundThe growing abundance of in vitro omics data, coupled with the necessity to reduce animal testing in the safety assessment of chemical compounds and even eliminate it in the evaluation of cosmetics, highlights the need for adequate computational methodologies. Data from omics technologies allow the exploration of a wide range of biological processes, therefore providing a better understanding of mechanisms of action (MoA) related to chemical exposure in biological systems. However, the analysis of these large datasets remains difficult due to the complexity of modulations spanning multiple biological processes.ResultsTo address this, we propose a strategy to reduce information overload by computing, based on transcriptomics data, a comprehensive metabolic sub-network reflecting the metabolic impact of a chemical. The proposed strategy integrates transcriptomic data to a genome scale metabolic network through enumeration of condition-specific metabolic models hence translating transcriptomics data into reaction activity probabilities. Based on these results, a graph algorithm is applied to retrieve user readable sub-networks reflecting the possible metabolic MoA (mMoA) of chemicals. This strategy has been implemented as a three-step workflow. The first step consists in building cell condition-specific models reflecting the metabolic impact of each exposure condition while taking into account the diversity of possible optimal solutions with a partial enumeration algorithm. In a second step, we address the challenge of analyzing thousands of enumerated condition-specific networks by computing differentially activated reactions (DARs) between the two sets of enumerated possible condition-specific models. Finally, in the third step, DARs are grouped into clusters of functionally interconnected metabolic reactions, representing possible mMoA, using the distance-based clustering and subnetwork extraction method. The first part of the workflow was exemplified on eight molecules selected for their known human hepatotoxic outcomes associated with specific MoAs well described in the literature and for which we retrieved primary human hepatocytes transcriptomic data in Open TG-GATEs. Then, we further applied this strategy to more precisely model and visualize associated mMoA for two of these eight molecules (amiodarone and valproic acid). The approach proved to go beyond gene-based analysis by identifying mMoA when few genes are significantly differentially expressed (2 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for amiodarone), bringing additional information from the network topology, or when very large number of genes were differentially expressed (5709 DEGs for valproic acid). In both cases, the results of our strategy well fitted evidence from the literature regarding known MoA. Beyond these confirmations, the workflow highlighted potential other unexplored mMoA.ConclusionThe proposed strategy allows toxicology experts to decipher which part of cellular metabolism is expected to be affected by the exposition to a given chemical. The approach originality resides in the combination of different metabolic modelling approaches (constraint based and graph modelling). The application to two model molecules shows the strong potential of the approach for interpretation and visual mining of complex omics in vitro data. The presented strategy is freely available as a python module (https://pypi.org/project/manamodeller/) and jupyter notebooks (https://github.com/LouisonF/MANA).

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the underlying mechanisms for male reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells

BackgroundPolystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs), are ubiquitous pollution sources in human environments, posing significant biosafety and health risks. While recent studies, including our own, have illustrated that PS-NPs can breach the blood-testis barrier and impact germ cells, there remains a gap in understanding their effects on specific spermatogenic cells such as spermatocytes. Methods and resultsHerein, we employed an integrated approach encompassing phenotype, metabolomics, and transcriptomics analyses to assess the molecular impact of PS-NPs on mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. Optimal exposure conditions were determined as 24 h with 50 nm PS-NPs at 12.5 μg/mL and 90 nm PS-NPs at 50 μg/mL for subsequent multi-omics analysis. Our findings revealed that PS-NPs significantly influenced proliferation and viability, causing alterations in transcriptome and metabolome profiles. Transcriptomics analysis of GC-2spd(ts) cells exposed to PS-NPs indicated the pivotal involvement of cell proliferation and cycle, autophagy, ferroptosis, and redox reaction pathways in PS-NP-induced effects on the proliferation and viability of GC-2spd(ts) cells. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis identified major changes in amino acid metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, and purine and pyrimidine metabolism following PS-NP exposure. ConclusionOur integrated approach, combining metabolomics and transcriptomics profiles with phenotype data, enhances our understanding of the adverse effects of PS-NPs on germ cells.

Detectability of semen remained in a condom under various conditions

Some research has identified the prevalence and motivation of using condoms by assailants during sexual assault cases proving the necessity of analyzing condom trace evidence. The majority of the papers published have discussed forensic analysis of lubricants from condoms retrieved at sexual assault scenes but those discussing the identification of semen from condoms are rare. Therefore, the present study aims to provide insight into the detectability of the semen that remained in a condom, to examine the effect of exposure time, environmental conditions, and condom type, and ultimately to determine the capability of the AP test and Microscopic examination for identification of this sample type. In the study, samples were collected from three male donors after being instructed on the proper way of collecting the semen sample. The received samples from the donors were checked first by microscopic examination to observe the sperm to confirm that the sample being handled was semen. After confirmation, samples were transferred to 4 prepared condoms (brands: dkt xxx and Manforce) and kept in conditions i.e. two condoms in a refrigerator maintained from 2 to 10°C and other ones at ambient temperature (weather status: summer season of average 39°C). The samples were analyzed into two batches, the first analysis batch was conducted after the samples were exposed to the conditions within 11–60 days. After analysis from the first batch, the samples were continuously kept in the same condition for the consecutive second batch conducted when the samples reached 40–90 days. This study has determined that semen remaining in a condom can be detected and each test studied is appropriate according to the exposure stage, i.e., time and conditions of exposure. It has been found that nonmotile spermatozoa can be observed when semen remains in the condom for a few days. However, if the sample reaches approximately 25 days at room temperature above 25°C or 54 days below 10°C, the semen may dry out limiting the effectiveness of microscopic examination. Despite this, even semen that remained in a condom for up to 90 days can be identified by Acid Phosphatase. Results on condom type used reveal that condom constituents can crossreact with semen but none of them can limit the semen identification with Acid Phosphatase.

Influence of drilling technology on wear evolution of impregnated diamond bits

Diamond exposed on the surface of an impregnated diamond bit (IDB) is the key to breaking rock. The exposure conditions of the diamond affect the drilling efficiency and life of the bit. However, scant attention has been directed towards investigating the diamond exposure mechanism of IDBs, particularly under varying drilling process conditions. In this study, drilling experiments were conducted on granite under rotary and rotary-percussive drilling conditions using a self-developed drilling test platform. The evolution of diamond emergence on the surface of the IDB under two drilling technology conditions was evaluated; the typical characteristics of diamond wear and their causes were discussed. The results indicate that under rotary drilling conditions, the primary evolution process of diamond on a slippery IDB surface follows the sequence of Emerging→Whole→Blunt (Flat). The exposed diamond tends to be predominantly blunt and fractured, and a slippery IDB cannot be resharpened by increasing the weight-on-bit. The evolution process of a diamond under rotary-percussive drilling conditions encompasses Emerging→Whole→Fractured→Pull out, and the diamond on the surface of the bit is primarily fractured. Diamond emerges from the matrix in the form of points, lines, and planes, with different emergence states affecting its wear and failure modes. The main form of wear in diamonds is mechanical wear, which is dominated by abrasive and fatigue wear. The proportion of fractured diamonds was notably higher under rotary-percussive conditions than in rotary drilling conditions. The tail of the diamond under rotary-percussive drilling conditions was shorter than that under rotary drilling conditions. The impact effect in rotary-percussive drilling enhances the bit-rock contact, facilitating matrix wear and diamond emergence. These results provide valuable insight for optimizing the IDB design and refining drilling technology.

Long-term antibiotic exposure landscapes and resistant Escherichia coli colonization in a densely populated setting.

Antibiotic exposure is associated with resistant bacterial colonization, but this relationship can be obscured in community settings owing to horizontal bacterial transmission and broad distributions. Locality-level exposure estimates considering inhabitants' length of stay, exposure history, and exposure conditions of areas nearby could clarify these relationships. We used prescription data filled during 2010-2015 for 23 antibiotic types for members of georeferenced households in a population-based infectious disease surveillance platform. For each antibiotic and locality, we generated exposure estimates, expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitant days of observation (IDO). We also estimated relevant environmental parameters, such as the distance of each locality to water, sanitation, and other amenities. We used data on ampicillin, ceftazidime, and trimethoprim-and-sulfamethoxazole resistant Escherichia coli colonization from stool cultures of asymptomatic individuals in randomly selected households. We tested exposure-colonization associations using permutation analysis of variance and logistic generalized linear mixed-effect models. Overall, exposure was highest for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (1.8 DDD per 1000 IDO), followed by amoxicillin (0.7 DDD per 1000 IDO). Of 1,386 unique household samples from 195 locations tested between September 2015 and January 2016, 90%, 85% and 4% were colonized with E. coli resistant to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, and ceftazidime, respectively. Ceftazidime-resistant E. coli colonization was common in areas with increased trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cloxacillin, and erythromycin exposure. No association with any of the physical environmental variables was observed. We did not detect relationships between distribution patterns of ampicillin or trimethoprim-and-sulfamethoxazole resistant E. coli colonization and the risk factors assessed. Appropriate temporal and spatial scaling of raw antibiotic exposure data to account for evolution and ecological contexts of antibiotic resistance could clarify exposure-colonization relationships in community settings and inform community stewardship program.

Development of hybrid gradient boosting models for predicting the compressive strength of high-volume fly ash self-compacting concrete with silica fume

In an effort to extend the service life of structures under harsh exposure conditions and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from cement production, researchers are examining the performance of cement concretes with different mineral admixtures. This study focuses on self-compacting concrete (SCC) incorporating high-volume fly ash (HVFA) and silica fume (SF) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The aim is to investigate the fresh and hardened properties, particularly the compressive strength, of these combinations. SCMs were used to replace varying amounts of cement, with SF showing the greatest improvement in mechanical characteristics across all age groups. Advanced modelling techniques, including Gradient Boosting (GB), Gradient Boosting-Particle Swarm Optimization, Gradient Boosting-Bayesian Optimization, and Gradient Boosting-Differential Evolution (GB-DE), were employed to analyse the strength characteristics of HVFA-SCC. The GB-DE model emerged as the most accurate, with an R² value of 0.995029 and an RMSE of 0.023862. Additionally, an open-source GUI based on GB-DE is introduced to provide engineers with a transparent tool for optimizing concrete mix designs, addressing the opacity of traditional machine learning models.

Conservative assessment of external radiation dose for staff in the event of radionuclide flaw detection

The article proposes a new approach to assessing the effective doses of flaw detectorists performing flaw detection using portable radionuclide flaw detectors (gamma flaw detectors). The existing approach to assessing effective doses, based on the use of one individual dosimeter placed on work clothes in the chest area, is inadequate for the actual working conditions of exposure of flaw detectorists. Gamma flaw detectors contain a closed man-made source of ionizing radiation in their head, therefore, even in the non-working position, such flaw detectors pose a radiation hazard. When transporting and preparing gamma flaw detectors for work, the flaw detector operator is in close proximity to the radiation source. The irradiation geometry changing during the technological cycle when working with portable gamma flaw detectors at certain stages creates a sharply uneven irradiation of the flaw detectorist’s body. Therefore, after assessing the stages of the technological cycle, an option was proposed for a more conservative assessment of effective doses – to change the location of the individual dosimeter on the working clothes of the flaw detectorist, moving the individual dosimeter to the abdominal area. An anonymous study was carried out with the participation of 15 flaw detectorists; three individual dosimeters were displayed on their working clothes: two of them were experimental and were placed in the chest and abdomen; the third (a control dosimeter) was exposed for the quarter on the chest as part of constant individual dosimetric monitoring. In controlled anonymous measurements, the average effective dose, estimated from the readings of dosimeters exposed in the chest area, was equal to 0,95 mSv (median – 0,92 mSv, maximum value – 1,27 mSv). These values were compared with values obtained using dosimeters that were exposed to the abdomen, and the differences were significant (the average effective dose was 1,24 mSv (median – 1,22 mSv, maximum value – 1,78 mSv).

Association of ambient PM2.5 and its components with in vitro fertilization outcomes: The modifying role of maternal dietary patterns

Despite the associations of dietary patterns and air pollution with human reproductive health have been demonstrated, the interaction of maternal preconception diet and PM2.5 and its components exposure on in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment outcomes has not been investigated. A total of 2688 couples from an ongoing prospective cohort were included. Principle component analysis with varimax rotation was performed to determine dietary patterns. One-year and 85-day average PM2.5 and its components exposure levels before oocyte retrieval were estimated. Generalized linear regression models were conducted to assess the association of dietary patterns and PM2.5 and its components exposure with IVF outcomes. Interactive effects of dietary patterns on the association between PM2.5 and its components and IVF outcomes were evaluated by stratified analyses based on different dietary patterns. A positive association between the “Fruits-Vegetables-Dairy” pattern and normal fertilization (p-trend = 0.009), Day 3 available embryos (p-trend = 0.048), and top-quality embryos (p-trend = 0.041) was detected. Conversely, women with higher adherence to the “Puffed food-Bakery-Candy” pattern were less likely to achieve Day 3 available embryos (p-trend = 0.042) and top-quality embryos (p-trend = 0.030), clinical pregnancy (p-trend = 0.049), and live birth (p-trend = 0.020). Additionally, increased intake of animal organs and seafood improved the odds of live birth (p-trend = 0.048). Exposure to PM2.5, SO42-, organic matter (OM), and black carbon (BC) had adverse effects on embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, our findings indicated that the effects of PM2.5 components exposure on normal fertilization and embryo quality were modified by the “Grains-Tubers-Legumes”. Moreover, moderate intake of animal organs and seafood appeared to attenuate the effect of NO3- and NH4+ on the risk of early abortion. Our findings provide human evidence of the interaction between dietary patterns and PM2.5 exposure on IVF outcomes during preconception, implicating the potential for dietary interventions in infertile women to improve reproductive outcomes under conditions of unavoidable ambient air-pollutant exposure.

Assessment of Vitamin D Status in the Drâa-Tafilalet Population (Morocco) Based on Sociodemographic, Health, and Nutritional Factors.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D status and determine the factors influencing it in the Drâa-Tafilalet community (southeastern Morocco). Sociodemographic factors, health, cognitive status, sun exposure, and nutritional conditions were examined to help us understand their association with vitamin D status. Vitamin D data were gathered through laboratory testing, while demographic and health information was collected through interviews with participants in 2023. The study involved 100 participants aged 60 and above, most of whom were women (85%) rather than men (15%). The majority of participants were Arabs (90%), with a minority being Amazigh (10%). The average vitamin D level was 31.83 ± 10.55 ng/mL, varying based on participants' age, education, and gender. Sun-exposed individuals exhibited significantly higher mean vitamin D levels (33.56 ± 11.99 ng/mL) compared to those with limited sun exposure (28.97 ± 9.28 ng/mL). Moreover, the time spent outdoors, seasonal changes, and the duration of sun exposure affected the levels of vitamin D. These findings depict the vitamin D status of the elderly population of Drâa-Tafilalet, recognized as one of Morocco's poorest regions, shedding light on the significant influencers. Nonetheless, additional research is necessary to explore the correlation between dietary habits, sunlight exposure, and vitamin D levels in both young and elderly populations.

Engineering human midbrain organoid microphysiological systems to model prenatal PFOS exposure

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a class of synthetic chemicals detected in various environmental compartments, has been associated with dysfunctions of the human central nervous system (CNS). However, the underlying neurotoxicology of PFOS exposure is largely understudied due to the lack of relevant human models. Here, we report bioengineered human midbrain organoid microphysiological systems (hMO-MPSs) to recapitulate the response of a fetal human brain to multiple concurrent PFOS exposure conditions. Each hMO-MPS consists of an hMO on a fully 3D printed holder device with a perfusable organoid adhesion layer for enhancing air-liquid interface culturing. Leveraging the unique, simply-fabricated holder devices, hMO-MPSs are scalable, easy to use, and compatible with conventional well-plates, and allow easy transfer onto a multiple-electrode array (MEA) system for plug-and-play measurement of neural activity. Interestingly, the neural activity of hMO-MPSs initially increased and subsequently decreased by exposure to a concentration range of 0, 30, 100, to 300 μM of PFOS. Furthermore, PFOS exposure impaired neural development and promoted neuroinflammation in the engineered hMO-MPSs. Along with PFOS, our platform is broadly applicable for studies toxicology of various other environmental pollutants.

The study of interaction of the high energetic plasma and electron pulses with multicomponent alloy surface

This paper investigates the impact of high-energy sources, namely, high-energy plasma pulses and high-energy electron beam pulses, on materials in the form of layer through separate and combined exposures. Experimental setups utilizing a Rod Plasma Injector (RPI) and an electron gun were employed for irradiation tests. The studies involved pre- and post-treatment analysis of morphology, chemical, and phase composition using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction measurements. Surface modifications under different exposure conditions were characterized, revealing that both sources induced significant alterations in surface composition and crystal structure. These interactions result in a more uniform chemical composition, reduced surface roughness, and a shift from an amorphous phase to a nanocrystalline or amorphous-nanocrystalline state. The results underscore the potential of high-energy sources for efficient surface engineering, offering opportunities for customized material surface modifications through meticulous adjustment of these generation parameters.

Understanding Human Health Impacts Following Microplastic Exposure Necessitates Standardized Protocols.

Microplastics (MPs; 1 µm to 5 mm) are a persistent and pervasive environmental pollutant of emergent and increasing concern. Human exposure to MPs through food, water, and air has been documented and thus motivates the need for a better understanding of the biological implications of MP exposure. These impacts are dependent on the properties of MPs, including size, morphology, and chemistry, as well as the dose and route of exposure. This overview offers a perspective on the current methods used to assess the bioactivity of MPs. First, we discuss methods associated with MP bioactivity research with an emphasis on the variety of assays, exposure conditions, and reference MP particles that have been used. Next, we review the challenges presented by common instrumentation and laboratory materials, the lack of standardized reference materials, and the limited understanding of MP dosimetry. Finally, we propose solutions that can help increase the applicability and impact of future studies while reducing redundancy in the field. The excellent protocols published in this issue are intended to contribute toward standardizing the field so that the MP knowledge base grows from a reliable foundation. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Divergent Roles of UV Exposure and Microclimatic Conditions in the Decomposition of Standing and Soil Surface Litter in a Semi‐Arid Steppe

Divergent Roles of UV Exposure and Microclimatic Conditions in the Decomposition of Standing and Soil Surface Litter in a Semi‐Arid Steppe

Asteroid-NeRF: A deep-learning method for 3D surface reconstruction of asteroids

Context. Asteroids preserve important information about the origin and evolution of the Solar System. Three-dimensional (3D) surface models of asteroids are essential for exploration missions and scientific research. Regular methods for 3D surface reconstruction of asteroids, such as stereo-photogrammetry (SPG), usually struggle to reconstruct textureless areas and can only generate sparse surface models. Stereo-photoclinometry (SPC) can reconstruct pixel-wise topographic details but its performance depends on the availability of images obtained under different illumination conditions and suffers from uncertainties related to surface reflectance and albedo. Aims. This paper presents Asteroid-NeRF, a novel deep-learning method for 3D surface reconstruction of asteroids that is based on the state-of-the-art neural radiance field (NeRF) method. Methods. Asteroid-NeRF uses a signed distance field (SDF) to reconstruct a 3D surface model from multi-view posed images of an asteroid. In addition, Asteroid-NeRF incorporates appearance embedding to adapt to different illumination conditions and to maintain the geometric consistency of a reconstructed surface, allowing it to deal with the different solar angles and exposure conditions commonly seen in asteroid images. Moreover, Asteroid-NeRF incorporates multi-view photometric consistency to constrain the SDF, enabling optimised reconstruction. Results. Experimental evaluations using actual images of asteroids Itokawa and Bennu demonstrate the promising performance of Asteroid-NeRF, complementing traditional methods such as SPG and SPC. Furthermore, due to the global consistency and pixel-wise training of Asteroid-NeRF, it produces highly detailed surface reconstructions. Asteroid-NeRF offers a new and effective solution for high-resolution 3D surface reconstruction of asteroids that will aid future exploratory missions and scientific research on asteroids.

Green synthesis of quercetin-loaded magneto-liposomes and their assessment of antioxidant efficacy, hyperthermia and MRI contrast features

Recent years has drawn attention in the preparation of precise theragnostic agents to treat various types of cancers. The current study describes the green synthesis of quercetin encapsulated magneto-liposomes and their subsequent evaluation of anti-cancer efficacy. Punica granatum L peel extract as a stabilizer has been used for the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the resultant exhibited a magnetic susceptibility of 51 emu/g. Quercetin encapsulated magneto-liposomes obtained via thin film hydration technique displayed a spherical size ⁓ 100 nm. DPPH and TBARS assays used for the assessment of quercetin antioxidant behaviour revealed a concentration-dependent upsurge in scavenging activity and a concurrent reduction in lipid peroxidation. Magnetic hyperthermia studies revealed superior heating efficiency (∼57.2 ± 3.8 W/gFe) of the magneto-liposomes under a biologically safe exposure condition of the oscillating magnetic field. The magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been comprehensively examined through hyperthermia and in vitro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. In vitro studies performed in MG-63 osteosarcoma cells indicated the reduced viability of cancer cells ∼45 % by the quercetin encapsulated magneto-liposomes. These nanocarriers also exhibited a very minimal cytotoxicity on non-cancerous HEK-293 cells. The results from the overall investigation unveiled the potential of quercetin encapsulated magneto-liposomes in cancer theranosis.

Projected changes in ultraviolet index and UV doses over the twenty-first century: impacts of ozone and aerosols from CMIP6.

This study evaluated the health-related weighted ultraviolet radiation (UVR) due to the total ozone content (TOC) and the aerosol optical depth (AOD) changes. Clear-sky Ultraviolet Index (UVI), daily doses, and exposure times for erythema induction (Dery and Tery) and vitamin D synthesis (DvitD and TvitD) were computed by a radiative transfer estimator. TOC and AOD data were provided by six Earth System Models (ESMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). For projections, we consider four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios-SSPs (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5)-and two time-slices (near: 2041-2060 and far future: 2081-2100). UVR projections showed pronounced changes for the summer hemispheres in the far future. TOC increases in mid- and high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere caused decreases in UVR at the summer solstice. However, projections did not indicate sun-safe exposure conditions in South America, Australia, and Southern Africa. On the contrary, exposure around solar noon from 10 to 20min will still be sufficient to induce erythema in skin type III individuals throughout this century. In southern Argentina and Chile, the UVR insufficiency for vitamin D synthesis at solar noon in skin type III remains the same during this century at the winter solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, UVI and Dery at the summer solstice should remain high (UVI ≥ 8; Dery ~ 7.0kJm-2) in highly populated locations. Above 45 °N, UVR levels cannot be enough to synthesize vitamin D in skin type III during the boreal winter. Our results show that climate change will affect human health through excess or lack of solar UVR availability.

Suppress the cell growth of cancer stem-like cells (NTERA-2) using Sox2-Oct4 decoy oligodeoxynucleotide−encapsulated niosomes-zinc hybrid nanocarriers under X-irradiation

Sox2 and Oct4 dysregulations could significantly increase in the cancer stem cell (CSC) population in some cancer cells and resistance to common treatments. In this study, the synergistic effects of Sox2-Oct4 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides-encapsulated Niosomes-zinc hybrid nanocarriers along with X‐irradiation conditions as a combinational therapy tool were investigated in the treatment of cancer-like stem cells (NTERA-2). The NTERA-2 cell line known as a cancer-like stem cell line was used in this investigation. Sox2-Oct4 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides were designed based on the sequence of the Sox2 promoter and synthesized. Physicochemical characteristics of ODNs-encapsulated niosomes-zinc hybrid nanocarriers (NISM@BSA-DEC-Zn) investigated with FT-IR, DLS, FESEM, and ODNs release kinetic estimation assays. Further investigations such as hemolysis, uptake, cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, and scratch repair tests were performed. All the above assays were completed with and without X-ray exposure conditions (fractionated 2Gy). Physicochemical characteristics results showed that the Niosomes-Zn nanocarriers were successfully synthesized. NISM@BSA-DEC-Zn was efficiently taken up by NTERA-2 cells and significantly inhibited cell growth, increased apoptosis, and reduced cell migration in both conditions (with and without X-ray exposure). Furthermore, NISM@BSA-DEC-Zn treatment resulted in G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest without and with X-irradiation, respectively. The prepared nanocarrier system can be a promising tool for drug delivery in cancer treatment. Decoy ODN strategy along with zinc nanoparticles could increase the sensitivity of cancer cells toward irradiation, which has the potential for combinational cancer therapies.

Effect of Exposure Conditions on Mortar Subjected to an External Sulfate Attack.

This study aims to investigate the influence of exposure conditions on the behavior of mortar subjected to an external sulfate attack (ESA). Three different exposure conditions (full immersion, semi-immersion, and drying/wetting cycles) were tested on mortar prisms made with Portland cement and two w/c ratios (0.45 and 0.6). To monitor degradation, it was necessary to evaluate variations in length (expansion), mass changes, compressive and tensile strengths, changes in the total porosity measured using water accessible porosity tests, and changes in the macroscopic behavior of the samples. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was used to determine the size distribution of the pores. It was demonstrated that mixing mortar with the lower w/c ratio of 0.45 results in improved performance against an ESA. This study also demonstrates that the type of exposure to an ESA has no significant effect on the kinetics of sulfate penetration during the exposure period. However, the sample's surface becomes more cracked when subjected to repeated drying and wetting cycles. For all the considered exposure conditions, expansion occurred in three stages. In stage 1, the reaction product (ettringite) precipitated in large voids, without causing significant expansion (the expansion remained low and stable). During the second stage, the reaction products generated growing internal stress. The final stage of expansion resulted in microcracks, strength losses, and the formation of macropores, which ultimately lead to material failure. The MIP results indicate that major changes in the porosity and pore volume distribution occur at the surface layer in regard to the gel and capillary pore ranges.

Investigating biotic and abiotic degradation of emerging contaminants in surface water-sediment batch systems

Four emerging compounds including estrone, progesterone, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim were investigated for their degradation in water/sediment systems exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic conditions. Both the water and sediment were sampled from River Yamuna. The experiments were conducted in batch mode for 40 days. The degradation kinetics were described using a pseudo first-order reaction model. Among the four exposure conditions, bio-photodegradation led to higher removal of emerging contaminants. Comparing photodegradation in sterile surface water and distilled water showed the impact of interfering ions on the photochemical reactions thereby slowing the reaction. All the four target compounds underwent rapid degradation in batch 4, consisting of distilled water exposed to sunlight. The identification of transformation products suggested degradation pathways except for estrone, for which only one transformation product was identified. The study also detected the transformation products in Yamuna surface water samples confirming the presence of the proposed degradation pathways in the environment.

Radioprotective ingredients of a composite dairy product

Food products that have an anti-radiation effect and can be used in conditions of increased radiation are of particular interest. Scientifically based rationing of such products in the daily diet will make it possible to effectively use them to adapt the body to increased radiation and eliminate the effects of radiation exposure during treatment or examination. The purpose of the research presented in the paper is to analyze the nutritional and physiological causes of chronic nutrient deficiency of radioprotective microelements in the diet, to study the qualitative and biological characteristics of radioprotective ingredients to create a milk-based anti-radiation composition. The experimental part of the study has related to researching the mineral composition of selected ingredients and their antioxidant activity. The data obtained indicate that milk thistle flour contains a large amount of calcium, and sunflower meal contains potassium. In terms of potassium content, sunflower meal exceeds the microelement content in milk thistle by 50 %. The amount of calcium in milk thistle is 67 % higher compared to sunflower meal. In addition, plant raw materials are a source of magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus and have pronounced antioxidant activity. As a result a scientific substantiation of the addition of ingredients for the production of radioprotective fermented milk product and its use in therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition for adults has been carried out in order to prevent radiation complications and remove radionuclides from the body. The normalized amount of ingredients for consumption per day has been calculated according to recommended diets, nutritional, physiological value, and physiological activity. Standards have been established for enriching micronutrients in the production of a radioprotective dairy product designed to increase the body's resistance to the action of free radical processes and enhance antioxidant capacity under conditions of radiation exposure.