Acid Exposure Research Articles

Assessing the durability properties of sandcrete blocks incorporating iron filings as fine aggregate

The rising costs of construction materials, particularly sandcrete blocks, necessitate the exploration of cost-effective alternatives. This study examines the feasibility of incorporating iron filings (IF), a by-product of metal workshops, into hollow sandcrete block production and assesses their performance under harsh conditions. IF was used to replace 5–20 % of the fine aggregate component in blocks at a step of 5 %, mixed at a 1:8 ratio, and sized at 450mm×150mm×225mm. The study evaluated the impact of acidic exposure on the density, sorptivity, and compressive strength of these blocks, as well as their sensitivity to elevated temperatures. The results showed that IF blocks had significantly lower density than non-IF blocks, especially those cured with H₂SO₄. For instance, blocks with 15 % IF and cured in 0.3 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ had a 13.9 % reduction in density. Despite higher acid concentrations, IF samples demonstrated better sorptivity, absorbing water more slowly than non-IF samples. However, exposure to acidic media reduced compressive strength by 1.9 %–47.8 % for HNO₃ exposure and 0.5 %–42.4 % for H₂SO₄ exposure. None of the acid-exposed blocks met the minimum standards for load-bearing (2.5 MPa) or non-load-bearing walls (2.0 MPa) as per NIS standards. Furthermore, the sensitivity of IF sandcrete blocks to changes in compressive strength under elevated temperatures decreased by almost half, from 0.026 to 0.014 MPa/°C, as the curing period increased from 7 to 28 days. Blocks with 5–15 % IF showed improved compressive strength at temperatures below 150 °C, but strength declined sharply beyond this temperature. By utilising IF, a readily available waste material, the implications of the study are significant for promoting a circular economy in the construction industry. However, the performance of the blocks against durability concerns needs to be improved further before integrating such waste materials into developing sustainable and resilient construction materials

Association between Combined Metals and PFAS Exposure with Dietary Patterns: A Preliminary Study.

The global burden of chronic diseases has been increasing, with evidence suggesting that diet and exposure to environmental pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals, may contribute to their development. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) assesses the inflammatory potential of an individual's diet. However, the complex interplay between PFAS, heavy metals, and DII remains largely unexplored. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between diet operationalized as the DII with individual and combined lead, cadmium, mercury, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) exposures using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Descriptive statistics, a correlational analysis, and linear regression were initially used to assess the relationship between the variables of interest. We subsequently employed Bayesian kernel Machine regression (BKMR) to analyze the data to assess the non-linear, non-additive, exposure-response relationships and interactions between PFAS and metals with the DII. The multi-variable linear regression revealed significant associations between the DII and cadmium and mercury. Our BKMR analysis revealed a complex relationship between PFAS, metal exposures, and the DII. In our univariate exposure-response function plot, cadmium and mercury exhibited a positive and negative linear relationship, respectively, which indicated a positive and negative relationship across the spectrum of exposures with the DII. In addition, the bivariate exposure-response function between two exposures in a mixture revealed that cadmium had a robust positive relationship with the DII for different quantiles of lead, mercury, PFOA, and PFOS, indicating that increasing levels of cadmium are associated with the DII. Mercury's bivariate plot demonstrated a negative relationship across all quantiles for all pollutants. Furthermore, the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) results highlighted the consistent importance of cadmium and mercury with the inflammatory potential of an individual's diet, operationalized as the DII in our study, with both showing a PIP of 1.000. This was followed by PFOS with a PIP of 0.8524, PFOA at 0.5924, and lead, which had the lowest impact among the five environmental pollutants, with a PIP of 0.5596. Our study suggests that exposures to environmental metals and PFAS, particularly mercury and cadmium, are associated with DII. These findings also provide evidence of the intricate relationships between PFAS, heavy metals, and the DII. The findings underscore the importance of considering the cumulative effects of multi-pollutant exposures. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanistic pathways and dose-response relationships underlying these associations in a study that examines causality, which will enable a deeper understanding of the dietary risks associated with environmental pollutants.

Characterizing Biomarkers of Continuous Peristalsis and Bolus Transit During Oral Feeding in Infants at pH-Impedance Evaluation: Clinical and Research Implications

ObjectiveTo examine the biomarkers of pharyngoesophageal swallowing during oral feeding sessions in infants undergoing pH-impedance testing and determine if swallow frequencies are distinct between oral- and partially oral-fed infants. Study designOne oral feeding session was performed in 40 infants during pH-impedance studies and measurements included swallowing frequency, multiple swallow rate, air and liquid swallow rates, esophageal swallow clearance time (ESCT), and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) characteristics. Linear and mixed statistical models were applied to examine the swallowing markers and outcomes. ResultsInfants (30.2 ± 4.4 weeks birth gestation) were evaluated at 41.2 ± 0.4 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Overall, 10,675 swallows were analyzed during the oral feeding sessions (19.3 ± 5.4 min per infant) and GER events were noted (2.5 ± 0.3 per study). Twenty-four-hour acid reflux index (ARI) was 9.5 ± 2.0%. Differences were noted in oral- and partially oral-fed infants for: volume consumption (p<0.01), consumption rate (p<0.01), and length of hospital stay in days (p<0.01). Infants with ARI >7% had greater frequency of swallows (p=0.01). The oral-fed group had greater ARI (12.7 ± 3.3%, p=0.05). ConclusionsOropharyngeal swallowing regulatory characteristics decrease over the feeding duration and were different between ARI >7% vs ≤7%. Although GER is less in infants who are partially oral-fed, the neonates with increased acid exposure achieved greater oral intakes and shorter hospitalizations, despite the presence of comorbidities. Pharyngoesophageal stimulation as during consistent feeding or GER events can activate peristaltic responses and rhythms, which may be contributory to the findings.

Effects and improvement mechanisms of ultrasonic pretreatment on the quality of fermented skim milk

Fermented skim milk is an ideal food for consumers such as diabetic and obese patients, but its low-fat content affects its texture and viscosity. In this study, we developed an effective pretreatment method for fermented skim milk using low-frequency ultrasound (US), and investigated the molecular mechanism of the corresponding quality improvement. The skim milk samples were treated by optimal ultrasonication conditions (336 W power for 7 min at 3 °C), which improved the viscosity, water-holding capacity, sensory attributes, texture, and microstructure of fermented skim milk (P < 0.05). Further mechanistic analyses revealed that the US treatment enhanced the exposure of fluorescent amino acids within proteins, facilitating the cross-linking between casein and whey. The increased surface hydrophobicity of fermented milk indicates that the US treatment led to the exposure of hydrophobic amino acid residues inside proteins, contributing to the formation of a denser gel network; the average particle size of milk protein was reduced from 24.85 to 18.06 µm, which also contributed to the development of a softer curd texture. This work is the first attempt to explain the effect of a low-frequency ultrasound treatment on the quality of fermented skim milk and discuss the molecular mechanism of its improvement.

Durability performance of alkali-activated concrete with pre-treated coarse recycled aggregates for pavements

This study examines the effect of coarse recycled aggregates (CRAs) and processed coarse recycled aggregates (PCRAs) on the behaviour of alkali-activated concrete (AAC) before and after exposure to marine seawater and acidic environments (5% HCl and 5% H2SO4 solutions). Measurements of compressive strength and the microstructure changes were conducted over periods of 56 and 90 days to assess these effects. The experimental design included varying the replacement levels of NAs with CRAs and PCRAs from (0–100%) and using ground-granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash as constant components. In addition to durability tests, sorptivity assessments were conducted to gauge the material’s porosity and water absorption capabilities. Advanced microstructure techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), were employed to detail the pre and post-exposure mineralogical and microstructural transformations within the AAC blends. The AAC mixtures incorporating PCRAs emerged as durable, showcasing better strength and a denser, more compact matrix facilitated by the synergistic formation of NASH and CASH gels after exposure to aggressive agents compared to untreated CRAs. In addition, the results show that the samples exposed to marine seawater exhibited improved mechanical performance compared to those exposed to acidic environments. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of the effects of recycling plant-based CRAs and PCRAs on AAC for marine and acid exposure.

Effect of γ-oryzanol/β-sitosterol-based oleogels on the physicochemical and gel properties of Nemipterus virgatus myofibrillar protein.

The effect of oleogels prepared with peanut oil and different concentrations of γ-oryzanol and β-sitosterol mixture (γ/β; 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g kg-1) on the physicochemical and gel properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) was investigated. The solubility and average particle size of MP first decreased and then increased with increasing γ/β concentration. Peanut oil or oleogels could induce the exposure of hydrophobic amino acids and the unfolding of MP, thus significantly increasing the surface hydrophobicity, sulfhydryl content and absolute value of zeta potential, which reached maximum values when the γ/β concentration was 60 g kg-1 (P < 0.05). The addition of peanut oil decreased the gel strength and water holding capacity of MP gel. However, oleogels prepared with 60 g kg-1 γ/β could significantly increase the hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bond content of MP gel (P < 0.05), which promoted the crosslinking and aggregation of MP, enhancing the gel properties. Peanut oil had no significant influence on the secondary structure of MP, while oleogels promoted the transition of MP conformation from α-helix to β-sheet structure. The results of light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that oleogels prepared with 60 g kg-1 γ/β filled in the pores of MP gel network to form denser and more uniform structure. Oleogels prepared with 60 g kg-1 γ/β could effectively improve the quality of MP gel and have promising application prospects in surimi products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Durability of Concrete Mortars with Different Mineral Additives Exposed to Sulfate Attack

For several years, extensive research investigations have been conducted examining the effects of acids commonly encountered by industrial facilities in manufacturing environments. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the durability of concrete containing various chemical additives and fine metals when exposed to various acid solutions, as well as the preventive steps taken to avoid the deterioration of concrete associated with these acids. This research includes an examination of enhancing the effectiveness and function of concrete when exposed to sulfuric acid. It explores the use of waterproofing (WP) and complementary cementitious materials (SCMs), including silica fume Nano silica and fly ash, as well as a water-reducing additive. Cube-shaped samples measuring 100 x 100 x 100 mm were prepared and completely immersed in 2.5% dilute sulfuric acid solution for 90 and 180 days. . Compressive strength, tensile strength, and absorption tests were performed after 28 days, as well as after immersion in a 2.5% dilute acid solution for 90 and 180 days. The results revealed that after 90 days, there was a 31% reduction in compressive strength for mixtures with 25% FA and 5% SF, and a 46% decrease for mixtures containing WP, when compared to their corresponding results at the 28 day age under standard conditions. Mineral admixtures significantly reduce absorption rates. After 90 days, WP had 3% absorption during acid exposure, and after 180 days, the 25% FA and 5% SF mixture had 2.3% absorption. This results from reduced permeable voids due to decreased capillary pores, enhancing concrete durability. The findings also indicated that the impact of exposure to acid on the strength characteristics of concrete becomes more pronounced with prolonged exposure. In addition, the inclusion of NS, SF, and FA in cement concrete results in the development of a unique material that can meet the growing need for construction materials. Furthermore, this technique delivers economic and environmental benefits by minimizing pollution caused by waste products such as FA and SF, which are a residual by-products of thermal power plants and ferrosilicon production respectively.

Effects of (S)-3,4-DCPG, an mGlu8 receptor agonist, on hippocampal long-term potentiation at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in prenatal valproic acid-induced rat model of autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social interaction deficits, communication impairments, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. While the etiology of ASD is multifaceted, abnormalities in glutamatergic neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity have been implicated. This study investigated the role of metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 (mGlu8) in modulating long-term potentiation (LTP) in a rat model of ASD induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. To induce an animal model with autism-like characteristics, pregnant rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg of sodium valproate (NaVPA) on embryonic day 12.5. High-frequency stimulation was applied to the perforant path-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapse to induce LTP, while the mGlu8 receptor agonist (S)-3,4-dicarboxyphenylglycine (DCPG) was administered into the DG. The results revealed that VPA-exposed rats exhibited reduced LTP compared to controls. DCPG had contrasting effects, inhibiting LTP in controls and enhancing it in VPA-exposed rats. Moreover, reduced social novelty preference index (SNPI) in VPA-exposed rats was reversed by intra-DG administration of S-3,4-DCPG. In conclusion, our study advances our understanding of the complex relationship between glutamatergic neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and VPA-induced autism model. The findings suggest that mGlu8 receptor dysfunction plays a role in the impaired synaptic plasticity seen in ASD.

The Utility of Novel pH-Impedance Monitoring Parameters (PSPW Index and MNBI) in Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Phenotypes-A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Researchers have proposed two novel impedance-pH parameters, mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and the post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index, to enhance the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and enable better predictions of the effectiveness of anti-reflux therapies. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the utility of the PSPW index and MNBI as diagnostic tools for pediatric GERD. Methods: A systematic search of studies reporting PSPW index and MNBI values in patients with GERD was performed in PubMed, Embase, Clarivate, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases from their beginning until April 2024. The following terms were used: GERD, children, pediatric, PSPW and MNBI. Results: Eight studies were included, describing 479 patients ranging from 2 months to 17 years old over an 8-year period in 12 pediatric centers. Four studies demonstrated that children with pathological acid exposure have a significantly lower MNBI, with a good discriminatory ability to diagnose GERD. The PSPW index showed lower values in patients with reflux hypersensitivity (RH) compared to those with functional heartburn (FH). Conclusions: Patients with pathological acid exposure tend to exhibit lower MNBI and PSPW index values compared to those with normal acid exposure. MNBI and the PSPW index show promise as diagnostic tools in distinguishing between different GERD phenotypes. Further research is needed to establish standardized diagnostic criteria and optimize the clinical applicability in GERD diagnosis and management.

A study on estimating deterioration in multi recycled aggregate concrete using surface imaging techniques

The study presents a novel method for sustainable construction using multi-recycled concrete, embracing a cradle-to-cradle approach. It utilies image analysis to detect concrete deterioration due to different chemical exposures. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of the Compressible Packing Method in improving recycled aggregate properties and reducing cement content for sustainable concrete production. The image-based colour stability analysis for determining Hue (H), Saturation (S), and Intensity (I) values reveals the significant deterioration is caused by sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid exposures relevant to field applications. A unified factor termed as Durability Loss Factor (DLF) provides a comprehensive metric for assessing deterioration, with sulphuric acid exposure resulting in the most substantial deterioration. Also, there is a strong correlation between residual strength of concrete specimen and the parameters governing image analysis in the current study. These findings offer valuable insights into mix design strategies, colour-based indicators of deterioration, and the development of a comprehensive Durability Loss Factor for multi-recycled concrete.

How to diagnose GERC more effectively: reflections on post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index and mean nocturnal baseline impedance

IntroductionPost-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index (PSPWI) and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) are novel parameters reflect esophageal clearance capacity and mucosal integrity. They hold potential in aiding the recognition of gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC). Our study aims to investigate their diagnostic value in GERC.MethodsThis study included patients suspected GERC. General information and relevant laboratory examinations were collected, and final diagnosis were determined following guidelines for chronic cough. The parameters of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) in patients were analyzed and compared to explore their diagnostic value in GERC.ResultsA total of 186 patients were enrolled in this study. The diagnostic value of PSPWI for GERC was significant, with the area under the working curve (AUC) of 0.757 and a cutoff value of 39.4%, which was not statistically different from that of acid exposure time (AET) (p > 0.05). The combined diagnostic value of AET > 4.4% and PSPWI < 39.4% was superior to using AET > 4.4% alone (p < 0.05). Additionally, MNBI and distal MNBI also contributed to the diagnosis of GERC, with AUC values of 0.639 and 0.624, respectively. AET > 4.4% or PSPWI < 39.4% is associated with a 44% reduction in missed diagnoses of non-acid GERC compared to AET > 6.0% or symptom association probability (SAP) ≥ 95%, and may be more favorable for identifying GERC.ConclusionThe diagnostic value of PSPWI for GERC is comparable to that of AET. Combining PSPWI < 39.4% or AET > 4.4% can improve the diagnostic efficiency by reducing the risk of missed diagnoses in cases where non-acid reflux is predominant. Distal MNBI and MNBI can serve as secondary reference indices in the diagnosis of GERC.

Pathological and ultrastructural changes of Bellamya bengalensis under chronic carboxylic acid exposure at environmentally relevant levels: Inferences from general unified threshold model for survival (GUTS) predictions and hepatopancreatic integrity assessment

This study aimed to understand the effects of freshwater acidification, driven by industrial runoff, agricultural activities, and atmospheric deposition, on the freshwater mollusk Bellamya bengalensis. By systematically investigating the impact of two common carboxylic acids, acetic acid (AA) and benzoic acid (BA), this research employed diverse toxicological, pathological, and ecological assessments. We explored survival predictions through the generic unified threshold model of survival (GUTS-SD), examined oxidative stress responses, and investigated hepatopancreatic alterations. In the experimental design, Bellamya bengalensis were subjected to environmentally relevant sublethal concentrations (10%, 20% LC50) of AA (39.77 and 79.54 mg/l) and BA (31.41 and 62.82 mg/l) over 28 days. Acute toxicity tests revealed increased LC50 values, indicating heightened toxicity with prolonged exposure, particularly due to the greater potency of benzoic acid compared to acetic acid. The GUTS-SD model provided accurate predictions of time-specific effects on populations, presenting long-term exposure (100 days) LC50 values for AA (263.7 mg/l) and BA (330.9 mg/l). Sequentially, the integrated biomarker response (IBR) analysis across study intervals highlighted the 28-day interval as the most sensitive, with GST emerging as the most responsive enzyme to oxidative stress induced by AA and BA. Histopathological and ultrastructural assessments of the hepatopancreas showed severe alterations, including necrosis, vacuolation and disrupted micro-villi, which were especially pronounced in higher BA exposure concentrations. These findings highlight the health and survival impacts of carboxylic acid toxicity on Bellamya bengalensis, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate acidification in aquatic ecosystems. The broader ecological implications underscore the importance of effective management and conservation strategies to address ongoing environmental challenges

Effect of composite collagen containing hydrogel on the functional activity of fibroblasts after acid-induced &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; injury

It is well known that the acidity of the microenvironment has a significant impact on the functional activity of cells involved in tissue repair. To date, the effect of biomaterials containing components of the human dermis intercellular matrix on fibroblasts under acidosis has not been fully studied.The aim of the study. To evaluate the effect of a composite hydrogel containing dermal components on the functional activity of intact fibroblasts and fibroblasts with acid-induced dysfunction.Materials and methods. To simulate the physicochemical conditions of acute inflammation, human fibroblasts were incubated for an hour at 39 °C in a nutrient medium overacidified to pH = 6. The morphometric characteristics of human skin fibroblasts were assessed using light and fluorescence microscopy methods. The number of apoptotic cells and proliferation index were assessed using flow cytometry.Results. It has been established that exposure of fibroblasts to an acidic medium inhibits their adhesive properties and reduces the rate of cell growth. The introduction of hydrogel into a cell suspension with damaged cells restores adhesive properties and cell growth. In the fibroblast population, after acid exposure, the number of living cells decreases, and the number of apoptotic cells increases. Cultivation of damaged fibroblasts in the presence of a composite hydrogel increases the number of living cells in the population and reduces the number of apoptotic cells. Acid-induced fibroblast damage reduces the proliferative activity index. It was revealed that the introduction of hydrogel into the culture medium stimulates the proliferative activity of both intact and damaged fibroblasts. The results obtained indicate that a composite hydrogel consisting of extracellular matrix components is capable of restoring the functional activity of fibroblasts damaged as a result of exposure to an acidic medium. The results obtained can be used to create biomaterials that increase the efficiency of skin regeneration in cases of excessively intense acute inflammation.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Survivors From Infancy to Adulthood

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbidity associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), with reported cases of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma before the age of 25. The prevalence and natural course of GERD in CDH survivors remain uncertain due to variations in diagnostic methods. We aimed to analyse the GERD prevalence from infancy through young adulthood. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed pH-impedance measurements and endoscopic findings in 96 CDH survivors evaluated as routine care using well established clinical protocols.GERD was defined as an abnormal acid exposure time for pH-MII measurements and as presence of reflux esophagitis or BE at upper endoscopy. Clinical data including symptoms at time of follow-up and use of antireflux medication were collected. ResultsGERD prevalence remained consistently low (≤10%) across all age groups, yet many patients experienced GER symptoms. Histological abnormalities were observed in 80% of adolescents and young adults, including microscopic esophagitis in 50%. BE was diagnosed in 7% before the age of 18, all had GER symptoms. CDH severity, anatomy at the time of CDH correction, alcohol usage, and smoking did not emerge as significant risk factors for GERD. ConclusionsGiven the low GERD prevalence in CDH survivors, a symptom-driven approach to diagnosis and follow-up is warranted. We advise long-term follow-up for all adult patients due to the early onset of BE and the limited evidence available. The longitudinal course and impact of GERD on other long-term CDH-related comorbidities should be explored in larger cohorts. Level of EvidenceNot applicable

Urinary haloacetic acid concentrations in relation to sex and thyroid hormones among reproductive-aged men

Sex and thyroid hormones are critical for male reproductive health. However, the associations between haloacetic acid (HAA) exposure – a known endocrine disruptor – and sex and thyroid hormones in humans remains unclear. We thus recruited 502 male participants seeking fertility evaluation from a reproductive center. We measured concentrations of sex and thyroid hormones in a single blood sample and dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) in repeated urine samples. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to evaluate the associations between HAA concentrations and hormone measurements. After adjusting for potential confounders and urinary creatinine concentrations, urinary concentrations of TCAA were inversely associated with serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone (T), T/luteinizing hormone ratio (T/LH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (all P for trend < 0.10). Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of TCAA concentrations, those in the highest quartile had reduced serum levels of SHGB by 14.2 % (95% CI: −26.7, −3.0 %), T by 11.1 % (95% CI: −21.7, −1.3 %), T/LH by 21.0 % (95% CI: −36.7, −7.1 %), and TSH by 19.1 % (95% CI: −39.7, −1.5 %). Additionally, we observed inverse associations between continuous measurements of urinary HAAs and serum levels of free T, bioactive T, and estradiol. Our findings suggest that male HAA exposure may be associated with disrupted sex and thyroid function.

Effect of ultrasound-assisted L-lysine treatment on pork meat quality and myofibrillar protein properties during postmortem aging.

This paper aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound-assisted L-lysine treatment on meat quality and myofibrillar proteins (MPs) properties of pork longissimus dorsi during postmortem aging. The results revealed that the L-lysine (Lys) and/or ultrasound treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) the water-holding capacity and tenderness of the pork during postmortem aging, while the ultrasound-assisted Lys treatment had the lowest cooking loss, pressurization loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and hardness. In addition, L-lysine and/or ultrasound treatment increased (p < 0.05) pH value, T21, and myofibrillar fragmentation index, while the ultrasound-assisted Lys treatment had the highest value. Meanwhile, the protein solubility was increased with Lys and/or ultrasound treatment during postmortem aging, and ultrasound-assisted Lys treatment had the highest solubility, reaching 88.19%, 92.98%, and 91.73% at 0, 1, and 3 days, respectively. The result of protein conformational characteristics showed that Lys and/or ultrasound treatment caused the unfolding of the α-helix structure, resulting in the exposure of more hydrophobic amino acids and buried sulfhydryl groups, ultimately enhancing MPs solubility. In summary, ultrasound-assisted Lys treatment altered the structure of MPs, resulting in the enhancement of the water-holding capacity and tenderness of the pork. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study showed that ultrasound-assisted L-lysine (Lys) treatment could enhance the water-holding capacity and tenderness of pork during postmortem aging. The results might provide a reference for the application of ultrasound-assisted Lys treatment on the improvement of pork meat quality. To facilitate practical applications in production, the development of medium and large-sized ultrasound equipment for conducting small-scale and pilot experiments is crucial for future research.

Static Compaction on Coupled Precursors and Optimizing Molarity for Enhanced Strength and Durability of Geopolymer.

The static compaction technique emphasizes the reduced activator dosage required to develop geopolymers. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the optimal alkaline activator concentration for blending low-calcium precursor (fly ash) with high-calcium precursor (GGBS) to produce geopolymer blocks. This work was designed to optimize structural blocks' compressive strength and durability. In experimentation, fly ash (FA) and slag (GGBS) proportions were initially investigated under NaOH solution with varying molarity (8-12) and curing conditions to develop a load-bearing structural block. Subsequently, the durability of the optimized block was evaluated over 56 days through subjection to sulfate and acidic solutions, with efflorescence monitored over the same period. The results reveal that the structural block comprised of 100% FA exhibits the highest compressive strength and lowest bulk density. Conversely, the block incorporating 25% slag that underwent hot curing demonstrates a remarkable 305% strength increase compared to ambient curing. Considering the physico-mechanical performance, the 100% FA block was chosen for durability investigation. The findings indicate a substantial strength loss exceeding 40% after exposure to sulfate and acidic environments over 56 days, coupled with pronounced efflorescence. Catastrophic failure occurs in all cases due to significant strength deterioration. The FTIR spectrum revealed the shifting of the wavenumber to a higher value and verified the depolymerization and leaching of alumina under acidic exposure. However, the developed geopolymer blocks demonstrate superior sustainability and feasibility compared to conventional fired clay bricks and cement-based FA bricks. Despite slightly higher costs, these blocks exhibit greater strength than their counterparts after enduring severe exposures.

Aristolochic Acid Exposure via Dermal Contact or Inhalation of Herbal Powders: Evidence of Occupational Exposure in Herbalists with Urothelial Cancer.

Emerging evidence showing urothelial cancer in herbalists is linked to aristolochic acid (AA) exposure; however, the exposure pathway remains unclear. Here, we show that dermal contact and inhalation of fine powders of AA-containing herbs are significant occupational AA exposure pathways for herbalists. We initiated the study by quantifying the amount of AA in the AA-containing powder deposited on gloves and face masks worn by the operators of an AA-containing herb grinding machine. Then, we measured the kinetics of dermal absorption and dissolution of AA from fine powders of AA-containing herbs into artificial sweat and surrogate lung fluid. Lastly, we quantified the mutagenic AA-DNA adduct levels formed in the kidneys of mice exposed to AA-containing fine powders through dermal contact. Our findings highlight an urgent occupational risk that should demand implementation of safety standards for herbalists exposed to AA-containing fine powders.

Impact of basalt fiber reinforced concrete in protected buildings: a review

This study investigates on the impact of basalt fiber reinforcement concrete in protected building and structures. Basalt fibers, derived from the melting of basalt rock at temperatures ranging from 1,500 to 1700°C, are recognized as sustainable and environmentally friendly fiber materials. Various studies have revealed differing optimal percentages of basalt fibers for enhancing the mechanical and chemical properties of concrete. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the effects of basalt fibre reinforcement on mechanical properties like tensile, compressive, and bending strengths. Additionally, performance indicators like void content, water absorption, chloride ion permeability, alkali and slag resistance, temperature stability, shrinkage characteristics, and abrasion resistance will be evaluated. Basalt fibre is typically utilised to increase the mechanical properties and durability of concrete, which has an impact in the effect on protected buildings and structures. The findings indicate that the most effective percentage range for improving mechanical properties lies between 0.1% and 0.3% of basalt fibers. Notably, concrete reinforced with basalt fibers demonstrates superior mechanical and chemical performance in alkaline environments compared to other fiber types. Moreover, the addition of 0.5% basalt fibers to concrete has been shown to significantly reduce chloride ion penetration, as evidenced by a decrease in RCPT load from 2,500 (C) to 1900 (C), indicative of enhanced chloride resistance. Reinforced concrete containing basalt fibers exhibits remarkable temperature resistance, withstanding temperatures exceeding 800°C due to its high-water absorption capacity. Additionally, basalt fibers exhibit resilience at temperatures up to 200°C. However, it is noted that the introduction of 0.14% basalt fibers leads to a slight increase in water absorption from 4.08 to 4.28. In general, basalt fibres are beneficial to many aspects of concrete; they strengthen resistance to temperature, alkali, acid exposure, and chloride while also improving mechanical qualities such as bending and tensile strength. The development of basalt fibres that extend building lifespans and improve concrete quality for structural engineering applications is making encouraging strides, according to all the results.

Unraveling the link between heavy metals, perfluoroalkyl substances and depression: Insights from epidemiological and bioinformatics strategies

Heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become particularly important when studying the development of depression, a common illness that severely restricts psychosocial functioning and diminishes quality of life. Therefore, the potential joint effects of heavy metal and PFAS exposure on depression, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved, were investigated by using integrated epidemiological and bioinformatic approaches in the present study. A thorough analysis of 7301 samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles that occurred between 2005 and 2018 was performed. Single-exposure studies have shown that cadmium exposure is positively associated with depression, whereas perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDE) exposure are negatively associated with depression. Furthermore, the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation (QGcomp) models were employed to investigate the collective impact of exposure to mixed metals on depression. Cadmium emerged as the principal contributor to depression. Moreover, the addition of PFAS to the metal mixture had an antagonistic effect on depression, with PFOS having the most prominent influence. Analysis of the effects of co-exposure to cadmium and PFOS confirmed the presence of an antagonistic effect. The inflection points of cadmium and PFOS were determined to be −1.11 and 2.27, respectively. Additionally, exposure to cadmium and PFOS had the opposite effects on two crucial pathways, namely, the rap1 and calcium signaling pathways, which involve core genes related to depression such as ADORA2A, FGF2, and FGFR1. These findings have significant implications for future studies and provide new strategies for exploring the mechanisms underlying co-exposure effects.