Greater Concentrations Research Articles

UiO-66@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as an adsorbent in dispersive solid phase extraction of metformin in surface water and wastewater

Metformin, an anti-hypoglycemic medication, has been used for decades due to its efficiency and is the most consumed pharmaceutical drug worldwide. Consequently, monitoring its concentration in environmental water is important due to its suspected effect on human health and aquatic life. This study reported the extraction, preconcentration, separation and determination of metformin (MET) in waters. Dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) using UiO-66@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as a sorbent was used to extract and preconcentrate MET. The high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) achieved the separation and quantification of MET in the samples. Experiemental design was used to optimise influential variables in the extraction and preconcentration of MET. The linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for MET were 0.5–100 μg L−1 (R2 = 0.9987), 0.16 μg L−1 and 0.53 μg L−1, respectively. The intraday (n = 10 same-day replicates) and interday (n = 5 consecutive days) precisions reported as relative standard deviations (RSD %) were less than 5%. The accuracy of the method expressed as percentage recovery (%R) ranged from 84 to 112%. The method was applied to extract and preconcentrate MET in wastewater and river water samples. The MET was detected in greater concentrations in wastewater than in river water samples. The validation based on specificity, trueness, linearity, precision, and application to the analysis of MET in real samples showed that the combination of dSPE and HPLC-DAD methods is applicable for MET monitoring in surface water and wastewater. Furthermore, the dSPE/HPLC-DAD method was rapid, simple and suitable for estimating the concentrations of MET in South African surface water and wastewater for the first time. Lastly, the environmental risk caused by the occurrence of MET in surface water was investigated in terms of hazard quotient (HQ). The HQ values were less than unity, suggesting a low possibility risk for the aquatic organisms.

Bystanders to a Public Health Crisis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are devastating our food systems and our health. Due to widespread use, these synthetic, long-lasting chemicals, are omnipresent at dangerous levels in our envi-ronment and our homes. Recent studies link even small exposure to PFAS to a host of adverse health outcomes, including cancer, autoim-mune diseases, thyroid disease, liver damage, childhood obesity, infer-tility, and birth defects. Food consumption is a primary route of PFAS exposure. PFAS mi-grate from water, soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and compost into virtually every plant, fish, animal, and animal product, and ultimately (in the greatest concentration) into the consumer. In addition, food pro-cessing equipment, disposable dishes, and containers leach dangerous levels of these chemicals into processed food products, further infusing our every meal with PFAS. Consequently, it is no surprise everything from chocolate cake and microwave popcorn to free range eggs, wildcaught fish, organic milk, and organic kale can harbor staggering quantities of these toxic substances. Despite the widespread presence of these substances and strong sci-entific evidence of their harmful impact on humans, federal regulation of PFAS in food is currently nonexistent. At least fifteen agencies have a mandate to ensure the safety of our food. More is not always better. In the case of regulatory agencies, it can lead to fragmented demand for attention, diffusion of responsibilities, and bureaucratic bystander apathy. This story has played out time and again with other toxic con-taminants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides and is playing out yet again with PFAS. Despite our country’s devastating experience with past contaminants and the unprecedented scientific progress of our time, the federal response to new food safety threats has only become more sluggish and inadequate. This article lays a pathway for change, taking the issue of PFAS food contamination as a case study for the broader dysfunction in the food safety regulatory system. Part II reviews the history of federal food regulation and explores the role that each federal actor in the field plays in ensuring the safety of the food supply. Part III provides back-ground on the chemical and toxicological profile of PFAS and their widespread presence in the environment in general and the food sup-ply in particular. Part IV examines possible approaches to more effec-tive regulation of environmental contaminants in food and proposes a readily available but currently overlooked mechanism for combatting the current public health crisis of PFAS in food. Lastly, Part V cata-logues the expected benefits of the solution and addresses anticipated skepticism. It concludes that the proposed approach can effectively protect consumers from PFAS in food today, while simultaneously gar-nering much needed data to usher in a more permanent solution in the future.

Drying kinetics and thermodynamic properties of jabuticaba peel

Jabuticaba is a fruit of high nutritional value, and the peel, which is usually discarded, contains nutrients in greater concentration. An alternative for the use of jabuticaba bark is the preparation of flour. The aim of this research was to analyze the drying kinetics of jabuticaba bark by adjusting mathematical models and determining the effective diffusion coefficient, activation energy, and thermodynamic properties at different drying temperatures. The jaboticaba residues were dried in a forced ventilation oven at different temperatures of 45, 55, 65, and 75°C. Among the various models analyzed, Page was employed to streamline the drying phenomenon. The research observed that effective diffusion coefficient decreased with increasing temperature, and the activation energy for the liquid diffusion on drying was 32.63 kJ mol-1. Furthermore, enthalpy and entropy decreased with increasing drying temperature, while Gibbs’ free energy increased with increasing drying temperature.

Analyses of industrial air pollution and long-term health risk using different dispersion models and WRF physics parameters

AbstractThis study consists of three main sections. The first section delves into a performance analysis centered around modeling PM10, NOx, and CO emissions from a cement factory. It examines the effectiveness of various factors, including meteorological data, physics models, and air quality dispersion models, in producing accurate results for atmospheric simulations. The second section covers the dispersion direction and concentrations obtained by visualizing the dispersion maps. The third section covers an analysis of heavy metals emitted from the facility, taking into account potential risks in the region such as cancer, acute and chronic effects, and long-term respiratory risks. This study made use of meteorological models (WRF, AERMET, and CALMET), air quality dispersion models (AERMOD and CALPUFF), a health risk analysis model (HARP), and various sub-models (MMIF and CALWRF). Satellite meteorological data were obtained from NCEP and ERA, with the majority of meteorological data based on the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS)/Final Operational Global Analysis (FNL) from Global Tropospheric Analyses and Forecast Grids used for the WRF model. In the daily results, AERMOD showed the highest concentration values, but CALPUFF had greater concentrations throughout the annual period. The winter season had the highest concentrations of pollutants. Although there are differences among the physics models used in this research, the conclusions produced are consistent. Analysis of the data from the HARP model suggested that cancer risk levels exceeded the threshold of one person per million. However, the proportion of exceedance instances is rather small in comparison to the receptor points.

Bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited articles on adhesive systems in dentistry

The literature on magnetic adhesives is extensive, with a wide variety of publications. This study aimed to identify and analyze the characteristics of the 100 most cited publications in the literature on magnetic systems. The bibliometric analysis was carried out in the Web of Science database, with MeSH terms related to adhesive systems. The initial search deals 16,013 articles. The most cited article in the top 100 was by Van Meerbeek B et al. in 2003. The author with the most publications was Pashley DH. Ninety different institutions related to the studies were discovered, with Med Coll Georgia being one of the most prominent. The studies originated in 14 different countries, with Belgium and Japan leading in number of publications. The 100 most cited articles were published in 15 different journals, with the Journal of Dental Research coming first. The most present publisher was Elsevier. The most used keywords in the top 100 articles were: Dentin, Adhesion, Resin, Bonding Strength, Strength and Enamel. The greatest concentration of publications occurred in 2003 and 2005. The studies highlighted the main authors and institutions involved, highlighting the academic impact of studies on subtitles.

198 Evaluation of zinc source and concentration on growth performance of nursery swine

Abstract Trace minerals (TM) supplementation in swine diets can negatively interact with other nutrients. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) mutually inhibit their intestinal absorption; thus, limiting their bioavailability. Recent peer-reviewed work has suggested that nursery pigs fed a diet supplemented with increased Zn experienced impaired Cu metabolism, negatively impacting growth performance. However, it has been demonstrated that mitigation of antagonisms might be possible with the use of organic TM supplemented at decreased concentrations. To validate these findings, a total of 2,629 pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 6.2 kg] were used in a 37-d experiment. Pens of 36 pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments with 9 replications per treatment. Dietary treatments were formulated to contain 1 of 4 Zn sources: Zn Sulfate, Zn Hydroxychloride A (Intellibond Zn [Micronutrients Inc., Indianapolis, IN), Zn Hydroxychloride B [Zn Hydroxychloride (Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY)] or Organic Zn [Bioplex Zn (Alltech, Inc)] at 1 of 2 concentrations: 125 or 250 ppm. The concentrations utilized for Organic Zn treatment were 62.5 or 125 ppm per published recommendations. Experimental diets were fed in two phases: phase 1 from d 0 to 21 and phase 2 from d 22 to 37. Added Cu in both dietary phases was 10 ppm. At d 37, serum and liver samples (data not showed) were collected from 1 barrow per pen and submitted to Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to determine Zn and Cu concentration. No significant source × concentration interactions were observed for growth performance in this study. From d 0 to 37, pigs fed the greatest Zn concentration had less (P = 0.040) average daily feed intake (ADFI) and marginally decreased (P = 0.060) average daily gain (ADG), despite Zn source (Table 1). In addition, a marginal improvement (P = 0.070) in gain to feed ratio (G:F) was observed in pigs fed diets containing Organic Zn, regardless of concentration. For mineral concentrations in serum, there was a marginally significant source × concentration interaction (P = 0.078), where pigs fed diets with 125 ppm of Zn Hydroxychloride B had one of the greatest Zn concentrations, yet it was drastically reduced when pigs were fed diets with 250 ppm. Furthermore, Cu concentration in serum was decreased (P = 0.045) in pigs fed the greatest concentration of Zn, despite source. In conclusion, these results suggest that greater dietary Zn concentration impaired Cu absorption, reduced feed intake, and marginally decreased growth. Organic Zn, included at 50% reduced concentrations, marginally improved feed efficiency.

PSVI-13 Formulated botanical preparation improves passive immunity from sows to piglets

Abstract The medicinal plant turmeric increases immunoglobulin production in livestock and rodents. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresins (TCB) on colostrum and milk quality of sows and health of piglets. Twenty-four sows (Parity 2+) were assigned to one of the following dietary treatments (n = 8 sows/treatment): 1) unsupplemented control (CON); 2) 100 ppm of TCB (TCB-100), and 3) 150 ppm of TCB (TCB-150). Supplementation was from 87 d of gestation until weaning (d 28). During gestation and lactation, individually housed sows were fed fortified corn and soybean meal diets at 2.5 kg/d and 2.5 + 0.25 * piglet kg/d, respectively, with ad libitum access to water. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from the sow within 24 h of farrowing for IgG and IgA analysis, and milk samples were collected weekly for IgA analysis. Piglet blood samples were collected at weaning (d 28) for IgG and IgA analysis and at 4-wk post weaning for IgA analysis. Data were subjected to a one-way ANOVA (or two-way in the case of repeated measures), with tests for linear trend of the dose response. Serum IgG and IgA in sows at farrowing were linearly increased with TCB supplementation (Table). Similarly, colostrum IgG, and colostrum and milk IgA were linearly increased with TCB, with greatest concentration in TCB-150 relative to CON (Table). Serum IgG in piglets was not affected by sow supplementation, but serum IgA was linearly increased. Interestingly, the increase in serum IgA persisted through 4-wk post-weaning. Diarrhea frequency in piglets 1 to 4 wk post-weaning was linearly decreased with TCB supplementation (Table). A follow-up study with a similar design was conducted with supplementation of TCB-150 starting at 108 d of gestation to represent a commercial application in lactating diets only. Sow serum IgG and IgA at farrowing were measured, and both were significantly increased with TCB-150 (Table). In conclusion, supplementation of TCB at 150 ppm improves colostrum and milk quality, and passive immunity from sows to piglets. Furthermore, enteric health of the piglets was improved. Additional experiments to determine the implications of this response on sow and piglet health and performance in commercial conditions are warranted.

298 Impact of ruminal acidosis on cattle energy metabolism

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a bout of ruminal acidosis on energy metabolism of cattle unadapted to a high concentrate diet. Eleven ruminally cannulated steers [body weight (BW) = 352 kg ± 27] were blocked into 3 groups based on initial BW. Before the start of the experiment, animals were consuming a forage-based diet as well as adapted to the headbox style respiration chambers. Additionally, before the experiment, gas emission data were collected over a 24-h period when cattle received an ad libitum forage-based diet for use as a covariate in the statistical analysis. For the experiment, steers were moved into headboxes at the conclusion of a 24-h fast and subsequently received 1 of 2 treatment diets: control (CON), forage-based diet or acidosis (AC), concentrate-based diet. Steers remained in the headboxes for 48 h. Gas concentrations from each headbox were collected hourly and analyzed with an infrared photoacoustic gas analyzer. Ruminal pH, fecal pH, volatile fatty acids, and lactate were also measured during the acidosis challenge. Data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. A treatment × day effect (P = 0.03) was observed for dry matter intake with intake being similar for both CON and AC steers on d 1 but AC steers consuming 2.02 kg less on d 2. Treatment affected ruminal pH (P < 0.01) as CON steers had a greater ruminal pH than AC steers. Greater total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.01) were observed for steers on AC treatment compared with CON. A treatment × time interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for ruminal lactate concentration with AC steers having greater concentrations from h 16 to 36. Fecal pH was affected by a treatment × time interaction (P = 0.05) as AC steers had lower fecal pH from h 24 to h 32. Over the 48-h observation period, there was a treatment × time interaction (P = 0.04) for carbon dioxide production as AC steers produced less CO2 after h 24. No treatment × time interaction was detected for oxygen consumption. However, there was a time effect (P < 0.01). Respiratory quotient was not affected by treatment, day, or their interaction (P ≥ 0.19). Heat production tended (P = 0.06) to be different between treatments, with AC having less heat production than CON. Thus, the effects of ruminal acidosis on gas emissions and energetics may be more transient during the time course of an acidotic bout or have a longer duration even after ruminal pH has recovered.

20 Effects of a stabilized fish oil on boar semen quality when fed during summer months

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding a stabilized fish oil source to different genetic lines on boar semen quality. A total of 127 boars representing three genetic lines (PIC 337, PIC 800, and PIC L03; Hendersonville, TN) at a commercial boar stud were balanced by age, body condition, and previous semen quality and randomly allotted to one of two dietary treatments within genetic line. Boars were assigned to either receive Control; a daily top dress of 32g of corn starch; or Fish oil; a daily top dress of 32g of Salmate DHA+ (The Ballard Group, 2407 Ashland Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206 USA) to provide 2.38 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The top-dress supplementation was provided by placing it on top of the daily ration of feed for each individual boar on the floor once each day immediately after their feed has been delivered to them. Supplementation lasted for 16 wk from June-September, 2023 during which weekly semen collection was performed. Semen was evaluated at the stud for concentration and motility parameters using computer assisted semen analysis. Data was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the lmer and glmer functions of R. Boar was the experimental unit, with dietary treatment, genetic line, and their interaction tested as fixed effects while age at collection served as a covariate. Boar nested within treatment combinations was used as a random effect to account for repeated measurements within the same boar. There was no evidence (P > 0.10) for dietary treatment by genetic line interaction for any response criteria (Table 1). There was no evidence of fish oil supplementation effects (P > 0.10) on semen volume, concentration, total sperm cells per ejaculate, percentage of accepted ejaculates, or number of doses produced per accepted ejaculate. There was no evidence of fish oil supplementation effects (P > 0.10) on percentage motile sperm cells, or percentage of proximal and distal droplets and abnormal tails. Line 800 boars had the least (P < 0.05) semen volume, but greatest (P < 0.05) sperm concentration, resulting in no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) between the three genetic lines in total sperm cells per ejaculate. Line 03 boars had increased (P < 0.05) percentage of rejected ejaculates as well as decreased number of doses produced per accepted ejaculate (P < 0.05) compared with lines 337 and 800 boars. There was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) in sperm motility, proximal and distal droplets, or abnormal tails between the three genetic lines. In summary, maternal line boars had an increased proportion of rejected ejaculates per boar and a decreased number of doses produced compared with terminal line boars. Feeding a stabilized fish oil to provide 2.38 g of DHA did not improve semen during summer months.

203 The relationship between potentiated zinc oxide and monovalent copper in a dietary administration for weanling piglets

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate different dietary level of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) supplementation according to European and non-European levels on the health and performance of pigs 14 d after weaning. A total of 120 piglets [initial body weight = 7.14 ± 0.92 kg] were divided into 4 experimental treatments: positive control (PC, 2,500 ppm of Zn, ZnO) and 3 treatments in which Zn and Cu were added through potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to different European and non-European levels of inclusion: EU (120 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu), non-EU+ (300 ppm of Zn; 200 ppm of Cu) and non-EU- (300 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu). Growth performance, serum Zn and Cu concentrations, fecal score, blood biomarkers of intestinal integrity, and fecal microbial composition were examined and analyzed using GLM and MIXED procedures of SAS. Fecal samples at 14 d were collected and the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S gene were sequenced in one Illumina MiSeq run. Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and (feed efficiency (FE) were not affected by the experimental treatments. The fecal score suggests that during the first 14d, the consistency of the feces tended (P < 0.10) to be less in the three treatment groups while in PC, the greatest concentration of Zn favored a better fecal consistency. The initial serum Zn and Cu concentrations were similar for all dietary treatment groups. After 14 d, serum Zn concentration was significantly greater in PC (15.71 ± 6.25 µg/L, P < 0.05). No differences were highlighted in serum Zn concentration among the other 3 treatment groups. Serum Cu concentrations revealed statistically significant results (P < 0.05) on 14 d after weaning in EU, non-EU+ and non-EU- groups, showing greater concentrations of Cu (17.65 ± 5.49 µmol/L, 17.73± 3.46 µmol/L 18.33 ± 4.13 µmol/L, respectively) compared with PC (11.87 ± 3.60 µmol/L). These results suggested that the EU level of inclusion of both potentiated Zn and monovalent Cu is enough to reach the same Cu and Zn plasma concentrations of non-EU treatments. Plasma DAO was negatively (P < 0.05) affected in non-EU-. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla in fecal microbiome. Non-EU- contributed to a significant decrease in biodiversity in fecal microbiota as depicted with Shannon for diversity and Simpson for evenness indexes (P < 0.05). In fecal samples, the presence of genera linked to a greater disruption of the gut barrier (Escherichia-Shigella) was depicted in non-EU- group, indicating significant modifications of the microbial community. These results suggest the need for a balanced supplementation of Cu and Zn through more bioavailable sources. The use of potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to European levels could represent a valid strategy to enhance weanling piglets gut health and to reduce the environmental impact.

Voltage-dependent anion channels are involved in the maintenance of pig sperm quality during liquid preservation

Pigs are usually bred through artificial insemination with liquid semen preserved at 15–20 °C. While this method of preservation brings many benefits, including a greater reproductive performance compared to frozen-thawed sperm, the period of storage is a limiting factor. As the mitochondrion regulates many facets of sperm physiology, modulating its activity could have an impact on their lifespan. Aligned with this hypothesis, the present study sought to investigate whether inhibition of voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), which reside in the outer mitochondrial membrane and regulate the flux of ions between mitochondria and the cytosol in somatic cells, influences the resilience of pig sperm to liquid preservation at 17 °C. For this purpose, semen samples (N = 7) were treated with two different concentrations of TRO19622 (5 μM and 50 μM), an inhibitor of VDACs, and stored at 17 °C for 10 days. At days 0, 4 and 10, sperm quality and functionality parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The effects of inhibiting VDACs depended on the concentration of the inhibitor. On the one hand, the greatest concentration of TRO19622 (50 μM) led to a decrease in sperm motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, which could be related to the observed intracellular Ca2+ increase. In contrast, total sperm motility was higher in samples treated with 5 μM TRO19622 than in the control, suggesting that when VDACs channels are inhibited by the lowest concentration of the blocking agent the resilience of pig sperm to liquid storage increases. In conclusion, the current research indicates that mitochondrial function, as regulated by ion channels in the outer mitochondrial membrane like VDACs, is related to the sperm resilience to liquid preservation and may influence cell lifespan.

Potential role of autophagy in the male reproductive system

Autophagy is a highly controlled cellular mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis by degrading and recycling cellular components. In recent years, there has been a greater concentration on understanding the role of autophagy in the male reproductive system. This review addresses the potential importance of autophagy in many aspects of male reproductive physiology, such as spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and testicular function. The role of autophagy in male fertility, sperm quality, and response to environmental stressors is explored. Insights into the molecular mechanisms driving autophagy in male reproductive cells cover the groundwork for future research targeted at understanding the complex relationship between autophagy and male reproductive health.

AN ATTEMPT TO CONSERVE A VULNERABLE TREE SPECIES OF Santalum album L. THROUGH MICROPROPAGATION

A rare kind of tropical plant in the Santalaceae family is Santalum album. The active ingredient in S. album, santalol, is also referred to as sandalwood oil and is highly prized in the fragrance business for its fixative qualities and pleasant, enduring scent. Out of all the species in the genus Santalum, S. album has the greatest oil concentration (about 6%). The wild plants are overharvested for their wood, which is used to make santalol, as well as for other uses including woodcarving and traditional medicine. S. album is an easily hurt plant. Thus, the creation of an in vitro mass propagation protocol for this valuable species is necessary in order to generate homozygous clones with large yields for the establishment of sandalwood plantations. In this study, a full-strength MS medium supplemented with varying concentrations of BAP and Kn (0.5-2.5 mg/l) was used to cultivate the shoot tip and intermodal portions of S. album that were collected from the wild. The maximum shoot development (4.50±0.50) occurred at a BAP concentration of 1.5 mg/l. IBA and IAA were added to the rooting medium along with the developing shoots. IBA (2.0 mg/l) had the highest mean number of roots (4.90±0.25) and root length (5.75±0.47 cm). Shoots that had been successfully rooted were moved to the field to harden. According to the current study, MS medium with 1.5 mg/l of BAP and 2.0 mg/l of IBA is an appropriate technique for micropropagating and conserving S. album is fragile tree species.

Fungal Bioremediation of the β-Lactam Antibiotic Ampicillin under Laccase-Induced Conditions

Due to widespread overuse, pharmaceutical compounds, such as antibiotics, are becoming increasingly prevalent in greater concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the capacity of the white-rot fungus, Coriolopsis gallica (a high-laccase-producing fungus), to biodegrade ampicillin under different cultivation conditions. The biodegradation of the antibiotic was confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography, and its antibacterial activity was evaluated using the bacterial growth inhibition agar well diffusion method, with Escherichia coli as an ampicillin-sensitive test strain. C. gallica successfully eliminated ampicillin (50 mg L−1) after 6 days of incubation in a liquid medium. The best results were achieved with a 9-day-old fungal culture, which treated a high concentration (500 mg L−1) of ampicillin within 3 days. This higher antibiotic removal rate was concomitant with the maximum laccase production in the culture supernatant. Meanwhile, four consecutive doses of 500 mg L−1 of ampicillin were removed by the same fungal culture within 24 days. After that, the fungus failed to remove the antibiotic. The measurement of the ligninolytic enzyme activity showed that C. gallica laccase might participate in the bioremediation of ampicillin.

Antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity and erosive potential of hypochlorous acid obtained from an electrolytic device compared with sodium hypochlorite.

This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, cleaning ability, and erosion of dentine of hypochlorous acid (HClO) obtained from an electrolytic device at two different concentrations (Dentaqua) and three concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Microbiological test-The root canals of sixty single-rooted extracted human teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into 6 groups (n = 10), according to decontamination protocol: DW (control); 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO. The colony-forming units were counted to evaluate the decontamination potential of each group, calculating the reduction in bacterial percentage. Cytotoxicity test-Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of the same tested protocols in fibroblastic cells for 3 min, calculating the cell viability percentages. Specifical statistical analysis was performed (α = 5%). Cleaning ability and erosion-Fifty-six single-rooted bovine lower incisors were divided into seven groups of 8 roots each, being the test groups 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5,25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO, and a negative and positive control. Negative control was not contaminated, and the other groups were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. SEM images were ranked as from the cleanest to the least clean. Erosion was also assessed, being ranked from the least to the most eroded dentine. The highest bacterial reduction was observed in experimental groups, with no statistical differences between them (p > 0.05). The highest number of viable cells was observed in control group, followed by 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO groups, with statistical differences between them (p < 0.05). 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl and 500 ppm HClO displayed the cleanest areas. All sodium hypochlorite groups displayed erosion with higher ranks with greater concentration, while hypochlorous acid did not display any erosion regardless the concentration. It is possible to conclude that HClO obtained from an electrolytic device presented high antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity in both tested concentrations. 500 ppm HClO did not display erosion and showed great cleaning ability. The use of 500 ppm hypochlorous acid may reduce unfavorable behavior of sodium hypochlorite whilst maintaining its antimicrobial action.

Vitamin K content of Australian-grown horticultural commodities

Vitamin K is a multi-function vitamin that has emerging roles in bone, brain and vascular health. Vitamin K composition data remain limited globally and Australia has lacked nationally representative data for vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) in horticultural commodities. Primary samples (n = 927) of 90 Australian-grown fruit, vegetable and nut commodities were purchased in three Australian cities. We measured vitamin K1/phylloquinone in duplicate in 95 composite samples using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry. The greatest mean concentrations of vitamin K1/phylloquinone were found in kale (565 μg/100 g), baby spinach (255 μg/100 g) and Brussels sprouts (195 μg/100 g). The data contribute to the global collection of vitamin K food composition data. They add to the evidence that vitamin K1/phylloquinone concentrations vary markedly between geographic regions, supporting development of region-specific datasets for national food composition databases that do not yet contain data for vitamin K. Such data are needed globally.

Foreign experience of investigating crimes committed by members of youth informal groups (associations)

The article deals with specific issues of foreign experience in investigating crimes committed by members of informal youth groups (associations). It is emphasized that the study of foreign experience in the investigation of crimes committed by members of youth informal groups (associations) will contribute to the development and improvement of recommendations for the investigation of the corresponding category of criminal offenses in Ukraine.&#x0D; The peculiarities of detection and investigation of crimes committed by members of youth informal groups (associations) in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and the USA are analyzed.&#x0D; Most often, French youth can unite in informal groups in connection with a common place of residence (street, district, city), because of race, nationality, political views, social crises, etc. Difficulties in investigating the criminal activities of informal youth in France are associated with the active use of social networks for the preparation and concealment of committed offenses, the organization of gangs, an increase in their number, and a great public outcry.&#x0D; All youth informal groups (associations) in Germany can be divided into 3 types: 1) associations of young people who are migrants, refugees and spend their free time together, live on the same street, in the same district; 2) neo-Nazi youth associations; 3) unification of youth on the basis of political views and protest sentiments.&#x0D; The boom in youth crime in the Netherlands occurred in the early 1980s. But a balanced preventive work, starting in 1985, gave results. An active struggle is being waged against youth neo-Nazi groups (associations) on the Internet.&#x0D; There are 434 youth gangs in Canada with approximately 7,070 members. The greatest concentration of youth gangs in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.&#x0D; In the 50s. XX century. American youth, and students in particular, showed themselves for the first time as an active political force, able to defend their positions on an equal footing with political parties and «adult» public organizations. The youth of that time advocated civil liberties – freedom of speech, organizations, meetings, etc. But informal youth groups in the USA are not only a subcultural phenomenon, but also gangs that actively engage in criminal activities based on the promotion of ideas, views, and lifestyles.

Pigments, phenolics, and bioactivities of various extracts from flowers of Camellia quephongensis

Camellia quephongensis Hakoda et Ninh, a plant species in the Theaceae family, is native to Vietnam. In this study, the effects of various solvents used for extracting Camellia quephongensis flowers on phenolic content, antioxidative, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were assessed. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties were observed for the ethyl acetate extract. Catechin and epicatechin in the ethyl acetate extract showed the highest concentrations (17.23 ? 0.57 mg/g and 3.86 ? 0.42 mg/g, respectively) whereas epigallocatechin gallate had the highest concentration in methanol extract (10.66 ? 0.33 mg/g). Most of the other phenolics were also found at greater concentrations in the ethyl acetate extract in comparison to the other extracts. The results also demonstrated that ethyl acetate displayed the strongest antioxidant potential assessed by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. The albumin denaturation inhibition assay showed that the ethyl acetate extract had the greatest efficacy, followed by the ethanol and methanol extracts. Chlorophyll and carotenoids were found in smaller amounts compared to those in other Camellia species' leaves. These findings provide deeper insights into obtaining extracts with high levels of bioactive compounds, antioxidative potential, and anti-inflammatory effects from C. quephongensis.

Испытание социальности: функция «первичной» метафоры в малой прозе Г. Мелвилла и Л. Толстого

Herman Melville’s ‘The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids’ (1855) and Leo Tolstoy’s ‘Master and Man’ (1895) are considered in this article as studies in human sociality with special attention to the similarity of receptive strategies and reactions that the two texts provoke.The reader’s aesthetic experience in both these cases is determined by the pronounced presence and power of “primary” metaphors: the warmth of human togetherness and the cold of alienation. The palpable sensuality of these metaphors and their distribution in the text (with greater concentration in the opening and the final parts) provide for the coherence of the two “metaphoric fields” (N. Babuts), their internal tension and dynamic. Textual micro-analysis makes it possible to recognize the universal nature of social connectivity as well as the variety of its cultural forms and individual authors’ priorities.Readerly participation in the act of embodied cognition makes reduction to allegory impossible, such that the drama of moral and social choice becomes experientially concrete. The presupposed correlation of aesthetic and social forms may give access to the otherwise unattainable terrain where intersubjective experience is constituted, recognized as a culturally relevant model, problematized.

Comparative Analysis of Pigments, Phenolics, and Bioactivities of Three Camellia Species Growing in Vietnam

Objective/Background: Camellia L. , belonging to the Theaceae family, is a diverse group of plant species native to various regions of Asia. Methods: Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in leaves of three Camellia species, namely Camellia quephongensis, Camellia yokdonensis, and Camellia longii, were determined using a spectrophotometric method. Phenolic compounds of the leaf extracts were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, antioxidant activity, anti-α-amylase and in vitro antiinflammatory properties of the extracts were evaluated. Results: The total carotenoid content in C. longii was the highest, whereas the total chlorophyll content in this species was the lowest. Most of the phenolic compounds in C. quephongensis were found at the greatest concentrations compared to the other species. The extract from C. quephongensis exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties estimated by ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. This activity was shown to be comparable with that of ascorbic acid. All the Camellia extracts may possess a much less potent anti-α-amylase activity in comparison with acarbose. They could also be weaker than diclofenac with respect to in vitro anti-inflammatory activity evaluated by albumin denaturation inhibition assay. Conclusions: The findings of this investigation provide the initial insights into pigments and phenolics present in the various Camellia species and pave the way for the development of functional foods that could potentially offer a range of health benefits.