High Consumption Rates Research Articles

Polychlorinated naphthalenes in freshwater fish from Beijing markets: Species-specific differences, effects of cooking, and health risk assessment

Fish are an important source of human dietary exposure to polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). The occurrence and sources of PCNs in different species of freshwater fish are unknown, and few studies have assessed human exposure risks to PCNs through freshwater fish. In this study, 140 freshwater fish samples from 10 species were collected from Beijing markets, China. The Σ75CNs concentration range in the fish was 20.7–1310 pg/g wet weight (ww). The highest median Σ75PCNs concentration (80.4 pg/g ww) was found in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi), and the lowest (29.6 pg/g ww) in snakehead (Channa argus). Di- and tri-CNs were the dominant PCN homologues with contributions of 35.3 % and 30.8 %, respectively. Unintentionally produced PCNs from metal smelting might be the source of PCN contamination in freshwater fish. The cooking temperature and time did not significantly affect the PCN concentrations in fish or the PCN homologue profiles. The highest toxic equivalent (TEQ) value was observed in sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis), followed by mandarin fish. Hexa-CNs were the most abundant homologue for the PCN TEQs. A risk assessment indicated that the dietary exposure risks for local residents to PCNs through freshwater fish were low. However, the relatively high concentrations of PCNs in the samples deserve attention to avoid PCNs exposure risks for groups with high fish consumption rates. Furthermore, freshwater fish likely contain a mixture of contaminants including dioxin and furans which also display a similar mode of toxicity as the PCNs and could enhance the risk to fish consumers.

Effect of the initial pH of the culture medium on the nutrient consumption pattern of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb12 and the improvement of acid resistance by purine and pyrimidine compounds.

During fermentation, the accumulation of acidic products can induce media acidification, which restrains the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb12 (Bb12). This study investigated the nutrient consumption patterns of Bb12 under acid stress and effects of specific nutrients on the acid resistance of Bb12. Bb12 was cultured in chemically defined medium (CDM) at different initial pH values. Nutrient consumption patterns were analyzed in CDM at pH 5.3, 5.7, and 6.7. The patterns varied with pH: Asp+Asn had the highest consumption rate at pH 5.3 and 5.7, while Ala was predominant at pH 6.7. Regardless of the pH levels (5.3, 5.7, or 6.7), ascorbic acid, adenine, and Fe2+ were vitamins, nucleobases, and metal ions with the highest consumption rates, respectively. Nutrients whose consumption rates exceeded 50% were added individually in CDM at pH 5.3, 5.7, and 6.7. It was demonstrated that only some of them could promote the growth of Bb12. Mixed nutrients that could promote the growth of Bb12 were added to three different CDM. In CDM at pH 5.3, 5.7, and 6.7, it was found that the viable cell count of Bb12 was the highest after adding mixed nutrients, which were 8.87, 9.02, and 9.10 log CFU ml-1, respectively. The findings suggest that the initial pH of the culture medium affects the nutrient consumption patterns of Bb12. Specific nutrients can enhance the growth of Bb12 under acidic conditions and increase its acid resistance.

A Comparative Analysis of Bacterial Diversity in Individuals Exhibiting Oral Cavity Disorders versus those in a State of Oral Health

Oral cavity is considered as main entrance of the body and our mouth encounters a large number of microorganisms from the outer environment, some of which have the potential to cause serious illnesses. Current study was designed to evaluate different ecological and behavioral factors which can positively or negatively affect normal flora of oral cavity. Behavioral information was gathered through personal interviews from 90 study subjects, out of which 45 were included in control group without any current oral disorders and other 45 were included in experimental group with current oral diseases. High rate of sugar consumption, low brushing frequency, over-use of medications, acidic food consumption, high rate of smoking, aggressive mode of brushing and lack of awareness about dental health were some of the factors observed in a higher ratio in experimental group. These behaviours can aggravate oral problems causing imbalances in normal flora of oral cavity. It was also noted that frequency of systemic diseases was higher in experimental group, and it was due to the fact that unbalanced bacterial oral flora can gain entry into blood through bacteraemia and travel to different organs, thus, intensifying systemic issues. A comparative analysis was also made between bacterial flora of healthy controls and oral patients. A total of 34 oral samples, 17 from control group and 17 from experimental group, were collected and analyzed morphologically and biochemically. A total of 12 distinct bacterial species were isolated from these collected samples. Some of the species were conserved in both groups but were present in varying proportions. But Neisseria spp. was isolated only from healthy controls while Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Corynebacterium and Actinobacteria were isolated from samples oral patients. The most abundant species in healthy controls were Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacilli and Staphylococcus epidermidis while in oral patients were Lactococci, Actinobacteria, Corynebacterium and Streptococcus viridans group. The involvement of oral bacterial flora in systemic diseases and role of behavioral elements in aggravating oral diseases was also responsible for oral cavity disorders. Different pathogenic bacteria can alter the natural bacterial ecology of oral cavity, aggravating oral diseases. This study may provide a baseline data to develop different strategies to control pathogenic oral flora

Evaluation of parameters indicative of the quality of fresh ground beef sold in different markets in the municipality of Jaru, Rondônia

Ground beef is a food rich in amino acids and other essential nutrients for human metabolism, with a high rate of acceptance and consumption in various types of food preparations. However, depending on the processing conditions and chemical composition, such food becomes a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, being a product that needs attention, mainly in relation to microbial growth and fraudulent actions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of fresh ground beef marketed in the municipality of Jaru/RO. The experiment was carried out from September to October 2022. The samples were acquired in six different commercial establishments and the physical-chemical evaluations were carried out on the same day. Through this study, it was possible to observe that all samples showed signs of poorly preserved meat with a high degree of oxidation. Therefore, complementary research must be carried out within the municipality of Jaru-RO in order to ascertain the microbiological conservation status of the meat sold in the municipality.

Hábitos de consumo de vísceras de pollos de engorde y sus niveles de residuos de antibióticos, en el nordeste de Argelia

Antibiotic use has promoted poultry production intensification. However, irrational use of these drugs results in an accumulation of toxic and harmful residues in the edible products of the treated birds. These residues eventually affect the consumer’s health by transferring antibiotic–resistant bacteria and causing allergies and other pathologies. This study aims to describe the consumption habits of broiler offal in two Algerian Provinces: Batna and Sétif (North–East of Algeria). In addition, a qualitative study was conducted to screen antibiotic residues in broiler offal commercialized in these regions. A total of 250 consumers were randomly surveyed using a questionnaire including questions regarding their socio–demographics, their consumption habits of offal, and their knowledge of the risks associated with the presence of antibiotic residues in poultry products. The study was conducted from 5th February to 25th March 2019. Antibiotic residues were investigated in 66 broiler samples (36 livers and 30 gizzards) using an agar diffusion test inspired by the conventional microbiological method of the four plates. The survey revealed high consumption rates of offal: 83.3% in Batna and 92.0% in Sétif. The liver was the most preferred offal in both regions due to its palatability (86.5%) and nutritional value (67.3%). Most respondents (68% in Batna and 52% in Sétif) are aware of the risks of antibiotic residues in offal. The results of the antibiotic residue investigation showed an overall contamination rate of 33.3%. Livers were more contaminated than gizzards. In both regions, the widespread consumption of broiler offal and its contamination by antibiotic residues constitute a potential health hazard for consumers.

Nature's Solution to Aedes Vectors: Toxorhynchites as a Biocontrol Agent.

This review summarizes the predatory potential of Toxorhynchites mosquitoes as biological control agents for Aedes vectors. A single larva can consume hundreds of mosquito larvae during its development, with preference for larger prey and higher consumption rates at higher prey densities. Studies suggest Toxorhynchites can significantly reduce Aedes populations. Beyond direct predation, they may indirectly influence prey behavior and adult mosquito lifespan. Despite the demonstrably positive effects of Toxorhynchites species as biocontrol agents, there are acknowledged limitations that require further investigation. These limitations include potential variations in effectiveness across diverse habitats and mosquito developmental stages. Additionally, long-term ecological sustainability and potential ramifications warrant further research. Future efforts should prioritize optimizing rearing and release strategies to enhance effectiveness. Exploring the potential for combined control methods with other biocontrol agents or traditional methods is also crucial. Finally, investigating the influence of environmental factors on predation rates can further refine and optimize the application of Toxorhynchites in mosquito control programs.

Análisis del conocimiento de los cuidadores principales sobre el riesgo cariogénico implicado en la ingesta de medicamentos líquidos pediátricos

Introduction: Pediatric liquid medications (PLM) are frequently administered to children, yet their usage may contribute to the onset of dental caries. Despite its prevalence, there is a notable scarcity of scientific research regarding caregivers’ knowledge of this potential cariogenic risk. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge of the main caregivers of children aged 5 to 12 years concerning the cariogenic potential associated with the use of PLM. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical obser-vational study involving 152 primary caregivers of children aged 5 to 12 was conducted. Data were collected on caregivers’ perceptions of the cariogenic risk associated with PLMs and their consumption habits. The study also assessed oral hygiene routines and evaluated the level of information provided by healthcare professionals. Results: Research findings indicated a significant lack of awa-reness among primary caregivers regarding the cariogenic risks of PLMs, with 78.95% being unaware of these risks and 47.37% unaware of the sugars present in such medications. Additionally, a high rate of PLM consumption was observed, with 63% of caregivers using them in the last year. The study underscored a notable absence of guidance from healthcare professionals, as 91.45% of the caregivers stated that they had not received instructions on tooth brushing after the administration of the PLM. Conclusions: The study highlights a significant lack of awa-reness among primary caregivers regarding the cariogenic risks associated with the ingestion of pediatric liquid medications. This deficit in information and preventive measures presents a substantial obstacle to children’s oral health. To address this issue, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive guidance and promote preventive measures.

The effects of physical exercise on ocular blood flow

Vascular resistance is physiologically regulated by changing the local diameter of the arterioles to keep the local blood flow constant. It is well known that physical activity has profound impacts on the vasculature in humans. Short‐term exercise induces immediate changes in artery function, whereas long‐term exercise induces chronic functional adaptation and structural arterial remodelling which leads to a lower risk of risk for cardiovascular disease. These changes depended on the characteristics of the training load and are modulated by other factors such as exercise‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress.The ocular circulation consists of the retinal and choroidal circulations. The retina is the tissue with the most active metabolism in the human body, resulting in a high rate of oxygen consumption. Therefore, ocular blood flow is particularly susceptible to physical exercise. With the arrival of imaging technologies numerous studies have explored the effects of exercise on the ocular blood flow. Most of these studies are focused on the transient impact of acute exercise on ocular blood flow. The objective of this talk is to discuss the scientific literature available about the effects of physical exercise on ocular blood flow, and to highlight its impact on ocular health.

Adulteration of hypoglycemic products: the silent threat

Background. The growing tendency toward the adulteration of hypoglycemic products in the market to increase the seller’s profits, the increased promotions of such products by unscrupulous promoters, and the higher rate of consumption by diabetic patients in the community all of these represent an alarm for serious health problems that could be fatal and have a potential threat to public health when using them. Aim. This review aims to attract the attention of the researchers to the hazardous clinical outcomes of adulterated hypoglycemic products and encourage them to do further studies analyzing the compositions of the available hypoglycemic products. Results. Based on the obtained data from the latest studies, the available hypoglycemic products have undeclared and banned anti-diabetic agents that lead to serious side effects. Conclusion. The popularity and abundance of adulterated hypoglycemic products in the market that are claimed to be effective for type 2 diabetes mellitus (Ty2DM) are hazardous to public health and have significant clinical outcomes due to their undeclared anti-diabetic agents which could be lethal to diabetic patients.

Cable Bacteria Skeletons as Catalytically Active Electrodes.

Cable bacteria are multicellular, filamentous bacteria that use internal conductive fibers to transfer electrons over centimeter distances from donors within anoxic sediment layers to oxygen at the surface. We extracted the fibers and used them as free-standing bio-based electrodes to investigate their electrocatalytic behavior. The fibers catalyzed the reversible interconversion of oxygen and water, and an electric current was running through the fibers even when the potential difference was generated solely by a gradient of oxygen concentration. Oxygen reduction as well as oxygen evolution were confirmed by optical measurements. Within living cable bacteria, oxygen reduction by direct electrocatalysis on the fibers and not by membrane-bound proteins readily explains exceptionally high cell-specific oxygen consumption rates observed in the oxic zone, while electrocatalytic water oxidation may provide oxygen to cells in the anoxic zone.

KATI ATIK ARITIMINA KISA BİR BAKIŞ VE TÜRKİYE'DEKİ GÜNCEL UYGULAMALAR

High rates of energy and goods consumption, combined with increasing population growth and high living standards, lead to the ever-increasing production of solid waste. The amount of solid waste generated today has reached a level that poses serious threats to the environment and the sustainable management of the country's economies. Although action plans are being prepared and implemented by countries, unions and institutions for the environmentally friendly and sustainable management of solid waste, it is seen that the threat still exists for the near future. Within the scope of solid waste, management of household waste is undoubtedly one of the most important issues today. The MSW EU average for 2021 reached 530 million tons. Similarly, a total of 104.8 million tons of waste was generated in Turkey in 2020, 32.3 million tons of which were domestic waste. Although, today, the most common method of solid waste control globally is storage in open or controlled landfills, it is seen that Thermal conversion, MTB or Liquefaction applications, which enable energy production especially within the cyclical economy and production model, are increasingly increasing.
 The aim of this compilation study, in which global and country-based statistics are briefly presented, is to raise awareness of the increasing threat.

Evaluation of facade features in green building certified office buildings in terms of energy efficiency

The energy crisis in the world and reaching the point of depletion of resources have pushed the construction industry to seek the use of renewable energy resources. The sustainability approach that comes to the fore with this has gained an important place in the construction sector as well as in all other sectors. The construction of office buildings, which have a high energy consumption rate among the building groups, within the framework of sustainability principles is a result of this search. From this point of view, the aim of this study is to evaluate the facade features of sustainable office buildings with green building certificate within the scope of energy efficiency and to reveal the current practices. Within the scope of the study, 20 office buildings located in the world and in the literature were analyzed in detail in terms of their facade features. These analyzes are grouped under the titles of building envelope, facade material, integration of active and passive systems. In the light of the data obtained, it has been revealed that sustainable office buildings have facade applications for the use of renewable energy sources.

Condensation of refrigerant R450A inside a mini-channel of rectangular cross section with an internal longitudinal groove

The increase in jeopardizing the natural life and environmental resources together with high rates of energy consumption are still in focus of international agencies and scientific communities. For this issue, global awareness has been oriented to uncover alternatives to harmful species and to magnify effectiveness of thermal systems. For the present study, the refrigerant R450A was investigated as a potential substitute to R134a during condensation inside two mini-channels which are rectangular cross section channel (SRC) and a modified channel (MRC). The latter was characterized by an internal longitudinal groove. Wall subcooling, vapor superheat, and mass velocity were considered while the condensing temperature was kept constant. Numerical CFD simulation was realized for the condensation inside the channel using ANSYS-CFX 15.0 with additional user defined expressions to describe condensate layer thickness inside the channel, which in turn was utilized for the condensation heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Predicted data was compared with experimental one in terms of HTC and flow patterns. The predicted data of HTC showed an average deviation by about 6.6% compared to experimental data for R134a.The refrigerant R450A resulted in lower condensation HTC than R134a. The MRC resulted in an average enhancement in the HTC by about 55.7% and a reduction in the pressure drop by about 10.4% compared to the SRC. The enhancement of the MRC in HTC was remarkable at high degree of superheat, low mass velocity, and low wall subcooling. Accordingly, the novel MRC represents a successful potential design for condensation of refrigerants in mini-channels.

MUSHROOM CONSUMPTION HABITS IN TURKIYE

The per capita mushroom consumption rate in Türkiye is known to be lower compared to developed countries. In this regard, a statistical study aiming to reveal mushroom consumption habits has been conducted. The statistical results of the study were analyzed using the chi-square test. A survey consisting of 17 questions determining socio-demographic information and certain mushroom consumption habits was carried out with 1302 participants collected from all regions. According to the survey results, 1116 individuals consume mushrooms. 47.2% of the participants consume mushrooms several times a month. The most common preference for mushroom consumption was the delicious taste. The highest consumption rate was in the 18-45 age range, with over 50%. Within this age range, mushrooms were mostly consumed as a main course, on pizza, and as a garnish. The reasons for not consuming mushrooms were primarily not liking the taste, not being accustomed to the flavor, and lack of trust.

Effects of dietary palm oil on nutritional indices of Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) for Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) production

Cotesia flavipes parasitizes Diatraea saccharalis, a pest that causes major losses to sugarcane production. The mass production of C. flavipes and its subsequent release onto sugarcane is one form of biological control of D. saccharalis. An essential factor for successfully fighting this pest is the development of host diets that can increase the efficiency of C. flavipes production. Palm oil contains saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated linoleic acid. However, little is known about the effects of palm oil on C. flavipes production in the laboratory. Different concentrations of palm oil were added to the D. saccharalis diet and its nutritional indices were analyzed. Subsequently, the production and sex ratio of C. flavipes were determined. Our results indicated that the addition of higher palm oil concentrations to an artificial diet generated a high relative consumption rate (RCR) in D. saccharalis, and consequently a high relative metabolic rate (RMR), which resulted in a lower production of the parasitoid. In contrast, the lowest palm oil concentration in the artificial diet generated a low RMR and resulted in high-efficiency conversion of ingested food (ECI), enabling D. saccharalis to yield more C. flavipes. This suggests that palm oil influences the quantity of D. saccharalis ingested, which determines the number of C. flavipes that will be generated. In this study, supplementation of a D. saccharalis diet with 0.25% palm oil increased the production of C. flavipes. Therefore, this level of palm oil supplementation can aid in the production of C. flavipes on a laboratory-scale. Further research, including increasing the number of parasitoids, must be performed to mass-produce the augmentative releases of C. flavipes to manage D. saccharalis.

Hypersensitivity reactions to proton pump inhibitors. An EAACI position paper.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are invaluable therapeutic options in a variety of dyspeptic diseases. In addition to their well-known risk profile, PPI consumption is related to food and environmental allergies, dysbiosis, osteoporosis, as well as immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). The latter, although a rare event, around 1%-3%, due to the extraordinarily high rate of prescription and consumption of PPIs are related to a substantial risk. In this Position Paper, we provide clinicians with practical evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of HSRs to PPIs. Furthermore, the unmet needs proposed in the document aim to stimulate more in-depth investigations in the topic.

Evolution and dynamics of the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone: Understanding the paradoxes

The Arabian Sea hosts a perennial and intense oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) at 150–1200 m depths with O2 concentrations <0.5 ml/l. It is generally believed that the oxygen-depleted conditions at mid-water depths result from high rate of O2 consumption due to monsoon-driven productivity generating a high organic matter flux, combined with slow renewal of thermocline waters in the region. With global warming and increasing hypoxia, there is growing interest to better understand the various factors controlling oxygen conditions in the thermocline waters and the impact on the nutrient cycling and climate. In this contribution, we provide an overview of new advances in understanding the basin-wide changes of the OMZ, and highlight new perspectives on the relative roles of ocean and atmospheric circulations in modulating the OMZ intensity through the late glacial-Holocene period. Comprehension of the existing and new proxy records (δ15N, aragonite preservation, δ13C of benthic foraminifera) from the productive western and oligotrophic eastern and north-eastern Arabian Sea provides insights into the regional heterogeneity in basin-wide changes of the OMZ, denitrification and carbonate (aragonite) lysocline, and their links to the seasonal monsoon variability and reorganisation of thermocline circulation. We also highlight the limitations of the existing proxy data to address the important questions of how circulation and chemical properties of intermediate/deep water masses contributing to the Arabian Sea thermocline waters changed in the past. Hence, more detailed proxy data are required to characterise sources of water masses, past changes in their pathways and vertical extents in the Arabian Sea, which are crucial to better constrain the temporal evolution of thermocline ventilation basin-wide.

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders and contributing factors in professional drivers

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading global cause of disability and pose a significant public health issue, particularly among professional drivers who are prone to such conditions due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and exposure to whole-body vibrations. The objectives of this study are to assess the demographic, general, lifestyle, and wellness profiles of professional drivers, gauge their work environment characteristics, and measure the proportion of musculoskeletal symptoms using the modified Nordic questionnaire. This descriptive study collected data from 67 professional drivers at major bus stands in Lahore using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results revealed that the drivers, predominantly middle-aged (average age 39.72 ± 9.53 years) and married (95.52%), reported limited formal education (average 7.56 ± 3.91 years). Lifestyle assessments indicated high rates of smoking (61.19%) and frequent consumption of soft drinks (88.06%). In their work environment, most drivers (68.66%) worked daytime shifts, and a significant proportion (56.72%) experienced vibration exposure. The most frequently reported musculoskeletal symptoms were in the lower back (58.21% in the past 12 months, 43.28% in the past 7 days) and hips/thighs (61.19% in the past 12 months), impacting their ability to work. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted ergonomic and lifestyle interventions to improve the occupational health and safety of drivers, potentially reducing musculoskeletal discomfort and enhancing overall well-being and productivity.

The effects of media use on substance abuse among U.S. adolescents

This paper mainly explores the current situation and the effects of substance abuse among U.S. adolescents, with a focus on the effects of media use on substance abuse in the youth, which has drawn material attention in recent years considering the healthy development of adolescents. The United States' high substance consumption rates and increasing overdose deaths among these young individuals in their early life stages highlight the urgency of addressing this question. By synthesizing a list of related reviews published in recent years, this paper clarifies the acute condition of substance use among U.S. adolescents and gives a brief introduction of its impacts as well as the medical treatments or interventions in practice. Furthermore, this paper finds both positive and negative roles of media in the act of abusing in this certain age group by reviewing previous studies. This paper can provide a comprehensive and neutral perspective on this issue to all.

Regional Factors Influencing Bilateral Trade Between Kenya and South Africa

Trade in the modern world has evolved due to the liberalization and integration of the world into one unit. This has led to the practice of trade in multilateral, regional, and bilateral frameworks where states advance their diplomatic interests through negotiations, networking, regulations, and participation. Foreign trade is influenced by key regional factors like comparative advantage, level of investment, and domestic absorption rate. The study investigated the regional factors influencing bilateral trade between Kenya and South Africa, which are among the top economies in Africa and control a significant GDP within their regional trading blocs. The two nations enjoy trade under various global and regional arrangements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the African Union (AU), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Trade between Kenya and South Africa has been uneven for the last three decades, with South Africa reaping more from exports compared to Kenya. The objective of the study was to examine the regional factors influencing bilateral trade between Kenya and South Africa. The significance of the study was to add to the knowledge pool and guide policy formulation between the two states. The study focused on the nexus between regional factors and economic diplomacy between the two states from 1994 to 2023. The standard theory and Keynesian theory were used to inform the conceptual foundation for the study. The study adopted purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques to draw a sample size of 333 participants from the study area (Republic of Kenya and South Africa High Commission in Kenya). Primary data from interviews and questionnaires and secondary data from internet materials, journal articles, and books were adopted. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and results were presented thematically and through verbatim quotations. The findings were presented via frequency distribution tables and percentages. The study established that comparative advantage, level of investment, and domestic absorption rate were the key regional factors affecting bilateral trade between Kenya and South Africa. The study found that South Africa has a higher competitive advantage in international trade over Kenya, characterized by a low influence of comparative advantage, a low level of investment, and a high domestic consumption rate. The study recommended that Kenya place emphasis on addressing the key regional factors by leveraging endowment factors, establishing laws to attract more FDI, and increasing technical training to improve production and ensure surpluses for export.