Hours Of Exposure Research Articles

Thermoluminescence and ATR-FTIR study of UVC-irradiated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) food packaging

This research aims to study the effects of ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) food packaging. Main objectives include evaluating LDPE degradation and detecting UVC radiation using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) placed under LDPE samples. Results confirm accurate UVC detection after one hour of exposure, providing a useful tool for optimize food treatment procedures.ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis revealed subtle alterations (<8 % transmittance relative) in UVC-irradiated LDPE samples, including possible CH breakage (2910 and 2848 cm−1) and potential CC bond vibrations (1470 cm−1), among others. However, observed variations may stem from LDPE properties rather than entirely from UVC radiation. A comparative study of UVC-induced thermoluminescence (TL) emissions provided insights into various TLDs materials. TL kinetic analysis, using computerised glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) method, unveiled trap charge activation due to UVC exposure, including partial ionization, bleaching effect and photo-transfer (PTTL) processes. LDPE samples amplified UVC-TL responses, revealing intensity differences between the TLDs attributed to the PTTL process, accentuated by the lack of an annealing treatment. Additionally, chemical composition of the TL detectors such as, type, concentration, number, oxidation states and ionic radii of their dopants may influence UVC-TL response. Consequently, TL intensity ratios follow as: GR-200 (LiF: Mg, Cu, P) > TLD-100 (LiF: Ti, Mg) > TLD-400 (CaF2: Mn) > TLD-200 (CaF2: Dy). Thus, GR-200 detects ionizing radiation but cannot distinguish between ionizing and non-ionizing UVC radiation, while TLD-100 has limited effectiveness as a UVC radiation detector. In contrast, TLD-400 is suitable for detecting UVC radiation and TLD-200 emerges as the most favorable UVC detector, showing consistent response levels and minimal PTTL effect placed under the LDPE samples without the need of a thermal annealing treatment that makes the TLD-200 to be reusable in a low-cost measurement protocol.

Health risks from exposure to chemicals in clothing - Non-regulated halogenated aromatic compounds

The objective of the present study was to investigate some commonly detected halogenated textile pollutants for their bioavailability and hazardous properties. Release into artificial sweat and skin absorption in vitro were examined as well as mutagenic effects by Ames test, and skin-sensitizing properties from a peptide reactivity assay combined with a cell test.All investigated compounds were shown to migrate from the textile into sweat and be absorbed by the skin, although to a different extent. The experimental values for migration were found to be up to 390 times higher compared to literature values. Two of the studied compounds, 2,5-dinitrochlorobenzene and 3,5-dinitrobromobenzene, both exhibited mutagenic effects in the Ames test, while both 2,5-dinitrochlorobenzene and 2,6-dichlorobenzene-1,4-diamine were classified as skin sensitizers. The allergenic reactivity of the latter was found to be due to an oxidized transformation product.Risks for the induction of skin allergy and other non-carcinogenic effects from dermal exposure to the individual compounds were found low, even when considering clothing with the highest reported levels. However, the complex mixtures of chemicals often present in garments may still constitute a health risk, especially when considering the many hours of daily exposure. It is important to further study the toxicity of other frequently occurring chemicals as well as the synergistic effects of chemicals that co-occur in clothing.

Innovative multifunctional nanocomposite coated aluminum alloy for improved mechanical, flame retardant, and corrosion resistance in automobile industries

ABSTRACT Nanocomposites with impermeable two-dimensional materials show promise for metal corrosion protection. A coating matrix incorporating (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (AMS) functionalized molybdenum nitride (Mo2N) enhances the barrier effect due to its chemical and thermal stability. Further improvement is achieved by adding functionalized Mo2N into graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) within a polyurethane (PU) matrix, enhancing corrosion protection and fire retardancy. Electrochemical techniques evaluated the efficacy of aluminium coated with PU and varying concentrations of functionalized Mo2N/GCN. The resulting PU composite exhibited superior flame retardant capabilities, reducing peak heat release rate (pHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke production (TSP) compared to pure PU. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed enhanced coating resistance (5.55 × 101 1 Ω.cm2) even after 500 hours of exposure. Additionally, the composite displayed exceptional water repellency with a water contact angle (WCA) of 156° and commendable mechanical properties, including an adhesive strength of 19.2 MPa within the PU substrate. This multifunctional PU composite, incorporating functionalized Mo2N/GCN, presents a promising option for automotive coatings, offering corrosion protection, flame retardancy, water repellency, and mechanical robustness, thus enhancing durability and performance in harsh conditions.

Tracing semi-quantitatively the absorption and removal of organic pollutants in human hair based on secondary ion mass spectrometry

Human hair has become a promising non-invasive matrix in assessing exposure to environmental organic pollutants (OPs). However, exogenous contaminants, which were absorbed into the hair via sweat, sebum, and air particles/dust, could contribute to OP levels in hair and interfere with the precise exposure assessment. So far, the microscopic mechanisms underlying the absorption of exogenous OPs into hair remain inadequately understood. This study focused on the in-situ investigation of the diffusion processes of exogenous OPs into the hair structure using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and isotopic tracer techniques. Results showed that the relative signal intensities of deuterium-labeled tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-Pry), and bisphenol A (BPA) in the hair cortex were notably elevated after a 6-hour exposure. Diffusion coefficients of contaminants were related to their molecular weight, and absorption volumes to their water solubility and molecular structures. Exposure duration and solvent influenced the rate of diffusion and absorption volumes. The distribution of deuterium-labeled molecules in exposed hair samples after washing with two different solvents (acetone or water) was similar to that before washing. Our findings revealed the diffusion of OPs in hair cross-sections, indicating exogenous contributions to contaminants that are biologically incorporated into the hair.

An In Vitro Analysis of the Effects of Mouthwashes on the Surface Properties of Composite Resin Restorative Material.

Restorative composite resins have clinical prime importance in modern dental practice, but numerous factors influence their prognosis in the oral environment. Their interaction with oral care products, like mouthwashes, is one such factor. This study aimed to evaluate the quantifiable effects of different mouthwashes on the surface properties of the composite resin restorative material. The method involved formulating 90 samples of nanohybrid composite resins (Medicept Dental India Private Limited, Mumbai, India). The samples were treated with 1% alcohol, without alcohol, and with a saline solution (control). Surface roughness (Ra values) and microhardness had been checked before and after an exposure period of 24 hours. Data were thus tabulated, and from that, average values of surface roughness and microhardness were derived. This data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a t-test were used to compare the means of the variables. The level of significance was fixed at p < 0.05. The surface roughness value was significantly highest in the ethanol-containing mouthwash-treated samples after 24 hours of exposure (p < 0.05). The microhardness was statistically lower in these samples (p < 0.05). These research data give quantitative information, however, about the mass effect of mouthwashes on the composite resin restorative material. The presented changes, which were illustrated by the values of surface roughness and microhardness, are drawing attention to the fact that a cautious approach must be taken in the recommendations for oral care in the provision of intensive treatments with restorative composite resins.

Highly efficient and stable organic solar cells achieved by improving exciton diffusion and splitting through a volatile additive-assisted ternary strategy

The ternary and additive strategy, introducing a third component into a binary blend and add suitable additives, opens a simple and promising avenue to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). This study investigates the optimization of OSCs by introducing volatile additives and a third component, L8-BO-X, which tunes the active layer morphology and improves the performance of the devices. Utilizing various characterization techniques, such as the grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS), film-depth-dependent light absorption spectroscopy (FLAS), and the femtosecond-resolved transient absorption (fsTA) spectroscopy, the effects of these adjustment on crystallinity, phase separation, exciton generation, and charge transport in photovoltaic device are explored. The incorporation of the third component and volatile additives results in less anisotropy in molecular orientation and thus faster exciton splitting at the D-A interface, enhanced π-π stacking coherence length and longer exciton lifetime, and eventually an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.6 % (certified as 19.07 % in the National Institute of Metrology in China) and exceptional photostability, with the devices retaining 82 % efficiency after 1200 hours of continuous light exposure.

Knockdown and Toxicity of Essential Oils from the Rhizome of Zingiber officinale (L) and the Bud of Syzygium aromaticum (L) to Periplaneta americana (L)

The American cockroach (Periplanata americana) is an important peridomestic pest that is responsible for the mechanical transmission of several disease pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the knockdown and toxicity effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oils against Periplanata americana. Oils were extracted from the rhizomes and buds of ginger and cloves plants respectively. The oils were extracted using the hydrodistillation method and were serially diluted in 20% tween 80 solution to obtain seven concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400μl/ml). Whatman No.1 filter paper was smeared with 1ml of each concentration of the oil and allowed to dry. Adult P. americana were exposed to the treated filter paper in a glass jar. Each experimental set up and the control had 20 adult cockroaches each. The control experiment had the cockroaches exposed to 1ml of 20% tween 80 solution. Each experiment was replicated 4 times. The knockdown effect was observed at 10 minutes intervals for 60 minutes while the mortality count was recorded after 24 and 48 hours. After 20 minutes of exposure to cloves oil, 100% knockdown was observed in the highest concentration (400μl/ml). For ginger oil, complete knockdown was observed in the highest concentration (400μl/ml) after 30 minutes of exposure. Both ginger and clove oil showed increased mortality as the concentration increased. After 48 hours of exposure, 100% mortality of adult P. americana were recorded in both oils at the highest concentration of 400μl/ml. While 25% and 40% mortality recorded at the lowest concentration of 5μl/ml for ginger and clove oil respectively at 48 hours. There was no mortality recorded in the control. Clove oil was more potent than ginger oil, this was judged by the 48 hours LC50 value of 7.344μl/ml while the 48 hour LC50 value for ginger oil was 56.564μl/ml. It was concluded from the study that both ginger and clove oils exhibited significant knockdown and toxicity activity against P. americana. Thus, it is recommended that the essential oils from these plants should be incorporated in the production of botanical pesticides for the management of P. americana, which is a well-known mechanical vector and common household’s pest.

Effect of Agricultural Pesticide, Cypermethrin on Changes in Behavioural and Protein profile of larvivorous fish Aplocheilus lineatus

Cypermethrin is a synthetic pesticide that is widely used in agricultural fields and domestic areas to control pests and insect vectors. Cypermethrin considered to be a synthetic pyrethroid is extremely lethal on insects, and fishes and has a low impact on mammals and Aves. The present study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity of cypermethrin on the larvivorous fish Aplocheilus lineatus, which is the most common fish seen in pools, ponds, streams, paddy fields, and similar wetlands. The fish is highly significant in controlling vector-borne diseases prevailing in tropical countries. The LC50 value was determined to be 1.8 µg/L after 96 hrs of exposure to cypermethrin and the lethal value was 4 µg/L. The fish showed various behavioral changes during the experiment, including convulsions, vigorous gasping for air, erratically swimming, and loss of equilibrium. The results showed that even low concentrations of cypermethrin can exert acute effects on the biochemical constituents and behavioral aspects of A. lineatus. Total protein, structural protein, and soluble protein decreased from 1.33 ± 0.003 to 0.746 ± 0.015 mg/g, 0.967 ± 0.024 to 0.476 ± 0.0272 mg/g, and 0.444 ± 0.09 to 0.360 ± 0.018 mg/g, respectively, at 96 hours of exposure to 1 µg/L of cypermethrin. At the same time, glycogen levels also decreased from 1.11 ± 0.054 to 0.51 ± 0.019 mg/g. These variations in the behavioral and biochemical content of the fish after exposure indicate the toxic effect of cypermethrin. Hence the present study suggests monitoring and regulatory use of this pesticide.

Promising microRNAs in pre-diagnostic serum associated with lung cancer up to eight years before diagnosis: a HUNT study

IntroductionBlood biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer (LC) are in demand. There are few studies of the full microRNome in serum of asymptomatic subjects that later develop LC. Here we searched for novel microRNA biomarkers in blood from non-cancer, ever-smokers populations up to eight years before diagnosis.MethodsSerum samples from 98,737 subjects from two prospective population studies, HUNT2 and HUNT3, were considered initially. Inclusion criteria for cases were: ever-smokers; no known cancer at study entrance; 0–8 years from blood sampling to LC diagnosis. Each future LC case had one control matched to sex, age at study entrance, pack-years, smoking cessation time, and similar HUNT Lung Cancer Model risk score. A total of 240 and 72 serum samples were included in the discovery (HUNT2) and validation (HUNT3) datasets, respectively, and analysed by next-generation sequencing. The validated serum microRNAs were also tested in two pre-diagnostic plasma datasets from the prospective population studies NOWAC (n = 266) and NSHDS (n = 258). A new model adding clinical variables was also developed and validated.ResultsFifteen unique microRNAs were discovered and validated in the pre-diagnostic serum datasets when all cases were contrasted against all controls, all with AUC > 0.60. In combination as a 15-microRNAs signature, the AUC reached 0.708 (discovery) and 0.703 (validation). A non-small cell lung cancer signature of six microRNAs showed AUC 0.777 (discovery) and 0.806 (validation). Combined with clinical variables of the HUNT Lung Cancer Model (age, gender, pack-years, daily cough parts of the year, hours of indoor smoke exposure, quit time in years, number of cigarettes daily, body mass index (BMI)) the AUC reached 0.790 (discovery) and 0.833 (validation). These results could not be validated in the plasma samples.ConclusionThere were a few significantly differential expressed microRNAs in serum up to eight years before diagnosis. These promising microRNAs alone, in concert, or combined with clinical variables have the potential to serve as early diagnostic LC biomarkers. Plasma is not suitable for this analysis. Further validation in larger prospective serum datasets is needed.

Tailoring Heterojunctions in CsPbBrxCl3−x−MoS2 Composites for Efficient Photocatalysis and Hydrogen Evolution

AbstractWe demonstrate appropriate tuning of heterojunctions in CsPbBrxCl3−x−MoS2 composites (where x=0,1,2,3) by controlled regulation of the halide stoichiometry in the perovskite. A thorough optimization procedure determined the most effective photocatalyst, considering the pristine MoS2, perovskites with varying halide ratios, various physical mixing ratios of the two, and in‐situ synthesized composite ratios of CsPbBrxCl3−x and MoS2 (2 : 1, 1.5 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 1.5, 1 : 2). Under two hours of exposure to visible light, a remarkable photocatalytic performance of CsPbBrCl2 : MoS2 with a 1 : 2 ratio was observed, removing 98 % of the methylene blue (MB) dye. Notably, only the CsPbBrCl2 and MoS2 composite demonstrated higher efficiencies since it resulted in a n‐n type II heterojunction. Additionally, the CsPbBrCl2 : MoS2 composite exhibits the highest reaction rate constant, fifteen times higher than the pristine perovskite. Reusability assessment of this combination revealed sustained activity of 87 % for up to 5 cycles. The hydrogen evolution reaction investigations were carried out using the optimized CsPbBrCl2 : MoS2 composite, which yielded 265 times more hydrogen than pristine CsPbBrCl2. The Faradaic efficiency for 1 : 2 CsPbBrCl2 : MoS2 was found to be 96.61 %. Our results offer crucial perspectives on optimizing perovskite‐MoS2 composites and demonstrate their utility in sustainable applications, including water treatment, renewable energy harvesting, and environmental remediation.

Intensity matters in CLIL: Evidence from primary school learners’ receptive skills

The implementation of L2-medium education, exemplified by Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), is becoming increasingly popular in primary schools (García Mayo, 2021). While previous research highlights CLIL's positive impact on linguistic competence (Jiménez-Catalán & Ruiz de Zarobe, 2009), differences in linguistic achievement are often associated with varying exposure hours (Pladevall-Ballester & Vallbona, 2016). Despite CLIL's growing popularity, studies examining linguistic achievement in varying-intensity CLIL programs remain scant. We address this gap by comparing low and high-intensity CLIL programs, alongside a standard English as a foreign language (EFL) program in primary schools. Focused on 11-year-olds' receptive skills, our results show that high-intensity programs significantly enhance proficiency in listening and reading when compared to their lower-intensity counterparts. Distinctions between low-intensity and EFL programs are non-significant. These findings underscore the critical role of the intensity of exposure in shaping the effectiveness of CLIL programs and contribute insights for refining CLIL program design guidelines.

Role and mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia induced by hyperoxia exposure

To investigate the role and mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The experiment consisted of two parts. (1) Forty-eight preterm rats were randomly divided into a normoxia group and a hyperoxia group, with 24 rats in each group. The hyperoxia group was exposed to 85% oxygen to establish a BPD model, while the normoxia group was kept in room air at normal pressure. Lung tissue samples were collected on days 1, 4, 7, and 14 of the experiment. (2) Rat type II alveolar epithelial cells (RLE-6TN) were randomly divided into a normoxia group (cultured in air) and a hyperoxia group (cultured in 95% oxygen), and cell samples were collected 12, 24, and 48 hours after hyperoxia exposure. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe alveolarization in preterm rat lungs, and immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-localization of surfactant protein C (SPC) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in preterm rat lung tissue and RLE-6TN cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and protein immunoblotting were used to detect the expression levels of EMT-related mRNA and proteins in preterm rat lung tissue and RLE-6TN cells. (1) Compared with the normoxia group, the hyperoxia group showed blocked alveolarization and simplified alveolar structure after 7 days of hyperoxia exposure. Co-localization of SPC and α-SMA was observed in lung tissue, with decreased SPC expression and increased α-SMA expression in the hyperoxia group at 7 and 14 days of hyperoxia exposure compared to the normoxia group. In the hyperoxia group, the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and N-cadherin were increased, while the mRNA and protein levels of SPC and E-cadherin were decreased at 7 and 14 days of hyperoxia exposure compared to the normoxia group (P<0.05). (2) SPC and α-SMA was observed in RLE-6TN cells, with decreased SPC expression and increased α-SMA expression in the hyperoxia group at 24 and 48 hours of hyperoxia exposure compared to the normoxia group. Compared to the normoxia group, the mRNA and protein levels of SPC and E-cadherin in the hyperoxia group were decreased, while the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and E-cadherin in the hyperoxia group increased at 48 hours of hyperoxia exposure (P<0.05). EMT disrupts the tight connections between alveolar epithelial cells in a preterm rat model of BPD, leading to simplified alveolar structure and abnormal development, and is involved in the development of BPD. Citation:Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 2024, 26(7): 765-773.

Nanoscale phase management of the 2D/3D heterostructure toward efficient perovskite solar cells

The stabilization of the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) structure is pivotal for the development of efficient photovoltaic devices. Employing two-dimensional (2D) layers to passivate the three-dimensional (3D) perovskite is essential for maintaining the α-phase of FAPbI3 and enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the role of bulky ligands in the phase management of 2D perovskites, crucial for the stabilization of FAPbI3, has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we synthesized nanoscale 2D perovskite capping crusts with <n> = 1 and 2 Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite layers, respectively, which form a type-II 2D/3D heterostructure. This heterostructure stabilizes the α-phase of FAPbI3, and facilitates ultrafast carrier extraction from the 3D perovskite network to transport contact layer. We introduced tri-fluorinated ligands to mitigate defects caused by the halide vacancies and uncoordinated Pb2+ ions, thereby reducing nonradiative carrier recombination and extending carrier lifetime. The films produced were incorporated into PSCs that not only achieved a PCE of 25.39% but also maintained 95% of their initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous light exposure without encapsulation. These findings underscore the effectiveness of a phase-pure 2D/3D heterostructure-terminated film in inhibiting phase transitions passivating the iodide anion vacancy defects, facilitating the charge carrier extraction, and boosting the performance of optoelectronic devices.

Multiple mechanisms of aminoglycoside ototoxicity are distinguished by subcellular localization of action.

Mechanosensory hair cells of the inner ears and lateral line of vertebrates display heightened vulnerability to environmental insult, with damage resulting in hearing and balance disorders. An important example is hair cell loss due to exposure to toxic agents including therapeutic drugs such as the aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin and gentamicin and antineoplastic agents. We describe two distinct cellular pathways for aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death in zebrafish lateral line hair cells. Neomycin exposure results in death from acute exposure with most cells dying within 1 hour of exposure. By contrast, exposure to gentamicin results primarily in delayed hair cell death, taking up to 24 hours for maximal effect. Washout experiments demonstrate that delayed death does not require continuous exposure, demonstrating two mechanisms where downstream responses differ in their timing. Acute damage is associated with mitochondrial calcium fluxes and can be alleviated by the mitochondrially-targeted antioxidant mitoTEMPO, while delayed death is independent of these factors. Conversely delayed death is associated with lysosomal accumulation and is reduced by altering endolysosomal function, while acute death is not sensitive to lysosomal manipulations. These experiments reveal the complexity of responses of hair cells to closely related compounds, suggesting that intervention focusing on early events rather than specific death pathways may be a successful therapeutic strategy.

It matters what you see: Graphic media images of war and terror may amplify distress

Media exposure to graphic images of violence has proliferated in contemporary society, particularly with the advent of social media. Extensive exposure to media coverage immediately after the 9/11 attacks and the Boston Marathon bombings (BMB) was associated with more early traumatic stress symptoms; in fact, several hours of BMB-related daily media exposure was a stronger correlate of distress than being directly exposed to the bombings themselves. Researchers have replicated these findings across different traumatic events, extending this work to document that exposure to graphic images is independently and significantly associated with stress symptoms and poorer functioning. The media exposure-distress association also appears to be cyclical over time, with increased exposure predicting greater distress and greater distress predicting more media exposure following subsequent tragedies. The war in Israel and Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, provides a current, real-time context to further explore these issues as journalists often share graphic images of death and destruction, making media-based graphic images once again ubiquitous and potentially challenging public well-being. For individuals sharing an identity with the victims or otherwise feeling emotionally connected to the Middle East, it may be difficult to avoid viewing these images. Through a review of research on the association between exposure to graphic images and public health, we discuss differing views on the societal implications of viewing such images and advocate for media literacy campaigns to educate the public to identify mis/disinformation and understand the risks of viewing and sharing graphic images with others.

Indole-3-carbinol loaded-nanocapsules modulated inflammatory and oxidative damages and increase skin wound healing in rats

This study evaluated the effects of topically applied hydrogels (HG) containing nanoencapsulated indol-3-carbinol (I3C) and its free form in a rat model of skin wounds. Formulations were topically applied twice a day for five days to the wounds. On days 1, 3, and 6, the wound area was measured to verify the % of regression. On the sixth day, the animals were euthanized for the analysis of the inflammatory and oxidative profile in wounds. The nanocapsules (NC) exhibited physicochemical characteristics compatible with this kind of suspension. After five hours of exposure to ultraviolet C, more than 78% of I3C content in the suspensions was still observed. The NC-I3C did not modify the physicochemical characteristics of HG when compared to the HG base. In the in vivo study, an increase in the size of the wound was observed on the 3rd experimental day, which was lower in the treated groups (mainly in HG-NC-I3C) compared to the control. On the 6th day, HG-I3C, HG-NC-B, and HG-NC-I3C showed lower regression of the wound compared to the control. Additionally, HG-NC-I3C exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect (as observed by decreased levels of interleukin-1B and myeloperoxidase), reduced oxidative damage (by decreased reactive species, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation levels), and increased antioxidant defense (by improved catalase activity and vitamin C levels) compared to the control. The current study showed more satisfactory results in the HG-NC-I3C group than in the free form of I3C in decreasing acute inflammation and oxidative damage in wounds.

The β2-adrenergic receptor agonist formoterol attenuates necrosis and apoptosis in the rat myocardium under experimental stress-induced cardiac injury.

Currently, there is no effective therapy for takotsubo syndrome (stress-induced cardiac injury in humans) in the clinics. It has previously been shown that β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) agonist formoterol reduces cardiomyocyte injury in experimental takotsubo syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether formoterol prevents apoptosis and necrosis of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells in stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Stress-induced cardiac injury was induced by immobilization of rats for 2, 6, and 24 hours. The myocardium of stressed rats showed a reduction in contractility and histological manifestations of cardiomyocyte damage: karyopyknosis, perinuclear edema of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, and microcirculation disturbances augmented with extended exposure to stress. In addition, apoptosis of endothelial cells was detected 6hours after the onset of stress and peaked at 24 hours. Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes significantly gained only after 24 hours of stress exposure. These morphological alterations were associated with increased levels of serum creatine kinase-MB, syndecan-1, and thrombomodulin after 24 hours of stress. Administration of β2-AR agonist formoterol (50 μg/kg) four times during 24-hour stress exposure led to the improvement in myocardial inotropy, decrease in the severity of histological signatures, reduction in the number of TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes, serum creatine kinase-MB, syndecan-1, and thrombomodulin levels. Present data suggest that apoptosis and necrosis of cardiomyocytes and necrosis of endothelial cells in stress-induced cardiac injury can be mitigated by activation of the β2-AR. However, formoterol did not eliminate completely cardiomyocyte apoptosis, histological alterations, or endothelium injury markers under stress.

Time to level the playing field between men and women — Given similar injury incidence: A two-season analysis of match injuries in elite men and women's (Super League) rugby league

ObjectivesTo compare match injury incidence, severity and burden in men's and women's elite rugby league. DesignA prospective cohort epidemiological study. MethodsTime loss match injury data were collected from all men's (11,301 exposure hours) and women's (5,244 exposure hours) Super League clubs. ResultsInjury incidence and burden were not different between men and women (mean [95 % CI]; 54 [45 to 65] vs. 60 [49 to 74] per 1000 match-hours; p = 0.39, and 2332 [1844 to 2951] vs. 1951 [1560 to 2440] days lost per 1000 match-hours; p = 0.26). However, injury severity was greater for men than women (42 [35–50] vs. 35 [29 to 42]; p = 0.01). Lower limbs accounted for 54 % and 52 % of injuries for men and women, with the head/face the most frequently injured location due to concussion (12 [10 to 15] and 10 [8 to 14] per 1000 match-hours for men and women). Injuries to the knee had the greatest burden for men and women (708 [268–1868] and 863 [320–2328] days lost per 1000 match-hours). Being tackled was the most common injury mechanism for men and women (28 % and 38 %) with greater burden (p < 0.01) than other injury mechanisms. ConclusionsMale and female rugby league players have similar injury incidence and burden; however, injury severity was higher in men. Head/face injuries have the highest injury incidence and knee injuries have the highest burden. These injuries should be the focus for prevention initiatives at a league (via laws), player, and coach level, with equal and specific focus for both men's and women's rugby league players.

Leishmania infantum infection modulates messenger RNA, microRNA and long non-coding RNA expression in human neutrophils in vitro.

In the Americas, L. infantum (syn. chagasi) is the main cause of human visceral leishmaniasis. The role of neutrophils as part of the innate response to Leishmania spp. infection is dubious and varies according to the species causing the infection. Global expression of coding RNAs, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs changes as part of the immune response against pathogens. Changes in mRNA and non-coding RNA expression resulting from infection by Leishmania spp. are widely studied in macrophages, but scarce in neutrophils, the first cell to encounter the trypanosomatid, especially following infection by L. infantum. Herein, we aimed to understand the expression patterns of coding and non-coding transcripts during acute in vitro infection of human neutrophils by L. infantum. We isolated neutrophils from whole blood of healthy male donors (n = 5) and split into groups: 1) infected with L. infantum (MOI = 5:1), and 2) uninfected controls. After 3 hours of exposure of infected group to promastigotes of L. infantum, followed by 17 hours of incubation, total RNA was extracted and total RNA-Seq and miRNA microarray were performed. A total of 212 genes were differentially expressed in neutrophils following RNA-Seq analysis (log2(FC)±0.58, FDR≤0.05). In vitro infection with L. infantum upregulated the expression of 197 and reduced the expression of 92 miRNAs in human neutrophils (FC±2, FDR≤0.01). Lastly, 5 downregulated genes were classified as lncRNA, and of the 10 upregulated genes, there was only 1 lncRNA. Further bioinformatic analysis indicated that changes in the transcriptome and microtranscriptome of neutrophils, following in vitro infection with L. infantum, may impair phagocytosis, apoptosis and decrease nitric oxide production. Our work sheds light on several mechanisms used by L. infantum to control neutrophil-mediated immune response and identifies several targets for future functional studies, aiming at the development of preventive or curative treatments for this prevalent zoonosis.

Efeito do gás amônia em cama aviária contaminada com Eimeria spp.

Avian coccidiosis is a common disease that affects poultry worldwide. The practices used to control this pathology in poultry are based mainly on the use of antimicrobials, which have generated increased resistance of Eimeria and other microorganisms. Research is therefore needed to devise new control models and strategies. The objective of our research was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of ammonia gas on poultry litter artificially contaminated with unsporulated Eimeria spp. oocysts. Samples of sterilized poultry litter were placed in containers artificially contaminated with unsporulated Eimeria spp. oocysts. Samples were placed in plastic bags and ammonia gas was injected in concentrations of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1% and 1.2%. The tested dosages of ammonia gas inhibited the sporulation of oocysts in poultry litter by 100%. Our study indicates that ammonia gas is efficient in eliminating Eimeria spp. in poultry litter at concentrations equal to or higher than 0.2% after one hour of exposure. These results are promising because, through the use of the bedding disinfection method (shallow fermentation with ammonia injection) it will be possible to eliminate field oocysts, improving the result of coccidiosis vaccines.