Low Concentrations Research Articles

Ash Properties and Environmental Impact of Coal and Its Blend with Patent Fuel for Climate Sustainability

Fossil fuels are still widely used today, and exploring more sustainable ways of using coal is crucial. One promising approach is to develop a patented fuel with reduced harmful gas emissions during combustion. This study aims to investigate the properties of the ash produced by burning steam coal mixed with various ratios of patent fuel. The combustion process was carried out using a standard solid fuel boiler with a power output of 70 kW. The ash samples were analyzed using various analytical methods, and ash leaching tests were conducted. The study found that adding patent fuel to coal affects combustion and ash composition. Determining the thermal stability of ash samples showed that adding patent fuel to coal results in decomposition starting earlier and in stronger combustion. The ash produced by patent fuel–coal mixtures contains lower concentrations of Ba, Cr, Ga, Li, Mn, V, and Zn than pure coal combustion. Leaching tests showed that coal ash leachates had higher concentrations of environmental pollutants, such as As, Cd, Co, Mn, Mo, Sb, and U, than patent fuel leachates. Adding patent fuel to coal affects combustion, ash properties, emissions, and disposal. Understanding these implications can help to develop sustainable coal usage and reduce environmental impact.

Combining analytical techniques to assess the translocation of diesel particles across an alveolar tissue barrier in vitro

BackgroundDuring inhalation, airborne particles such as particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), can deposit and accumulate on the alveolar epithelial tissue. In vivo studies have shown that fractions of PM2.5 can cross the alveolar epithelium to blood circulation, reaching secondary organs beyond the lungs. However, approaches to quantify the translocation of particles across the alveolar epithelium in vivo and in vitro are still not well established. In this study, methods to assess the translocation of standard diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) across permeable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) inserts at 0.4, 1, and 3 μm pore sizes were first optimized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), and lock-in thermography (LIT), which were then applied to study the translocation of DEPs across human alveolar epithelial type II (A549) cells. A549 cells that grew on the membrane (pore size: 3 μm) in inserts were exposed to DEPs at different concentrations from 0 to 80 µg.mL− 1 ( 0 to 44 µg.cm− 2) for 24 h. After exposure, the basal fraction was collected and then analyzed by combining qualitative (TEM) and quantitative (UV-VIS and LIT) techniques to assess the translocated fraction of the DEPs across the alveolar epithelium in vitro.ResultsWe could detect the translocated fraction of DEPs across the PET membranes with 3 μm pore sizes and without cells by TEM analysis, and determine the percentage of translocation at approximatively 37% by UV-VIS (LOD: 1.92 µg.mL− 1) and 75% by LIT (LOD: 0.20 µg.cm− 2). In the presence of cells, the percentage of DEPs translocation across the alveolar tissue was determined around 1% at 20 and 40 µg.mL− 1 (11 and 22 µg.cm− 2), and no particles were detected at higher and lower concentrations. Interestingly, simultaneous exposure of A549 cells to DEPs and EDTA can increase the translocation of DEPs in the basal fraction.ConclusionWe propose a combination of analytical techniques to assess the translocation of DEPs across lung tissues. Our results reveal a low percentage of translocation of DEPs across alveolar epithelial tissue in vitro and they correspond to in vivo findings. The combination approach can be applied to any traffic-generated particles, thus enabling us to understand their involvement in public health.

Bacterial cellulose from kombucha: Assessing inoculum age and concentration, and its conversion via enzymatic hydrolysis into cellobiose and glucose

Kombucha-type fermentation yields significant amounts of bacterial cellulose alongside the fermented beverage. This study evaluated the effects of inoculum age and concentration in kombucha-type fermentation using green acerola residue as an extract. The findings revealed that lower inoculum concentrations (2.5 and 5%) resulted in decreased bacterial cellulose (BC) yield. Conversely, increasing the inoculum concentration to 7.5% and 10% led to a 3.2-fold increase in BC yield. Inoculums aged just 3 days exhibited the lowest BC production, followed by older inoculums (9 and 12 days), suggesting reduced metabolic activity in the latter case. The optimal combination was found to be an inoculum age of 6 days and a concentration of 7.5%, resulting in a BC yield of up to 2.2 g/L using 70 g/L of carbon source. BC obtained from fermentation underwent enzymatic hydrolysis to yield cellobiose. Multi-stage hydrolysis - 1 stage (48 h), 2 (24 h, 24 h), 3 (12 h, 24 h, 24 h), and 4 (6 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h) - utilizing a methodology that anticipates the adsorption of endoglucanases onto the BC itself was employed to mitigate the inhibition of cellobiose on endoglucanases. The stages demonstrated an increase in cellobiose yield corresponding to the greater number of cycles, with 4 stages yielding 12.4% compared to 8.6% for hydrolysis conducted in a single stage. Despite the observed increase, the yield can be considered low and attributed to the loss of adsorbed enzymes between cycles due to the high crystallinity of the BC.

Comparison of coagulation and fibrinolysis in Irish Wolfhounds and age-matched control dogs using tissue plasminogen activator-augmented viscoelastic testing.

To determine if Irish Wolfhounds (IWs), like other sighthounds, are hyperfibrinolytic compared with nonsighthound dogs using 2 native and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-enhanced viscoelastic assays, one that is whole blood-based (viscoelastic coagulation monitor [VCM]) and the other that is plasma-based thromboelastography (TEG). Cohort study. University teaching hospital. A convenience sample of 27 IWs recruited from the Irish Wolfhound Association of New England Specialty and the local community, and 27 healthy, age-matched, large-breed control dogs. None. Blood samples including CBC, biochemistry, traditional coagulation, and viscoelastic testing were collected from IWs and control dogs. Twelve IWs had viscoelastic testing. IWs had lower fibrinogen concentrations (215.5±57.8vs 251.4±64.5mg/dL, P=0.034) and formed weaker clots on both whole-blood VCM and plasma TEG assays (maximum clot firmness [VCM-MCF]=39.4 [25.1-48.8] vs 48.5 [34.6-57.3], P=0.0042; maximum amplitude [TEG-MA]=22.7 [14.7-33.6] vs 32.2 [26.9-42.0], P<0.0001). IWs were hyperfibrinolytic compared with control dogs on VCM whole-blood assays, with 25U/mL tPA (lysis at 30min [VCM-LI30]=68.1 [0-100] vs\ 99.9 [63.3-100], P=0.0009; lysis at 45min [VCM-LI45]=31.0 [0-100] vs 98.1 [38.4-100], P=0.0002) but hypofibrinolytic compared with controls on TEG plasma assays with 50U/mL tPA (lysis at 30min [TEG-LY30]=45.7 [4.6-94.6] vs 93.7 [12.3-96.5], P=0.0004; lysis at 60min [TEG-LY60]=68.7 [29.7-96.8] vs 95.7 [34.4-97.6], P=0.0003). Minimal fibrinolysis was measured on whole-blood VCM or plasma TEG assays without the addition of tPA, and there were no differences between the 2 groups. Weaker clots were found in IWs than control dogs. With the addition of tPA, IWs had evidence of hyperfibrinolysis on whole-blood VCM assays and hypofibrinolysis on plasma TEG assays compared with control dogs. Without the addition of tPA, however, both groups of dogs showed minimal fibrinolysis on viscoelastic testing.

CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 genotypes predict praziquantel plasma exposure among Ethiopian school-aged children

Metabolism of praziquantel (PZQ), a racemic mixture and the only drug approved to treat S. mansoni infection, is mediated by genetically polymorphic enzymes. Periodic school-based mass drug administration (MDA) with PZQ is the core intervention to control schistosomiasis. However data on the impact of pharmacogenetic variation, nutrition, and infection status on plasma PZQ exposure is scarce. We investigated genetic and non-genetic factors influencing PZQ plasma concentration and its metabolic ratios (trans-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ and cis-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ). Four hundred forty-six school children aged 7–15 years from four primary schools in southern Ethiopia who received albendazole and PZQ preventive chemotherapy through MDA campaign were enrolled. Genotyping for common functional variants of CYP3A4 (*1B), CYP3A5 (*3, *6), CYP2C19 (*2, *3, *17), CYP2C9 (*2, *3), and CYP2J2*7 was performed. Plasma concentrations of PZQ, trans-4-OH-PZQ, and cis-4-OH-PZQ were quantified using UPLCMS/MS. Carriers of CYP2C19 defective variant alleles (*2 and *3) had significantly higher mean PZQ plasma concentration than CYP2C19*1/*1 or *17 carriers (p = 0.005). CYP2C19*1/*1 and CYP2C19*17 carriers had higher trans-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ and cis-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ metabolic ratios compared with CYP2C19*2 or *3 carriers (p < 0.001). CYP2J2*7 carriers had lower mean PZQ plasma concentration (p = 0.05) and higher trans-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ and cis-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ metabolic ratios. Male participants had significantly higher PZQ concentration (p = 0.006) and lower metabolic ratios (p = 0.001) than females. There was no significant effect of stunting, wasting, S. mansoni or soil-transmitted helminth infections, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, or CYP2C9 genotypes on plasma PZQ or its metabolic ratios. In conclusion, sex, CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 genotypes significantly predict PZQ plasma exposure among Ethiopian children. The impact of CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 genotypes on praziquantel treatment outcomes requires further investigation.

Transcriptome analysis of sexual dimorphism in dorsal down coloration in goslings

BackgroundIn day-old Hungarian white goose goslings, there is a noticeable difference in dorsal down coloration between males and females, with females having darker dorsal plumage and males having lighter plumage. The ability to autosex day-old goslings based on their dorsal down coloration is important for managing them efficiently and planning their nutrition in the poultry industry. The aim of this study was to determine the biological and genetic factors underlying this difference in dorsal down colorationthrough histological analysis, biochemical assays, transcriptomic profiling, and q‒PCR analysis.ResultsTissue analysis and biochemical assays revealed that compared with males, 17-day-old embryos and day-old goslings of female geese exhibited a greater density of melanin-containing feather follicles and a greater melanin concentration in these follicles during development. Both female and male goslings had lower melanin concentrations in their dorsal skin compared to 17-day-old embryos. Transcriptome analysis identified a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (MC1R, TYR, TYRP1, DCT and MITF) associated with melanogenesis pathways that were downregulated or silenced specifically in the dorsal skin of day-old goslings compared to 17-day-old embryos, affecting melanin synthesis in feather follicles. Additionally, two key genes (MC1R and MITF) associated with feather coloration showed differences between males and females, with females having higher expression levels correlated with increased melanin synthesis and darker plumage.ConclusionThe expression of multiple melanogenesis genes determines melanin synthesis in goose feather follicles. The dorsal down coloration of day-old Hungarian white goose goslings shows sexual dimorphism, likely due to differences in the expression of the MC1R and MITF genes between males and females. These results could help us better understand why male and female goslings exhibit different plumage patterns.

Breast milk – a living superfood. Review of current knowledge

Introduction: Breastfeeding is considered the best nutrition for infants, including born preterm due to containing optimal ingredients for development and growth. Breast milk is a rich source of nutrients, it also contains diverse types of bacteria, which play a role in infant’s gastrointestinal tract colonization and preserving mammary health. Composition of human milk varies depending on numerous maternal and infant factors. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to summarize the current knowledge about the content of nutrients, bioactive factors and microbiota diversity in human milk depending on various factors. Materials and methods: The work is a review of 26 mainly English-language scientific publications from 1989-2024 posted on the PubMed platform. Results: Milk composition changes in addition to several factors. Depending on postnatal age: preterm milk has higher content of protein, fat and immunological factors and lower concentration of lactose than term milk. Depending on milk maturity: Colostrum is higher in protein but lower in lactose, fat and energy than mature milk. Human milk is also a source of viable bacteria important for developing infant’s gut microbiota, but the diversity of bacterial strains in milk may vary. Depending on mode of delivery: milk of mothers after spontaneous labour contents more probiotic vaginal- and enteric-associated bacteria, while milk of mothers after C-section has more skin-associated microbiota. Depending on mother’s weight: milk of overweight mothers is lower in probiotic- and higher in pathogenic bacteria. Alcohol, nicotine, and some medications also have negative impact on produced milk. Conclusions: Human milk varies from woman to woman and its composition depends on several factors. Postnatal and gestational stage, delivery mode, mother's weight and certain substances have been found to be important factors influencing the constitution of breast milk, including nutrients, microbiota and volume of milk.

Influence of Iba Concentrations on in Vitro Rooting of Cucumber Varieties

In vitro root induction was observed in cucumber as influenced by varieties and IBA concentrations. Four cucumber varieties viz. Shila, Green Field, Shital and Shahi-50 and three IBA concentrations viz. 0.0 (Control), 1.0, and 2.0 mg l-1 were used in this investigation. The Shital variety with in maximum number and the highest percentage of shoot produced roots. No root induction was observed when medium was auxin free. Higher concentration of IBA resulted in higher number (3.94) and percentage (98.65 %) of root. Half strength MS medium when fortified with 2.0 mg l-1 IBA took minimum time (6.88 days). Combined effect of varieties and IBA concentrations were found significant in all the parameters studied. The highest number (19.54) of roots were obtained from variety Shital when they were interacted with higher IBA concentration (2.0 mg l-1) followed by the interaction of same variety with lower concentration (19.18). The highest root length (8.80 cm) was found in the interaction of Shila x 2.0 mg l-1 IBA and the lowest root length (6.31 cm) was found in the interaction of Shahi-50 x 1.0 mg l-1 IBA. The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 7(1 &amp;2):01-10, 2012

Incorporation of Al into diatom frustule as a proxy of seawater Al/Si ratios in the Antarctic Zone of the Southern ocean: Implications for surface silicic acid concentrations during the last glacial period

Knowledge of silicic acid concentrations at the surface Southern Ocean helps better understand the role of the biological pump in regulating atmospheric CO2 concentrations in the past. While the silicon isotope compositions of diatom provide a measure of Si utilization efficiency, proxies on surface silicic acid concentration are not yet available. Here we determined the diatom frustule Al/Si ratio and dust flux to constrain the surface silicic acid concentrations in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Our results based on multiple methods, including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), suggest the isomorphic substitution of Al for Si by frustule biosynthesis. This enables us to transfer the diatom Al/Si ratio into seawater Al/Si ratio using the partition coefficient of Al between diatom silica and seawater. By further constraining dust flux using the sediment 230Th-normalized 232Th flux, we found that the markedly higher frustule Al/Si ratios cannot be solely explained by increased Al dissolution from dust and call for much lower surface silicic acid concentrations in the Antarctic Zone during the Last Glacial Period. The lower silicic acid concentration coupled with lower Si utilization efficiency inferred previously from silicon isotopes in the Antarctic Zone is likely due to the combined effects of reduced upwelling and iron-fertilization-regulated uptake stoichiometry, contributing to a lower atmospheric CO2 during the Last Glacial Period.

Characterization of slightly acidic electrolyzed water on effective disinfection against microbial safety and retention of phenolic compound in SAEW treated fresh romaine lettuce

Abstract This study investigated the effects of processing parameters, specifically the low rate and the combination of diluted HCl and salt (NaCl) at different concentrations, on the properties of the slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) that was produced. The properties of the SAEW that were analyzed included pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), available chlorine concentrations (ACC), and generated hypochlorous acid (HClO) concentration. NaCl alone resulted in the lowest pH (&amp;lt;4) and the highest ORP values (&amp;gt;1000 mV). Increasing HCl concentrations significantly raised pH levels to greater than 5 and lowered ORP values of SAEW, with the highest pH (5.7) observed with 1.5% HCl and 5% NaCl. The highest HClO concentration of 19.65±1.03 mg/L was obtained with 1.5% HCl:5% NaCl. Interestingly, the concentration of NaCl showed no significant effects on the production of HClO. Furthermore, different concentrations of combined NaCl and HCl significantly influenced the inactivation efficiency on total aerobic bacteria count and changes in phenolic compound content. Increasing HCl concentrations from 0.5% to 2.0% led to an increase in the reduction of aerobic bacteria counts from 2.51 to 4.22 log CFU/g with 5% NaCl and from 2.49 to 3.52 log CFU/g with 10% NaCl. Flow rates significantly contributed to the change in HClO formation and altered the properties of the produced SAEW. Results indicated that SAEW treatment significantly reduced total aerobic bacteria counts. The lower flow rates (0.3 L/min) produced the highest log reductions. Additionally, SAEW treatment led to a reduction in phenolic content, even though considerable amount was retained at lower HClO concentrations. These findings offer valuable information on optimizing SAEW treatment protocols for enhancing microbial safety and extending the shelf life of fresh produce, while considering the impact on the content of phenolic compounds.

Cytotoxicity Screening of Sterculia striata A.St.-Hil. & Naudin (Chichá) and Arachis hypogaea L. (Peanut) and Comparative Chemical Profiles Before and After in Vitro Digestion.

This study traced the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile before and after in vitro digestion of nuts from Sterculia striata A. St.-Hil. & Naudin (Malvaceae) (chichá or monkey's peanut), a native plant from Brazil, in comparison with Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut). The antioxidant activity in the 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) assays was lower in chichá when compared with peanuts, corroborating the lower concentration of polyphenols. None of the samples studied showed significant cytotoxicity in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromideDAD: diode-array detection (MTT) assays. In vitro digestion altered the phytochemical profile in both plants, increasing the concentration of rutin in fresh and roasted chichá but only in raw peanuts. In roasted peanuts, rutin was converted into quercetin. Chichá nuts have been used by the local population for centuries, and the identification of their bioactive components can be useful to promote their benefits as a functional food.

A Testis-Specific DMRT1 (Double Sex and Mab-3-Related Transcription Factor 1) Plays a Role in Spermatogenesis and Gonadal Development in the Hermaphrodite Boring Giant Clam Tridacna crocea

The testis-specific double sex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) has long been recognized as a crucial player in sex determination across vertebrates, and its essential role in gonadal development and the regulation of spermatogenesis is well established. Here, we report the cloning of the key spermatogenesis-related DMRT1 cDNA, named Tc-DMRT1, from the gonads of Tridacna crocea (T. crocea), with a molecular weight of 41.93 kDa and an isoelectric point of 7.83 (pI). Our hypothesis is that DMRT1 machinery governs spermatogenesis and regulates gonadogenesis. RNAi-mediated Tc-DMRT1 knockdown revealed its critical role in hindering spermatogenesis and reducing expression levels in boring giant clams. A histological analysis showed structural changes, with normal sperm cell counts in the control group (ds-EGFP) but significantly lower concentrations of sperm cells in the experimental group (ds-DMRT1). DMRT1 transcripts during embryogenesis exhibited a significantly high expression pattern (p &lt; 0.05) during the early zygote stage, and whole-embryo in-situ hybridization confirmed its expression pattern throughout embryogenesis. A qRT-PCR analysis of various reproductive stages revealed an abundant expression of Tc-DMRT1 in the gonads during the male reproductive stage. In-situ hybridization showed tissue-specific expression of DMRT1, with a positive signal detected in male-stage gonadal tissues comprising sperm cells, while no signal was detected in other stages. Our study findings provide an initial understanding of the DMRT1 molecular machinery controlling spermatogenesis and its specificity in male-stage gonads of the key bivalve species, Tridacna crocea, and suggest that DMRT1 predominantly functions as a key regulator of spermatogenesis in giant clams.

Microencapsulation of Origanum heracleoticum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils – novel strategy to combat multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Within the global rise of antimicrobial resistance enhanced by the COVID-19 pandemic, where Acinetobacter baumannii has been distinguished as an emerging multi-resistant pathogen, essential oils, become the focus of novel therapeutic approaches. Hypothesizing that encapsulated Origanum heracleoticum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils could express multi-target approach against A. baumannii, this study aimed to develop microencapsulated systems with optimal technological qualities using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as a carrier, and to evaluate their pharmacological potential against A. baumannii, and their morphological and physicochemical characteristics, safety and stability profiles. The highest yield and encapsulation efficiency were obtained with 1:10 essential oil to carrier, and 1.5:10 carrier to water w/w ratios. The formation of inclusion complexes was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Both microencapsulates achieved improved homogeneity, particle surface, and thermal stability compared with the pure carrier. Dominant bioactive compounds (carvacrol and p-cymene in O. heracleoticum essential oil, and thymol and p-cymene in T. vulgaris essential oil) remained the most abundant after encapsulation. While non-encapsulated essential oils revealed similar antimicrobial activity towards clinical A. baumannii isolates obtained from COVID-19 patients, encapsulated O. heracleoticum essential oil inhibited the bacterial growth at lower concentrations than T. vulgaris essential oil microencapsulate. All samples significantly reduced the formation of A. baumannii biofilm, for at least 53.90% towards the most infective isolate according to the Caenorhabditis elegans assay. Further, in silico molecular docking study revealed strong interaction pattern of carvacrol and thymol with the outer membrane protein A, which is the main factor for the A. baumannii biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity investigation on human lung A549 cells showed high survival rate in the presence of all tested concentrations, and the stability study revealed notable preservation of the bioactives’ content and pharmacological potential. Altogether, microencapsulated essential oils exhibited a multi-target approach towards A. baumannii, with satisfactory preserving capability during storage.

Chemoreactomic analysis of the antioxidant properties of vitamin B12 derivatives

Background. Synthetic derivatives of vitamin B12 exhibit various physical, chemical and pharmacological properties. The development of methods for predicting the properties of these molecules based on their chemical structure is important for the targeted organic synthesis of corrins with the desired properties and range of applications in pharmacology.Objective: chemoreactomic assessment of the antioxidant effects of vitamin B12 and its derivatives: aquacobalamin, diaquacobinamide, aquacyano-forms of heptaethanolamine-, heptaethylenediamine-, heptamethyl- and heptabutylcobyrinates.Material and methods. The study was conducted using the method of chemoreactomic analysis, implemented within the framework of the algebraic theory of recognition and topological data analysis and based on the theory of isomorphism of labeled graphs and modern methods for predicting numerical target variables. To carry out chemoinformatic chemoreactome analysis, a special problem-oriented theory was developed within the boundaries of the combinatorial theory of solvability and the antioxidant properties of vitamin B12 derivatives were assessed (140 activities in total).Results. Significant differences were found in the properties of the studied substances in relation to oxidative stress. In test systems based on the oxidant 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, at different exposure times to molecules (15–60 min) in different concentrations (10–125 μM, 50–3000 μg/ml), aquacobalamin exhibited the most pronounced antioxidant properties at lower concentrations (up to 100 µM). At higher concentrations of substances (125 μM), the antioxidant activity of other vitamin B12 derivatives was higher. All studied molecules had a moderate antimicronutrient effect (total score of about 3.0; for most synthetic drugs, this score is higher than 3.6). Aquacobalamin was characterized by еhe least pronounced antimicronutrient effect (total score less than 0.8), which indicates an almost complete absence of antivitamin and antimineral action, corresponding to an average increase in the risk of a particular micronutrient excretion by no more than 5%.Conclusion. All the studied compounds exert antioxidant properties to one degree or another. Regardless of the choice of simulated test systems for assessing oxidative stress, aquacobalamin demonstrated antioxidant effects to the greatest extent and practically did not stimulate the loss of other micronutrients.

Ninjin'yoeito reduces fatigue-like conditions by alleviating inflammation of the brain and skeletal muscles in aging mice.

Fatigue can lead to several health issues and is particularly prevalent among elderly individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions. Ninjin'yoeito, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is used to address fatigue and malaise, anorexia, and anemia. This study aimed to examine whether relieving inflammation in the brain and skeletal muscle of senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) could reduce fatigue-like conditions associated with aging. First, SAMP8 mice were divided into two groups, with and without ninjin'yoeito treatment. The ninjin'yoeito-treated group received a diet containing 3% ninjin'yoeito for a period of 4 months starting at 3 months of age. At 7 months of age, all mice underwent motor function, treadmill fatigue, and behavioral tests. They were then euthanized and the skeletal muscle weight, muscle cross-sectional area, and concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) in both the brain and skeletal muscle were measured. The results showed that the ninjin'yoeito-treated group had higher motor function and spontaneous locomotor activity than the untreated group did and ran for significantly longer in the treadmill fatigue test. Moreover, larger muscle cross-sectional area, lower IL-1β concentrations, and higher IL-1RA concentrations were observed in both the brain and skeletal muscle tissues of the ninjin'yoeito-treated group than in the untreated group. The results suggest that ninjin'yoeito improves age-related inflammatory conditions in both the central and peripheral tissues and reduces fatigue.

Diet supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae influences the electrophoretic parameters in blood in young Charolaise bulls

Abstract Introduction The objective of the research was to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on some acute-phase proteins, haptoglobin and all electrophoretic parameters in young Charolaise bulls. Material and Methods Sixty bulls were divided into two equal groups: the control group (CG) receiving the base diet without yeast supplementation and the diet supplementation group (YG) receiving the base diet with 5g of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation. The base diet was total mixed ration allocated at 11.85 kg per animal per day. Blood samples were collected from all bulls on day 0 before the start of the diet supplementation, and on days 20 and 40 after the start. Total proteins, albumin, globulin fraction (α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins), albumin: globulin ratio (A: G) and haptoglobin were determined. Results Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of the yeast feeding time on all studied parameters except α2-globulins in both groups. The YG showed a higher average concentration of total proteins, albumin and A: G and a lower average concentration of γ-globulins and haptoglobin than the CG. Conclusion These results indicated the beneficial effect of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the inflammatory status of the young bulls, which showed an adequate response in serum levels of the acute-phase proteins tested.

Mitigation of Karenia brevis Cells and Brevetoxins Using Curcumin, a Natural Supplement

Curcumin, a natural plant product, was investigated as a mitigation tool against Karenia brevis, the toxic dinoflagellate responsible for Florida red tides. A series of laboratory bench-top studies were conducted with additions of 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L curcumin to K. brevis at an average of 1.0 × 106 cells/L to determine the efficacy of curcumin against K. brevis cells and brevetoxins and to optimize treatment dosage. Treatment with 5 mg/L of curcumin reduced K. brevis cell abundance by 89% and total brevetoxins by 60% within 24 h. Lower concentrations of curcumin (0.1–3 mg/L) exhibited between a 2 and 45% reduction in K. brevis and a reduction in brevetoxins of between 2 and 44% within 24 h. At the highest curcumin doses, 30 and 40 mg/L, a 100% reduction in cell abundance was observed by 6 h, with reduction in total brevetoxins by at least 64% in 48 h. These results suggest that curcumin, used alone or potentially in combination with other technologies, is a promising K. brevis bloom mitigation option.

Dysregulation of Plasma Growth Factors and Chemokines in Cocaine Use Disorder: Implications for Dual Diagnosis with Schizophrenia and Antisocial Personality Disorder in an Exploratory Study.

Dual diagnosis in individuals with cocaine use disorders (CUDs) presents a mental health challenge marked by an increased susceptibility to disabling morbidities and premature mortality. Despite extensive research on depression and anxiety, other prevalent comorbidities, such as psychotic and personality disorders, have received less attention. This study explores inflammation-related mediators as potential biomarkers for CUD and dual diagnosis with schizophrenia (SCZ) or antisocial personality disorder (APD). This exploratory study included 95 participants, comprising 40 healthy subjects and 55 abstinent patients with CUD. Lifetime CUD was diagnosed either as single diagnosis (CUD group, N = 25) or as a dual diagnosis (DD group. N = 30) with SCZ (CUD+SCZ subgroup) or APD (CUD+APD subgroup). Participants were clinically assessed, and the plasma concentrations of growth factors (i.e., G-CSF, BDNF, and VEGF-A) and chemokines (i.e., CCL11/eotaxin-1, CCL2/MCP-1, and CXCL12/SDF-1) were determined and log(10)-transformed for analysis. Growth factors and chemokines were dysregulated by CUD and psychiatric diagnoses. Specifically, patients in the CUD group exhibited significantly lower concentrations of G-CSF and CCL11/eotaxin-1 than the control group. In contrast, the DD group showed significantly higher concentrations of all analytes than both the CUD and control groups. Additionally, no differences in these analytes were observed between the CUD+SCZ and CUD+APD subgroups within the DD group. Regarding cocaine-related variables, significant associations were identified in the CUD group: an inverse correlation between the age at first cocaine use and the concentrations of BDNF and CCL2/MCP-1; and a positive correlation between the duration of the cocaine abstinence and the concentrations of BDNF and CCL11/eotaxin-1. Lastly, a logistic regression model incorporating all these analytes demonstrated high discriminatory power in distinguishing patients with CUD alone from those with dual diagnosis. Individuals with dual diagnosis of CUD exhibit elevated concentrations of growth factors and chemokines, distinguishing them from those with CUD alone. It is unclear whether the differences in these inflammatory mediators are specific to the presence of SCZ and APD. The study highlights potential biomarkers and associations, providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay of CUD and psychiatric disorders to enhance clinical diagnosis and therapeutics.

Chronic exposure to tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate: Effects on intestinal microbiota and serum metabolism in rats

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is a widely used organophosphate ester that can adversely affect animal or human health. The intestinal microbiota is critical to human health. High-dose exposure to TDCIPP can markedly affect the intestinal ecosystem of mice, but the effects of long-term exposure to lower concentrations of TDCIPP on the intestinal flora and body metabolism remain unclear. In this study, TDCIPP was administered to Sprague–Dawley rats by gavage at a dose of 13.3 mg/kg bw/day for 90 days. TDCIPP increased the relative weight of the kidneys (P = 0.017), but had no effect on the relative weight of the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, testes, and ovaries (P > 0.05). 16 S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that long-term TDCIPP exposure affected the diversity, relative abundance, and functions of rat gut microbes. The serum metabolomics of the rats showed that TDCIPP can disrupt the serum metabolic profiles, result in the up-regulation of 26 metabolites and down-regulation of 3 metabolites, and affect multiple metabolic pathways in rat sera. In addition, the disturbed genera and metabolites were correlated. The functions of some disturbed gut microbes were consistent with the affected metabolic pathways in the sera, and these metabolic pathways were all associated with kidney disease, suggesting that TDCIPP may cause kidney injury in rats by affecting the intestinal flora and serum metabolism.

The 90% minimum effective concentration of ropivacaine for ultrasound‐guided interscalene brachial plexus block in children aged 1–10 years: A biased coin design up‐and‐down sequential allocation trial

AbstractRopivacaine is a commonly used local anesthetic for brachial plexus blocks in children, but the minimum effective dose of ropivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus blocks has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the 90% minimum effective concentration (MEC90) of ropivacaine for an ultrasound‐guided interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB). A total of 155 patients, aged from 1 to 10 years, underwent unilateral surgical procedures on areas of the upper extremity not innervated by the ulnar nerve. The biased coin design up‐and‐down sequential method (BCD‐UMD) was used to determine the MEC90 of ropivacaine for ultrasound‐guided ISB. In our study, the initial concentration of ropivacaine was 0.07% in the toddler group and 0.09% in the preschool and school‐age groups. During the trial, the concentration of ropivacaine for each subsequent patient was determined by the blocking effect of the previous patient. In case of failure, the concentration for the next patient was increased by 0.01%. Otherwise, the concentration was either decreased by 0.01%, with a probability of 0.11, or kept the same, with a probability of 0.89. Overall, the MEC90 of ropivacaine was 0.104% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.070%–0.106%) in the toddler group, 0.114% (95% CI, 0.090%–0.117%) in the preschool group, and 0.133% (95% CI, 0.099%–0.136%) in the school‐age group. No adverse events occurred. Our study showed that lower concentrations of ropivacaine could provide effective nerve blocks and reduce the risk of local anesthetics.