Maximum Activity Research Articles

Anti-arthritic Activity and Anti-inflammatory Mediators Modulation Effect of Bioactive Traditional Chaturbeeja Churna on Arthritis Experimental Model

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not Chaturbeeja Churnam (CC) had anti-arthritic properties and the effect it has on Wistar rats that have been induced with arthritis using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Methods: Injection of 0.2 milliliters of CFA into the sub-plantar surface of the left hind paw resulted in the development of arthritis. The test samples CC-1 and CC-2 were administered to the animals for a period of 21 days in a row. After the arthritis was induced, the rise in swelling that was noticed was observed. The blood samples that were taken were then used in additional testing with a hematology analyzer to determine the number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), and hemoglobin (Hb). Using rat ELISA kits, the levels of IL-6 and TNF- that were found in the serum were also analyzed. Results: CC showed a significant inhibitory effect in the protein denaturation assay. Results showed that a significant reduction in paw edema was observed in CC-2 treated rats. The maximum anti-inflammatory activity (59.12%) of the CC was noticed at a dose level of 400 mg/kg. The paw edema was restored on day 21 was 4.52 mm for CC-2, which is near to the control group. The arthritis score in treated rats was found to be considerably lower than in the control group i.e. 0.92 for CC-2 and 1.61 for CC-1. A decrease in levels of RBC and hemoglobin was observed in arthritic rats. Inflammation was significantly reduced and serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were lowered after treatment with the test drug. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that CC possess significant anti-arthritic activity. Furthermore, this condition was linked to a reduction in abnormal humoral immune responses.

Improved estimation of gross primary productivity (GPP) using solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) from photosystem II

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) contains contributions from both photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). In theory, SIF emitted from PSII (SIFPSII) should be extracted from at-sensor SIF to quantify photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, as PSI fluorescence yield is nearly insensitive to changes in photochemical yield. In many SIF-related studies, the fraction of chlorophyll-absorbed energy allocated to PSII (β2), a key factor controlling the flux of excitation energy for SIFPSII, is simply assigned a fixed value. However, β2 is regulated in response to variations in environmental conditions to avoid an energy imbalance between PSI and PSII. By quantifying the regulating effect of the cytochrome b6f complex (Cyt b6f) on the electron transport from PSII to PSI, and its interaction with energy dissipation in both photosystems, we develop a framework to estimate β2 and PSII fluorescence yield (ΦF2), two key determinants for SIFPSII, from SIF emission, PAR, air temperature, the maximum carboxylase activity of Rubisco (Vcmax), and the maximum activity of Cyt b6f (JCB6F_max). The framework is equipped with a two-leaf scheme, enabling us to estimate SIFPSII for sunlit and shaded leaves from top-of-canopy SIF observations (SIFTOC). Our simulation results showed that β2 and ΦF2 tend to change in opposite directions with varying PAR, making the contribution of PSII to SIFTOC relatively constant. We compare gross primary productivity (GPP) mechanistically estimated from SIFPSII obtained with fixed (GPPSIF_Fβ) and dynamic β2 (GPPSIF_Dβ) against the eddy-tower-derived GPP (GPPEC) at a winter-wheat experiment site. At a half-hourly time scale, GPPSIF_Dβ is better than GPPSIF_Fβ, showing higher correlations with GPPEC (R2 = 0.74 versus R2 = 0.64 and RMSE = 6.61 μmol m−2 s−1 versus RMSE = 7.67 μmol m−2 s−1). The study provides a practical way to estimate the contribution of SIFPSII to SIFTOC, giving a better theoretical basis to SIF-based GPP estimation models.

Anaerobic Abilities Students Using Indirect Tests: Fatigue Index and Peak Power

Background: Most human movements are supported by its functional capabilities of the anaerobic type, which is dominated by submaximal and maximal sports activities performed in a short time. Functional capabilities of the anaerobic type of man participate in most of his movement activities. Conditioned on adequate and extremely good interaction and functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, morphological status, metabolic processes, muscle structure, nutritional status, physical activity, etc. Purpose: The research was conducted in the conditions of the so-called field testing with the primary goal of assessing the acute state of anaerobic abilities of physical and sports students, by calculating the fatigue index (FI). Methods: The sample included 80 students of Physical and Sports Education, different geographical regions, average weight 77.88±8.49kg, age 20-23 years. The Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) was used to assess FI, and the basic statistical parameters were calculated. Results: The average value of the student's leg power is 573.89 watts (378.42 watts vs. 817.99watts), and the recorded average (FI) of 8.35 watts/sec (3.97watts/sec. vs. 16.93watts/sec.). Conclusions: The obtained results confirmed the average values of anaerobic capacity which are suitable for the examined population of subjects, while the maximal the value of FI suggests a weaker state of the anaerobic capacity of the individuals (less tolerance to lactates).

Low-load Resistance Exercise with Perceptually Primed Practical Blood Flow Restriction Induces Similar Motor Performance Fatigue, Physiological Changes, and Perceptual Responses Compared to Traditional Blood Flow Restriction in Males and Females.

In the recent past, practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) using non-pneumatic, usually elastic cuffs has been established as a cost-effective alternative to traditional blood flow restriction (BFR) using pneumatic cuffs, especially for training in large groups. This study investigated whether low-load resistance exercise with perceptually primed pBFR using an elastic knee wrap is suitable to induce similar motor performance fatigue as well as physiological and perceptual responses compared to traditional BFR using a pneumatic nylon cuff in males and females. In a randomized, counterbalanced cross-over study, 30 healthy subjects performed 4 sets (30-15-15-15 repetitions) of unilateral knee extensions at 20% of their one-repetition-maximum. In the pBFR condition, each individual was perceptually primed to a BFR pressure corresponding to 60% of their arterial occlusion pressure. Before and after exercise, maximal voluntary torque, maximal muscle activity, and cuff pressure-induced discomfort were assessed. Moreover, physiological (i.e., muscle activity, muscle oxygenation) and perceptual responses (i.e., effort and exercise-induced leg muscle pain) were recorded during exercise. Moderate correlations with no differences between pBFR and BFR were found regarding the decline in maximal voluntary torque and maximal muscle activity. Furthermore, no to very strong correlations between conditions, with no differences, were observed for muscle activity, muscle oxygenation, and perceptual responses during exercise sets. However, cuff pressure-induced discomfort was lower in the pBFR compared to the BFR condition. These results indicate that low-load resistance exercise combined with perceptually primed pBFR is a convenient and less discomfort inducing alternative to traditional BFR. This is especially relevant for BFR training with people who have a low cuff-induced discomfort tolerance.

Biodegradation of Cellulosic Wastes and Deinking of Colored Paper with Isolated Novel Cellulolytic Bacteria

Biofuels are the cheapest source of energy, and the continuous decline of traditional sources of energy with the increasing population leads to looking for alternatives to reduce the consumption of traditional sources of energy. Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic wastes and cellulosic wastes is not a new approach for fuel production but a cheap and accessible way for the production of fuel. Bacillus is one of the major species that can act as a source of diversified enzymes. In this study, it was emphasized on screening and isolation of a novel, characterization, and best catalytic action on both celluloses and proteins in the presence of different carbon and nitrogen sources. It was observed the effective catalytic breakdown of cellulose with the crude enzyme to glucose allowed fur for fermentation with Saccharomyces, ultimately leading to the generation of alcohol. The study aims to isolate the microbes that can produce cellulases and enzymes and could be used for biodegradation to produce ethanol in the reaction. The maximum enzyme activity was achieved at 3.112 UI with optimized pH and temperature, and the maximum conversion of sugars into alcohol was about 70% in the newspaper, cartons, colored paper, and disposable paper cups. An essential observation was the decolorization of the origami craft paper within 24 hours. The study was involved in enhancing the maximum Enzyme activity of cellulases from different cellulosic raw materials. Hence, it was achieved by JCB strain, optimization of pH, temperature, and acids for the biodegradation. The presence of peaks at 3200 and 2900 was a confirmation of ethanol bonds in the biodegradation reaction mixtures.

Skin sympathetic nerve activity in symptomatic and asymptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BackgroundThe causes of symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to correlate the magnitudes of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) with symptoms in patients with AF. MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF for ambulatory electrocardiography and SKNA recording. Heart rhythms at the time of symptoms were categorized as AF or normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Maximal and average skin sympathetic nerve activity (aSKNA) and heart rate (HR) were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic AF and NSR episodes using mixed effects models to account for within-patient correlations. ResultsAmong the 31 enrolled patients, 16 (52%) had at least 1 episode of AF, and 24 (77%) endorsed symptoms during the monitoring period. Compared with asymptomatic AF episodes, symptomatic AF episodes had higher maximal aSKNA (1.260 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.114–1.723] μV vs 1.108 [IQR 0.974–1.312] μV; P <0.001) and higher maximal HR (152 ± 24 bpm vs 132 ± 19 bpm; P <.001). Symptomatic NSR episodes were associated with higher maximal aSKNA (1.612 [IQR 1.287–2.027] μV vs 1.332 [IQR 1.033–1.668] μV; P = .001) and higher maximal HR (152 ± 24 bpm vs 105 ± 16 bpm; P <.001) than asymptomatic NSR episodes. Of the symptomatic episodes, 66 (73%) occurred during NSR and 24 (27%) during AF. All P values were obtained from mixed effects models. ConclusionSymptomatic episodes in patients with paroxysmal AF were more frequently associated with NSR than AF. Symptomatic AF and NSR episodes were associated with higher aSKNA than asymptomatic episodes. In patients with paroxysmal AF, symptoms correlate better with SKNA than heart rhythm.

Phase I study of MCLA-145, a bispecific antibody targeting CD137 and PD-L1, in solid tumors, as monotherapy or in combination with pembrolizumab.

2520 Background: MCLA-145, a human common light chain bispecific antibody targeting CD137 and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, is designed to enhance both antigen-mediated T cell activation via CD137 costimulation, and blockade of inhibitory PD-L1. Interim data from the ongoing phase 1 study (NCT03922204) are presented. Methods: Patients (pts) with PD-L1 ≥1% advanced/metastatic solid tumors received MCLA-145 IV as monotherapy Q2W/Q3W in 21/28-d cycles respectively, or in combination with pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W in 21-d cycles. Pts enrolled in combination had cancers that either relapsed after PD-(L)1 therapies or were immunotherapy naïve. Primary objectives are safety, tolerability and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of MCLA-145 alone or combined with pembrolizumab, and determination of the recommended dose for expansion (RDE). Secondary endpoints include efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (PD) and immunogenicity. Results: As of a December 4, 2023 data cutoff, 72 pts with 26 cancer types were treated; 25% of pts had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 3 pts were continuing combination therapy. Monotherapy: 53 pts (median age 60 y, 49% male) were treated across 8 dose levels (47 pts 0.4-75 mg Q2W, 6 pts 40 mg Q3W). Median number of cycles was 2 (range 1-39). 6 pts had DLTs in the 25-75 mg dose range (febrile neutropenia [2 pts], hemolytic anemia, myositis, ALT/AST increase, neutrophil/platelet decrease [1 pt each]). Most common adverse events (AEs; all grades/G3-4) were fatigue (51%/4%), decreased appetite (34%/2%), dyspnea (32%/0%), anemia (30%/9%), ALT/AST increase (25%/11%), and pyrexia (25%/0%). The incidence of any G3-4 AE was lower with 40 mg Q3W than across all Q2W dose levels (33% vs 66%). Combination: 19 pts (median age 61 y, 47% male) were treated with MCLA-145 10, 25 or 40 mg plus Q3W. Median number of cycles was 5 (range 1-16). No DLTs occurred. Most common AEs (all grades/G3-4) were fatigue (58%/11%), cough (42%/0%), constipation (32%/0%) and ALT/AST increase (21%/11%). The RDE was established at 40 mg Q3W for both monotherapy and combination. Preliminary antitumor activity was observed with monotherapy (52 evaluable pts): 5 partial responses (PRs) in glioblastoma (lasting &gt;3 y), sarcoma, cervical, anal, and gastric cancer (treated for 2-11 mo); and combination (19 evaluable pts): 1 PR in Merkel cell carcinoma (treated 12+ mo), 1 complete response in PD-L1+ NSCLC (treated 6+ mo), both after prior immunotherapy. Disease control rate was 37% with monotherapy and 68% with combination. Exposure was dose-dependent with a terminal half-life of 69 h at 75 mg. Measure of peripheral blood Ki67+ CD8 T cells supports maximal PD activity at 40 mg. Conclusions: MCLA-145 given alone or in combination with pembrolizumab had a well-tolerated and manageable safety profile with encouraging clinical activity, including in pts who relapsed after PD-(L)1 therapies. Clinical trial information: NCT03922204 .

Computational analysis of thermal performance of temperature dependent density and Arrhenius-activation energy of chemically reacting nanofluid along polymer porous sheet in high temperature differences

An innovative technique to improve heat transmission is the use of nanofluids. Nanofluids have a significant thermal conductivity for better heat transport. For the thermal behavior of a porous polymer sheet, activation energy assessment is a useful technique for the advancement of the thermal properties of polymers. The governing model is developed for the numerical and physical analysis of heat transfer of porous polymer sheets. The present model is converted into a smooth format for the accuracy of results. The Keller box and Newton–Raphson approaches are used to calculate the thermal properties numerically. The novelty of this research is the depiction of the temperature distributions and heat transfer of chemically reacting thermophoretic nanomaterials along porous polymer stretching sheets. It is noted that the velocity and temperature of thermophoretic nanoparticles decreases and nanoparticle concentration increases as activation energy increases. It is noted that the velocity of nanoparticles increases and concentration decreases as the temperature difference increases. The enhanced heating transfer with maximum thermophoretic transportation was depicted under maximum reaction and activation energy. It is observed that the mass transfer of nanomaterials increases as the Brownian motion of thermophoretic nanomaterials enhances.

Influence of the Menstrual Cycle and Training on the Performance of a Perturbed Single-Leg Squatting Task in Female Collegiate Athletes.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often occur when an athlete experiences an unexpected disruption, or perturbation, during sports. ACL injury rates may also be influenced by the menstrual cycle. To determine whether training adaptations to knee control and muscle activity during a perturbed single-leg squatting (SLS) task depend on menstrual cycle phase in female athletes. Controlled laboratory study. A total of 21 healthy female collegiate athletes (current or former [<3 years]) who competed in 9 different sports performed an SLS task in which they attempted to match their knee position (user signal) to a target signal. The protocol consisted of a 9-condition pretest, 5 sets of 3 training trials, and a 9-condition posttest. One perturbation was delivered in each condition by altering the resistance of the device. Sagittal knee control (absolute error between the target signal and user signal) was assessed using a potentiometer. Muscle activity during perturbed squat cycles was normalized to maximal activation and to corresponding muscle activity during unperturbed squat cycles (%unperturbed) within the same test condition. Athletes performed the protocol during a distinct menstrual cycle phase (early follicular [EF], late follicular [LF], midluteal [ML]). Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of the menstrual cycle and training on knee control and muscle activity during task performance. Venous blood was collected for hormonal analysis, and a series of health questionnaires and anthropometric measures were also assessed to determine differences among the menstrual cycle groups. After training, athletes demonstrated better knee control during the perturbed squat cycles (lower absolute error, P < .001) and greater soleus feedback responses to the perturbation (%unperturbed, P = .035). Better knee control was demonstrated in the ML phase versus the EF phase during unperturbed and perturbed squat cycles (P < .039 for both). Quadriceps activation was greater in the ML phase compared with the EF and LF phases, both immediately before and after the perturbation (P < .001 for all). Athletes learned to improve knee control during the perturbed performance regardless of menstrual cycle phase. The best knee control and greatest quadriceps activation during the perturbed squatting task was found in the ML phase. These findings may correspond to a lower incidence of ACL injury in the luteal phase and alterations in exercise performance across the menstrual cycle.

Safety, tolerability and efficacy of 212Pb-DOTAMTATE as a targeted alpha therapy for subjects with unresectable or metastatic somatostatin receptor-expressing gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (SSTR+ GEP-NETs): A phase 2 study.

4020 Background: 212Pb-DOTAMTATE is a Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT) in clinical development for subjects with SSTR+ neuroendocrine tumors. A phase I dose-escalation study has already been completed (Delpassand et al. J Nucl Med 2022). TAT holds the promise to improve outcomes versus Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) with beta-emitters like 177Lu-DOTATATE, currently considered the standard of care for subjects with GEP-NETs. Methods: ALPHAMEDIX 02 is a Phase II, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of 212Pb-DOTAMTATE in PRRT-naïve (Cohort 1, N = 36) and PRRT-refractory (Cohort 2, Target N = 30) subjects with histologically confirmed unresectable or metastatic GEP-NETs, positive somatostatin analogue imaging and at least 1 site of measurable disease per RECIST 1.1. 212Pb-DOTAMTATE was administered at 67.6 μCi/kg per cycle, with a maximum activity administered per cycle of 5.5 mCi every 8 weeks, for up to 4 cycles. Primary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR) per RECIST1.1, and incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, overall survival , and health-related quality of life. Initial results of the already completed cohort 1 are presented. Results: In cohort 1, 17 out of 36 subjects with metastatic SSTR+ GEP-NETs achieved a confirmed response (ORR 47.2% (32.0-63.0%)). In the Phase I trial, five out of eight PRRT- naïve subjects with SSTR+ GEP-NETs treated with the same regimen of 212Pb-DOTAMTATE achieved a response (ORR 62.5% (30.6-86.3%)): the combined ORR from both studies is 50% (22 out of 44, 95%-CI:36% - 64%). Median Duration of Response (DOR) has not been reached in both studies. Four out of five subjects (80%) with confirmed response in Phase I had a DOR of ≥ 12 months. In the ongoing Phase II study the response follow-up for 10 subjects with confirmed response is currently shorter than 6 months: so far 7 out of 17 subjects (41%) with confirmed response had a DOR of ≥ 6 months, and one of these subjects had a DOR of ≥ 12 months. Lymphocytopenia is a lead cause of the 59% grade 3 and 4 AEs reported in subjects in cohort 1. Overall, 4 fatal AEs were reported: death / progressive disease (N = 2), carcinoid syndrome (N = 1) and sepsis (N = 1). Conclusions: In PRRT-naïve subjects with SSTR+ unresectable or metastatic GEP-NETs treatment with up to 4 cycles of ²¹²Pb-DOTAMTATE (67.6 μCi/kg/cycle) was well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with the underlying disease and expected toxicities of radioligand therapy, similar to 177Lu-DOTATATE. The ORR of 47.2% in cohort 1 (50% in the pooled dataset) appears to be substantially higher than the ORR previously reported for 177Lu-DOTATATE in the pivotal NETTER-1 study (ORR 18% (10–25%)). Clinical trial information: NCT05153772 .

Green synthesis of N, B co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antioxidant activities

BackgroundReactive dyes are widely used in the fabric production, and because they are poisonous, and hazardous, their release into the environment today indicates a rise in pollution in the environment. Biosynthetic approach that is also environmentally benign has gained an abundance of recognition for its eco-friendly products, biocompatibility, and long-term economic viability. MethodsIn the present investigation, TiO2 (T) and N, B co-doped-TiO2 (NB-T) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared biologically using mangrove aqueous extract by the sol-gel method to compare their photocatalytic degradation activity of an aqueous solution of reactive red 250 dye (RR250) under visible light irradiation at different times. The antioxidant activities of T and NB-T NPs samples were evaluated. The synthesized samples were characterized using different techniques. Main findingsThe findings showed that photocatalytic degradation activity of NB-T NPs reaches 100 % after 60 min of the degradation process, where it reaches maximum (38.1 %) for T NPs at the highest catalyst dose. The results showed that NB-T NPs have a conformal surface structure and stronger photocatalytic properties than Pure T. Measurements of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were made, and a significant reduction in values was seen, showing the technique's high potential for removing RR250 dye from aqueous solutions. The NB-T sample showed the maximum activity, as indicated by the estimated IC50 value (34.98 μg/mL). Both T and NB-T NPs showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity.

Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model to predict combination activity of CD19-targeted antibody drug conjugate (loncastuximab tesirine) co-dosed with a CD20/CD3 T-cell bispecific (epcoritamab) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

e19059 Background: Loncastuximab tesirine-lpy (Lonca) is an antibody-drug conjugate comprising an anti-CD19 antibody conjugated to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer cytotoxin. Epcoritamab-bysp (Epco) is a CD20×CD3 T cell-engaging bispecific antibody (bsAb) that redirects T-cells to eliminate malignant B-cells. Epco and Lonca target different B-cell surface antigens and combining both is expected to have additive or synergistic efficacy. Previously, a novel QSP model for Lonca was developed (Utsey K et al. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2023;12:123-125) and validated with clinical data from patients with R/R DLBCL (Caimi P et al. Blood. 2022;140:9548-9550). A combination QSP model for Lonca with Epco in R/R DLBCL was described to predict potential anti-tumor synergies in proposed clinical trials. Methods: The model reduced previous Lonca model complexity while maintaining core functionality and was combined with a published QSP model for T-cell bsAbs (Hosseini I et al. Npj Syst Bio Appl. 2020;6(1):1-11) to predict tumor dynamics after Lonca and/or Epco treatment. Assumptions included: 1) Lonca or Epco induce healthy and malignant B-cell killing; 2) tumor comprises malignant B- &amp; T-cells; 3) tumor volume is based on malignant B-cell count; 4) T-cells can enter or leave tumor as with other tissues; 5) CD19-/low CD20+ B-cells account for tumor heterogeneity from cells insensitive to Lonca treatment. Results: Tumor growth inhibition (TGI) was predicted to plateau by Cycle (C) 2 with Epco monotherapy. By end of C3, however, predicted median normalized tumor volume reduction with co-dosing Lonca and Epco was approximately 1 log order greater than Epco alone. Maximum activity of Lonca and Epco therapy was not observed until C4 or later as depth of tumor regression increased with additional treatment cycles. Since patients with DLBCL may present with low T-cell counts (Hutchings et al. Lancet. 2021) the effect of T-cell count at baseline was evaluated. A 50% decrease at baseline from 2000-1000 T-cells/µL significantly reduced antitumor effect with Epco alone but made no difference with Lonca in combination. Conclusions: These results resemble predictions for Lonca in combination with other bsAbs (Lonca plus mosunetuzumab or glofitamab; abstract submitted to AACR 2024). By end of C3, Lonca plus Epco was predicted to promote substantially more TGI than Epco or Lonca alone. While increased doses of Lonca from 90-150 µg/kg in combination had limited additional therapeutic benefit, combination treatment beyond C3 was predicted to increase depth of tumor regression. Response from Lonca and Epco co-dosing was predicted to be less affected by suppressed T-cell counts at baseline compared to Epco alone; a feature that may enhance responsiveness when T-cell level is moderate.

Proposed Detection Limits for Radioactivity Concentrations in Water in the Decommissioning and Dismantling of Nuclear Facilities

The Dismantling and Decommissioning (D&amp;D) of nuclear facilities poses several challenges for radioactivity measurement laboratories involved in environmental radiation monitoring plans. One of them is the definition of the detection limits to be achieved for the radionuclides analysis in different samples. The detection limits should be set in such a way that the obtained concentration values for each radionuclide are easily discriminated from certain maximum activity concentration levels. These maximum activity concentration levels are usually set in view of the respective dose contributions from each radionuclide. There are some national legislations that settle detection limits for drinking water. However, there is no regulation containing detection limits for groundwater or surface water. In this way, different institutions or companies require very different detection limits for radioactivity concentration assessment in those types of water associated with D&amp;D activities. In this work, we focus on the detection limits required for the D&amp;D activities in rainwater, surface water and groundwater. We propose detection limits obtained by applying the WHO methodology for maximum activity concentration levels and compare with those requested by radioactive waste management agencies and regulatory bodies. Some real cases where our proposal allows identification of events are analysed and conclusions are extracted.

Population Dynamics of Ips sexdentatus (Börner) in the Czech Republic

Recently, an outbreak of Ips sexdentatus (Börner, 1776) has caused considerable damage in the pine forests of the Czech Republic. As historical data on the biology of this pest are scarce due to its rare occurrence in recent decades, our work focused on monitoring flight activity and voltinism and investigating methods for monitoring its activity during the growing season. Observations were conducted from March to September 2021 and 2022 at three sites using 12 Theysohn traps with four types of pheromone lures (ACUMIPROTECT, ACUWIT, SEXOWIT and Pheagr IAC) together with data loggers to record weather conditions. The first beetles occurred in early May (daily mean temperatures above 13 °C). After the first egg laying stage, females re-emerged to establish a sister brood. The maximum flight activity appeared between late June and mid-July (daily mean temperatures about 20 °C), and the offspring occurred at the turn of June/July and in the first half of August. Since then, flight activity had a downward trend and quietened in September. According to the data, monitoring of I. sexdentatus should be conducted between May and September using the ACUMIPROTECT pheromone bait exhibiting the highest capturing efficacy. In future, however, the behavior of I. sexdentatus might alter due to climate change.

Characterization of C-phycocyanin antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and anti-HCoV-229E activities and encapsulation for implementation in an innovative functional yogurt

Functional bioactive ingredients isolated from microalgae as sustainable sources have become a new subject of pharmacology and functional foods. Thus, the work aims to produce crude phycocyanin (C-PC), define it, and investigate its pharmacological effects before warping it in a nanophytosome. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were evaluated. Both free and nanophytosomes of C-PC were incorporated into cow milk fermented with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus KU985435 to make functional yoghurt and the stability of C-PC of both phytosomes was assessed. The amino acid content of C-PC revealed the presence of eight of nine essential amino acids and eight of eleven non-essential amino acids. C-PC has a medium molecular weight (82.992 kDa). Some pharmacological effects like reducing inflammation (98.76 % ± 0.065), fighting free radicals (99.12 % ± 0.027), and being able to inhibit the human coronavirus 229 E with a selective index of 27.9 were observed. The maximum viral inhibitory activity was detected during the adsorption stage. Anti-human liver and colon carcinomas that exceeded Doxorubicin with very low cytotoxicity against normal cell lines were detected. C-PC is an unstable protein that could be degraded in the yoghurt during storage. Therefore, phytosome encapsulation can effectively stabilize C-PC (particle size 44.50 ± 12 nm and zeta-potential −32.4 ± 5 mV) and protect it from the acidic environment of the yoghurt. The produced yoghurt showed the desired physicochemical and functional properties and overall acceptance. The results prove that C-PC from spirulina algae is a renewable source of dyes. The encapsulation process using phytosomes gave it high stability against environmental influences, and therefore, it can be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries in the future.

Measurements of 131I activity in thyroid of workers at the place of radioiodine therapy in 38 hospitals in China.

To investigate the levels of 131I activity in thyroid of workers at the place of radioiodine therapy and their main influential factors in China, 341 workers at 38 hospitals performing radioiodine therapy procedure in five provinces were recruited to be measured in 2021. A hand-held gamma spectrometer with NaI(Tl) probe was plastered to the thyroids and thighs of the subjects during the measurement, and each measurement time was 120s. The internal exposure dose was calculated, and the committed effective dose was estimated. In 86 (25.22%) of the 341 examined workers, 131I thyroid activity was above minimum detectable activity (MDA, 26.6Bq). The maximum activity was 4.9 × 103Bq. The detection results above MDA were at 22 (57.89%) different hospitals. The detectable rate for private hospitals (4.8%) was significantly lower than that for public hospitals (26.6%), P < 0.05. The detectable rate for hospitals in provincial capital cities (15.4%) was significantly lower than in nonprovincial capital cities (41.7%), P < 0.001. The detectable rate for hospitals engaged in 131I therapy for thyroid cancer (31.2%) was significantly higher than only for hyperthyroidism (10.3%), P < 0.001. A total of 32 subjects' committed effective dose might exceed 1mSv. Results indicated the 131I activity in the thyroid of workers at the place of radioiodine varied considerably in China, and mainly related to ownership, location and therapy program of the hospitals.

Solar Activity and Cosmic Ray Intensity Variation with Geomagnetic Activity during 1996–2022

The average features of diurnal variation have been observed to change with different phases of the solar cycle, with the variance being substantially bigger at higher energies. The events were classified on the basis of different phases of solar cycles, i.e., the minimum solar activity time period, the maximum solar activity time period, and the declining phase of solar cycle. This research looks at the observed results and the influence of solar variability on cosmic rays and the geomagnetic field from 1996 to 2022. The occasional group includes a Forbush effect decline, transitory decrease, and a ground level enhancement (GLE). The 11-year fluctuation in Galactic Cosmic Rays is also known as the long-term variation, whereas the Forbush effect reduction is known as short-term variation. We investigated the long-term change in the cosmic ray intensity and its relationship to the number of Sun spots (Rz), solar wind speed (

Maximization of uricase production in a column bioreactor through response surface methodology-based optimization

Uricase (EC 1.7.3.3) is an oxidoreductase enzyme that is widely exploited for diagnostic and treatment purposes in medicine. This study focuses on producing recombinant uricase from E. coli BL21 in a bubble column bioreactor (BCB) and finding the optimal conditions for maximum uricase activity. The three most effective variables on uricase activity were selected through the Plackett–Burman design from eight different variables and were further optimized by the central composite design of the response surface methodology (RSM). The selected variables included the inoculum size (%v/v), isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration (mM) and the initial pH of the culture medium. The activity of uricase, the final optical density at 600 nm wavelength (OD600) and the final pH were considered as the responses of this optimization and were modeled. As a result, activity of 5.84 U·ml−1 and a final OD600 of 3.42 were obtained at optimum conditions of 3% v/v inoculum size, an IPTG concentration of 0.54 mM and a pH of 6.0. By purifying the obtained enzyme using a Ni-NTA agarose affinity chromatography column, 165 ± 1.5 mg uricase was obtained from a 600 ml cell culture. The results of this study show that BCBs can be a highly effective option for large-scale uricase production.

Biomechanics‐based study of muscle activation under different driving conditions for Chinese percentiles

AbstractIn this paper, we determined the adjustment levels of the human–machine layout under the preferred driving posture for individuals with different body sizes. We also comparatively analyzed the maximum activation levels of various muscles under straight‐line driving and steering conditions. To increase the accuracy of the results, AnyBody biomechanics software was used to establish a human skeletal muscle mechanics model, which we analyzed for consistency with rig test results. The results showed that people with larger body sizes preferred a driving position with the seat reclined back. Steered driving was associated with a significant (p &lt; .05) increase in the maximum activation of the wrist extensors, serratus anterior, deltoid, and triceps brachii, which are the main force‐generating muscle groups for steered driving, compared with straight driving. Moreover, the measured and simulated results of maximum muscle activation were relatively consistent, with the error between them within a 15% margin. In summary, this study explored the relationship between different driving conditions and preferred driving postures from a biomechanical perspective. A combined experimental and simulation approach was adopted to ensure the reliability of the findings. The insights from this study can inform ergonomic considerations for the comfort and health of Chinese drivers with varying physical characteristics.

Phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activities in the eastern Mediterranean in two contrasting seasonal situations

Abstract. Hydrolysis of dissolved organic phosphorus by marine planktonic microorganisms is a key process in the P cycle, particularly in P-depleted, oligotrophic environments. The present study assessed spatiotemporal variations in phosphomonoesterase (PME) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) activities using concentration kinetics in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in two contrasting situations: the end of winter (including a small bloom period) and autumn. The distribution and regulation of the maximum hydrolysis rate (Vm) and half-saturation constant (Km) of both ectoenzymes were assessed in relation to the vertical structure of the epipelagic layers. PME reached its maximum activities (Vm) after the addition of 1 µM MUF-P (4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate), whereas, for PDE, it was necessary to add up to 50 µM bis(4-methylumbelliferyl)phosphate (bis-MUF-P) to reach saturation state. On average, the Km of PDE was 33 ± 25 times higher than that of PME. The Vm of PME and Vm of PDE were linearly correlated. Conversely to the Km values, Vm values were on the same order of magnitude for both ectoenzymes, with their ratio (Vm PME : Vm PDE) ranging between 0.2 and 6.3. Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) and the phosphomonoesterase hydrolysable fraction of DOP explained most of the lack of variability in Vm PME and Vm PDE. On the contrary, Vm of both phosphohydrolase enzymes was inversely correlated to the concentration of dissolved inorganic phosphorus. The particular characteristics of concentration kinetics obtained for PDE (saturation at 50 µM, high Km, high turnover times) are discussed with respect to the possible unequal distribution of PDE and PME among the size continuum of organic material and accessibility of phosphodiesters.