Average Concentration Research Articles

The importance of taste salt sensitivity in the development of kidney damage in patients with high-risked arterial hypertension

Abstract Purpose of the study to evaluate the diagnostic significance of determining taste salt sensitivity in kidney damage development in patients with high-risked arterial hypertension. Material and methods The study included 1021 patients with arterial hypertension (AH), 60% women, 40% men, aged 58.05±7.95 years. All patients underwent the R.Henkin test to determine the threshold of taste sensitivity to table salt in the family polyclinics of Aral Sea region. All patients underwent a complete blood count, a complete urinalysis, biochemical tests, determination of serum creatinine with calculation of glomerular filtration rate, microalbuminuria, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and uric acid level. Results Low and medium thresholds of taste salt sensitivity were determined in 149 patients (14.6%, group 1), the average NaCl concentration was 0.15±0.02%. A high threshold of taste salt sensitivity was detected in 872 patients (85.4%, group 2), the average NaCl concentration was 0.64±0.57% (p=0.0001). Patients of the 1st and 2nd groups differed in the level of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP): 150.8±10.0 mmHg. versus 172.0±16.7 mmHg. p=0.0001 for SBP, 91.4±3.8 mmHg versus 100.7±10.13 mmHg, p=0.0001 for DBP in the 1st and 2nd groups respectively. At the same time, there was a noticeable direct correlation between hemodynamic parameters – SBP / DBP and NaCl concentration in the test for determining the taste sensitivity to table salt threshold (r = 0.646; r = 0.610, respectively). As a result, were detected significantly differences in GFR: 97.22±11.42 versus 70.33±16.56 (p=0.0001); MAU: 58.64±35.45 vs. 215.9±126.65 (p=0.0001); albumin to creatinine ratio: 47.88±42.73 vs. 268.46±261.05 (p=0.0001); uric acid: 227.67±43.75 vs. 337.17±86.52 (p=0.0001), for 1st and 2nd groups respectively. Conclusion A high threshold of taste salt sensitivity, determined by the R.Henken method, is associated with the level of SBP, DBP, markers of kidney damage and the level of uric acid, which increases the diagnostic significance of determining taste salt sensitivity in patients with hypertension.

Indoor Air Quality and health of older people: a pilot study

Abstract Background Older people often experience one or more chronic conditions, including respiratory conditions. Indoor air quality may (IAQ) may elevate symptoms of respiratory disease such as coughing. Consequently, people may experience a lower Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL). The objective of the Rotterdam K-HEALTHinAIR pilot site is to study IAQ and health among elderly: this study presents the design of the study and preliminary baseline results of IAQ and health. Methods A observational study is performed among n = 110 older people living in the broader Rotterdam-area, the Netherlands, recruited via opportunity sampling, hospitals and senior-residential corporations. Participants provide informed consent to participate in the study. IAQ is assessed near real-time using home sensors. An observation checklist captures environmental characteristics of the home. Participants complete a diary every 3 months and a self-report questionnaire at baseline, 6- and 12-months; measures include Health-Related Quality of Life, well-being and respiratory symptoms. Preliminary baseline data (n = 30 baseline questionnaires, n = 25 sensors) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results The mean age was 74.3 (SD: 6.3). Average concentrations were 684 ppm CO2 (SD: 723), PM2.5 was 4.8 µg/m3 (SD: 34.5) and average temperature 19.9 °C (SD:1.6). In total 40.0% participants were experiencing asthma and 43.3% COPD. Participants rated their general well-being 72.6 (SD: 18.6) (0-100). No associations were observed between indicators of IAQ and participant self-rated health and health symptoms in this preliminary dataset. Conclusions Future data collection will allow for overtime associations between IAQ and a broad range of health outcomes. In the second and third phase of the study we aim to deepen findings and develop interventions.

Spatial-temporal variations and Attribution analysis of SO2 concentration in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regions from 2013 to 2022

Based on the monitoring data of air pollutants in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regions from 2012 to 2022, the spatial-temporal distribution of SO2 concentration and main influencing factors were analyzed through multi-methods of Daniel trend test, KZ filtering and WRF/CMAQ model simulations. From 2013 to 2022, the annual averaged concentrations of SO2 in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei regions were all in obvious downward trends, and all passed the Daniel trend test (α=0.01). The annual averaged concentration of SO2 in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei regions decreased from 26.6~114.3μg·m-3 in 2013 to 3.0~11.0μg·m-3, with the decline rates fluctuating from 2.62~11.81μg/(m3·yr) while the decrease rate of SO2 in Beijing was the lowest. The average annual concentration of SO2 in Tangshan city decreased the most, reaching 92.3% and it changed to be the smallest, about 78.2% in Chengde City. The reduction of coal consumption in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regions significantly reduced atmospheric SO2 emissions and directly reduced the regional average concentration of SO2. Meteorological factors were generally conducive to the diffusion of SO2 concentration during 2013~2022, and the meteorological factors contributed about 0.4~5.5% in 13 cities in Jingjinji area while the contribution of anthropogenic emission reduction was 94.5~99.6%. The inter-annual variation of meteorological factors in summer from 2013 to 2022 was not conducive to the diffusion of SO2 concentration on the whole, and the contribution changed to -52.6 ~ -1.0% in 13 cities. From June to August in summer under the easterly and southerly winds, the SO2 concentration in Beijing was basically twice that of the northerly and westerly winds. The contribution of southwest transport channel to SO2 concentration in Beijing was 33.5%, while it changed to 38.9% in the southeast transport channel. Therefore, strengthening the management and control of air pollutants in surrounding area of Beijing is helpful for Beijing to further reduce the levels of air pollutants and achieve targets of air quality improvement in the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

Effect of the culture liquid of Antarctic yeast <i>Nadsoniella nigra</i> on rooting, growth, and biochemical composition of <i>in vitro</i> grapevine (<i>Vitis vinifera</i> L.), cultivar '<i>Karmrahyut</i>'

Background: Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a globally significant fruit crop known for its nutritional and health benefits, including its role in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The bioactive compounds in grapes contribute to these benefits. Bioactive content changes due to grapevine variety and environmental conditions necessitate ongoing research. In vitro propagation provides a controlled environment for grapevine cultivation, minimizing disease risk and ensuring consistent quality. This study investigates the potential of Nadsoniella nigra (Nn), an Antarctic yeast, as a natural alternative to synthetic auxins like Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in grapevine micro cutting propagation. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the culture liquid of Nn as a natural alternative to auxin-class hormones, using IBA as an example, for promoting rooting in grapevine microcuttings and to assess its impact on chlorophyll content, vitamin C levels, and sugar concentrations. Materials and Methods: In vitro propagation of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar 'Karmarhyt' was performed using half-strength Woody Plant Medium (WPM). Nn culture liquid was prepared at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ml/L, and IBA was used at equivalent concentrations. Microcuttings were cultured on media supplemented with these treatments, with a control group maintained without growth regulators. Rooting was evaluated after 4 weeks by measuring rooting percentage, number of roots per shoot, and root length. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and Chlorophyll b (Chl b) levels, vitamin C content, and sugar concentrations were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using standard error and t-tests. Results: Rooting performance of grapevine microcuttings varied with treatment. Nn culture liquid promoted rooting in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest values observed at 2.0 ml/L (97.0% rooting, 7.2 roots, 13.8 cm root length). IBA treatment resulted in peak rooting at 1.0 mg/L (100% rooting) but decreased at higher concentrations, accompanied by callus formation. Chlorophyll content was higher in Nn culture liquid treated microcuttings, with a maximum total chlorophyll of 2.20 mg/g at 2.0 mg/L, compared to a peak of 2.05 mg/g in IBA-treated microcuttings at 1.0 mg/L. Sugar and vitamin C content increased with Nn culture liquid concentrations, whereas IBA showed a less consistent effect. Conclusion: Nn culture liquid was an effective natural alternative to IBA for promoting rooting in grapevine microcuttings. It improved rooting efficiency, chlorophyll content, and increased sugar and vitamin C levels, while IBA led to growth inhibition and callus formation at higher concentrations. Nn culture liquid demonstrated consistent benefits, suggesting potential for sustainable viticulture. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the mixture of secondary metabolites contained in the liquid culture medium of Nn possesses high biological activity and can be recommended for use in plant biotechnology in vitro to promote the growth of both underground and above-ground parts. Future research could explore its use in propagating other plant species. Keywords: ´Karmrahyut´, grapevine, culture liquid of Nadsoniella nigra. in vitro propagation, functional foods

Light Absorption Properties of Brown Carbon Aerosol During Winter at a Polluted Rural Site in the North China Plain

Brown carbon aerosols (BrC), a subfraction of organic aerosols, significantly influence the atmospheric environment, climate and human health. The North China Plain (NCP) is a hotspot for BrC research in China, yet our understanding of the optical properties of BrC in rural regions is still very limited. In this study, we characterize the chemical components and light absorption of BrC at a rural site during winter in the NCP. The average mass concentration of PM1 is 135.1 ± 82.3 μg/m3; organics and nitrate are the main components of PM1. The absorption coefficient of BrC (babs,BrC) is 53.6 ± 45.7 Mm−1, accounting for 39.5 ± 10.2% of the total light absorption at 370 nm. Diurnal variations reveal that the babs,BrC and organics are lower in the afternoon, attributed to the evolution of planetary boundary layers. BrC is mainly emitted locally, and both the aqueous phase and the photooxidation reactions can increase babs,BrC. Notably, the babs,BrC is reduced when RH > 65%. During foggy conditions, reactions in the aqueous phase facilitate the formation of secondary components and contribute to the bleaching of BrC. This process ultimately causes a decrease in both the absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) and the mass absorption efficiency (MAE). In contrast, the babs,BrC, along with AAE and MAE, rise significantly due to substantial primary emissions. This study enhances our understanding of the light absorption of BrC in rural polluted regions of the NCP.

Alcohol related emergencies among adolescents admitted in a referral acute-care center for adults in Genoa, northwest Italy

Abstract Background As a result of underage drinking, adolescents have an increased risk of physical, mental, emotional, and social harm. Methods In order to assess the emergencies for alcohol use, data of the emergency department (ED) of San Martino Hospital - the referral acute-care center for adults in Genoa, Northwest Italy - was analyzed retrospectively. 330 records of 320 adolescents visiting the ED between 2014 and 2023 were considered. Results The median age of access was 16 (IQR 2), 54.8% were males, 17.4% had foreign nationalities, and the average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 1.8 g/L (SD 0.7), with 14.7% testing positive for other substances (6.1% benzodiazepines and 11.2% other drugs). 16.8%, 46.6% and 36.6% were assigned an emergency, urgent, and not-urgent acuity code. 2.8% had a repeated episode, 3.4% had to be removed for inappropriate behavior, 7.8% left spontaneously, 13.1% were hospitalized for additional care (5.5% in the Psychiatry ward). The average length of stay was 1.24 days (SD 5.86). Multivariable logistic regression showed that higher age, an emergency code and the use of other substances were positively associated with hospitalization [ORs 1.74 (95%CI 1.1-2.7), p 0.01; 7.1 (95%CI 2.2-22.4) p < 0.001; and 15.6 (95%CI 6.8-35.6) p < 0.001, respectively]. Admission in Psychiatry, in particular, was strongly associated with the use of other substances [OR 11.8 (95%CI 3.8-36.6), p < 0.001]. Multivariable linear regression showed that, in comparison with other access reasons, accidents and decreased consciousness were associated with higher BAC [beta 0.6 (95%CI 0.1-1.1), p 0.01; beta 0.8 (95%CI 0.3-1.2) p < 0.001]. Length of stay, however, was associated with lower BAC [beta -0.2 (95%CI -0.3 -0.01), p 0.04]. Conclusions In Italy, binge drinking affects 120,000 adolescents aged 11-17. Our findings highlight the harm of this practice and support the need for prompt interventions to reduce the onset and prevalence of adolescent alcohol use.

Long-Term exposure to NO2 and Stroke Mortality in Portugal: an ecological study from 2001 to 2021

Abstract Background Air pollution is an important contributing factor for many pathologies, including stroke. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an air pollutant, has been associated in multiple studies with strokes’ mortality. Aim This study aims, for the first time, to estimate the number of deaths by stroke due to long-term, ambient exposure to nitrogen dioxide in Portugal for the years 2001-2021. Methods An ecological study was considered, including data for NO2 outdoor concentration from Portugal. Mortality data by stroke was obtained divided in 5-year groups. It was also obtained life expectancy for each year to calculate the years of life lost (YLL). The hazard ratio (HR) was obtained from literature (1.009, CI 1.003-1.016). The population attributable fraction (PAF) of YLL by stroke due to ambient NO2 long-term exposure was calculated. Results The annual average NO2 concentration in Portugal decreased from its peak in 2001 of 29.4 to 12.2 µg/m3 in 2021. The YLL by stroke decreased from an estimated 57452 to 31204 from 2001 to 2021. The PAF of YLL by stroke due to ambient NO2 long-term exposure reached its peak in 2001, when an estimated 5.2% of all the YLL by stroke, corresponding to 3029 YLL, were due to NO2 exposure and a bottom in 2021, when 2.2%, corresponding to 682 YLL, where due NO2 exposure. Conclusions The policies and legislation implemented to curb down NO2 seem to have had an effect in Portugal. A reduction in NO2 emissions was achieved, having a significant impact on YLL by stroke in Portugal, suggesting that curbing the NO2 emissions down had a positive effect on mortality by stroke in Portugal. To further enhance our knowledge on the real impacts of NO2, further studies must be conducted to estimate the morbidity associated with NO2 on stroke as well as in other diseases. Key messages • Pollution by nitrogen dioxide decreased significantly from 2001 to 2021. • Around 20000 years of life were lost just in Portugal due to nitrogen dioxide between 2001 and 2021.

Association between average glucose concentration or glucose variability and acute kidney injury among CAD patients with prediabetes

Abstract Background Prediabetes, impacting approximately 10% of adults, lacks comprehensive attention, and there is limited data on effective glycemic control strategies. Meta-analysis suggests that intensive glycemic control is linked to a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, mainly driven by decreased reinfarction and reduced microvascular complications in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. However, despite these associations, existing evidence does not conclusively establish the efficacy of intensive glycemic control in enhancing cardio-renal outcomes. Purpose In the present study, we aimed to validate the utility of intensive glycaemic control on acute kidney injury (AKI) prevention using a prospective, pragmatic clinical data of patients with CAD. Methods This study utilized data from the Prospective Registry of the Current Status of Care for Patients with Coronary Artery Disease database, a nationwide and pragmatic registry project initiated on January 17th, 2022. Data, including demographics, medical history, and lab results, were collected from electronic medical records. The time-weighted average glucose (TWAG) and glucose variability (CV) for each patient to assess glycaemic control, and outcomes including AKI were assessed. Statistical analysis involved logistic models and sensitivity analyses. SAS 9.4 and R software were used, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results Between January 2022 and June 2023, 2,454 CAD patients with prediabetes were included for final analysis. Among them, the average age was 62.6 ± 10.3 years, of whom 27.1% were females. In univariate model, the incidence of AKI was 1.51 (1.36,1.68) times higher in patients with an increasing TWAG per mmol/L. After the stepwise adjusting of covariates, the OR was 1.50 (1.35,1.67). CV of glucose also had positive association with AKI. An increasing of 0.1 unit of CV increased the risk of about 44%. When adjusting the TWAG and CV of glucose at the same time, both still had positive association with AKI. A restricted cubic splines plot showed an increasing trend of the ORs for AKI as both TWAG and CV of glucose increased. Subgroups analyses also showed stable positive association between TWAG, CV and AKI. Conclusions Our study reveals an association between TWAG or CV and AKI in individuals with both CAD and prediabetes. These findings underscore the importance of continuous glucose monitoring and the implementation of intensive glycaemic control for CAD patients coexistence of prediabetes.Restricted cubic splines function

Inclusion Transfer Phenomenon under Unsteady Multiphase Flow during Rheinstahl–Heraeus Vacuum Treatment Process

Inclusion particles are extremely harmful to the quality of steel products, and Rheinstahl–Heraeus (RH) vacuum treatment is the key process to remove the inclusions from molten steel. By coupling analyzing the unsteady gas–liquid flow and decarbonization reaction, the inclusion mass/population conservation model is developed to explore the inclusion particles transfer phenomenon during RH vacuum treatment process. The coupling mathematical models are validated by the metallurgical experimental data. The results show that the predicted inclusion mass concentration in unsteady CO–Ar–molten steel multiphase system has significantly smaller relative error than that in steady Ar–molten steel flow. CO bubble plays a key role in the inclusion transfer phenomenon, which prompts the inclusion transport, the collision‐aggregation, and the removal process. At the 4th minute of vacuum treatment, the average inclusion volume concentration and the average inclusion number density in CO–Ar–molten steel are 72.75% and 64.62% of those in Ar–molten steel, respectively. The average inclusion characteristic radius in CO–Ar–molten steel is 7.33% larger than that in Ar–molten steel.

Does air pollution impact myocardial infarction incidence even in a city with fair air quality? Results from the EPIC-MI (Environmental Pollution and IncidenCe of Myocardial Infarction) Study

Abstract Background In light of recent research highlighting the potential association between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases, there remains a gap in data, particularly in cities characterized by relatively low pollution levels. The EPIC-MI Study endeavors to explore whether, even in a city boasting fair air quality such as our city, there exists a discernible impact of air pollution on the risk of cardiovascular events within an urban setting. Methods We analyzed all consecutive acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients admitted to our city heart center from March 2013 to December 2022. Air pollution data were meticulously gathered from 5 strategically positioned monitoring stations. Utilizing Poisson regression, the associations between these pollutants and the incidence of MI was analyzed. We also investigated the impact of pollution exceedance days and COVID-19 lockdown periods on MI incidence. Results Over nearly a decade, 18.798 MI cases were analyzed. The Poisson regression model revealed a significant independent association between the monthly average MI incidence and pollutant concentrations within the same month. Statistically significant independent effects were observed for CO (p<0.01), O₃ (p=0.03), SO₂ (p<0.01), and relative humidity (p<0.01) on MI incidence (Figure 1). Exceedance days were associated with a significant upswing in daily MI incidence. The MI incidence increased by 3.3% when PM10 exceeded 25 µg/m³ on the same day (5.19 ± 2.49 vs. 5.36 ± 2.50, p=0.03) and remained elevated over three days (5.19 ± 1.42 vs. 5.34 ± 1.46, p<0.01). For PM2.5, there was a 4.2% increase when exceeding 20 µg/m³ on the same day (5.20 ± 2.49 vs. 5.42 ± 2.52, p=0.02) and still elevated over three days (5.20 ± 1.42 vs. 5.40 ± 1.47, p<0.01). During the COVID-19 lockdown periods, a significant decrease was observed in air pollutant levels compared to non-lockdown years within the same timeframe (Figure 2). PM2.5 (9.89 µg/m³ vs. 12.76 µg/m³, p=0.02), PM10 (15.26 µg/m³ vs. 18.7 µg/m³, p<0.01), SO2 (1.16 µg/m³ vs. 1.77 µg/m³, p<0.01), and NO2 (14.42 µg/m³ vs. 19.53 µg/m³, p<0.01) exhibited significant reductions. Concurrently, a 22.5% reduction in daily MI incidence was observed compared to non-lockdown years within the same timeframe (4.16 vs. 5.37, p<0.01). Conclusion The study demonstrates an enduring influence of air pollutants on cardiovascular events, even in a city with fair air quality, such as our city. Elevated concentrations of air pollutants, especially on days with excessive levels, were significantly associated with an increased incidence of MI. The reduction in MI cases observed during the COVID-19 lockdown period underscores the potential cardiovascular benefits associated with improved air quality. These findings emphasize the importance of sustained efforts to mitigate air pollution for the enhancement of cardiovascular health in urban environments.

Assessment of Metal Pollution in Sediments and Their Bioaccumulation in Phragmites australis from Shoor River, Iran

ABSTRACT Heavy metal contamination is a serious global issue that threatens both environmental and human health. This study investigated the levels of 12 heavy metals in sediments, roots, stems, and leaves of Phragmites australis (common reed) from a river in Iran, using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The sediment metal concentration order was: Aluminum (Al) > Iron (Fe) > Manganese (Mn) > Zinc (Zn) > Magnesium (Mg) > Nickel (Ni) > Chromium (Cr) > Lead (Pb) > Copper (Cu) > Arsenic (As) > Vanadium (V) with Cadmium (Cd) below detection limit. Concentrations of As, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the sediments exceeded background values. According to sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), metal concentrations were between the threshold effect level (TEL) and the probable effect level (PEL), remaining below the severe effect level (SEL), except for Ni. Average metal concentrations in plant tissues were lower than in sediment samples, with roots showing higher levels of Cd, V, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Al, Mg, and Fe than in the shoots, while leaves had higher Ni, Cr, and Mn. The bioaccumulation factor of less than 1 (except for V) indicates limited bioavailibility of these metals.

Determination of heavy metals and health risk assessment in drinking water in Bukayriyah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Heavy metal levels, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and nickel, were analyzed in 124 samples of tap and filtered water obtained from Bukayriyah city, Saudi Arabia, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Additionally, measurements of total dissolved solids, conductivity, and pH were also performed. The study also evaluated the potential non-cancer and cancer risks (CRs) associated with the ingestion of these heavy metals for both children and adults. The results indicated that the average concentrations of heavy metals in both tap and filtered water were found to be below the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization and the Gulf Standard Organization. To assess the non-carcinogenic risks, the chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index were calculated for analyzed metals present in both tap and filtered water. In both the children and adult populations, the CDI indices for heavy metals in tap and filtered water followed the order of Cr > Hg > Ni > Pb > As > Cd. However, it is worth noting that the CDI values for tap water were higher than those for filtered water for both children and adults. The descending order of HQ values is as follows: Hg > Cr > As > Cd > Pb > Ni. This indicates that the HQ values for all metals are below the acceptable limit of 1. These findings confirm that the exposure to the examined metals from both tap and filtered water in Bukayriyah City is within safe limits and poses no non-carcinogenic risks. To assess the carcinogenic risks, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) were calculated. The order of ILCR values for both children and adults in tap and filtered water is as follows: Ni > Cr > Cd > As > Pb. All ILCR values were below the acceptable limit of 10−6 to 10−4. However, TCR values exceeded this threshold range only for children exposed to tap water, with a value of 1.43 × 10−4. Thus, children exposed to tap water have a potential risk of developing carcinogenic diseases.

Water Quality Changes in the Xingkai (Khanka) Lake, Northeast China, Driven by Climate Change and Human Activities: Insights from Published Data (1990–2020)

Water quality degradation and eutrophication of lakes are global ecological and environmental concerns, especially shallow lakes. This study collected hydrochemical data from 2935 samples of the Chinese part of Xingkai (Khanka) Lake, based on 40 published papers spanning the period from 2001 to 2023. Using the water quality index (WQI), improved geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and redundancy analysis (RDA), we analyzed the overall contamination characteristics of the water environment in Xingkai Lake. Additionally, we explored the impact of climate change and human activities on the lake’s water quality. The results showed that the annual WQI for Xingkai Lake ranged from 47.3 to 72, with a general downward trend, indicating improving water quality. Notably, the average WQI in May and total nitrogen (TN) content decreased significantly, signaling further improvement in water quality. The average concentration of TN in sediments was 1401.3 mg/kg, reflecting mild contamination. The Igeo values for the heavy metals Hg and Cr were greater than 1, indicating moderate contamination, while the Igeo values for Cd and Pb were between 0 and 1, which is in the range of uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. Land use and climate change (average annual temperature and annual precipitation) were key factors influencing water quality, with cumulative explanatory ratios of 67.3% and 50.1%. This study utilized land-use change as a metric for human activities, highlighting the potential impacts of climate change and human activities on the water quality of Xingkai Lake. It offers vital insights for the sustainable management of Xingkai Lake and provides valuable references into the management of similar transboundary lakes.

Impact of Metal-Containing Industrial Effluents on Leafy Vegetables and Associated Human Health Risk

One of the primary sources of trace elements in the environment is wastewater used for irrigation. However, the effects of untreated wastewater containing high concentrations of chromium and zinc on vegetables and the potential human health risks associated with their consumption are poorly understood. This pot experiment aimed to address this research gap. The accumulation of chromium and zinc and their effect on the biochemical parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) irrigated with untreated industrial effluents were assessed. The average concentrations of chromium and zinc in the edible parts of the vegetables ranged between 7.36 and 7.58 mg/kg dry weight and 59.8 and 833 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The irrigation of the lettuce with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 2.95 mg/L led to a significant increase in the content of phenols and the antioxidant activity. A significant reduction in the chlorophyll content of the lettuce leaves and the antioxidant activity of the onion leaves was observed when the plants were irrigated with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 78 mg/L. No non-carcinogenic health risk from the intake of chromium and zinc was identified through the consumption of lettuce and green onion, primarily due to the fact that a smaller proportion of the total metal content was transferred to their edible parts.

Ultra-high pressure assisted extraction of water-soluble polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera seed husks and their antioxidant activities

ABSTRACT The process conditions and antioxidant activity of ultra-high pressure assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera seed husks were studied. Taking the yield of polysaccharides as the index, the effects of degree of crushing, extraction pressure, holding pressure time and material-to-liquid ratio on the yield of polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera seed husks were investigated. The optimal extraction conditions were determined by single-factor test and orthogonal test: a holding time of 10 min, a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:25, an extraction pressure of 350 MPa, and a polysaccharide yield of 0.264%. Its antioxidant activity can be determined by measuring the total antioxidant capacity and their ability to scavenge DPPH and ·OH radicals. The results showed that the IC50 of Moringa oleifera seed husk polysaccharides on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals were 0.0662 g/L and 0.0844 g/L, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity was 0.1826 mm/g (expressed as the equivalent concentration of ferrous sulfate). Compared with hot water extraction methods, ultra-high pressure assisted extraction methods can shorten extraction time, improve extraction efficiency. The water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Moringa oleifera seed husks by ultra-high pressure assisted extraction technology also have higher antioxidant activity than that by hot water extraction method at the same concentration.

Characteristics and Source Analysis of Ozone Pollution in Tianjin from 2013 to 2022

This study has analyzed ozone pollution in Tianjin from 2013 to 2022, focusing on the relationships between ozone distribution, meteorological conditions, and precursor substances. A method for identifying high-value areas of ozone precursors using the Ozone Sensitivity Factor (FNR) has been introduced. Results show that the average ozone concentration in Tianjin has been 100.608 µg/m3, with an annual growth rate of 2.84 µg·m⁻3·yr⁻¹. Tianjin has ranked among the top provinces and urban agglomerations in China for both ozone concentration and growth rate. Ozone levels have peaked in summer, followed by spring, autumn, and winter, while the growth rate has been highest in spring. This indicates that ozone pollution extends from summer into spring and autumn. An analysis of six ozone pollution events reveals significant regional transmission impacts from northern Hebei and Inner Mongolia, contributing over 30%, with additional significant contributions from southern and southwestern Hebei and western Shandong. In terms of controlling ozone precursors, high-HCHO-value areas have been identified. The correlation between areas of high HCHO values and ground-level ozone concentrations was 0.56339 during the ozone season and 0.2214 during the non-ozone season, both of which improved identification accuracy to varying degrees, suggesting that targeting precursor emissions in these areas could enhance pollution mitigation efforts.

Assessing the growth, yield, and biochemical composition of greenhouse cherry tomatoes with special emphasis on the progressive growth report

The growth of plants hinges on a complex interplay of biochemical and physiological activities across various growth stages. These intricate processes dynamically adapt to different environmental conditions, shaping both plant development and productivity. This study explores the impact of greenhouse climate on the growth, yield, and biochemistry of winter-grown cherry tomatoes ‘Cheramy F1’. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) under split plot arrangements (3 Rows) with three replications (3 plants from each row) was adopted. The data were collected on various dates during the period extending from December to March of two consecutive growing seasons in 2022 and 2023, and presented as averages. An analysis of variance was applied to statistically analyze the collected data at a confidence level of p < 0.05. The climatic conditions in the greenhouse were calculated as temperature ranging from a minimum of 10.5 °C to the maximum of 41.3 °C by an average of 21.2 °C during the vegetative stage and from 8.2 °C to 32.3 °C by an average of 20.9 °C during the fruit-bearing stage, with an average CO2 concentration fluctuated within the range of 385.61 ppm to 510.30 ppm and an average light intensity of 94.62 to 240.45 W/m². This study assessed various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf growth, stem diameter, leaf spacing, leaf count, leaf area, and inflorescence count per plant, and suggested the optimum range of greenhouse conditions for each stage. The key results of this study revealed the Progressive Growth Report (PGR), predicting daily potential growth rates of plants: plant height, 2.86 to 3.81 cm/day; growth rate of mature older leaf: 0.003988 m2/day; middle younger leaf: 0.008733 m2/day; top nascent leaf: 0.010722 m2/day; three to five leaves per week; and one inflorescence per week. In our accidental observation, we noticed unusual plant growth and yield responses because of the various growing postures and positions that the plants adopted in the greenhouse. An exceedingly significant difference among the inflorescences was found in view of their growth, productivity and biochemical composition. A non-significant interaction was found between the fruit keeping quality (shelf days), fruit height, fruit diameter, and inflorescence number. The present study results highlight the possible responses of greenhouse-grown cherry tomatoes to different ranges of temperature, light intensity, and CO2 concentrations, offering valuable insights for optimizing greenhouse cherry tomatoes cultivation.

Assessment of transboundary macro-litter on the remote island of Andaman and Nicobar: Unveiling the governing factors and risk assessment

The increasing occurrence of mismanaged plastic litter along India's coastline and the ominous challenges it poses to biodiversity and ecosystem health is a growing environmental concern. To address this issue, we comprehensively investigated the abundance, composition, and probable sources of marine litter on North Cinque Island, a remote uninhabited island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, Bay of Bengal. This island is a designated wildlife sanctuary and serves as an important nesting site for Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. A total of 6227 litter items were enumerated, with an average concentration of 0.12 items/m2, representing 20 diverse litter types, with plastic dominating the litter composition (86 %). The cleanliness and environmental hazards of the coast due to the litter were assessed using different indices such as the Clean Coast Index (CCI), Plastic Accumulation Index (PAI), Hazardous Item Index (HII), and Clean Environment Index (CEI). CCI indicates the moderately clean-to-clean status of the surveyed sites. PAI points to low to moderate accumulation of plastic litter. HII of all five coasts fell in category II, suggesting a moderate abundance of hazardous items that can inflict injuries to the foraging turtle and their hatchlings. The CEI articulates the moderately clean to very clean status of the sites. Litter brand audit suggests a considerable amount of stranded litter on the coasts was transboundary and originated from six Indian Ocean Rim Countries (IORC), namely Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and UAE. Joint solid waste management by the IORC is the need of the hour to avert litter accumulation on the pristine, remote islands.

Direct measurement of indoor thoron and radon progeny and estimation of inhalation dose in three cities in Gabon: Comparison of the use of thoron typical and measured equilibrium factor values

This study focuses on public exposure to natural radioactivity caused by the inhalation of radon and thoron progeny in homes in Franceville, Moanda and Mounana in Gabon. The equilibrium factor (FTn) between thoron and its progeny was determined experimentally for a proper estimate of the effective dose. In order to assess internal exposure due to radon and thoron progeny, 150 passive radon-thoron discriminative detectors (RADUET) and thoron progeny monitors were deployed for about 3 months in the above-mentioned towns. The results of the measurements obtained showed that the average concentrations of thoron progeny (EETC) were 1.54 ± 0.08 Bq m−3, 3.05 ± 0.09 Bq m−3 and 1.84 ± 0.11 Bq m−3 in Franceville, Moanda and Mounana, respectively. The ranges of the measured thoron equilibrium factors were 0.004–0.710, 0.005–0.750, and 0.006–0.794 in Franceville, Moanda and Mounana, respectively. The arithmetic and geometric mean values were, respectively, 0.183 and 0.117 in Franceville, 0.184 and 0.122 in Moanda, and 0.221 and 0.140 in Mounana. The experimentally determined equilibrium factor (FTnexp) allowed us to compare the value of the experimentally determined effective dose with the theoretically determined one calculated using the equilibrium factor proposed by United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) 2000 report. FTnexp values were around 6–11 times greater than the UNSCEAR typical value. The ranges, arithmetic and geometric mean EERC values determined were 30.40–55.60 Bq m−3, 24.00 ± 0.90 Bq m−3 and 41.68 (1.00) in Franceville, 36.40–62.50 Bq m−3, 45.30 ± 0.70 Bq m−3 and 44.72 (1.00) in Moanda, and 35.00–90.00 Bq m−3, 50.00 ± 2.00 Bq m−3 and 48.50 (1.00) in Mounana. The mean values of the annual effective inhalation dose due to thoron progeny determined using FTnexp were 0.32 mSv (compared to 0.049 mSv), 0.63 mSv (compared to 0.103 mSv), and 0.39 mSv (compared to 0.055 mSv) in Franceville, Moanda and Mounana, respectively. The main conclusion of this study is that indirect estimations of thoron progeny concentrations considerably underestimate the estimation of the annual effective inhalation dose.

Exposure-Response Analysis of Tofacitinib in Active Psoriatic Arthritis: Results from Two Phase 3 Studies.

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). These post hoc exposure-response (E-R) analyses of pooled data from two Phase 3 studies (NCT01877668 and NCT01882439) characterized the relationships between tofacitinib exposure and efficacy (American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria), and changes in hemoglobin (Hgb) in patients with PsA. Efficacy data for the proportion of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily, or placebo, achieving ACR ≥20%, ≥50%, or ≥70% response criteria (ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70, respectively) at Month 3, were modeled jointly using a four-category ordered categorical exposure-response model (ACR20 non-responder, ACR20 responder but not ACR50 responder, ACR50 responder but not ACR70 responder, and ACR70 responder). A maximum drug effect (Emax) model (using average concentrations of tofacitinib at steady state [Cavg]) adequately described the exposure-ACR response rate relationship. Model-predicted response rates for tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg twice daily were 51% and 58%, respectively, for ACR20; 29% and 36% for ACR50; and 15% and 20% for ACR70. The E-R relationship between tofacitinib exposure and changes in Hgb was assessed using an indirect response model, which generally predicted Hgb concentration-time profiles across treatments well. The proportions of patients experiencing a decrease in Hgb of >2 g/dL were similar with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily or placebo. These results were generally consistent with previous analyses in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and support the use of tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily for active PsA.