Portable Meter Research Articles

The effects of pregnancy on oral health, salivary ph and flow rate

BackgroundThe frequent occurrence of dental caries and periodontal diseases in women during pregnancy may be due to many factors, such as salivary variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on salivary pH, flow rate, the DMFT index, and CPI sores.MethodsA total of 198 volunteers (pregnant in different trimesters and non- pregnant) were included for the present observational cross-sectional study. Data about sociodemographic characteristics and dental and systemic health conditions were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected for 5 min via the spitting method. The pH of the saliva was measured by a portable pH meter. The salivary flow rate was determined by the weight measurement method. The DMFT index and CPI were determined. The statistical evaluation was performed using Robust ve Poisson Regression analyses (p < 0.05).ResultsIt was determined that there was a gradually significant decrease in the Ph value from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, which was lower than the control group. (p < 0.001) The flow rate of pregnants in their third trimester was lower than that of first trimester (p = 0.017). The CPI scores of pregnant women were significantly greater than that of non-pregnants (p = 0.042), while the DMFTs were similar among all groups.ConclusionOur findings indicate that pregnancy leads to a notable reduction in unstimulated salivary pH and flow rate, which also has a detrimental impact on periodontal health.Trial registrationClinical Trials-ID: NCT06343337; Registration Date: 04.01.2024.

Three birds with one stone: A nano zeolitic imidazolate framework-luciferase-antimicrobial peptide biocomposite-based biosensing platform for improving enzyme stability, detection sensitivity, and sterilization effect

Adenosine triphosphate-driven bioluminescence (ATP-BL) biosensors were widely employed for on-site screening of bacteria. However, unstable luciferase with strict storage conditions limited its field detection. Moreover, the traditional ATP-BL biosensors lacked the sterilization effect. In this study, a robust and multifunctional zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 decorated with luciferase and polyethylene glycol–antimicrobial peptides (ZIF-90@Luc-AMP) was prepared. It could not only enhance the activity and stability of luciferase at ambient temperatures (≥1 month) but also sensitively detect target bacteria via the bioluminescence (BL) method and kill them (three birds with one stone). During the detection process, the target pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) was specifically captured on a phage-modified stir bar and formed a sandwich complex with ZIF-90@Luc-AMP. With the synergistic bacteriolysis of ZIF-90@Luc-AMP and the phage, the captured E. coli O157:H7 was decomposed and emitted adenosine triphosphate (ATP), achieving the sterilization effect. Meanwhile, the introduced luciferase catalyzed ATP to produce a BL signal, which was proportional to the concentration of E. coli O157:H7. Combining ZIF-90@Luc-AMP and a phage-labeled stir bar for target recognition and enrichment, the entire analytical process could be easily manipulated within 30 min with a low limit of detection (20 CFU/mL) through a portable ATP bioluminescent meter. The multifunctional ZIF-90@Luc-AMP biosensor with high stability, specificity, and sensitivity was also appropriate for rapid pathogen screening and antibacterial application in the wild.

Fundamental study on measurement of soil pH and electrical conductivity in batch tests for the determination of soil-soil solution distribution coefficient

Soil-soil solution distribution coefficient, Kd, is used to understand the mobility of radionuclides in the soil environment. Soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) are the important factors affecting soil Kd, but existing methods for Kd employed different conditions, as well, standard soil pH and EC methods varied in the test conditions. It would be desirable to measure both pH and EC using the same soil solution for Kd with portable meters (non-glass electrode type) that need only a small liquid volume. In this study, at first, we utilized portable pH and EC meters to examine effects of different conditions on measurements, i.e., the water/soil ratios, contact time and standing time. The results showed that portable meter measurements of soil supernatant after 1 h shaking and 1 h standing could provide comparable pH and EC values with other standard soil tests. Then measurements of pH, and EC up to 168 h were carried out, considering the Kd methods for radiocesium (Cs); only slight differences in these values were observed compared to the standard test method. Considering these results, further analysis was carried out on the correlation between soil Kd-Cs and pH and found a clear decrease of Kd-Cs at pH<5.

The mediating role of systemic inflammation in the association between bedroom light at night and new-onset depressive symptoms among Chinese young adults: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe detrimental effects of exposure to light at night (LAN) have received increasing attention. However, the effects of LAN exposure on depressive symptoms and underlying mechanism are less explored. ObjectivesTo investigate the association between LAN exposure with new-onset and trajectories of depressive symptoms, and the potential mediating role of systemic inflammation. MethodsBaseline bedroom LAN exposure was monitored every minute for 2 consecutive nights using a portable illuminance meter. Fasting blood samples were collected at the 1-year follow-up to determine high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, 1- and 2-year follow-up using the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ). ResultsAt baseline, the mean age of the 347 participants was 18.7 ± 0.8 years, and 35.2 % were men. At 2-year follow-up, the new-onset depressive symptoms were 14.7 %. Compared with low-LANavg (average light intensity from bedtime to rising time) intensity group (LANavg < 3 lx), those with high-LANavg intensity (LANavg ≥ 3 lx) were associated with an 125 % increase in risk for depressive symptoms (HR = 2.25; 95 % CI: 1.27, 4.00); Compared with short-LAN5 (duration of nighttime light intensity ≥5 lx) duration group (LAN5 < 45 min), those with long-LAN5 duration (LAN5 ≥ 45 min) were associated with an 119 % increase in risk for depressive symptoms (HR = 2.19; 95 % CI: 1.18, 4.06). Participants were classified into 3 trajectory groups: consistently low, slow or rapid increase depressive symptoms; both intensity and duration of LAN exposure were associated with higher likelihood of slow or rapid increase depressive symptoms. Additionally, hs-CRP partially mediated the relationship between intensity (mediation proportion: 7.1 %) and duration (mediation proportion: 10.6 %) of LAN exposure with depressive symptoms. ConclusionExcessive bedroom LAN exposure is associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms among young adults, and systemic inflammation may be a partial mediator in the LAN-depressive symptoms association.

Enhancing commercial check valves in downhole pump applications through laboratory testing system development

In this study, we aim to enhance the performance and longevity of downhole pumps employed in crude oil extraction in the oil industry. Downhole pumps play a pivotal role in the rod-pump system, comprising traveling and standing valves that function similarly to ball check valves. However, these valves often experience premature wear and tear. To address this concern, we embarked on experiments involving various check valve alternatives to conventional ball valves within downhole pumps. The testing conditions were controlled precisely. Furthermore, we evaluated four distinct check valve types, the original (representing the incumbent ball valves), spring-poppet (C), spring-ball (CB), and spring-poppet with soft-seated (S6C) check valves, within a controlled laboratory environment. We employed a TEXAPON N70 solution to replicate the properties and temperature conditions of crude oil. A portable ultrasonic flow meter was used to quantify the pump flow rate and assess its volumetric efficiency. In addition, we recorded data on the polished-rod load and plunger displacement to generate dynamometer cards, thereby enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the operational performance of the pump. Furthermore, we conducted a vacuum test to scrutinize valve leakage, which is a crucial indicator of the operational lifespan of a downhole pump. Our findings show that incorporating the CB check valve with the RHB pump in oil wells operated by the PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) could result in a 15 % increase in volumetric efficiency and a remarkable 160 % improvement in durability compared to the original ball check valve.

Evaluation of Proximal Contact Tightness and Contact Area of Posterior Composite Resin Restorations

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the matrix system on proximal contact tightness (PCT) of posterior composite resin restorations. Standardized class II cavities on 180 first lower molar dentiform model teeth (Frasaco GmbH, Tettnang, Germany) were prepared. Three groups were formed considering the matrix system: Group-IM: Ivory matrix (Hahnenkratt GmbH, Königsbach-Stein, Germany), Group-OM: Omni matrix (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA), and Group-PM: Palodent V3 sectional matrix (Dentsply, Charlotte, NC, USA). Teeth were restored with resin composite mounted in a manikin head to simulate the clinical environment. Proximal contact tightness (PCT) was measured using a custom-made portable dental pressure meter (PDPM), and the validation of the PCT results was performed with a histogram analysis acquired from bite-wing radiography. All data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and t-test in SPSS software (v.27.0) (p &lt; 0.05). PM group showed statistically tighter contacts on both mesial (PCTm: 228.28 ± 59.17 N) and distal surfaces (PCTd: 254.91 ± 65.69 N) (p &gt; 0.05). Mesial contacts were found to be significantly tighter than distal contacts among all (p &lt; 0.05). According to the histogram results, only in the PM group, the difference between the mesial and distal areas is significant (p &lt; 0.05). Histogram results confirmed that the tightest contact values were achieved in the PM group, followed by the OM and IM groups, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). The use of sectional matrix systems and separation rings is more effective in creating tighter contact than conventional matrix systems. The use of anatomical wedges will help to create a more natural approximal contour and narrow contact area.

Assessment of photodynamic therapy with annatto and led for the treatment of halitosis in mouth-breathing children: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

To assess the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) employing an annatto-based (20%) dye combined with blue LED for the treatment of halitosis in mouth-breathing children. Fifty-two children six to twelve years of age with diagnoses of mouth breathing and halitosis (score of ≥ 3 on portable breath meter) Breath Alert™ (Tanita Corporation®-Japan), were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 26). Group 1: brushing, dental floss and aPDT applied to middle third of the dorsum of the tongue. Group 2: brushing, dental floss and tongue scraper. Breath meter results before, immediately after treatment as well as seven and 30 days after treatment were compared. The hypothesis of normality in the data was discarded by the Shapiro-Wilk test (p < 0.05) and for statistical analysis the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used. A significant difference was found between the pre-treatment reading and all other readings (p < 0.05) in both groups, suggesting the effectiveness of the proposed treatments. No significant difference was found between the post-treatment reading and two follow-up readings, suggesting the maintenance of the effect of treatment over time (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found between groups for all post-treatment assessments (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons), indicating greater effectiveness with aPDT. No association was found between the initial reading and the presence of coated tongue. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto and blue LED proved to be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of halitosis in mouth-breathing children.

Comparative Evaluation of Water Quality Properties: A Case Study of Coupled Commercial Aquaponics System

The current study intends to evaluate the influence of seasonal changes on the water quality parameters of a coupled commercial aquaponics system. The determined water quality parameters for the comparative study were total ammonium-nitrogen (TAN), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) and phosphate (PO43-), water temperature (WT), water pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). The WT and DO analysis were carried out using a portable dissolved oxygen meter (Model: PDO-520, Taiwan). A portable electrode pH meter (Model: PH-220, Taiwan) was utilized for the pH measurement. The TDS and EC readings were obtained using a multi-parameter water quality meter (PHT-27, China). The TAN, NO3-N, and PO43- determinations were done using their individual Merck Spectro-quant® test kits. The research results indicated a significant (p0.05) difference. The observed significant increase of NO3-N, PO43-, EC, and TDS in the summer and autumn periods could be associated to the increased fish feeding rate (which increases waste production) as well as relative increase in microbial waste conversion/mineralization. The investigated water quality makers were within the recommended amounts in the aquaponics system. Thus, in this study, seasonal differences have induced variation in the NO3-N, PO43-, WT, pH, EC, and TDS amounts. However, these differences do not affect the TAN and DO levels.

Temporal Dynamics of Plasma Catecholamines, Metabolic and Immune Markers, and the Corticosterone:DHEA Ratio in Farmed Crocodiles before and after an Acute Stressor.

Commercial crocodilian farms face significant economic and livestock losses attributed to stress, which may be linked to their adopted husbandry practices. The development of appropriate and modernized husbandry guidelines, particularly those focused on stress mitigation, is impeded by the limited understanding of the crocodilian stress response. Fifteen grower Nile crocodiles were subjected to simulated acute transport stress, with blood samples collected at various intervals post-stress. Plasma levels of corticosterone (CORT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), adrenaline, and noradrenaline were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Glucose and lactate were measured using portable meters and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HLR) was determined via differential leucocyte counts. Significant differences were elicited after the stressor, with acute fluctuations observed in the fast-acting catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) when compared to the baseline. Downstream effects of these catecholamines and CORT appear to be associated with a persistent increase in plasma glucose and HLR. Lactate also showed acute fluctuations over time but returned to the baseline by the final measurement. DHEA, which is used in a ratio with CORT, showed fluctuations over time with an inverted release pattern to the catecholamines. The study highlights the temporal dynamics of physiological markers under acute stress, contributing to our understanding of crocodilian stress and potentially informing improved farming practices for conservation and sustainable management.

Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels

BackgroundThe nicotine in e-cigarette liquid can negatively impact periodontal tissues by altering the salivary pH and elevating cotinine levels. Thus, the study aimed to determine the periodontal parameters, salivary pH, and cotinine levels among cigarette, e-cigarette, and never-smokers.MethodsA total of 144 participants were recruited (48 cigarette smokers, 48 e-cigarette smokers, and 48 never-smokers). Clinical periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded, excluding third molars. The level of unstimulated whole salivary pH was measured using a portable pH meter and the levels of salivary cotinine were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).ResultsData were analysed statistically using analysis of variance. Mean scores of PPD, percentage of pocket depth ≥ 4 mm, and CAL (p < 0.05) were significantly higher among cigarette smokers than those in e-cigarette and never-smokers, while GI (p < 0.05) were significantly higher among e-cigarette smokers. The unstimulated salivary pH was more acidic among cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) and e-cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) than in never-smokers. The cotinine levels were higher among cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) and e-cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) than in never-smokers.ConclusionsClinical periodontal parameters were poorer in cigarette smokers than in e-cigarette smokers and never-smokers. Meanwhile, cigarette and e-cigarette smokers have more acidic salivary pH and higher cotinine levels than in never-smokers.

Comparison of Ensemble vs One-Third Octave Band Averaging of Field Collected Decays

There are two allowable methods to calculate the average decay rate in ASTM E2235 - 20, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Decay Rates for Use in Sound Insulation Test Methods". The first averages the data that is presented by the sound level meter for each measurement. The second employs ensemble averaging to create one decay curve and then perform the decay rate calculation on that new curve. Historically, portable sound level meters exported a calculated reverberation time in each one-third octave band for each measurement due to lack of computing power. With the rapid increase in portable computing power, portable sound level meters can now easily perform ensemble averaging. These two methods will be compared. It will be shown that ensemble averaging will produce reliable results with far fewer decays than arithmetic averaging.

Bottle-in-bottle reaction device: Portable gas pressure meter for rapid and on-site analysis of oxalate in spinach and tea beverages

A gas pressure meter-based portable/miniaturized analytical kit was established for rapid and on-site detection of oxalate. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and oxalate solution were mixed together in bottle-in-bottle reaction device, a simple oxidation reaction process occurred within 6 min and carbon dioxide (CO2) was generated, inducing the pressure of the sealed bottle changed, which was measured by a portable gas pressure meter. A detectable range of 0.1–6 μmol mL−1 and a detection limit of 0.064 μmol mL−1 were achieved. The proposed analytical method was further used for the analysis of several real samples (spinach, beverages and water samples), with the recoveries of 89–111%. Considering the interferences from the complicated matrix, calcium chloride (CaCl2) was served as a precipitant, oxalate (C2O42−) was precipitated with Ca2+ to form precipitation (CaC2O4), CaC2O4 was then separated from the matrix by centrifuge/filter, eliminating the interferences. It is a rapid, easy-used and interference-free analytical system/device for oxalate on-site and real time analysis.

Characterization of Anopheles Mosquitoes Larvae Breeding habitats in Selected Six Local Government Areas in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria

This study explored the spatial distribution and attributes of Anopheles mosquito larvae breeding sites in six local government areas of Ekiti State, Nigeria. It employed a cross-sectional design, randomly sampling larvae habitats across three distinct locations, resulting in the assessment of a total of 18 breeding sites. The assessment of habitat characteristics and physico-chemical parameters of larvae breeding water-bodies was conducted through visual inspection and laboratory procedures, adhering to the standard protocol outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective of this study is to characteriseAnopheles mosquito larvae breeding habitats in six selected local government areas in Ekiti State using WHO protocol.. Two local governments were selected each from the three senatorial districts in the state and a survey was conducted to identify dams, rivers, swamps, marshlands, and temporary water ponds within each zone for Anopheles mosquito larvae using WHO protocols. Measurements of water temperature and pH were conducted twice in a week using a multi-parameter meter (PHB500- ww portable ph meter).Anopheles mosquito larvae were collected across the eighteen breeding sites in the selected six LGA in Ekiti using standard dipper, pasteur pipettes and scooping techniques and reared to adult in the laboratory. Most of the larvae habitats encountered were stagnant water bodies 10(56%) with the mean of 122.2 ± 41.20 followed by Tyre track 4(22%) with the mean of 129.8 ± 41.20, slowly flowing 2(11%) with the mean of 186.0 ± 16.97 and gutter 2(11%) with the mean of 170.0 ± 98.9. Types of breeding site across the six study area were all temporary sites 18(100%), more than half 13 (72%) of the habitats origin of water were natural, 11(61%) of the breeding habitats’ specific water body were stagnant water bodies. Furthermore, majority 14(78%) of the water bodies were polluted, 16(89%) were exposed to sunlight and it was also discovered that the all the breeding habitats across the six study area were around settlements (houses). Therefore physicochemical characteristics such as Temperature (r=0.896, p=0.016), pH (r=0.865, p=0.026) and Electrical conductivity (r=0.865, p=0.045) were significantly associated with larvae abundant with a strong positive correlation while the physicochemical characteristics such as DO and TDS were not significantly associated with larvae abundance .

In‐situ measurement of dissolved organic carbon and total organic carbon in fresh surface waters: Lab validation of a portable field meter

AbstractNonliving organic matter, including organic carbon, in freshwater systems provides energy inputs to food webs and supports various ecosystem functions. Unusually high organic carbon levels can occur naturally in aquatic habitats such as wetlands and blackwater rivers and streams. However, values may also be high due to anthropogenic influences. In recent years, increasing levels of organic carbon have been observed and suggested as drivers of brownification and increased observation of foam on surface waters. Total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are not commonly included in field studies of aquatic ecosystems because of sampling logistics and resources required for laboratory measurement. As a potential alternative to laboratory analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness of a portable field meter by comparing laboratory results to data collected in situ. Comparisons were made at 43 surface water sites across northern West Virginia. At each of these sites, a field measurement was recorded using a Real TOC/DOC Field Meter, and a water sample was collected and transported for laboratory measurement using a Shimadzu TOC‐V analyzer. Data from the laboratory and field for each site were compared using bivariate analysis and concordance correlation on matched pairs. Poor agreement existed between field and lab measurements, so a novel data model was created using laboratory‐derived data for further comparison. Substantial accuracy was achieved using the new data model. This suggests that the Real TOC/DOC Field Meter is a viable instrument for field measurement of organic carbon in aquatic ecosystems and may aid in monitoring and management decisions.

Data analysis of indoor air pollutants in the laboratories of an Indian engineering institute

Introduction: Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) is a serious problem, especially in enclosed environments where humans are present for a long period. Similar enclosed environments can be seen in educational Institutions, where employees and students spend much of their time. The objective of this research is to assess the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of engineering Institute's laboratories. Materials and methods: The sample of Indoor Air Pollutants (IAPs) such as Particulate Matters (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), Formaldehyde (HCHO), and Carbon dioxide (CO2) were obtained by using a portable air quality meter from 12 different laboratories during July 2021 to September 2021 from 10:00 to 17:00. The statistical analysis was performed to interpret the outcomes. Results: As a result, the higher concentration of PM , PM , PM , TVOC, 1.0 2.5 10 HCHO, and CO2 was observed in ML 11, ML2, ML12, ML5 and ML4. The correlation analysis shows that all laboratories, with the exception of ML4, ML5, ML9, and ML11, show good positive correlation for Particulate Matter (PM) of all sizes (R2&gt;0.90). Additionally, ML6 and ML9 exhibited a strong positive association (R2&gt;0.78) for TVOC, ML4 and ML8 for HCHO (R2&gt;0.68), and ML3 and ML10 for CO (R2&gt;0.66). In addition, cluster analysis was performed on the datasets to group them into similar source categories. As a result, 3, 2, 2, 4, 3, and 3 clusters for PM , PM , PM , TVOC, HCHO, and CO2 are extracted. Conclusion: Overall, it appears that the presence of IAPs is caused by nearby outdoor activities, sweeping and dusting, wood furniture, paints, and poor ventilation in laboratories.

One-Step Preparation Method and Rapid Detection Implementation Scheme for Simple Magnetic Tagging Materials

With the widespread application of tagging materials, existing chemical tagging materials exhibit limitations in stability and detection under field conditions. This study introduces a novel magnetic detection scheme. Hydrophilic material-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (COOH-PEG@Fe3O4 NPs) were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique. The content of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the magnetic tagging liquid can reach up to 10 wt% and remain stable in an aqueous phase system for seven days. This research details the preparation process, the characterization methods (IR, 1HNMR, EDX, XRD, SEM, TEM, VSM, DLS), and the performance effects of the materials in magnetic tagging. Experimental results indicate that COOH-PEG@Fe3O4 NPs exhibit high remanence intensity (Br = 1.75 emu/g) and considerable stability, making it possible to quickly detect tagged liquids in the field using portable flux meters and optical pump magnetometers. This study provides new insights into the design and application of magnetic tagging materials, making it particularly suitable for long-term tagging and convenient detection in field scenarios.

Real-ambient bedroom light at night increases systemic inflammation and disrupts circadian rhythm of inflammatory markers

BackgroundExposure to light at night (LAN) has been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. However, evidence is limited regarding the impacts of LAN exposure on human inflammation. ObjectivesTo examine the association between real-ambient bedroom LAN exposure with systemic inflammation and circadian rhythm of inflammatory markers. MethodsUsing data from a prospective cohort study of Chinese young adults. At baseline, bedroom LAN exposure was measured with a portable illuminance meter; fasting blood sample for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay was collected. At 3-year follow-up, 20 healthy young adults (10 LANavg < 5 lx, 10 LANavg ≥ 5 lx) were recruited from the same cohort; time-series venous blood samples were sampled every 4 h over a 24 h-cycle for the detection of 8 inflammatory markers. Circadian rhythm of inflammatory markers was assessed using cosinor analysis. ResultsAt baseline, the average age of the 276 participants was 18.7 years, and 33.3 % were male. Higher levels of bedroom LAN exposure were significantly associated with increased hs-CRP levels. The association between bedroom LAN exposure and systemic inflammation was only significant in the inactive group (MVPA < 2 h/d) but not in the physically active group (MVPA ≥ 2 h/d). In addition, exposure to higher levels of nighttime light (LANavg ≥ 5 lx) disrupted circadian rhythms (including rhythmic expression, circadian amplitude and circadian phase) of some inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory balance indicators. ConclusionExposure to bedroom nighttime light increases systemic inflammation and disrupts circadian rhythm of inflammatory markers. Keep bedroom darkness at night may represent important strategies for the prevention of chronic inflammation. Additionally, for people living a community with higher nighttime light pollution, regular physical activity may be a viable option to counteract the negative impacts of LAN exposure on chronic inflammation.

Comparative Study on the Determination of Chlorophyll-a in Lake Phytoplankton by a YSI Multi-Parameter Water Quality Meter and Laboratory Spectrophotometric Method

Algal blooms caused by eutrophication are a major global problem, and the monitoring and prediction of algal densities in lakes are important indicators of eutrophication management. However, the reliability of the commonly used chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) to characterize phytoplankton density in lake environments needs to be further investigated. In this paper, we sampled and analyzed 365 samples from nine plateau lakes in Yunnan Province during the dry and rainy seasons. The Chl-a data measured by the laboratory spectrophotometric method and the portable YSI multi-parameter water quality meter (YSI) directly used in the field were compared, and regression analysis and correlation analysis with phytoplankton density were performed. Most of the Chl-a values measured by the laboratory instrument were greater than those measured by the YSI, and the correlation between the two methods was weak (0.492, p &lt; 0.001). The correlation between Chl-a and phytoplankton density measured by the YSI reached 0.67 (p &lt; 0.001) in the dry season, while the laboratory methods used to measure Chl-a to characterize phytoplankton density may have led to an overestimation of phytoplankton density due to nonspecific sources of Chl-a. However, both methods are relatively inaccurate for characterizing phytoplankton density. For different trophic states of lakes, nutrient concentration changes affect the Chl-a concentration of phytoplankton. During different seasons, changes in the fluorescence intensity of phytoplankton in response to environmental conditions prevent the YSI results from reflecting the authentic phytoplankton density. Furthermore, high species diversity can lead to inconsistent changes in Chl-a and phytoplankton because the content of Chl-a in individual cells of different phytoplankton is different. The relationship between Chl-a and phytoplankton density was species specific. Therefore, when applying Chl-a to characterize phytoplankton density in lakes, it is necessary to consider environmental conditions, phytoplankton community structure and other practical conditions. In addition, laboratory analytical methods and instrumental techniques and instruments need to be improved.

Physical Compatibility Between Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate and Potassium or Sodium Phosphate in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Objective:To evaluate the physical compatibility between intravenous magnesium sulfate and potassium and sodium phosphate, a common electrolyte intravenous supplementation in pediatric intensive care units. Study design: Magnesium sulfate was mixed separately with potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate at ratios of 1:1, 1:4, and 4:1. Binary mixtures were prepared, in triplicate and under sterile conditions, by permuting the order of addition. The undiluted pure drugs were used as controls for possible sequence effects. Visual changes, turbidity, and pH were assessed immediately after mixing (baseline) and at 4 and 24 hours. Two observers performed visual changes by naked-eye visual inspection in order to search visible haze, particulate matter, gas formation, or color change. Turbidity was measured by nephelometry and incompatibility was defined as an increase of ≥0.5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) from baseline. pH was measured using a portable pH meter and incompatibility was defined as a variation of >1 pH unit during the observation period. Results: None of the admixtures exhibited visual changes or significant variations in turbidity (increases of ≥0.5 in nephelometric turbidity units) or pH (changes of >1 unit) during the observation period and neither compared with baseline. Conclusion: In this study, no visual changes were observed, and turbidity and pH evaluated by instrumental methods remained within acceptable limits and showed no significant variations from baseline, therefore no physical incompatibility between magnesium sulfate and potassium or sodium phosphate was found.

A Study on the Leaf Retention Capacity and Mechanism of Nine Greening Tree Species in Central Tropical Asia Regarding Various Atmospheric Particulate Matter Values

With the rapid advancement of the global economy, there has been a noticeable escalation in the level of inhalable particulate matter (PM) pollution in the atmosphere. The utilization of plants has been recognized as an effective means to mitigate the escalation in the atmospheric PM concentration through the capture and retention of this particulate matter on their leaves. This research focuses on investigating the PM retention capacity of nine commonly found greening plant species in Changsha, China, located in the country’s mid-subtropical region. In this study, we employed an air aerosol generator (QRJZFSQ-II) and a portable leaf area meter (LI-3000C) to systematically evaluate the PM retention in unit leaf area for different PM values. In addition, the leaf surface structure was observed via scanning electron microscopy, and the relationship between the leaf microstructure and the retained particles was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that (1) there were significant differences in the retention of TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 per unit leaf area among the nine greening tree species analyzed. Rosa saturata was found to have the best retention effect regarding TSP and PM2.5, and Rhododendron simsii was found to have the best retention effect regarding PM10. (2) There were significant differences in the contents of TSP and PM2.5 per leaf area among the different tree species with different life forms (p &lt; 0.05), with the order of retention being shrub &gt; arbor (needle leaves) &gt; arbor (broad leaves). (3) Coniferous plants have a deep leaf surface texture, which is conducive to capturing more particles on their leaf surface, and (4) the long stomata diameter was significantly negatively correlated with PM retention, and the stomata density was significantly positively correlated with PM retention. However, the short diameter and small area of stomata demonstrated no significant correlation with PM retention (p &lt; 0.05). Considering the selection of suitable tree species for greening in urban air pollution control, we suggest that Osmanthus fragrans, Pseudolarix amabilis, Rosa saturata, and Rhododendron simsii be used more frequently in urban areas affected by severe air pollution.