Regular Water Research Articles

Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Clarias. gariepinus Fed Soaked Boscia senegalensis Supplemented Diets

The present study investigated the nutritional suitability and cost effectiveness of a Sahelian plant seeds, Aizien (Boscia senegalensis) as alternative to Soy bean meal in the diet of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822). Raw seeds of the B. senegalensis were subjected to processing method intended to reduce levels of the most important antinutritional factors (ANFs). The resultant product was used to formulate five isonitrogenous (40%) diets, containing the seed meals at inclusion levels of 25% to 100% of dietary protein and fed to Fingerlings of the African Catfish at 5% of their body weight for a period of 24 weeks. The feeding trial involved one hundred and fifty (150) fingerlings of C. gariepinus(2.43g –3.10g) randomly stocked at ten fish per Tank (200L) in a non-flow through design with regular water replacement and water quality monitoring. Important growth performance and nutrient utilization indices, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of fish in the experimental groups fed SBS based showed that Fish fed 50% SBS diet recorded the highest WG (439.14g), SGR (1.34%/day) and FCR (1.35). This could be attributed to the protein quality of the diets in relation to the dietary essential amino acid profile of the experimental diets used. Generally, the Fish fed the 100%SBS diet recorded the lowest growthperformance with regards to WG (360.68g), SGR(1.25), FCR (1.61), PER (1.58) and FCE (62.22%).From the results of this experiment, for better production of African catfish C. gariepinus, replacement levels of 50 SBS may serve as good alternative to SBM in feed formulation for C. gariepinus.

Investigation on Hydraulic Fracturing and Flexible Anti-Hydrofracturing Solution for Xiaowan Arch Dam

Understanding hydraulic fracturing in concrete super-high arch dams is vital for the implementation of safety measures on the bearing surface. In this study, we conducted tests on hydraulic fracturing for the Xiaowan arch dam (294.5 m) to analyze concrete behavior at cracks under various stress conditions. The risk of hydraulic fracturing near the dam heel was identified without compressive stress. Addressing this, we propose a flexible anti-hydrofracturing system using GB sealing material and a spray polyurea coating. Simulation tests on three schemes: ‘3 mm GB plate + 4 mm polyurea’, ‘1 mm GB glue + 5 mm polyurea’, and ‘7 mm polyurea’ showed effective prevention of hydrofracturing at concrete crack openings of 5 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm under 300 m water pressure. Field tests supported ‘3 mm GB plate + 4 mm polyurea’ and ‘7 mm polyurea’ as optimal solutions for dam sections. Implementation involves a protective block layout with ‘3 mm GB plate + 4 mm polyurea’ on blocks and ‘7 mm polyurea’ in interval zones and corners. Since 2008, maximum leakage, including rock foundation, has remained minimal at 2.78 L/s under regular water levels. These insights aid similar concrete dams in optimizing safety systems.

Effectiveness of various types of coating materials applied in reinforced concrete exposed to freeze–thaw cycles and chlorides

This study assesses the durability of coated and uncoated concrete surfaces protected with four different coating materials: water-soluble (BW), solvent-based (BR), mineral (MI), and epoxy (EP). The durability assessment includes evaluating the absorption rate of water, pull-off adhesion strength, and coating material thickness. Concrete samples were subjected to immersion in regular water and a 7% urea solution, followed by cyclic freezing and thawing. Furthermore, the diffusion of chloride ions in concrete was evaluated using the impressed voltage method, with the samples exposed to the aging process immersed in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The results indicate that EP and BW coatings were significantly affected by the presence of urea and freeze–thaw cycles, resulting in a 43% and 47% reduction in pull-off adhesion strength, respectively. Notably, the MI-coated concrete samples exposed to urea solution and the freeze–thaw cycles exhibited a significant reduction in the absorption rate due to the accumulation of crystals on the coating surface, resulting in reduced porosity of the material.

Water funds within village savings and loans associations: A promising solution to improve water user fee collection in rural Uganda

Without a functional revenue collection mechanism, rural communities in low-income countries cannot maintain or repair broken water supply infrastructure, such as groundwater wells equipped with handpumps. One approach to promote regular water user payments shifts responsibilities for fee collection from volunteer committees to village savings and loans associations (VSLAs; self-governed investment groups that follow strong accountability practices). We piloted this approach among 10 communities in Kabarole district, Uganda, and evaluated financial outcomes over two years. Qualitative interviews with 249 respondents helped identify drivers of performance and challenges. VSLAs contributed 47–221 USD annually (first-year median: 134 USD, second-year median: 112 USD) for water point upkeep (achieving 45–117% of target amounts). This revenue represented a considerable improvement over the prior scenario where communities had no reserve funds for water point maintenance. Financial transparency and increased social capital appeared to enhance collective efficacy and increase user fee collection. We identified two main threats to VSLA sustainability: perceived unfairness stemming from some water point users not joining the VSLA and the risk of water funds being loaned out if they remained unspent for too long. Coupling the VSLA model with professional handpump maintenance services could help ensure improved long-term water point functionality.

Effect of trehalose on miR-132 and SIRT1 in the hippocampus of aged rats

Aging causes substantial molecular to morphological changes in the brain. The brain cells are more susceptible towards oxidative damage due to impaired antioxidant defense system. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is a crucial cellular survival protein, which its gene has been identified as a direct target of microRNA 132 (miR-132). Trehalose contributes to preventing neuronal damage through several mechanisms. However, little is known about the interactive effects of aging and trehalose on the expression pattern of miR-132 and SIRT1 in the hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Two groups of aged (24 months) and young (4 months) rats were administered 2% trehalose solution for 30 days. Two other groups of aged and young rats received regular tap water. At the end of treatment, the levels of Sirt1 mRNA and its protein, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl content, total antioxidant capacity, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as the expression of miR-132 were measured in the hippocampus. We found that trehalose treatment upregulated the expression of SIRT1 and miR-132. Moreover, administration of trehalose enhanced the level of total antioxidant activity whereas reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, and TNF-α. In conclusion, our data indicated that trehalose restored antioxidant status and alleviated inflammation in the hippocampus which was probably associated with the upregulation of SIRT1 and miR-132.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate: improving broiler health by reducing harmful microbial levels in the waterline.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is commonly used for treating drinking water, industrial water, and wastewater. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of NaDCC-treated waterline drinking water on the growth of AA+ broilers by reducing microbial levels in the waterline. A total of 480 healthy 1-day-old AA+ broilers (46.77 ± 0.50 g) were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 birds each. The control group received regular drinking water, while the test groups received drinking water with NaDCC concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mg/L. The test groups consumed the treated water on specific days throughout the 42-day experimental period. Results showed that NaDCC treatment significantly reduced the levels of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds in the drinking water at the waterline (p < 0.05). Drinking water with NaDCC also led to reduced broiler fecal emissions of NH3 and H2S, as well as reduced counts of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds (p < 0.05), particularly at 30 mg/L and 50 mg/L concentrations. Broilers consuming NaDCC at 50 mg/L exhibited a significant increase in ADG from days 1-42 (p < 0.05). The levels of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds in the drinking water at the waterline were significantly and positively correlated with the bacterial count in the feces (p < 0.05, R > 0.6). Additionally, bacterial levels in drinking water and broiler feces were negatively correlated with broiler production performance indicators, including ADG, ADFI, F/G and AWC. In conclusion, NaDCC can indirectly enhance broiler performance by reducing the levels of harmful bacteria in the waterline without affecting normal drinking water. The addition of 30 mg/L or 50 mg/L of NaDCC to the waterline in poultry production can effectively control harmful microorganisms and improve poultry health. Based on the experiment's results, it is recommended to preferentially use 30 mg/L NaDCC in the waterline to reduce farming costs.

Building water quality deterioration during water supply restoration after interruption: Influences of premise plumbing configuration.

Premise plumbing plays an essential role in determining the final quality of drinking water consumed by customers. However, little is known about the influences of plumbing configuration on water quality changes. This study selected parallel premise plumbing in the same building with different configurations, i.e., laboratory and toilet plumbing. Water quality deteriorations induced by premise plumbing under regular and interrupted water supply were investigated. The results showed that most of the water quality parameters did not vary under regular supply, except Zn, which was significantly increased by laboratory plumbing (78.2 to 260.7µg/l). For the bacterial community, the Chao1 index was significantly increased by both plumbing types to a similar level (52 to 104). Laboratory plumbing significantly changed the bacterial community, but toilet plumbing did not. Remarkably, water supply interruption/restoration led to serious water quality deterioration in both plumbing types but resulted in different changes. Physiochemically, discoloration was observed only in laboratory plumbing, along with sharp increases in Mn and Zn. Microbiologically, the increase in ATP was sharper in toilet plumbing than in laboratory plumbing. Some opportunistic pathogen-containing genera, e.g., Legionella spp. and Pseudomonas spp., were present in both plumbing types but only in disturbed samples. This study highlighted the esthetic, chemical, and microbiological risks associated with premise plumbing, for which system configuration plays an important role. Attention should be given to optimizing premise plumbing design for managing building water quality.

Investigation of the Effect of Magnetic Water and Polyethylene Fiber Insertion in Concrete Mix

The features of a concrete mix are determined by the hydration of cement, which is accomplished utilizing the water quality utilized in the mix. Numerous researchers have worked on integrating pozzolanic or nanoparticles to increase hydration processes and impart high strength to concrete. Magnetic-field-treated water (MFTW) has been used in a novel method to enhance the characteristics of concrete. Due to magnetization, water particles become charged, and the molecules inside the water cluster fall from 13 to 5 or 6, lowering the hardness of water and so boosting the strength of concrete when compared to the usage of regular water (NW). Magnetic water (MW) is used in advanced building methods and procedures to improve physicochemical qualities. This study focuses on analyzing water quality standards using physiochemical analysis, such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) using the MW at various magnetizations (0.9 Tesla (MW0.9), 0.6 Tesla (MW0.6), 0.3 Tesla (MW0.3). Tests were carried out to assess the fresh, hardened, and microstructural behavior of concrete created with magnetic water (MW) using techniques for microstructural characterization such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). According to the findings, the magnetic influence on water parameters improved significantly with increasing magnetic intensity. As compared to regular water concrete, the MW0.9 mix increased workability, compressive strength and splitting tensile strength by 9.2%, 32.9%, and 34.2%, respectively, compared to normal water concrete (NWC).

Effect of Micro-Nano Bubble Water and Silica Fume on Properties of C60 Concrete.

Micro-nano bubble water (WNBW) in concrete is relatively uncommon due to its newness as a technology. This paper presents the preparation of C60 concrete with 35% fly ash (FA) through WNBW and varying amounts of silica fume (0%, 4%, 7%, and 10% SF). The study examines the impact of WNBW and SF on the working performance, compressive strength, and durability of concrete. The findings indicate that applying WNBW and SF independently or jointly deteriorates the working performance of fresh concrete. However, compared to regular mixing water, WNBW reduces the concrete passing time through the V-funnel, decreasing by 40%, 39.1%, 42.9%, and 50.5% for the four varying SF contents. Furthermore, using WNBW, SF, or both resulted in the increased compressive strength of concrete at 7 days and 28 days, with 7% SF content yielding a 12.2% and 6.6% increase, respectively. Using a combination of WNBW and SF has been shown to decrease the impermeability of concrete effectively. The addition of 4% SF results in the lowest electric flux when using regular mixing water, with a discernible decrease of 30.1% compared to the control group. Conversely, using WNBW as mixing water yields a decrease in electric flux at each SF content, with the maximum decrease being 39.7%. Furthermore, both the single and combined use of these materials can contribute to the reduction in the carbonation resistance of the concrete. C60 concrete mixed with 7% SF and 100% WNBW boasts enhanced frost resistance, as indicated by the mass loss and dynamic elastic modulus loss being the least following freeze-thaw under the same SF content. According to the findings of the tests, there is evidence that the incorporation of 7% SF and 100% WNBW into C60 concrete results in lowered viscosity, a highly advantageous attribute for actual construction. Additionally, this mixture displays impressive compressive strength and durability properties. These results provide technical support regarding the integration of WNBW and SF in C60 concrete.

Assessments of microbial and heavy metal contaminations in water supply systems at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in Ghana

The main component of the environment that is essential for human existence on earth is availability of quality water. As human activity has evolved, particularly in the industrial, household, and agricultural sectors, groundwater systems are exposed to various contaminants. Groundwater is one of the main sources of water at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Ghana. However, no research has been carried out to assess the levels of microbial load and heavy metal toxicants in water transmission systems at UESD. In this current study, we investigated the levels of selected heavy metals and microbial load present in the water supply systems at UESD. Water samples were collected from four (4) different zones at the University. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to analyse the levels of eleven heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Co, Hg, Pb, Ni and As), whereas correct growth media were used to estimate microbial loads. Observations for water samples were compared to the permissible limits, using one-sample t-tests. Similarly, paired t-tests and Tukey’s honestly significant difference were used to compare observations between water samples from the zones. Water quality indicators (hazard quotient (HQ) and health hazard index (HI)) were used to examine any potential health risks. In addition, water quality index (WQI) was used to predict the quality of the groundwater at UESD campus. The results showed that the levels of Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Co and Hg were within the permissible limits. However, the levels of Pb, Ni and As for all the sampling zones were significantly higher than the permissible limits. The results of HI and HQ for the oral ingestion pathways of the metals were within the accepted levels. The result of WQI showed that heavy metals would contaminate groundwater in wells and the natural pond on UESD campus. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli colony-forming units present in the water samples were significantly higher than the acceptable levels, indicating a possible health risk when ingested. Therefore, we recommend water recycling and regular water quality monitoring programs at the University.

Comprehensive analysis of water quality in the middle and lower basin of the Marquesote River Colombian

Different biotic indices have been used for the integral analysis of hydrographic basins in Colombia, using benthic microinverters and physicochemical parameters. A comprehensive analysis of water quality was performed in the low Marquesote river basin, using benthic macroinvertebrates and the ETP index (Ephemeroptera-Trichoptera-Plecoptera) as a biological indicator and some physicochemical parameters. Work was worked on the middle and lower basin on the Marquesote River at two times of the year (dry and rainy); standardized methods for water physicochemical variables were applied, for benthic fauna collected using a Surber network, and identifying them up to the taxonomic level of family. The study observed 22 families and 1388 individuals, where 49 % represent PTSD, indicating regular water quality; however, physicochemical variables had wide variation, noting that pH showed the greatest variability based on an analysis of major components. Environmental quality in the Marquesote river basin is compromised according to the indicators used, a more detailed study of the sources of pollution and dynamics of macroinvertebrates could provide a greater ecological knowledge of the basin

Why climate change spells dangerous for humanity

Today no one may be hesitant to talk about climate change because we are feeling its effects on health. In this article, you will find basic information about the subject, what it is, what causes it, and what we can do about it. But you don’t need to be an expert on climate to talk about the risks climate change poses to human health, or the health benefits of taking action against these changes. When the subject is a climate change, we often hear specialist no knowledge in fact about subject. People often talk about climate change with too much emotion and without paying attention to the facts that are driving those climate changes. At one moment they talk about people and animals dying for lack of water or food, at another moment, they point to the negative effects on people's health. This article points out some causes of the effects of these changes on people. One of the causes is the lack of water and the reduction of food supply. Another cause is heat wave with temperature reaching a record of 49 degrees Celsius in several cities, with an effect on people's regular work, breathing difficulties and water shortage. This article is based on exploratory research to get to know the topic in more depth and establish an opening for future research. The technique for obtaining information is a bibliographical one that points out the facts that generate the impacts of climate change on the lives of people and animals, aiming to stimulate understanding and discussion about the problem. The first results of this research indicate that the problems generated by climate change in the health of people and animals are the reduction in food production, for example: the production of wheat in India; death of people in Pakistan, Spain, India due to temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius and, finally, the lack of water in Somalia and other regions.

Rapid Transition from a High-Fat, High-Fructose to a Low-Fat, Low-Fructose Diet Reverses Gains in Bone Mass and Strength.

Obesity is thought to negatively impact bone quality and strength despite improving bone mineral density. We hypothesized that 1) continuous consumption of a high-fat, high-sugar (HFS) diet would impair bone quality and strength, and 2) a change from an HFS diet to a low-fat, low-sugar (LFS) would reverse HFS-induced impairments to bone quality and strength. Six-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice ( n = 10/group) with access to a running wheel were randomized to an LFS diet or an HFS diet with simulated sugar-sweetened beverages (20% fructose in place of regular drinking water) for 13 wk. HFS mice were subsequently randomized to continuing HFS feeding (HFS/HFS) or transition to the LFS diet (HFS/LFS) for four additional weeks. HFS/HFS mice exhibited superior femoral cancellous microarchitecture (i.e., greater BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and decreased Tb.Sp) and cortical bone geometry (i.e., lower Ct.CSA and pMOI) compared with all other groups. At the femoral mid-diaphysis, structural, but not material, mechanical properties were greatest in HFS/HFS mice. However, HFS/HFS exhibited greater femoral neck strength only when compared with mice assigned to diet transition (HFS/LFS). Osteoclast surface and the percentage of osteocytes staining positive for interferon-gamma were greater in HFS/LFS mice, consistent with reduced cancellous microarchitecture postdiet transition. HFS feeding enhanced bone anabolism and structural, but not material, mechanical properties in exercising mice. A change from an HFS to LFS diet returned the bone structure to that of continuously LFS-fed mice while compromising strength. Our results indicate rapid weight loss from obese states should be performed with caution to prevent bone fragility. A deeper analysis into the altered bone phenotype in diet-induced obesity from a metabolic standpoint is needed.

Soil salinity management practices in coastal area of Bangladesh: a review

Soil salinity is a significant threat to agriculture and livelihood, particularly in the Southern coastal areas of Bangladesh. Soil salinity is extended from 0.833 to 1.056 million hectares (about), with an increase of 26% between 1973 and 2009. Out of about 1.689 million hectares of coastal land, about 1.056 million hectares are affected by soil salinity of various degrees covering 49 Upazila (sub-district) of 19 districts. About 0.328, 0.274, 0.189, 0.161, and 0.101 million hectares of land are affected by very slight (S1), slight (S2), moderate (S3), strong (S4), and very strong salinity (S5), respectively. Data recorded by SRDI manifests new ingression of salinity in Narail (18.71 ha), Jashore (14.99 ha), Barishal (13.96 ha), Gopalgonj (6.27 ha), Jhalakati (4.69 ha), and Madaripur (0.72 ha) districts. Soil salinity also encroached a large area of Bhola (53.84 ha), Patuakhali (40.08 ha), Khulna (27.92 ha), and Bagerhat (23.14 ha), besides minor ingression in other districts. The salinity level is almost double (2.8-18.5 to 4.0-42.8 dS/m) from 1973 to 2009 in Sharankhola Upazila of Bagerhat district, Dumuria Upazila of Khulna district and Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira district (SRDI, 2010). Different causes are involved in increasing the water and soil salinity of the coastal area of Bangladesh, like withdrawal of fresh river water from upstream, irregular rainfall, faulty management of sluice gates and polders, regular tidal water flooding in an unprotected area, the capillary rise of soluble salts, decreased surface water availability, lowered ground water table, reduced soil moisture content, the introduction of unplanned shrimp cultivation, lack of drainage facilities. Some of the widespread soil and land management techniques adopted in the saline areas of Bangladesh to cope with the salinity are polder (123), farm-pond (khamar-pokor), sarjan procedure, usage of raised shrimp farm bund for year-round cropping, mulching (keeping land covered in winter and summer months), land leveling, pitcher (kolosh) irrigation to grow watermelon, dibbling method, the addition of organic matter, chemical fertilizers and cultivation of saline tolerant crop varieties, particularly rice. Vol. 10, No. 1, April 2023: 1-7

Accelerated Enveloping Distribution Sampling to Probe the Presence of Water Molecules.

Determining the presence of water molecules at protein-ligand interfaces is still a challenging task in free-energy calculations. The inappropriate placement of water molecules results in the stabilization of wrong conformational orientations of the ligand. With classical alchemical perturbation methods, such as thermodynamic integration (TI), it is essential to know the amount of water molecules in the active site of the respective ligands. However, the resolution of the crystal structure and the correct assignment of the electron density do not always lead to a clear placement of water molecules. In this work, we apply the one-step perturbation method named accelerated enveloping distribution sampling (AEDS) to determine the presence of water molecules in the active site by probing them in a fast and straightforward way. Based on these results, we combined the AEDS method with standard TI to calculate accurate binding free energies in the presence of buried water molecules. The main idea is to perturb the water molecules with AEDS such that they are allowed to alternate between regular water molecules and non-interacting dummy particles while treating the ligand with TI over an alchemical pathway. We demonstrate the use of AEDS to probe the presence of water molecules for six different test systems. For one of these, previous calculations showed difficulties to reproduce the experimental binding free energies, and here, we use the combined TI-AEDS approach to tackle these issues.

Density of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in a low-income Brazilian urban community where dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses co-circulate

BackgroundLow-income urban communities in the tropics often lack sanitary infrastructure and are overcrowded, favoring Aedes aegypti proliferation and arboviral transmission. However, as Ae. aegypti density is not spatially homogeneous, understanding the role of specific environmental characteristics in determining vector distribution is critical for planning control interventions. The objectives of this study were to identify the main habitat types for Ae. Aegypti, assess their spatial densities to identify major hotspots of arbovirus transmission over time and investigate underlying factors in a low-income urban community in Salvador, Brazil. We also tested the field-collected mosquitoes for arboviruses.MethodsA series of four entomological and socio-environmental surveys was conducted in a random sample of 149 households and their surroundings between September 2019 and April 2021. The surveys included searching for potential breeding sites (water-containing habitats) and for Ae. aegypti immatures in them, capturing adult mosquitoes and installing ovitraps. The spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti density indices were plotted using kernel density-ratio maps, and the spatial autocorrelation was assessed for each index. Visual differences on the spatial distribution of the Ae. aegypti hotspots were compared over time. The association of entomological findings with socio-ecological characteristics was examined. Pools of female Ae. aegypti were tested for dengue, Zika and chikungunya virus infection.ResultsOverall, 316 potential breeding sites were found within the study households and 186 in the surrounding public spaces. Of these, 18 (5.7%) and 7 (3.7%) harbored a total of 595 and 283 Ae. aegypti immatures, respectively. The most productive breeding sites were water storage containers within the households and puddles and waste materials in public areas. Potential breeding sites without cover, surrounded by vegetation and containing organic matter were significantly associated with the presence of immatures, as were households that had water storage containers. None of the entomological indices, whether based on immatures, eggs or adults, detected a consistent pattern of vector clustering in the same areas over time. All the mosquito pools were negative for the tested arboviruses.ConclusionsThis low-income community displayed high diversity of Ae. aegypti habitats and a high degree of heterogeneity of vector abundance in both space and time, a scenario that likely reflects other low-income communities. Improving basic sanitation in low-income urban communities through the regular water supply, proper management of solid wastes and drainage may reduce water storage and the formation of puddles, minimizing opportunities for Ae. aegypti proliferation in such settings.Graphical

Impact of sustained de novo lipogenesis on mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocellular redox during fatty liver disease

Dysfunctional mitochondrial metabolism and sustained de novo lipogenesis are characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common comorbidity of obesity and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesize that sustained de novo lipogenesis, through its biochemical relationships with mitochondria (e.g., tri-carboxylic acid (TCA) cycle) can contribute to dysfunctional oxidative flux during NAFLD. In study 1, male mice (C57BL/6JN) were fed either a low-fat (LF; 10% fat Kcal), high-fat (HF; 60% fat Kcal), or high-fructose/HF diet (HFr/HF; 34.9% fructose Kcal, 25% fat Kcal) for 24-wks. Liver mitochondria were utilized to determine oxygen consumption and were incubated in a buffer (for 5-min) to determine changes in TCA cycle intermediates, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Plasma and liver samples were utilized for GC-MS based metabolomics and determination of gene and protein expression. In study 2, C57BL/6JN mice were provided 30% fructose in drinking water (FW) for 2-wks to induce hepatic de novo lipogenesis vs. mice given regular water (RW). Liver mitochondria were incubated in a buffer containing 1mM [ 13 C 3 ]pyruvate or 2.5mM [ 13 C 4 ]malate for 5-min. Isotopomer distribution of the TCA cycle intermediates were determined using GC-MS. Both HF and HFr/HF diets resulted in similar degrees of hepatic steatosis. However, lipogenic gene expression ( Scd1, Acyl, Fasn) and fasting plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels were higher (p&lt;0.001) in HFr/HF vs. HF group. Further, the feeding-to-fasting induction of genes involved in lipid oxidation ( Cpt1α, Lcad, Hmgcs2) was higher (p ≤0.01) in HFr/HF vs. HF livers. After 5-min of incubation, the HFr/HF liver mitochondria had higher (p&lt;0.05) TCA cycle intermediates vs. the HF. The HFr/HF mitochondria also had higher expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins and higher oxygen consumption rates (OCR), vs. the HF (p&lt;0.05). In study 2, fructose in drinking water induced hepatic de novo lipogenesis. Induction of lipogenesis was also accompanied by higher mitochondrial OCR, higher reactive oxygen species, and higher TCA cycle metabolism (p&lt;0.05). Gene expression of components of the mitochondrial nutrient shuttles ( SLC25A13, MPC1, MPC2, ME1) was upregulated in lipogenic livers (p&lt;0.05). Incorporation of 13 C from [ 13 C 4 ]malate into pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate, indices of malic enzyme and TCA cycle activity, were higher (p&lt;0.05) in lipogenic livers. Similarly, incorporation of 13 C from [ 13 C 3 ]pyruvate into aspartate and citrate, indices of pyruvate carboxylase and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, were also higher (p&lt;0.05) in lipogenic livers. These results demonstrate that the induction of several facets of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and de novo lipogenesis accompany a carbohydrate-rich dietary milieu and NAFLD. Sustained induction of both de novo lipogenesis and mitochondrial oxidative function could contribute to the progression of metabolic dysfunction during NAFLD. National Institutes of Health R01 DK112865 This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Biofloc system supplemented by Pseudoalteromonas piscicida 1Ub protects the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei from Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection

This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of the probiotic Pseudoalteromonas piscicida 1Ub to the biofloc system as an ecofriendly strategy for protecting white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) from Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. Shrimp with an average body weight of (0.50 ± 0.09) g were reared in 30 glass jars with a working volume of 2.5 L at a density of 20 ind/L. Shrimp were reared for 5 d for each treatment, which included the biofloc system without and with 106 colony forming unit (CFU) per mL probiotic. The regular clear water system was used as control. All treatment groups were challenged with 103, 105, and 107 CFU/mL V. parahaemolyticus. For the negative control, shrimp were reared without V. parahaemolyticus. The results showed that the density of V. parahaemolyticus cocultured with P. piscicida 1Ub decreased and the density of V. parahaemolyticus in rearing water and shrimp body in the probiotic-treated group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The survival and immune response (total hemocyte count, phagocytic activity, respiratory burst, phenoloxidase, and superoxide dismutase) of shrimp in the probiotic group was higher than that in the positive control (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplementing the biofloc system with the probiotic could protect shrimp hepatopancreas from damage caused by V. parahaemolyticus, regardless of bacterial density. Thus, the supplementation of the probiotic P. piscicida 1Ub in the biofloc system could significantly protect and increase the resistance of shrimp to V. parahaemolyticus infection.

ODYSSEY THROUGH ACADEME I &amp; II:Exploration of Metal Scraps in the Production of Creative Lampstand by Segun Okewumi

The paper titled ‘odyssey through academe I&amp;II was based on the problems and challenges students of higher education face in their quest of obtaining a degree in Nigeria. It is also a celebration of the determination of these students to be trained and acquire knowledge through formal education despite the hardship posed by the education system of higher institutions of learning. The methodology explored in this project involved both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Primary sources included observation, examination and review of previous works and studies related to challenges facing students in higher institutions, material exploration and the use of scraps for sculptures. The secondary sources include images/ photographs from the internet and journal articles. The analysis used includes descriptive analysis, which involves the explanation of the procedures and interpretation of the theme and meaning of the work piece. The paper revealed that a lot of undergraduates are faced with academic struggles and challenges such as, inadequate learning facilities, lack of regular water and power supply and tedious administrative processes amidst many, which are caused by the prevalent economic and political instabilities of varying nations. The paper also highlighted some of the ways forward from these problems. The study therefore concluded on the note that the effort of these students needs to be celebrated always. Also, laying emphasis on the importance of the executed piece to the academic community as a whole. KEYWORDS: welding, metal, waste, education, experimentation

Human exposure to organophosphate esters in water and packed beverages

Drinks are an essential part of human diet, which makes them a source of human exposure to plasticizers such as organophosphate esters (OPEs). The current study provides new information about sixteen OPE levels in 75 different samples (tap water, packed water, cola drinks, juice, wine and hot drinks). Tap water mean levels (40.9 ng/L) were statistically higher than packed water mean levels (4.82 ng/L), mainly due to the contribution of tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) that may come from PVC water pipes. Over 90% of samples presented at least one OPE, where regular cola drinks had the highest mean concentrations (2876 ng/L). There was a significantly higher presence of OPEs in added sugar beverages than sugar free drinks, especially for 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), which might be related not only to packaging materials but to the added sugar content. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) in normal and high-exposure scenarios were 2.52 ng/kg bw/day and 7.43 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. Human risk associated with beverages ingestion showed regular cola drinks, juice and tap water as the groups with the highest hazard quotients (HQs). Although OPE exposure was below to safety limits, it should be noted that EHDPP values for regular cola group must be cause of concern, and other routes of exposure such as food ingestion or air inhalation should be also considered.