Total Particle Concentration Research Articles

Computation of Particulate Emission Load from Vehicular Traffic on Road Network

The present study on traffic volume monitoring aims to compute total particulate emission load from urban road vehicular traffic and to find average emission factor. An industrial area Pandesara was selected as study area for its commercial and industrial activity, the contribution of public and private vehicle emissions in this area were high. Vehicle emissions include tailpipe emissions and road dust resuspensions. Tailpipe emission was the highest in off- road vehicles even their traffic volume was the least of all. Road dust resuspension due to vehicular speed was highest in 2 wheelers. Road dust resuspension concentrations due to silt fraction was found to be maximum in heavy motor vehicles. Total particulate matters concentrations emitted from vehicles and average emission factor were found to be 251616 gm/hr and 0.79 gm/Veh/Km respectively for entire Pandesara zone. Road dust resuspension plays a significant role in vehicular emission, still having less awareness among people worldwide. Keywords: Particulate Matter, Tailpipe Emission, Traffic Volume, Speed, Road Dust Resuspension, Turbulent Wake Height

Seasonal variation of particle number concentration in a busy urban street with exposure assessment and deposition in human respiratory tract

Ultrafine particles (UFP) associated with air quality and health impacts are a major concern in growing urban regions. Concentrations of UFP (particles of size between 10 and 100 nm) and accumulation mode (Nacc) (particles of size >100 and up to 1000 nm), are analyzed over a highly polluted megacity, Delhi, in conjunction with vehicular flow density, during peak (morning, and evening) and non-peak hours. UFP contributes ≥60% to total particle concentration during autumn and monsoon. UFP concentrations are about 50,000 particles per cm3 in winter which reduces to about 25,000 particles during monsoon. Nacc are about 20,000 (winter) and 10,000 (monsoon) particles per cm3. UFP concentration and Nacc during peak hours are at least twice higher than those obtained in non-peak hours, confirming the dominant influence of emissions from vehicular exhaust in the study region. Seasonal analysis of UFP size distribution reveals that direct emissions dominate the particle concentrations during winter and autumn, whereas new particle formation mechanism contributes the highest in spring and summer. Assessment of inhalable particle number concentration and particle deposition in the human respiratory tract using Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model, performed for the first time, shows that the order in which these particles deposit in the human respiratory tract is alveoli > bronchiole > bronchus. The deposition ranges between 10 and 18 million nanoparticles during different hours of the day, whereas the estimated inhalable particle concentration (IPN) varies between 0.5 and 1 billion. Results on the IPN during activities classified from light (walking), medium, heavy, very heavy to severe (long-distance running) provide insights into health effects on vulnerable populations. These quantitative results obtained over a megacity on hourly and seasonal variations of nanoparticles along with IPN and deposition rates for different activities are important, and are invaluable inputs for developing mitigation policies aimed to improve air quality and public health, both of which are major concerns in South Asia.

Role of apolipoprotein B in the clinical management of cardiovascular risk in adults: An expert clinical consensus from the national lipid association

This National Lipid Association (NLA) Expert Clinical Consensus provides an overview of the physiologic and clinical considerations regarding the role of apolipoprotein B (apoB) measurement to guide clinical care based on the available scientific evidence and expert opinion. ApoB represents the total concentration of atherogenic lipoprotein particles in the circulation and more accurately reflects the atherogenic burden of lipoproteins when compared to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). ApoB is a validated clinical measurement that augments the information found in a standard lipoprotein lipid panel; therefore, there is clinical value in using apoB in conjunction with a standard lipoprotein lipid profile when assessing risk and managing lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). ApoB has been shown to be superior to LDL-C in risk assessment both before and during treatment with LLT. In individuals, there can be discordance between levels of LDL-C and apoB, as well as LDL-C and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), despite high levels of population-wide correlation. When there is discordance between LDL-C and apoB, or LDL-C and non-HDL-C, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk generally aligns better with apoB or non-HDL-C. Additionally, apoB can be used in tandem with standard lipoprotein lipid measurements to diagnose distinct lipoprotein phenotypes. ApoB testing can inform clinical prognosis and care, as well as enable family cascade screening, when an inherited lipoprotein syndrome is identified. The NLA and other organizations will continue to educate clinicians about the role of apoB measurement in improving clinical risk assessment and dyslipidemia management. An urgent need exists to improve access and reimbursement for apoB testing.

Statistical analysis of air quality dataset of Kathmandu, Nepal, with a New Extended Kumaraswamy Exponential Distribution.

This paper aims to create a new probability distribution and conducts statistical analysis on air quality dataset from Kathmandu. Using this innovative distribution, we have studied the ground reality of air quality conditions of Kathmandu, Nepal. In our research, we have developed a new probability distribution known as the New Extended Kumaraswamy Exponential Distribution by introducing an additional shape parameter to the Extended Kumaraswamy Exponential (EKwE) Distribution. Statistical characteristics such as cumulative distribution function, probability density function, hazard function, reversed hazard function, skewness, kurtosis, survival function, and hazard rate function are studied. The suggested model is non-normal and positively skewed with increasing and inverted bathtub-shaped hazard rate curves. To assess the model's suitability, we utilized a real dataset comprising air quality data from Kathmandu, Nepal, during the year 2021. Study shows that the air quality data exhibit an increasing failure rate, but the P2.5, P10, and total suspended particle concentrations exhibited its lowest levels during the monsoon season and its highest levels during the winter season. Parameters of the model are estimated by using the least square estimation (LSE), maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and Cramér-von Mises (CVM) approach for P10 at Ratnapark Station, Kathmandu. To assess the model's validity, P-P plots and Q-Q plots are employed. Model comparisons are carried out using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Corrected Akaike Information Criterion (CAIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), and Hannan-Quinn Information Criterion (HQIC). Furthermore, the goodness of fit of the proposed model is evaluated using test statistics such as Anderson-Darling (A2) test, Cramér-von Mises (CVM) test, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test along with their respective p-values. From the findings, we have found that the air quality status of Kathmandu, Nepal, was found to be poor. Proposed distribution provides a better fit with greater flexibility for forecasting air quality data and conducting reliability data analyses. Dataset is analyzed and visualized using R programming.

Human adenovirus type 3 restores pharmacologically inhibited exosomal cargo in lung carcinoma cells.

Introduction: Drug repurposing is fast growing and becoming an attractive approach for identifying novel targets, such as exosomes for cancer and antiviral therapy. Exosomes are a specialized class of extracellular vesicles that serve as functional mediators in intercellular communication and signaling that are important in normal physiological functions. A continuously growing body of evidence has established a correlation between the abnormal release of exosomes with various viral disease pathologies including cancer. Cells that are virus-infected release exosomes known to influence the process via the loading and transfer of viral components, such as miRNA, small (s) RNA, DNA, and proteins. Inhibition of exosome release may abate the spread and severity of viral infection, thus making exosomes an attractive target for antiviral therapies. We previously demonstrated the pharmacological inhibition of exosomes. Methods: Herein, we used a cell-based assay to determine the effect of Human adenovirus type 3 (HAdV3) on the exosome inhibition process by azole and Heparin derivatives. HAdV3-infected cells were treated with two concentrations of each inhibitor at different time points. Results: HAdV3 activities led to increased total sRNA, DNA, and exosome particle concentrations via particle tracking in the presence of Climbazole and Heparin relative to uninfected exosomes. In addition, there was an increased expression of classical markers such as ALG-2 interacting protein X (ALIX), and tetraspanin (CD63), (p < 0.05) and upregulated transcription factor interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 8 in the presence of HAdV3 after 24hours (h) of treatment. Whereas higher concentrations of Climbazole and Heparin sodium salt were found to inhibit total exosome protein (p < 0.001) and exo-RNA (p < 0.01) content even in the presence of HAdV3 relative to infected exosomes only. Activities of HAdV3 in the presence of selected inhibitors resulted in the positive regulation of exosome related DNA damage/repair signaling proteins. Blocking exosome secretion partially obstructed viral entry. Immunological studies revealed that HAdV3 fiber protein levels in A549 cells were reduced at all concentrations of Climbazole and Heparin and both multiplicities of infections (p < 0.001). Discussion: Our findings suggest that while HAdV may bolster inhibited exosome content and release when modulating certain activities of the endosomal pathway mediators, HAdV entry might be constrained by the activities of these pharmacological agents.

Lipoprotein apheresis affects the concentration of extracellular vesicles in patients with elevated lipoprotein (a)

Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is a therapeutic option for hyperlipoproteinemia(a) (hyper-Lp(a)) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). LA improves blood rheology, reduces oxidative stress parameters and improves endothelial function. The underlying molecular mechanisms of LA beneficial effects are unknown, but it has been suggested that LA exhibits multiple activities beyond simply removing lipoproteins. We hypothesized that LA removes not only lipoproteins, but also extracellular vesicles (EVs). To test this hypothesis, we performed a prospective study in 22 patients undergoing LA for hyper-Lp(a) and ASCVD. Different EVs subtypes were measured before and directly after LA, and after 7 days. We used calibrated flow cytometry to detect total particle concentration (diameter > ~ 100 nm), total lipoproteins concentration (diameter > 200 nm, RI > 1.51), total EV concentration (diameter > 200 nm, RI < 1.41), concentrations of EVs derived from erythrocytes (CD235a+; diameter > 200 nm, RI < 1.41), leukocytes (CD45+; diameter > 200 nm, RI < 1.41) and platelets (CD61+, PEVs; diameter > 200 nm, RI < 1.41). LA reduced the concentrations of all investigated EVs subtypes and lipoproteins. Lp(a) concentration was lowered by 64.5% [(58% – 71%); p < 0.001]. Plasma concentrations of EVs > 200 nm in diameter derived from platelets (CD61 +), leukocytes (CD45+) and erythrocytes (CD235a+) decreased after single LA procedure by 42.7% [(12.8–54.7); p = 0.005], 42.6% [(29.7–54.1); p = 0.030] and 26.7% [(1.0–62.7); p = 0.018], respectively, compared to baseline. All EV subtypes returned to the baseline concentrations in blood plasma after 7 days. To conclude, LA removes not only Lp(a), but also cell-derived EVs, which may contribute to LA beneficial effects.

High-Density Lipoprotein Particles and Torque Teno Virus in Stable Outpatient Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Torque teno virus (TTV) is emerging as a potential marker for monitoring immune status. In transplant recipients who are immunosuppressed, higher TTV DNA loads are observed than in healthy individuals. TTV load measurement may aid in optimizing immunosuppressive medication dosing in solid organ transplant recipients. Additionally, there is a growing interest in the role of HDL particles in immune function; therefore, assessment of both HDL concentrations and TTV load may be of interest in transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to analyze TTV loads and HDL parameters in serum samples collected at least one year post-transplantation from 656 stable outpatient kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), enrolled in the TransplantLines Food and Nutrition Cohort (Groningen, the Netherlands). Plasma HDL particles and subfractions were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Serum TTV load was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Associations between HDL parameters and TTV load were examined using univariable and multivariable linear regression. The median age was 54.6 [IQR: 44.6 to 63.1] years, 43.3% were female, the mean eGFR was 52.5 (±20.6) mL/min/1.73 m2 and the median allograft vintage was 5.4 [IQR: 2.0 to 12.0] years. A total of 539 participants (82.2%) had a detectable TTV load with a mean TTV load of 3.04 (±1.53) log10 copies/mL, the mean total HDL particle concentration was 19.7 (±3.4) μmol/L, and the mean HDL size was 9.1 (±0.5) nm. The univariable linear regression revealed a negative association between total HDL particle concentration and TTV load (st.β = -0.17, 95% CI st.β: -0.26 to -0.09, p < 0.001). An effect modification of smoking behavior influencing the association between HDL particle concentration and TTV load was observed (Pinteraction = 0.024). After adjustment for age, sex, alcohol intake, hemoglobin, eGFR, donor age, allograft vintage and the use of calcineurin inhibitors, the negative association between HDL particle concentration and TTV load remained statistically significant in the non-smoking population (st.β = -0.14, 95% CI st.β: -0.23 to -0.04, p = 0.006). Furthermore, an association between small HDL particle concentration and TTV load was found (st.β = -0.12, 95% CI st.β: -0.22 to -0.02, p = 0.017). Higher HDL particle concentrations were associated with a lower TTV load in kidney transplant recipients, potentially indicative of a higher immune function. Interventional studies are needed to provide causal evidence on the effects of HDL on the immune system.

Real-Time Exposure to 3D-Printing Emissions Elicits Metabolic and Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Human Airway Epithelial Cells.

Three-dimensional (3D) printer usage in household and school settings has raised health concerns regarding chemical and particle emission exposures during operation. Although the composition of 3D printer emissions varies depending on printer settings and materials, little is known about the impact that emissions from different filament types may have on respiratory health and underlying cellular mechanisms. In this study, we used an in vitro exposure chamber system to deliver emissions from two popular 3D-printing filament types, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA), directly to human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) cultured in an air-liquid interface during 3D printer operation. Using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an optical particle sizer (OPS), we monitored 3D printer particulate matter (PM) emissions in terms of their particle size distribution, concentrations, and calculated deposited doses. Elemental composition of ABS and PLA emissions was assessed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Finally, we compared the effects of emission exposure on cell viability, inflammation, and metabolism in SAEC. Our results reveal that, although ABS filaments emitted a higher total concentration of particles and PLA filaments emitted a higher concentration of smaller particles, SAEC were exposed to similar deposited doses of particles for each filament type. Conversely, ABS and PLA emissions had distinct elemental compositions, which were likely responsible for differential effects on SAEC viability, oxidative stress, release of inflammatory mediators, and changes in cellular metabolism. Specifically, while ABS- and PLA-emitted particles both reduced cellular viability and total glutathione levels in SAEC, ABS emissions had a significantly greater effect on glutathione relative to PLA emissions. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, MMP-9, and RANTES were significantly increased due to ABS emissions exposure. While IL-6 and IL-8 were stimulated in both exposure scenarios, VEGF was exclusively increased due to PLA emissions exposures. Notably, ABS emissions induced metabolic perturbation on amino acids and energy metabolism, as well as redox-regulated pathways including arginine, methionine, cysteine, and vitamin B3 metabolism, whereas PLA emissions exposures caused fatty acid and carnitine dysregulation. Taken together, these results advance our mechanistic understanding of 3D-printer-emissions-induced respiratory toxicity and highlight the role that filament emission properties may play in mediating different respiratory outcomes.

The quantification of the airborne plastic particles of 0.43–11 μm: Procedure development and application to atmospheric environment

The environmental degradation of microplastics results in ultrafine particles that may incur severe biological concerns. Despite this, the atmospheric existence of plastics of less than a few microns has barely been investigated due to the particle size limit of conventional analytical methods. This study develops a procedure to quantify and characterize plastic particles (including nanoplastics; less than 1 μm) in the air through fractional sampling, a simple pretreatment method, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (pyr-GC/MS). We targeted 11 major polymers, namely, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, styrene-butadiene rubber, polymethylmethacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide 6, and polyamide 66 (PA66). The average spike and recovery rate of each polymer in the aerosol collected on the roof of a four-story building near a major road in Kyoto, Japan, amounted to 78–130%, with a coefficient of variation of less than 15%. By coupling pyr-GC/MS analysis with fractional sampling of particles within the size range of >11 μm, 11–7.0 μm, 7.0–4.7 μm, 4.7–3.3 μm, 3.3–2.1 μm, 2.1–1.1 μm, 1.1–0.65 μm, 0.65–0.43 μm, it was possible to quantify airborne nano- and microplastics by particle size. Polyethylene, polystyrene, PET, and PA66 were detected in the air, and the total mass concentration of tiny plastic particles (0.43–11 μm) amounted to 1.20 μg/m3. This translates into total particle numbers of 3.05 × 106 particles/m3 (assuming spheres), revealing a substantial number of particles under 1 μm. These results will contribute to future studies to understand the atmospheric behaviors of ultrafine plastic particles and their flow-on effects on the respiratory system.

Performance evaluation of nano-graphene lubricating oil with high dispersion and low viscosity used in diesel engines.

The basic tribological experiments have reported that nano-graphene lubricating oil has excellent anti-friction and anti-wear properties, which has been widely concerned. However, the real anti-friction effect of nano-graphene lubricating oil and its impact on engine power performance, economic performance and emission performance remain to be proved. This has seriously hindered the popularization and application of nano-graphene lubricating oil in the engine field. In this paper, nano-graphene powder was chemically grafted to prepare nano-graphene lubricating oil with high dispersion stability. The influence of nano-graphene on physicochemical properties of lubricating oil was studied, and the influence of nano-graphene on engine power performance, economic performance and emission performance was explored. The results show that after modification, the dispersion of nano-graphene in lubricating oil is improved. Compared with pure lubricating oil, the addition of nano-graphene makes the kinematic viscosity of lubricating oil slightly lower, and has little effect on the density, flash point, pour point and total acid value of lubricating oil. The reversed towing torque of nano-graphene lubricating oil is reduced by 1.82-5.53%, indicating that the friction loss decreases. The specific fuel consumption of the engine is reduced, which indicates that the fuel economic performance is improved. Engine HC+NOX, CH4, CO2 emissions do not change much, but particulate matter (PM) emissions increase by 8.85%. The quantity concentration of nuclear particles, accumulated particles and total particles of nano-graphene lubricating oil are significantly higher than that of pure lubricating oil. And the increase of the quantity concentration of accumulated particles is more obvious than that of nuclear particles, and the larger the load, the more obvious this phenomenon. In order to apply nano-graphene lubricating oil to the engine, it is also necessary to further study its impact on the post-processing system, adjust the control strategy of the post-processing system and then test and calibrate.

Dose Determination and Administration of Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles for In Vivo Preclinical Studies.

Essentially all bacteria secrete nano-sized (~20-200nm) bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) loaded with proteins, lipids, glycans, and nucleic acids. bEVs facilitate interactions among cells of the same species, different microbial species, and even with cells of multicellular organisms in the context of colonization or infection. Their interactions with host organism immune cell receptors vary depending on the producing bacterial species and are now being harnessed for the development of bEVs as a potential immunotherapeutic platform. Both basic/mechanistic and preclinical therapeutic development studies are thus increasing in number and require implementation of methods for multiparametric analytical characterization as well as in vivo administration in preclinical animal models of disease. We summarize a variety of analytical methods that can be used to calculate bEV dose for preparations made from diverse bacterial sources (including sterility testing, total protein concentration, particle concentration, and lipopolysaccharide concentration). We also describe basic methodology for intravenous administration of bEV preparations via tail vein injection in laboratory mice. Throughout the description of methodology, we highlight potential pitfalls and alternatives to further equip the reader for troubleshooting should challenges arise. Robust and reproducible characterization is a prerequisite of bEV preparation quality control and consistent dosing during preclinical development. This will allow for more streamlined testing of candidate therapeutic bEVs within a given research laboratory, and furthermore facilitate reproducibility of findings across laboratories.

SGLT2 inhibition, circulating metabolites, and atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundSodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown promise in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the results are controversial and the underlying metabolic mechanism remains unclear. Emerging evidence implied that SGLT2 inhibitors have extra beneficial metabolic effects on circulating metabolites beyond glucose control, which might play a role in reducing the risk of AF. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the effect of circulating metabolites mediating SGLT2 inhibition in AF by Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsA two-sample and two-step MR study was conducted to evaluate the association of SGLT2 inhibition with AF and the mediation effects of circulating metabolites linking SGLT2 inhibition with AF. Genetic instruments for SGLT2 inhibition were identified as genetic variants, which were both associated with the expression of SLC5A2 gene and glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c). Positive control analysis on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was conducted to validate the selection of genetic instruments.ResultsGenetically predicted SGLT2 inhibition (per 1 SD decrement in HbA1c) was associated with reduced risk of T2DM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63 [95% CI 0.45, 0.88], P = 0.006) and AF (0.51 [0.27, 0.97], P = 0.039). Among 168 circulating metabolites, two metabolites were both associated with SGLT2 inhibition and AF. The effect of SGLT2 inhibition on AF through the total concentration of lipoprotein particles (0.88 [0.81, 0.96], P = 0.004) and the concentration of HDL particles (0.89 [0.82, 0.97], P = 0.005), with a mediated proportion of 8.03% (95% CI [1.20%, 14.34%], P = 0.010) and 7.59% ([1.09%, 13.34%], P = 0.011) of the total effect, respectively.ConclusionsThis study supported the association of SGLT2 inhibition with a reduced risk of AF. The total concentration of lipoprotein particles and particularly the concentration of HDL particles might mediate this association. Further mechanistic and clinical studies research are needed to understand the mediation effects of circulating metabolites especially blood lipids in the association between SGLT2 inhibition and AF.

FRI181 Increased LDL Particle And Apolipoprotein B Concentrations In Patients With Nonfunctioning And Cortisol Secreting Adrenal Adenomas

Abstract Disclosure: R. Sandooja: None. A. Kittithaworn: None. P. Dogra: None. D. Gruppen: None. E. Atkinson: None. S. Achenbach: None. K. Yu: None. M. Connelly: None. V. Simha: None. R.P. Dullaart: None. I. Bancos: None. INTRODUCTION: Based on the spectrum of cortisol excess, adrenal adenomas are classified as adenomas with Cushing syndrome (CS), adenomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), and non-functioning adenomas (NFA). Patients with adrenal adenomas demonstrate a high prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality proportional to the degree of hypercortisolism. Evidence on whether dyslipidemia is a contributing cardiovascular risk factor in patients with NFA and MACS is discrepant. We aimed to characterize (apo) lipoprotein abnormalities across the spectrum of cortisol excess in patients with adenomas as compared to referent subjects. METHODS: Study Design: Single center cross sectional study between 01/2015 - 05/2021.Patients: Adults with NFA, MACS, or CS were consecutively enrolled. MACS was diagnosed based on post-dexamethasone cortisol &amp;gt;1.8 mcg/dL. Referent subjects were recruited from local population of patients with available abdominal imaging and no adrenal disorders. All subjects provided fasting ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) venous samples. Measurements: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements included total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and LDL particle concentrations, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses, apolipoprotein B (apo B), triglycerides (TG) and TG-rich lipoprotein concentrations. RESULTS: Participants included 101 patients with CS (median age 44 years, IQR 31-58, 85% women), 158 patients with MACS (median age 62 years, IQR 51-70, 62% women), 166 patients with NFA (median age 60 years, IQR 53--66, 63% women) and 136 referent subjects (median age 68 years, IQR 57-77, 52% women). Patients had higher BMI (32 vs 27 kg/m2), higher prevalence of hypertension (72% vs 46%) and diabetes mellitus (27% vs 9%) as compared to reference subjects. Statin therapy was used in 32% of patients and referent subjects. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and statin therapy, as compared to referent subjects, we found inconsistent increase in TC, LDL cholesterol and TG across CS, MACS and NFA and no consistent differences in LDL size, HDL variables, TG and TG-rich lipoproteins. However, when compared to referent subjects, LDL particle concentrations- CS(OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.33-2.39), MACS (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.67), and NFA (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.12-1.82) and Apo B levels were higher in all patient categories: CS (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.57-3.24), MACS (OR 1.36 95% CI 1.00-1.85 ), and NFA (OR 1.54 95% CI 1.13-2.09). These differences were particularly evident in patients not on statin therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We found that LDL particle and Apo B concentrations were elevated in all patient groups, including those with MACS and NFA. In comparison to conventional lipid measurements, LDL particle and Apo B may serve as a better biomarker of the future cardiovascular risk in patients with adrenal adenomas. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Pool Boiling Heat Transfer Characteristics of SiO2 and BN Nanoparticles Dispersed Mono and Hybrid Nanofluids.

This study reports an experimental investigation of pool boiling (PB) heat transfer performance of hybrid (two types of particles) and mono (single-particle) nanofluids consisting of Boron nitride (BN) and Silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). While hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) were prepared in a total particle concentration of 0.05 vol.% with four different percentages of these two types of NPs (are 0.01/0.04, 0.02/ 0.03, 0.03/0.02, and 0.04/0.01 (BN vol.%/SiO2 vol.%)), two mono nanofluids (MNFs) of BN and SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared at the same total concentration of 0.05 vol.% for each NP type. Both nanofluids (NFs) were prepared in the base fluid (BF), which is the mixture of 15 vol.% of ethylene glycol (EG) and 85 vol.% of distilled water (DW). Then, the boiling heat transfer performance of these MNFs and HNFs was assessed by experimentation in a pool boiling test rig. The obtained results demonstrated good improvements in critical heat flux (CHF) and burnout heat flux (BHF) of both types of NFs. The CHF increased by up to 80% for BN-based MNF and up to 69% for HNF at 0.04 vol.% BN, which is the maximum percentage of BN into HNF, while the lowest improvement in CHF was 48% for the SiO2-based MNF compared to the BF. Similarly, the BHF was found to increase with the increasing in the loading of BN nanoparticles and a maximum enhancement of BHF of 103% for BN-based MNF was observed. These HNFs and MNFs exhibited significantly improved pool boiling heat transfer performance compared to this BF, and it became lower by increasing the percentage of SiO2 NPs in the HNFs.

Modeling the concentration of suspended particles by fuzzy inference system (FIS) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) techniques: A case study in the metro stations

Background: Today, the usage of artificial intelligence systems and computational intelligence is increasing. This study aimed to determine the fuzzy system algorithms to model and predict the amount of air pollution based on the measured data in subway stations. Methods: In this study, first, the effective variables on the concentration of particulate matter were determined in metro stations. Then, PM2.5, PM10, and total size particle (TSP) concentrations were measured. Finally, the particles’ concentration was modeled using fuzzy systems, including the fuzzy inference system (FIS) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Results: It was revealed that FIS with modes gradient segmentation (FIS-GS) could predict 76% and ANFIS-FCM with modes of clustering and post-diffusion training algorithm (CPDTA) could predict 85% of PM2.5, PM10, and TSP particle concentrations. Conclusion: According to the results, among the models studied in this work, ANFIS-FCM-CPDTA, due to its better ability to extract knowledge and ambiguous rules of the fuzzy system, was considered a suitable model.

Deriving particulate backscattering coefficient at 400 nm from small-scale optically shallow waters using Landsat-8 data: a case study at Luhuitou Peninsula, Sanya.

The particulate backscattering coefficient (bbp) plays an important role in the growth of coral reefs by influencing the light field conditions. Small-scale optically shallow waters are commonly found in coastal fringing reefs, making it challenging to monitor the spatial and temporal patterns accurately using Aqua satellites with a low spatial resolution. In this study, six existing optimization-based algorithms for deriving bbp at 400 nm (bbp(400)) were evaluated with three simulated Landsat-8 (spatial resolution = 30 m) data sets and in situ data from the Luhuitou Peninsula, Sanya. The comparison results indicated that the HOPE (hyperspectral optimization process exemplar) (Fix-H-error or Fix-H-error-free) algorithm which sets an input value of the water depth alone outperformed other algorithms. However, the estimated bbp(400) from all the algorithms tended to be either overestimated and underestimated due to the improper the spectral shape value of the backscattering coefficient. The HOPE (Fix-H-error) algorithm estimated-bbp(400) from in situ reflectance also had a good correlation with the in situ total suspended particle concentrations data derived-bbp(400), with a correlation coefficient of 0.83. Therefore, the HOPE (Fix-H-error) algorithm was selected to estimate the bbp(400) from satellite-based Landsat-8 data of the Luhuitou Peninsula, Sanya. Time-series (2014-2021) results from these Landsat-8 images reveal the seasonal variation of bbp(400). The bbp(400) was low from May to September every year. From October to December or January, bbp(400) had an increasing trend, and then it decreased until May. Spatial analysis indicated that bbp(400) decreased with increasing water depth. The spatial and temporal patterns of bbp(400) were consistent with in situ observations reported in the literature. This study preliminarily showed the efficiency of an optimization-based algorithm in deriving bbp(400) in small-scale optically shallow water region using Landsat-8 data.

Study of atmosphere parameters of the IVV-2M reactor hall

The paper presents the results of a study of radioactive noble gases and from decay products in the atmosphere of the reactor hall of the research nuclear reactor IVV-2M. The distribution of short-lived 88Rb and 138Cs activity by sizes of aerosol particles was measured in the range of 0.5–1000 nm. It is shown that radioactive aerosols are characterized by three main modes with AMTD 2–3 nm, 7–15 nm and 400 nm. About 70% of aerosol activity is due to 88Rb. The equilibrium factor between 88Kr and 88Rb is 0.2 ± 0.1. The total concentration of aerosols particles was measured using an aerosol diffusion spectrometer. The value of unattached fraction of radioactive aerosols in the atmosphere of reactor hall IVV-2M was f = 0.15–0.25 at the average total aerosol particles concentration from 20,000 cm−3 to 53,000 cm−3.

Determination of Particulate Matters and Total Suspended Particles emitted from Incense Burning

Incense burning is an important ceremonial ritual in Buddhism. It is well recognized that incense smoke has negative health effects, which may be caused by the emission of submicron particles, including ultrafine and nanoparticles. Hence, in this study, the concentration of particulate matter (PM) and total suspended particles (TSP) emitted from incense burning were determined from 4 incense stick brands. The experiment was conducted in a room with a volume of approximately 146m3 using two instruments: an HV sampler and a Nano Sampler. The highest TSPs concentration from long sticks and short sticks were S1 (319.03 μg/m3) and N2 (439.75 μg/m3), respectively. High mass concentration was found in the ultrafine particle range for S2 (112.27 μg/m3) and N2 (117.30 μg/m3). In contrast, S1 and N1 exhibited high concentrations in the coarse particle mode at 79.28 μg/m3 and 86.75 μg/m3, respectively. Out of the 4 incense brands, N2 appeared to have the highest concentration in almost every particle range compared to the other 3 brands. Incense should be burned in a well-ventilated setting and try not to stay in the same place as the altar to reduce the risk of incense smoke exposure.

On the stabilization of emulsions by cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils: Interfacial behavior and synergism

Competitive adsorption of cellulose nanofibers at oil-water interface in Pickering emulsion is reported here. Dodecane-in-water emulsions stabilized by either of two types of nanocelluloses, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), as well as by their binary mixtures with increasing fractions of CNC, were prepared using particle concentrations of 0.1–0.5 wt% and studied. Despite differences in shape and morphology, both forms of nanofibers produced stable emulsion droplets even at low particle concentrations (0.1 wt%), with CNC producing smaller droplets and emulsions with higher stability. When mixed, an increased fraction of CNC in the mixture reduced the average droplet size, which however applied only for higher contents of oil (30 and 50 wt%) and higher total contents of cellulose particles used under emulsification. The CNC particles controlled the size of emulsion droplets, while the role of CNF contributed to the further surface coverage. When the fraction of CNF in the mixture increased, the capability of CNC particles to readily adsorb at the oil-water interface was reduced by the CNF nanofibrils present in aqueous phase. The stability of emulsions with respect to changes in droplet size and creaming index was influenced more by oil content and total particle concentration than by the fraction of CNC present in the mixture.

Preventing swarm detection in extracellular vesicle flow cytometry: a clinically applicable procedure

BackgroundFlow cytometry is commonly used to detect cell-derived extracellular vesicles in body fluids such as blood plasma. However, continuous and simultaneous illumination of multiple particles at or below the detection limit may result in the detection of a single event. This phenomenon is called swarm detection and leads to incorrect particle concentration measurements. To prevent swarm detection, sample dilution is recommended. Since the concentration of particles differs between plasma samples, finding the optimal sample dilution requires dilution series of all samples, which is unfeasible in clinical routine. ObjectivesHere we developed a practical procedure to find the optimal sample dilution of plasma for extracellular vesicle flow cytometry measurements in clinical research studies. MethodsDilution series of 5 plasma samples were measured with flow cytometry (Apogee A60-Micro), triggered on side scatter. The total particle concentration between these plasma samples ranged from 2.5 × 109 to 2.1 × 1011 mL−1. ResultsSwarm detection was absent in plasma samples when diluted ≥1.1 × 103-fold or at particle count rates <3.0 × 103 events·s-1. Application of either one of these criteria, however, resulted in insignificant particle counts in most samples. The best approach to prevent swarm detection while maintaining significant particle counts was by combining minimal dilution with maximum count rate. ConclusionTo prevent swarm detection in a series of clinical samples, the measurement count rate of a single diluted plasma sample can be used to determine the optimal dilution factor. For our samples, flow cytometer, and settings, the optimal dilution factor is ≥1.1 × 102-fold, while the count rate is <1.1 × 104 events·s−1.