Concentration Values Research Articles

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil Surrounding Manganese Tailings Pond Based on Source-oriented Analysis

To analyze the source apportionment, potential ecological risk, and health risk of heavy metals in soils surrounding a manganese tailings pond in Chongqing, a positive matrix factorization （PMF） model, potential ecological risk index, and health risk assessment model were used. Further, all three models were combined to explore the risks of heavy metals in soils by different pollution sources to determine the priority control factors. The results showed that except for the Cr concentration, the average values of Mn, Cd, As, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni concentration were higher than their corresponding background values. Using the PMF model analysis, mining, natural, agricultural, and industrial sources were identified as the determinants for the accumulation of heavy metals in soils, with contribution rates of 23.9%, 30.2%, 18.8%, and 27.1%, respectively. Using potential ecological risk index analysis, the ecological risk was predominantly categorized as "strong" risk, with the rate of 77.8%. The health risk assessment model analysis revealed that, the carcinogenic risks of adults and children were tolerable, whereas the non-carcinogenic risks were acceptable. According to the analysis results of the relationship among heavy metals, pollution sources, potential ecological risk, and health risks showed that agricultural sources were identified as the priority control sources, with Cd as the primary control factor. Mining sources and industrial sources were identified as secondary control sources, with Mn and As as the secondary control factors.

Development of a Portable Ozone Generation System for Calibration of Online Ozone Water Analyzers

ABSTRACT Ozone water, serving as a disinfectant, plays a significant role in the production of medical, food, and sanitation sectors. However, due to the instability of ozone water, it needs to be produced and used simultaneously in practical applications. It leads to a series of technical challenges. They include the lack of standard ozone water solutions. To address them, this study designs and constructs a new calibration system for online ozone water analyzers with controllable concentrations. This system has been successfully applied to the calibration of online ozone water analyzers from different manufacturers and models available. The concentration values of ozone water were verified using the chemical iodometric method. Calibration results showed that the indication error of the online ozone water analyzers ranged from 0.04 mg/L to 0.07 mg/L, the repeatability was between 0.0% and 4.1%, and the stability ranged from 2% to 9%. This study not only provides an effective solution for the calibration of online ozone water analyzers but also contributes to the standardization and quality control in related fields through the design and implementation of the system.

Design, synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, and antifungal evaluation of new acetohydrazide derivatives containing a 4-thioquinazoline moiety.

To find efficient agricultural fungicides, 29 new 4-thioquinazoline-containing acetohydrazide derivatives were prepared and tested for their fungicidal properties. All of the target compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques, and the molecular structure of compound A2 was verified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurement. The experimental results revealed that many compounds from this series had impressive inhibition efficacies in vitro against the tested fungi. For example, compound A25 was identified as the best fungicidal agent against Rhizoctonia solani with an EC50 (half-maximal effective concentration) value of 0.66 μg mL-1, superior to those of the commercial fungicides chlorothalonil, carbendazim and boscalid. Additionally, this compound displayed favorable protection and curative activities in vivo against rice sheath blight caused by R. solani. Antifungal mechanistic studies on compound A25 indicated that this compound exerted its strong anti-R. solani effects probably through an effective inhibition of fungal succinate dehydrogenase activity [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 4.88 μm] and the impairment of cell membrane integrity, based on the results from enzymatic bioassays, molecular docking studies, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations. Acetohydrazide derivatives containing the 4-thioquinazoline moiety had the potential to be employed as lead compounds for developing more efficient agricultural fungicides in the near future. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Symmetry-breaking bifurcation for necrotic tumor model with two free boundaries

In this paper, we study a 2-dimensional free boundary problem modeling the tumor growth with a necrotic core. This model has three parameters: σD is a threshold value of nutrient concentration for distinguishing whether tumor cells are alive or not, σ̃ is the death rate of proliferating cells and ν is the removal rate of necrotic cells. With the assumption of σ̃−σD−ν≤0, we first give a complete classification of σD and σ̃ under which the necrotic problem either has the unique radially symmetric stationary solution σs,ps,ρs,Rs or no solutions. Furthermore, we derive the existence of symmetry-breaking solutions bifurcating from the radially symmetric solution σs,ps,ρs,Rs for every γl(l=2,3,…).

Evaluation of Some Haemorheologic Parameters amongst Automotive Spray Painters in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background/Objectives: Automotive Spray-Painters are at a higher risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – benzene inclusive, and heavy metals which may cause adverse health outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate effect of exposure to spray paints on some haemorheological parameters in individuals involved in automotive spray painting within Port Harcourt Metropolis. Method: This case control study recruited 52 participants: 30 automotive spray-painters and 22 controls. The study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Venous blood samples were drawn from the participants (age 20 to 65 years) and examined for packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen and haemoglobin. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from participants. Result: Participants from painting occupation had significantly higher ESR (p = 0.0450) as a result of increase in number of years in Automotive Spray-Painting. Increased ESR may be an indication of inflammation in the body. There was no statistical significance between Automotive Spray-Painters and control subjects when values of haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, fibrinogen concentration and erythrocyte concentration was compared in Automotive Spay-Painters, however, their values were increased than that control subjects at p<0.05. Conclusion: The study revealed that prolonged inhalation of benzene and other aromatic toxic compounds in paints caused slight increase in haemorheological parameters (PCV, HB, ESR and fibrinogen) of Automotive Spray-Painters due to exposure to paint fumes, a risk factor for inflammation of vital organs, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism; and predisposes Spray-Painters to many health disorders which can affect their lungs, heart, blood vessels, and ultimately the transport of oxygen to the brain.

In vitro antidiabetic evaluation of Bombax buonopozense methanol leaf extract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major worldwide health burden that requires research into cost-effective treatment alternatives. It has been claimed that herbal medicines, have improved glucose metabolism in diabetics. It has been showed that several plant extracts are useful in preserving glucose homeostasis. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical and antidiabetic activities of Bombax buonopozense methanol leaf extracts. Standard methods were used for the identification of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, cardiacglycosides and steroids. The enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts of B. buonopozense was evaluated on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The crude leaf extract of B. buonopozense exhibited a more effective inhibition on α-glucosidase with IC50 (Half maximal inhibitory concentration) values 888.20±35.06 μg/mL when compared to control (ascorbic acid) with values 1076±2.77 μg/mL. Fractions of ethyl acetate showed lower inhibitory property of alpha glucosidase with IC50 value 18.44±2.63 μg/mL compared to the control (ascorbic acid with IC50 value 16325±1318 μg/mL). This study showed the scientific basis for the traditional therapeutic usage of B. buonopozense by proven its antidiabetic activity in vitro. This is the first time that B. buonopozense’s antidiabetic efficacy and possible mechanisms have been documented.

Oxygen distribution in bed and safety analysis during hydrogen purification process from oxygen-containing feed gas

In order to analysis the oxygen distribution in the adsorption bed during the hydrogen purification process from oxygen-containing feed gas and the safety of device operation, this article established a non-isothermal model for the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation process of 4-component (H2/O2/N2/CH4), and adopted a composite adsorption bed of activated carbon and molecular sieve. In this article, the oxygen distribution in the adsorption bed under different feed gas oxygen contents, different adsorption pressures, and different product hydrogen purity was studied for both vacuuming process and purging process. The study shows that during the process from the end of adsorption to the end of providing purging, the peak value of oxygen concentration in the adsorption bed gradually increases, with the highest value exceeding 30 times the oxygen content of the feed gas. Moreover, the concentration multiplier of oxygen in the adsorption bed increases with the increase of the adsorption pressure, decreases with the increase of the oxygen content in the feed gas, and increases with the decrease of the hydrogen product purity. When the oxygen content in the feed gas reaches 0.3% (vol), the peak value of oxygen concentration in the adsorption bed exceeds 10% (vol), which will make the front part of the oxygen concentration peak fall in an explosion limit range. As the decrease of product hydrogen content, the oxygen concentration peak in the adsorption bed will gradually move forward to the adsorption bed outlet, and even penetrate through the adsorption bed. And during the process of the oxygen concentration peak moving forward, the oxygen will enter the pipeline at the outlet of the adsorption bed, which will make the pipeline space of high-speed gas flow into an explosion range, bringing great risk to the device. The preferred option for safe operation of PSA for hydrogen purification from oxygen-containing feed gas is to deoxygenate the feed gas. When deoxygenation is not available, a lower adsorption pressure and a higher product hydrogen purity (greater than or equal to 99.9% (vol)) can be used to avoid the gas in the adsorption bed outlet pipeline being in the explosion range.

Synergistic approach: Peridynamics and machine learning regression for efficient pitting corrosion simulation

Corrosion-induced material deterioration poses a pervasive threat to structural integrity, necessitating an in-depth understanding of its intricate behaviors. Pitting corrosion, a critical concern in this context, accelerates the degradation of materials. The limitations of conventional models arise from their neglect of the subsurface electrode boundary layer dynamics during the dissolution process. In this study, we present a novel approach that combines Peridynamics (PD) diffusion framework with machine learning (ML) techniques to develop an efficient predictive model and computational efficiency. The proposed hybrid PD-ML model leverages the non-local effects inherent to Peridynamics and the pattern recognition capabilities of machine learning. It establishes an analytical connection between the concentration value at a specific material point and the concentrations exhibited by related constituents within its spatial horizon, considering the external mass flux applied. The adaptability of the model is achieved through the utilization of weighted regression coefficients, determined via multivariate linear regression. Validation against experiments and conventional PD model demonstrates the model's precision and efficiency using diverse micro-diffusivity scenarios. For 1D uniform and 2D pitting corrosion cases, our hybrid model yields precise concentration predictions while showcasing a remarkable improvement in computational speed compared to conventional approaches. Specifically, the hybrid model achieves an impressive speedup, approximately 4 times faster per time step and 2.5 times faster overall simulation. The study presents a promising tool for predicting corrosion-induced material deterioration in practical systems, offering accuracy, efficiency, and potential for broader applications.

Approach to Design Sustainable Alkali-Activated Slag Recycled Aggregate Concrete: Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization

There is a steep increase in demand for concrete as the need for infrastructure is increasing with a rapid increase in urbanization. Consequently, there has been a surging demand for cement across the globe. By using alkaline concrete activated with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), cement usage can be eliminated in concrete, which addresses the issue of CO2 emissions concerned with the cement manufacturing process and promotes the use of industrial by-products as sustainable building materials. The current study focuses on proposing a methodology to design sustainable GGBS-based alkali-activated concrete incorporated with 100% coarse recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) recovered from construction and demolition (C&D), for various strengths by optimizing the mix proportions and verifying the same through experiments. From the current study, it is evident that this mix design procedure can be adopted to design alkali-activated slag recycled aggregate concrete (AASRAC) mixes for strengths ranging from 44MPa to 85MPa. The optimum values of alkalinity factor (λ) and NaOH concentration (M) i.e., 1.5 and 12, have a significant role in the development of high strengths which is attributed to the formation of hydrotalcite. Micrographs captured using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) studies reveal that the alkaline binders promote the development of a denser and stronger interfacial transition zone (ITZ) that enhances the strength of lower AA/B concretes at the microstructural level as Ca/Si ratio is higher for lower AA/B concretes. Global warming potential (GWP) analysis reveals that the alkali-activated concretes have significantly lower GWP compared to conventional OPC-based concrete by approximately 2.5 times. The mix-design chart proposed in this study may pave the way to designing structural grade AASRAC with enhanced performance for the desired strength, which may find its application in fast-track construction and manufacturing of prefabricated elements.

Phytofabrication, characterization and investigation of biological properties of Punica granatum flower-derived silver nanoparticles

Due to the exceeding need to the fabrication metal nanoparticles (NPs) for different applications, exploring innovative eco-friendly approaches for the synthesis of these NPs has attracted significant attention. The objective of this study is to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Punica granatum flowers. Furthermore, it aims to examine the different biological properties of these NPs, such as their antibacterial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, alpha-amylase inhibition, bacterial biofilm inhibition, and bacterial biofilm degradation activities. The AgNPs were characterized using several techniques, including UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The AgNPs were spherical in shape, and they had a Z-average diameter of 40.50 nm and a zeta potential of −19.5 mV. The AgNPs, at a concentration of 1000 µg.mL−1, represented in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition performance of 73.19 ± 1.02 % and 73.84 ± 1.75 %, respectively. Interestingly, the AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity at phenotypic and molecular levels against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 32 and 16 µg.mL−1, respectively. AgNPs effectively downregulated the biofilm formation of icaA and icaD genes in S. aureus, with a stronger impact on icaA, though tetracycline exhibited superior inhibition overall at the concentration of MIC. In A. baumannii, AgNPs reduced the expression of the biofilm formation pgaA and bfmsS genes, but not bfmsR, while tetracycline suppressed all three genes at the concentration of MIC. By addressing these novel aspects, this study aims to advance the field of green nanotechnology and open new avenues for the application of biogenic AgNPs in various domains.

Green synthesis and characterization of NiO/Hydroxyapatite nanocomposites in the presence of peppermint extract and investigation of their antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

In many areas, antibiotic resistance is becoming a serious concern for public health. As a result of the interesting structural properties of nanomaterials, nanoscience-based methods have emerged as promising ways to increase the movement of existing antimicrobials. In this study, pristine nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles, hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles, and binary nickel oxide/hydroxyapatite (NiO/HAP) nanocomposites were fabricated through peppermint extract-assisted green route. The obtained results revealed that peppermint extract can be a superior green capping agent for the preparation of NiO, HAP, and NiO/HAP nanomaterials. The bioactivity tests revealed the bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities of synthesized NiO, HAP, and NiO/HAP nanostructures against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300) bacteria. The findings confirmed that the prepared NiO/HAP nanocomposites have more effective antibacterial activity than pure NiO and HAP. For Staphylococcus aureus, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for NiO, HAP, and NiO/HAP nanocomposites were determined to be of about 9.60, 13.03, and 3.41 mg/mL, respectively. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the MIC values for NiO, HAP, and NiO/HAP nanocomposites were estimated as 9.6, 13.50, and 1.7 mg/mL, respectively. Although, all synthesized samples are remarkable in their ability to prevent the formation of biofilms at MIC and sub-MIC concentrations (p < 0.01), NiO/HAP illustrated biofilm inhibitory activity up to 95 % for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to 81 % for Staphylococcus aureus. In the present study, it was demonstrated that NiO/HAP nanocomposites prepared in a green environment can be excellent antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Pyrazoleacetamide Derivatives.

Fungal infections have posed a big challenge in the management of their treatment. Due to the resistance and toxicity of existing drug molecules in the light of pandemic infections, like COVID-19, there is an urgent need to find newer derivatives of active molecules, which can be effective in fungal infections. In the present study, we aimed to design pyrazole derivatives using molecular modeling studies against target 1EA1 and synthesize 10 molecules of pyrazole derivatives using a multi-step synthesis approach. Designed pyrazole derivatives were synthesized by conventional organic methods. The newly synthesized pyrazole molecules were characterized by using FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and LC-MS techniques. Molecular docking studies were also performed. The antifungal activity of newly synthesized compounds was assessed in vitro against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using the well plate method. Two of the compounds, OK-7 and OK-8, have been found to show significant docking interaction with target protein 1EA1. These two compounds have also been found to show significant anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus nigra when compared to the standard fluconazole. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of these two compounds has been found to be 50 μg/ml. Pyrazole derivatives with -CH3, CH3O-, and -CN groups have been found to be active against tested fungi and can be further explored for their potential as promising anti-fungal agents for applications in the field of medicinal chemistry.

Non-food bioactive products as pesticide candidates: Preparation and agrochemical activities of novel nonivamide ether derivatives containing the isoxazole fragment

To explore non-food natural products as pesticide candidates for agricultural application, a series of nonivamide ether derivatives (3a–3q) containing the isoxazole fragment were constructed from an alkaloid nonivamide isolated from Capsicum annuum L. Against Mythimna separata Walker, the final corrected mortality rate (FCMR) of 3b at 1.0 mg/mL was 62.9 %, which was 2.0 times of that of nonivamide. Against Aphis citricola Van der Goot, the median lethal dose (LD50) value of 3d was 0.049 μg/nymph, which was 12.4 times of that of nonivamide. Against Plutella xylostella Linnaeus, the median lethal concentration (LC50) value of compound 3b was 0.793 mg/mL, which was 9.2-fold of that of nonivamide. Furthermore, the enzymes activity changes of carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and mixed function oxidase (MFO) over time in P. xylostella treated with 3b were evaluated. We hope that this study will establish a robust groundwork for structural modification of nonivamide derivatives and their potential utilization as plant-based insecticides.

One-Pot Synthesis and &lt;i&gt;In Vitro&lt;/i&gt; Studies of Calix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene Derivatives as Antimalarial Agents Against &lt;i&gt;Plasmodium falciparum&lt;/i&gt; Chloroquine-Resistant Strain FCR-3

Malaria is an endemic disease in Indonesia caused by infection from the Plasmodium parasite. Recently, antimalarial resistance significantly contributed to the decline in the cure rate of malaria sufferers. In this work, three calix[4]resorcinarenes have been synthesized from 2-methylresorcinol and different benzaldehyde derivatives, i.e., 4-chlorobenzaldehyde, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, and 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde through the one-pot synthesis procedure. The calix[4]resorcinarenes synthesis was done through a cyclo-condensation reaction by using HCl 37% as the catalyst and ethanol as the solvent in an one-pot reaction. The structures of the synthesized products were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared, proton-nuclear magnetic resonance, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. The antimalarial activity assay was evaluated against the Plasmodium falciparum FCR-3 strain through an in vitro study. Three synthesized compounds, i.e., C-4-chlorophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene, C-4-methoxyphenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene and C-4-dimethylaminophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene have been successfully synthesized in up to 97% yield. The C-4-chlorophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinerene exhibited the most potent antimalarial activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.66 µM against P. falciparum FCR-3 while the C-4-methoxyphenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene and C-4-dimethylaminophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene gave the IC50 values of 23.63 and 13.82 µM, respectively. From the results, it could be concluded that the antimalarial activity of calix[4]-2-methylresorcinarenes was influenced by the type of substituent of aromatic rings at the para position.

The actions of varenicline on alkaloids from Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), Lupinus sulphureus (sulphur lupine) and Nicotiana glauca (tree tobacco).

Evidence-based therapies to manage the clinical signs of intoxication caused by toxic plants in livestock are lacking. For that reason, the aim of this work was to develop a drug-based intervention for the management of clinical signs of piperidine alkaloid intoxication in livestock. The actions of anabasine, coniine, γ-coniceine, and two total alkaloid extracts from Lupinus sulphureus were compared in the presence and absence of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline in RD cells, mice and goats. Pretreatment of RD cells with 10.0μM varenicline significantly shifted the anabasine fifty percent effective concentration (EC50) value to a greater concentration and blocked the response of the cells to coniine. γ-coniceine did not have any effect on RD cells as measured by membrane potential sensing dye. Swiss Webster mice median lethal dose (LD50) values for anabasine, coniine, γ-coniceine were 1.5, 5.5, and 3.7mg/kg respectively, and pretreatment with 10.0mg/kg i. p. dosed varenicline shifted the LD50 values to 4.2, 9.1, and 4.3mg/kg respectively. The rodent LD50 value of the Pendelton, WA L. sulphureus quinolizidine alkaloid extract was shifted to a lesser concentration by varenicline while the Ritzville, WA L. sulphureus piperidine alkaloid extract was shifted to a greater concentration by varenicline. The clinical signs of intoxication in goats orally dosed with Conium maculatum were exacerbated by 0.5, 1.0 and 10.0mg/kg i. v. dosed varenicline. These results suggest that varenicline was effective at shifting piperidine alkaloid EC50 values in RD cells and increasing piperidine but not quinolizidine alkaloid LD50 values in mice and was not useful at managing the clinical signs of poison hemlock intoxication in goats.

A novel encapsulation method for lemongrass essential oil in nanoemulsion and SiO2 nanoparticles against the storage mite Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Acari: Acaridae)

Lemongrass essential oil (LEO), which is extracted from Cymbopogon citratus, has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional synthetic pesticides. In the present study, we fabricated pure LEO and its nanomaterials (nanoemulsion [NE] and SiO2 nanoparticles [NPs]) and investigated their acaricidal effects on Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Acari: Acaridae), a common storage pest mite. A loading capacity (LC) of 57.45% was obtained, showing successful encapsulation of LEO in SiNPs. The contact mortality, fumigant mortality, ovicidal activity, repellent activity, and toxic effects of LEO on A. ovatus were investigated. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of contact mortality of LEO, LEO-NE, and LEO-SiNPs against adult mites were 0.067, 0.053, and 0.019 mg/cm2, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. Similarly, the corresponding LC50 values of fumigant activity were 0.044, 0.096, and 0.067 mg/cm3, respectively. All products had greater contact and fumigant effects on nymphs and larvae than they did on adults. After 5 days of exposure to the products, LEO-NE and LEO-SiNPs had greater inhibitory effects on hatching than did pure LEO. LEO-SiNPs exhibited a rapid and significant repellent effect at 3 h (82.22%) and were effective even after 24 h (35.56%), indicating their persistent and long-term acaricide activity. A study of toxicity symptom revealed two different manifestations of toxicity in mites after exposure to these products (knock-down type and immobilized type). Taken together, these findings suggest that LEO and its nanomaterials exhibit significant acaricidal activity against A. ovatus.

Construction and characterization of Laminaria polysaccharide functionalized selenium nanoparticles based on an activity-oriented approach

Laminaria polysaccharides (LP) have been shown to effectively stabilize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), forming LP–SeNP complexes with enhanced bioactivity. However, the correlation between their bioactivity and physicochemical properties remains inadequately explored. This study used chemical reduction with LP as stabilizer to investigate how LP-to-selenium mass ratio (LPSMR), reaction time, and temperature influence particle size, selenium content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of LP–SeNPs. The results showed that enhanced DPPH scavenging correlated with higher selenium content and smaller particle size, primarily modulated by LPSMR and temperature. Under optimal conditions (LPSMR of 1; temperature of 25°C), the resulting LP–SeNPs exhibited uniform morphology with a particle size of 81.41nm and selenium content of 653.91mg/g. This stability was achieved through non-covalent interactions between LP and SeNPs, providing superior light and acid resistance compared to unmodified SeNPs. Notably, LP–SeNPs showed synergistic antioxidant effects, with lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for scavenging DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals than LP or SeNPs alone, and enhanced hypoglycemic activity. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed LP–SeNPs had reduced toxicity compared to Na2SeO3 and selenopeptide. These findings provide insights into the structure-activity relationships of LP–SeNPs and support their potential application as antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents.

Estudio prospectivo del síndrome de piernas inquietas en una muestra de donantes de sangre

Background and objectivesBlood donation is suggested to increase the risk of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This study aims to assess the prevalence of RLS in Spanish blood donors and determined its potential correlation with iron metabolism parameters. Materials and methodsProspective cohort study of 129 blood donors (54.3% men, 39.44 years±11.0) that underwent a physical examination, blood analysis (hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation index and soluble transferrin receptor) and a RLS screening questionnaire followed by a prospective follow-up study including a clinical phone interview. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to examine the association between RLS and other variables. ResultsEighty-four (65.1%) participants were repeat blood donors (mean of 2.11 donations/year) at inclusion and 61 (47.4%) at follow-up (mean of 2.09 donations/year). Non-anemic iron deficiency (ferritin<50μg /L) was high in women P<.001 and in repeat donors (P=.003). The prevalence of RLS was 14.1% at inclusion increasing prospectively (19.5%; P=.065). On multivariate analysis, gender was the only variable significantly associated with a RLS diagnosis, being higher in women (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.71-15.3; P=.003). ConclusionsDespite the high prevalence of non-anemic iron deficiency there was no association between ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor concentration values and RLS diagnosis. Gender was associated with RLS diagnosis regardless of other variables.

ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY STATUS USING THE STORET METHOD IN THE COASTAL WATERS BRANTA, PAMEKASAN REGENCY

Branta waters is located in Branta Pesisir Village, Pamekasan Regency, on Madura Island. This area is characterized by numerous activities centered around the coastal region, including Fish Auction Places (TPI), boat mooring, and various other community activities along the waterfront. These activities introduce both organic and inorganic materials into the waters. The objective of this study is to determine the concentration values of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Organic Matter (TOM) and to assess the water quality status using the STORET method in Branta waters, Pamekasan Regency. Sampling was conducted using the composite method at three different stations with two sampling points at each station every week, repeated 3 times. Data analyzed was performed using the STORET method, in accordance with Minister of Environment Decree No. 115 of 2003. The results showed that at station1, Branta Waters received a score of -32, indicating heavily polluted waters classified as class D. Meanwhile, both station 2 and station 3 received a total score of -30, signifying moderately polluted waters, class C. Parameters such as COD, ammonia, and phosphate exceeded the quality standards at each station, while parameters including temperature, salinity, pH, and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) remained within the quality limits set by Minister of Environment Decree No. 51 of 2004.

Study of variations in semen quality in men from 12 geographical locations in Spain

This study aimed to evaluate possible variations in semen quality among patients undergoing fertility evaluation in 12 different geographical locations in Spain. The study was conducted in 12 assisted reproduction centers located in different regions of Spain. Semen samples from 2,336 men seeking fertility assessment were analyzed. Seminal parameters-including semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, and total motile sperm count (TMS) were compared by geographic location. All parameters were evaluated using standardized methodologies, with interlaboratory quality controls to ensure consistency. No significant differences in patient age were found between centers (ANOVA, p > 0.05). However, statistically significant variations in semen volume, sperm concentration, total motility, and TMS were observed between the centers (p = 0.020, 0.004, 0.000, and 0.008, respectively). Men from Asturias exhibited the highest values for sperm concentration (mean: 59.8 ± 48.7 × 106 sperm/mL), motility (mean total motility: 54.3 ± 20.7%), and TMS (mean: 101.2 ± 107.5 × 10^6), with statistically significant differences compared to other regions. Patients from Cataluña, Almería, and Málaga followed in these metrics. In contrast, men from Granada presented the lowest sperm concentration and TMS (mean concentration: 43.1 ± 35.8 × 10^6 sperm/mL; mean TMS: 43.1 ± 34.6 × 10^6), followed by individuals from Alicante and Madrid. No significant differences in sperm morphology or vitality were observed between centers. Since all seminal parameters were assessed using standardized methodologies, the observed differences in semen quality between regions are unlikely to be due to laboratory variability.