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Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Dec 2023Chronic toxicity tests on adult and larval honey bees (Apis mellifera) can require the use of dietary additives (solvents, emulsifiers, adjuvants and viscosifier agents)...
Chronic toxicity tests on adult and larval honey bees (Apis mellifera) can require the use of dietary additives (solvents, emulsifiers, adjuvants and viscosifier agents) when the active ingredient of plant protection products cannot be dissolved or does not remain stable and homogeneous within the test diets. Acetone is the widely used and accepted solvent allowed within the international regulatory guidelines, but it can be ineffective in keeping certain compounds in solution and can cause toxicity to adults and larvae. In this publication, we present an evaluation of alternative additives in adult and larval diets. Six dietary additives including five solvents (ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, propylene glycol and triethylene glycol) and a viscosifier agent (xanthan gum) at five concentrations along with a negative control and a solvent control (acetone) were investigated at seven laboratories. The safe levels for bees were determined for each of the additives used in the 10-day chronic adult and 22-day chronic larval tests. In the 10-day chronic adult study, ethanol and isopropanol were found to be safe at concentrations ≤ 5.0 %, while xanthan gum can be reliably used at concentrations ≤ 0.1 %. Greater variability across laboratories was observed for N-propanol, propylene glycol, and triethylene glycol and these agents may cause mortality when added to diets at concentrations above 0.25-0.5 %. The safe levels of additives to larval diet in the 22-day chronic larval test had a greater variability and were generally lower than what were observed for adult diet. Our results do not recommend the inclusion of ethanol or n-propanol into the larval diet, and isopropanol, propylene glycol, and triethylene glycol may cause mortality at concentrations above 0.25-0.5 %. Safe levels for xanthan gum were more variable than what was observed for adults, but it can be used reliably at concentrations ≤ 0.05 %. Our analyses conclude that several additives can be integrated successfully in honey bee laboratory bioassays at levels that cause low mortality to adults and larvae.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Larva; Acetone; 2-Propanol; 1-Propanol; Laboratories; Diet; Solvents; Ethanol; Propylene Glycols
PubMed: 38000305
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115718 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Nov 2023Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known as a major cause of respiratory tract infection in adults and children. Human-to-human transmission occurs via droplets as...
BACKGROUND
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known as a major cause of respiratory tract infection in adults and children. Human-to-human transmission occurs via droplets as well as direct and indirect contact (e.g. contaminated surfaces or hands of medical staff). Therefore, applicable hygiene measures and knowledge about viral inactivation are of utmost importance.
AIM
To elucidate the disinfection profile of RSV.
METHODS
The study evaluated the virucidal efficacy of oral rinses specifically designed for children, World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended hand-rub formulations, and ethanol, as well as 2-propanol against RSV in a quantitative suspension test (EN14476). The stability of RSV on stainless steel discs was assessed and its inactivation by different surface disinfectants (EN16777) investigated.
FINDINGS
All tested oral rinses except one reduced infectious viral titres to the lower limit of quantification. The two WHO-recommended hand-rub formulations as well as 30% ethanol and 2-propanol completely abolished the detection of infectious virus. Infectious RSV was recovered after several days on stainless steel discs. However, RSV was efficiently inactivated by all tested surface disinfectants based on alcohol, aldehyde, or hydrogen peroxide.
CONCLUSION
Oral rinses, all tested hand-rub formulations as well as surface inactivation reagents were sufficient for RSV inactivation in vitro.
Topics: Child; Humans; Disinfectants; 2-Propanol; Stainless Steel; Ethanol; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
PubMed: 37625461
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.009 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Oct 2022Esters of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidol are reported vegetable fats and oils contaminants formed during processing. During digestion, esterified...
Esters of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidol are reported vegetable fats and oils contaminants formed during processing. During digestion, esterified forms are hydrolyzed making the free forms, with high toxicity to human health, possibly available in the digestive system, which could depend, among other factors, on the phase condition stablished in the gastrointestinal tract between contaminants and lipids. Therefore, this work was aimed at evaluating the solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) of binary and pseudobinary mixtures of fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and stearic), triacylglycerols (tripalmitin, triolein and tristearin) and a partial acylglycerols, with 3-MCPD and glycidol, by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermodynamic modeling with Margules 2 and 3 suffixes, UNIFAC and ideal models. Melting properties of the contaminants were determined by DSC thermograms, with microstructure micrographs and compared to some predictive group contribution models (GC). 14 complete SLE phase diagrams could be determined. Results showed that the lipid compounds had high affinity with the free contaminants with probably the formation of liquid crystalline structures and/or solid solutions. The Margules 3 suffixes model showed the best fit with the lowest average relative deviations, no higher than 1%, although the parameters probably incorporated the non-ideality promoted by the crystalline phase behavior. The formation of mesophases and/or solid solutions with very high melting temperature probably means a difficulty of separating the contaminants from the lipid matrix in which, on the other hand, could avoid separation process or affect (probably decreasing) their absorption during digestion.
Topics: alpha-Chlorohydrin; Epoxy Compounds; Oils; Propanols
PubMed: 36076422
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111740 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jun 2022We investigated the protective effects of ephedra herb (HEPH) on adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity in rats and explored the potential mechanisms underlying these...
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the protective effects of ephedra herb (HEPH) on adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity in rats and explored the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.
METHODS
A rat model of adriamycin injury was established, and sperm motility-related indicator and oxidative stress levels in the testis were evaluated. Serum levels of sex hormones and levels of testicular cell apoptosis were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence analyses, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to evaluate the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signalling pathway- and meiosis-related genes and proteins. In subsequent in vitro experiments, adriamycin was used to stimulate GC-1 cells, which were treated with HEPH, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine. Cell viability was assessed using flow cytometry to detect apoptosis and reactive oxygen species, whereas the GnRH signalling pathway and levels of meiosis-related genes and proteins were evaluated by InCell WB, a high-content imaging system, and RT-PCR.
RESULTS
Per in vivo experiments, HEPH restored testicular weight and function, sperm characteristics, serum and tissue hormonal levels, and antioxidant defences and significantly activated the GnRH signalling pathway- and meiosis-related protein levels. All protective effects of HEPH against adriamycin-induced injury were antagonised by the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix. In vitro, HEPH, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine significantly reduced adriamycin-induced GC-1 cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species levels and increased the expression of GnRH signalling pathway- and meiosis-related proteins. The effect of pseudoephedrine was greater than that of ephedrine, and these findings may be an important basis for understanding the effects of HEPH.
Topics: Animals; Doxorubicin; Ephedra; Ephedrine; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Male; Pseudoephedrine; Rats; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sperm Motility; Testis
PubMed: 35658231
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113061 -
Journal of the American College of... May 2018
Topics: Defibrillators, Implantable; Humans; Metoprolol; Physical Exertion; Propranolol
PubMed: 29699617
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.02.058 -
Annals of Work Exposures and Health Sep 2023There is an increasing need for exposure data to enable more precise information for risk estimates and improved public health protection. While personal monitoring data...
There is an increasing need for exposure data to enable more precise information for risk estimates and improved public health protection. While personal monitoring data are preferred, it is often difficult to collect due to the resources needed to complete a human research study. In this study, we successfully programmed a robotic arm to mimic human use (spraying) of a fabric crafts protector (FCP) and human cleaning (spraying and wiping) of a glass pane with glass cleaner (GC). The robot was then used in place of human subjects to assess inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the use of the FCP and GC. Air sampling data were collected while the robot used the products to estimate personal exposures to VOCs. Average VOC concentrations were 1.57 ppm for FCP spraying and 0.17 ppm for GC spraying and wiping. During FCP spraying, average acetone concentrations were 0.88 ppm and average isopropyl alcohol concentrations were 0.26 ppm. During GC spraying and wiping, average 2-butoxyethanol concentrations were 0.15 ppm. Air sampling data were found to be within the range of data reported in the literature during human use of similar glass cleaning products. No data was found in the literature during use of fabric protector spray products. This study contributes exposure measurement data with detailed contextual information to help characterize inhalation exposures during the use of 2 spray products. In addition, the study offers a systematic, efficient method for generating exposure data which can be used to improve health and safety risk assessments used for public health protection.
Topics: Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Robotics; Occupational Exposure; 2-Propanol; Acetone; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 37669006
DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad049 -
Austrian consensus guidelines on the management and treatment of portal hypertension (Billroth III).Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift Nov 2017The Billroth III guidelines were developed during a consensus meeting of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH) and the Austrian Society of...
The Billroth III guidelines were developed during a consensus meeting of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH) and the Austrian Society of Interventional Radiology (ÖGIR) held on 18 February 2017 in Vienna. Based on international guidelines and considering recent landmark studies, the Billroth III recommendations aim to help physicians in guiding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in patients with portal hypertension.
Topics: Austria; Carbazoles; Carvedilol; Comorbidity; Early Medical Intervention; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Humans; Hypertension, Portal; Liver Cirrhosis; Mass Screening; Propanolamines; Propranolol; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Timolol
PubMed: 29063233
DOI: 10.1007/s00508-017-1262-3 -
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces... Sep 2022The DNA origami technique allows the precise synthesis of complex, biocompatible nanomaterials containing small molecules, biomolecules, and inorganic nanoparticles. The...
The DNA origami technique allows the precise synthesis of complex, biocompatible nanomaterials containing small molecules, biomolecules, and inorganic nanoparticles. The negatively charged phosphates in the backbone make DNA highly water-soluble and require salts to shield its electrostatic repulsion. DNA origamis are therefore not soluble in most organic solvents. While this is not problematic for applications in biochemistry, biophysics, or nanomedicine, other potential applications, processes, and substrates are incompatible with saline solutions, which include the synthesis of many nanomaterials, and reactions in templated synthesis, the operation of nanoelectronic devices, or semiconductor fabrication. To overcome this limitation, we coated DNA origami with amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol) polylysine block copolymers and transferred them into various organic solvents including chloroform, dichloromethane, acetone, or 1-propanol. Our approach maintains the shape of the nanostructures and protects functional elements bound to the structure, such as fluorophores, gold nanoparticles, or proteins. The DNA origami polyplex micellization (DOPM) strategy hence enables solubilization or a phase transfer of complex structures into various organic solvents, which significantly expands the use of DNA origami for a range of potential applications and technical processes.
Topics: 1-Propanol; Acetone; Chloroform; DNA; Gold; Metal Nanoparticles; Methylene Chloride; Nanostructures; Phosphates; Polyethylene Glycols; Polylysine; Polymers; Salts; Solubility; Solvents; Water
PubMed: 36103620
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01508 -
Targeted lipidomics coupled with machine learning for authenticating the provenance of chicken eggs.Food Chemistry Jun 2023Free-range eggs are ethically desirable but as with all high-value commercial products, the establishment of provenance can be problematic. Here, we compared a simple...
Free-range eggs are ethically desirable but as with all high-value commercial products, the establishment of provenance can be problematic. Here, we compared a simple one-step isopropanol method to a two-step methyl-tert-butyl ether method for extracting lipid species in chicken egg yolks before liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The isopropanol method extracted 937 lipid species from 20 major lipid subclasses with high reproducibility (CV < 30 %). Machine learning techniques could differentiate conventional cage, barn, and free-range eggs using an external test dataset with an accuracy of 0.94, 0.82, and 0.82, respectively. Lipid species that differentiated cage eggs were predominantly phosphocholines and phosphoethanolamines whilst the free-range egg lipidomes were dominated by acylglycerides with up to three fatty acids. The lipid profiles were found to be characteristic of the cage, barns, and free-range eggs. The lipidomic analysis together with the statistical modeling approach thus provides an efficient tool for verifying the provenance of conventional chicken eggs.
Topics: Animals; Chromatography, Liquid; Lipidomics; Chickens; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; 2-Propanol; Reproducibility of Results; Eggs; Lipids; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
PubMed: 36641906
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.135366 -
Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi Jun 2022To establish the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to detect ethanol metabolites phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in whole...
OBJECTIVES
To establish the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to detect ethanol metabolites phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in whole blood.
METHODS
An appropriate amount of aqueous solution including 1% formic acid was added to 100 μL whole blood, the protein was precipitated with acetone, centrifuged and the supernatant was purified and enriched by using Bond Elut Certify column. The eluent was redissolved with 1/1 isopropanol/acetonitrile (/) solution after nitrogen blowing and then tested by UPLC-MS/MS. Selective reaction monitoring scanning was carried out in negative ionization mode, and quantitative analysis was performed by external standard method.
RESULTS
PEth showed a linear relationship over the concentration range of 1-160 ng/mL in whole blood (=0.999 9) with peak area. The detection limit was 0.2 ng/mL, the quantification limit was 1 ng/mL, the recovery rate was 97.43%-103.61%, the accuracy was 0.99%-1.77%, the intra-day precision was 0.4%-2.4%, and the inter-day precision was 1.1%-3.3%, and the matrix effect was 91.00%-99.55%. PEth was not detected in the blood samples supplemented with ethanol. PEth was detected positive in three drunk driving cases, and the concentration were 195.49, 83.67 and 876.12 ng/mL, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The established method has high sensitivity and specificity and the analysis results are accurate. It is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of PEth in whole blood.
Topics: 2-Propanol; Acetone; Acetonitriles; Biomarkers; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Ethanol; Glycerophospholipids; Nitrogen; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 36221832
DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.310208