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Journal of Investigational Allergology... Jun 2024Sensitization to Blomia tropicalis is associated with asthma in various tropical and subtropical countries; however, information about the specific molecular components...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Sensitization to Blomia tropicalis is associated with asthma in various tropical and subtropical countries; however, information about the specific molecular components associated with this disease is scarce. Using molecular diagnosis, we sought to identify B tropicalis allergens associated with asthma in Colombia.
METHODS
Specific IgE (sIgE) to 8 B tropicalis recombinant allergens (Blo t 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 21) was determined using an in-house ELISA system in asthma patients (n=272) and controls (n=298) recruited in a national prevalence study performed in several Colombian cities (Barranquilla, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and San Andrés). The study sample included children and adults (mean [SD] age, 28 [17] years). Cross-reactivity between Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 was evaluated using ELISA-inhibition.
RESULTS
Specific IgE (sIgE) to 8 B tropicalis recombinant allergens (Blo t 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 21) was determined using an in-house ELISA system in asthma patients (n=272) and controls (n=298) recruited in a national prevalence study performed in several Colombian cities (Barranquilla, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and San Andrés). The study sample included children and adults (mean [SD] age, 28 [17] years). Cross-reactivity between Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 was evaluated using ELISA-inhibition.
CONCLUSION
Although Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 are considered common sensitizers, this is the first report of their association with asthma. Both components should be included in molecular panels for diagnosis of allergy in the tropics.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Immunoglobulin E; Adult; Male; Female; Case-Control Studies; Child; Adolescent; Colombia; Allergens; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Antigens, Plant; Cross Reactions; Tropical Climate; Prevalence; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38888580
DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0892 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Dust removal coatings for polyimide (PI)-based photovoltaic modules used in lunar rovers were fabricated successfully through the blade-coating method using silicon...
Dust removal coatings for polyimide (PI)-based photovoltaic modules used in lunar rovers were fabricated successfully through the blade-coating method using silicon dioxide (SiO) nanoparticles and γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550). The dust removal performance, morphology, transparency, and adhesive force of the coating can be optimized by adjusting the pH and the mass ratios of SiO and KH550. The designed coating demonstrates excellent dust removal performance, achieving an percentage of over 85 %. Moreover, the coating has minimal impact on the transparency of the PI substrate and exhibits strong adhesion to it. Additionally, the coating shows remarkable resistance to both high and low temperatures. Even after undergoing five cycles of thermal treatment ranging from -196 to 160 °C, there were no significant changes in the morphology or dust removal performance of the coating. Therefore, this coating exhibits tremendous potential for application in the dust removal of photovoltaic modules in lunar rovers.
PubMed: 38882304
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31985 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024In exploring the viability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for Mars missions, our study first delved into their temperature endurance in conditions mimicking the...
In exploring the viability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for Mars missions, our study first delved into their temperature endurance in conditions mimicking the Martian climate, revealing remarkable thermal stability within the temperature range of 173-303 K. We then pioneered the examination of PSC resilience to electrostatic discharge (ESD), a critical factor given the frequent Martian dust activities. In a custom-built Martian simulation chamber, we discovered that ESD exposure dramatically reduced the power conversion efficiency of these devices by more than half (55.4%) in just 90 s. This groundbreaking research not only advances our understanding of the potential of PSCs for Mars exploration but also opens new avenues for optimizing solar technology in extreme environments.
PubMed: 38882146
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02887 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024The impacts of the composition and properties of tar products on their utilization are of great importance, while the consequences of varying tar separation conditions...
The impacts of the composition and properties of tar products on their utilization are of great importance, while the consequences of varying tar separation conditions on distillation fractions remain underexplored. Solid impurities in special tar products (e.g., subsurface in situ pyrolysis-derived tar-like substances) can contribute to the separation as well. In the present study, low-temperature coal tar (LTCT) was used as an analogue to pyrolysis product, mixed with semi-coke and coal dust, representing pyrolytic byproducts and nonpyrolytic substances, respectively. The LTCT mixtures were tested with vacuum distillation at various pressures and temperatures. The results revealed the role of pressure in fraction distribution across temperatures, with higher pressure concentrating fractions at lower temperatures. The impact of solid impurities on distillation primarily stemmed from adsorption. Minimal concentrations of solid impurities carried coal dust/semi-coke into the distillation, but higher levels retained them in the residue. The adsorption of coal dust was quite high at lower temperatures and waned as temperature increased, unlike semi-coke, which had consistent adsorption throughout the distillation. The present study can advance the understanding of vacuum distillation for tar products in the presence of solid impurities, offering a framework for the effective distillation/utilization of coal tar. By probing separation conditions, tar properties, and solid impurity effects, the present research will refine strategies for optimizing coal tar use, crucial for enhancing energy security and sustainable progress in China.
PubMed: 38882087
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01513 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024Hydraulic fracturing generates fractures in a coal seam, which has been extensively used in coal mining and disaster management. To study the influences of water...
Hydraulic fracturing generates fractures in a coal seam, which has been extensively used in coal mining and disaster management. To study the influences of water injection pressure and time on the propagation of hydraulic fracture, we conducted true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments under acoustic emission monitoring. Five briquette specimens were prepared by molding the mixture of coal powder, cement, river sand, and distilled water under 60 MPa to simulate the properties of coal seam. True triaxial loading was used to simulate the in situ stress environment of the coal seam. Hydraulic fracturing experiments on the test specimens were conducted under different water injection pressures and times. The following conclusions have been drawn. At the fixed injection time, increasing water injection pressure promotes the propagation of hydraulic fracture and the migration of water in the coal seam after the fractures are connected. The number of fractures increases from 3 to 8 as the water injected pressure increased from 3 to 9 MPa. Under the constant water injection pressure, the increase in longitudinal wave velocity in the test specimen decreases with the prolongation of water injection time. When the water reaches the action boundary of the water injection pressure, the water stops moving. At this moment, the water injection time has no effect on the longitudinal wave velocity anymore. The fracturing influence range can be increased by increasing the water injection pressure to produce a fracture network of a large radius with many fractures. Appropriately prolonging hydraulic fracturing time can ensure that the fracturing fluid fully moistens the coal seam and thus effectively reduces dust pollution.
PubMed: 38882068
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00980 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Traditional DID models overlook variations in policy intensity, causing estimation deviations from the actual situation and a limited understanding of the influence...
Traditional DID models overlook variations in policy intensity, causing estimation deviations from the actual situation and a limited understanding of the influence mechanism. In response, the Intensity Modified SDID Model is built to examine the influence mechanism of ETS's carbon reductions. Moreover, through model extensions, the study explores the spatiotemporal characteristics and heterogeneities of ETS's effects. Results show that: (1) "Dual-circulation" influence mechanism is confirmed, where ETS directly contributes to carbon reductions (2.70% to 10.0% impact) through external pathways, and internal pathways continuously strengthen reduction effects, comprehensive mechanisms are thereby formed and enhanced based on interaction among internal and external pathways. (2) Reasonable ETS levels are estimated and proposed to achieve "Dual Carbon Target", constraining nationwide carbon quotas by 20 billion tons/year, increasing carbon trading volumes by 80 thousand tons/year, and elevating the carbon trading prices by 100 RMB (14 USD) per ton. (3) ETS's carbon reduction effects are identified with temporal and spatial characteristics, temporally, effects peak in the 4th period (Event) but diminish in the 5th period (Event), spatially, effects peak in areas distancing around 1000 km but disappear beyond 1500 km. (4) ETS also has synergistic effects with atmospheric pollution reduction, including industrial emissions of sulfur dioxide and smoke (dust), but are insignificant to industrial emissions of wastewater and solid waste.
PubMed: 38880799
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64250-x -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The 2021 tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment guidelines in India included silicosis as a screening group, yet latent TB infection (LTBI) testing for...
The 2021 tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment guidelines in India included silicosis as a screening group, yet latent TB infection (LTBI) testing for silica-dust-exposed individuals is underemphasized. Focusing on an estimated 52 million silica-dust-exposed workers, particularly agate-stone workers in Khambhat, Gujarat, our study aims to estimate LTBI prevalence, identify predictors, and gather insights from TB and silicosis experts. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, a cross-sectional study involved 463 agate-stone workers aged ≥ 20 years in Khambhat, using IGRA kits for LTBI testing. In-depth interviews with experts complemented quantitative findings. Among agate-stone workers, 58% tested positive for LTBI, with predictors including longer exposure, type of work, and BCG vaccination. Our findings reveal a nearly double burden of LTBI compared to the general population, particularly in occupations with higher silica dust exposure. Experts advocate for including silica-dust-exposed individuals in high-risk groups for LTBI testing, exploring cost-effective alternatives like improved skin sensitivity tests, and shorter TB preventive treatment regimens to enhance compliance. Future research should explore upfront TB preventive treatment for silica-dust-exposed individuals with high LTBI prevalence and optimal exposure duration. This study underscores the urgent need for policy changes and innovative approaches to TB prevention among silica-dust-exposed populations, impacting global occupational health strategies.
Topics: Humans; India; Silicon Dioxide; Male; Latent Tuberculosis; Dust; Adult; Occupational Exposure; Cross-Sectional Studies; Silicosis; Female; Middle Aged; Prevalence
PubMed: 38879714
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64837-4 -
Environment International Jul 2024Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are widely used as flame retardants (FRs) and plasticizers, yet strategies for comprehensively screening of suspect OPs in environmental...
Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are widely used as flame retardants (FRs) and plasticizers, yet strategies for comprehensively screening of suspect OPs in environmental samples are still lacking. In this work, a neoteric, robust, and general suspect screening technique was developed to identify novel chemical exposures by use of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). We firstly established a suspect chemical database which had 7,922 OPs with 4,686 molecular formulas, and then conducted suspect screening in n = 50 indoor dust samples, n = 76 sediment samples, and n = 111 water samples. By use of scoring criteria such as retention time prediction models, we successfully confirmed five compounds by comparison with their authentic standards, and prioritized three OPs candidates including a nitrogen/fluorine-containing compound, that is dimethyl {1H-indol-3-yl[3-(trifluoromethyl)anilino]methyl} phosphonate (DMITFMAMP). Given that the biodegradation half-life values in water (t) of DMITFMAMP calculated by EPI Suite is 180 d, it is considered to be potentially persistent. This strategy shows promising potential in environmental pollution assessment, and can be expected to be widely used in future research.
Topics: Organophosphorus Compounds; Environmental Monitoring; Flame Retardants; Dust; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Environmental Pollutants; Geologic Sediments; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38875816
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108802 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Kombucha fermentation yields a diverse range of beneficial macro and micronutrients. In our study, we examined the metabolites, antioxidant activity, organoleptic...
Kombucha fermentation yields a diverse range of beneficial macro and micronutrients. In our study, we examined the metabolites, antioxidant activity, organoleptic characteristics, and nutritional attributes of traditionally prepared kombucha tea, using black tea and sugar (control) as substrates, and compared them with tea made from tea dust and blackstrap molasses (test). Kombucha tea crafted from functional raw materials exhibited enhanced sensory qualities and improved health-promoting properties. The levels of tannins, flavonoids, and phenols play a crucial role in determining the antioxidant activity of kombucha tea. Using the DPPH and FRAP methods, we investigated the antioxidant activity throughout the fermentation period, ranging from day 0 to day 12, under optimized conditions. The results consistently demonstrated an initial increase in antioxidant activity from day 0 to 6, followed by a decline from day 6 to 12. Notably, statistical analysis revealed that the antioxidant activity of the test sample was significantly better ( > 0.001) compared to the control sample. The nutritional content of the kombucha from day 6 of the test sample is higher than the control sample provided sugars (fructose 0.4 ± 0.1, glucose 0.7 ± 0.1, sucrose 1.4 ± 0.1) g/100 mL, minerals (calcium, 19.4 ± 0.15, iron 23.1 ± 0.25, and potassium 28.3 ± 0.25) mg/100 mL, vitamins (B1 0.58 ± 0.01, B2 0.30 ± 0.02, B3 0.33 ± 0.02, B6 0.75 ± 0.02, B9 0.19 ± 0.03, B12 0.9 ± 0.03, and C 1.38 ± 0.06) mg/100 mL, sodium 4.35 ± 0.25 mg/100 mL, calories 14.85 ± 0.25 mg/100 mL, carbohydrates 3.135 ± 0.12, and acids (acetic acid 4.20 ± 0.02, glucuronic acid 1.78 ± 0.02) mg/100 mL on day 12. The predominant microbial species identified in both control and test samples included , and , each with varying dominance levels. These microorganisms play essential roles in metabolizing sugars, generating acids, and contributing to the distinctive flavor profile of kombucha. Sensory evaluations of the control and test samples were analyzed, and the overall preference was 88% for the test sample with tea dust and molasses. The sensory characteristics of the test sample included a fruity smell (41%), fizzy texture (66%), bright color (47%), and a fruity taste (67%), with overall acceptability (56%) rating it as excellent. Our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between raw materials, microbial composition, and the resulting composition of bioactive compounds.
PubMed: 38873151
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1367697 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024This study aims to investigate bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in airborne dust from pig farms. Airborne dust, pig feces and feed were collected...
This study aims to investigate bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in airborne dust from pig farms. Airborne dust, pig feces and feed were collected from nine pig farms in Thailand. Airborne dust samples were collected from upwind and downwind (25 meters from pig house), and inside (in the middle of the pig house) of the selected pig house. Pig feces and feed samples were individually collected from the pen floor and feed trough from the same pig house where airborne dust was collected. A direct total bacteria count on each sampling plate was conducted and averaged. The ESKAPE pathogens together with , and were examined. A total of 163 bacterial isolates were collected and tested for MICs. Pooled bacteria from the inside airborne dust samples were analyzed using Metagenomic Sequencing. The highest bacterial concentration (1.9-11.2 × 10 CFU/m) was found inside pig houses. ( = 37) and ( = 36) were most frequent bacterial species. ( = 3) were exclusively isolated from feed and feces. Target bacteria showed a variety of resistance phenotypes, and the same bacterial species with the same resistance phenotype were found in airborne dust, feed and fecal from each farm. Metagenomic Sequencing analysis revealed 1,652 bacterial species across all pig farms, of which the predominant bacterial phylum was Bacillota. One hundred fifty-nine AMR genes of 12 different antibiotic classes were identified, with aminoglycoside resistance genes (24%) being the most prevalent. A total of 251 different plasmids were discovered, and the same plasmid was detected in multiple farms. In conclusion, the phenotypic and metagenomic results demonstrated that airborne dust from pig farms contained a diverse array of bacterial species and genes encoding resistance to a range of clinically important antimicrobial agents, indicating the significant role in the spread of AMR bacterial pathogens with potential hazards to human health. Policy measurements to address AMR in airborne dust from livestock farms are mandatory.
PubMed: 38872793
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1362011