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PloS One 2019Plasma chemistry is widely used in diagnostic and research settings in sea turtles. However, plasma discolorations such as hemolysis are often not considered in data...
Plasma chemistry is widely used in diagnostic and research settings in sea turtles. However, plasma discolorations such as hemolysis are often not considered in data interpretation. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the effects of moderate hemolysis on plasma electrolytes, minerals, and proteins using dry chemistry analysis (DCA) and protein electrophoresis from nesting leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida and to (2) establish blood analyte reference intervals. Twenty-six plasma samples with absence of hemolysis were selected and sub-divided into one non-hemolytic aliquot and an aliquot that was experimentally manipulated to mimic moderate hemolysis. Plasma samples were analyzed for hemoglobin using a handheld photometer; sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and total protein using DCA; and protein electrophoresis. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin were measured in corresponding whole blood samples. Reference intervals were established. All analytes except calcium and pre-albumin were significantly higher and the calcium:phosphorus and albumin:globulin ratios were significantly lower in hemolytic plasma compared to non-hemolytic plasma. Alpha2-globulins and potassium were the analytes most impacted by hemolysis, averaging 3.3- and 2.0-fold higher in hemolyzed samples, respectively, indicating that (1) hemoglobin migrates into the alpha2-globulin region in this species and (2) notable intracellular potassium is released into plasma with hemolysis. Attempted conversion factors for compensation of hemolysis were considered inaccurate for 4 of 16 analytes due to non-significant regression lines. We also report that PCV provides an estimate of hemoglobin (g/L) using the formula: (2.59 × PCV) + 24.59. Given the spurious effects of hemolysis, the degree of this artifact should be reported with biochemistry data, and samples with moderate to severe hemolysis should be excluded from datasets when interpreting electrolyte, mineral, and protein results. This will ensure accurate data interpretation for individual turtles in rehabilitation or research settings and population-level data relevant to conservation-focused projects.
Topics: Animals; Blood Circulation; Female; Florida; Hemolysis; Reference Values; Turtles
PubMed: 31504062
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222426 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The Upper Awash sub-basin characterized by urban, industrial, agricultural and population growth, has impacted the quality of its water sources. This study focuses on...
The Upper Awash sub-basin characterized by urban, industrial, agricultural and population growth, has impacted the quality of its water sources. This study focuses on the assessment of public health risks associated with drinking water sources in the sub-basin. In accordance with WHO guidelines, 120 water samples were collected from 60 water supply schemes in dry and wet seasons located in areas with low and high water pollution risk (WPR). Multi-meter, Photometer, Digital Arsenator, and Microbiological test kit measured the concentration of parameters. The assessment uses methods of hazard identification, exposure and dose-response analysis, and risk characterization, including Hazard Quotient (HQ), Cancer Risk (CR), Hazard Index (HI), and probability of infection. Monte Carlo simulation analyzes non-cancer risks from Nitrite, Nitrate, Chromium, Iron, Fluoride, and Arsenic, and CRs from Chromium and Arsenic, and infection risks from (). As a result, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) of Nitrate was beyond unity (HQ > 1) in the dry season for all groups. HQ of Chromium was HQ > 1 for Women (1.1E+00) and Children (1.4E+00) in the wet season in the high WPR area. Chromium HQ > 1 for children (1.4E+00) in the wet season and Fluoride (HQ > 1) for Children (3.2E+00) in the dry season in the low WPR area. Arsenic CR was above 1 in 10,000 persons for children in the dry season, for all groups, and for women and children in the wet season in the high WPR areas. The CR of chromium ranged from 1 in 1000 persons, which is beyond the limit. Moreover, the Hazard Index (HI) was higher than the unity (HI > 1) for most cases. All infection risks daily and annually exceeded the acceptable risks. Therefore, Public health concerns in the Sub-basin were quantified, and evidences were generated for risk management to undertake source protection through integrated watershed management and appropriate water treatment technologies.
PubMed: 38314286
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24790 -
Solar Physics 2018The (MinXSS) CubeSat is the first solar science oriented CubeSat mission flown for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, with the main objective of measuring the solar...
The (MinXSS) CubeSat is the first solar science oriented CubeSat mission flown for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, with the main objective of measuring the solar soft X-ray (SXR) flux and a science goal of determining its influence on Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere. These observations can also be used to investigate solar quiescent, active region, and flare properties. The MinXSS X-ray instruments consist of a spectrometer, called X123, with a nominal 0.15 keV full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) resolution at 5.9 keV and a broadband X-ray photometer, called XP. Both instruments are designed to obtain measurements from 0.5 - 30 keV at a nominal time cadence of 10 s. A description of the MinXSS instruments, performance capabilities, and relation to the (GOES) 0.1 - 0.8 nm flux is given in this article. Early MinXSS results demonstrate the capability of measuring variations of the solar spectral soft X-ray (SXR) flux between 0.8 - 12 keV from at least GOES A5-M5 ( ) levels and of inferring physical properties (temperature and emission measure) from the MinXSS data alone. Moreover, coronal elemental abundances can be inferred, specifically for Fe, Ca, Si, Mg, S, Ar, and Ni, when the count rate is sufficiently high at each elemental spectral feature. Additionally, temperature response curves and emission measure loci demonstrate the MinXSS sensitivity to plasma emission at different temperatures. MinXSS observations coupled with those from other solar observatories can help address some of the most compelling questions in solar coronal physics. Finally, simultaneous observations by MinXSS and the (RHESSI) can provide the most spectrally complete soft X-ray solar flare photon flux measurements to date.
PubMed: 31258201
DOI: 10.1007/s11207-018-1243-3 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Mar 2019The present study aims at correlating the relative bacterial activity with the H concentration and the ldh expression of caries-associated bacteria in co-cultures.
OBJECTIVES
The present study aims at correlating the relative bacterial activity with the H concentration and the ldh expression of caries-associated bacteria in co-cultures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Well plates were prepared with BHI medium and cultures of Lactobacillus paracasei and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Bacterial growth at 37 °C was measured using a microplate-photometer before and after adding sucrose to the samples. Samples of co-cultures (n = 12) and single-species cultures (n = 3) were taken and pH was assessed. Real-time quantitative PCRs were applied targeting the 16S-gene, the 16S-rRNA, the ldh-gene, and the ldh-mRNA.
RESULTS
For L. paracasei with sucrose, an increase in relative bacterial activity (62.8% ± 23.5% [mean, SE]) was observed, while F. nucleatum showed a clear decrease in relative bacterial activity (- 35.0% ± 9.6%). Simultaneously, the H concentration increased (1.15E-05 mol*l-1 ± 4.61E-07 mol*l-1). Consequently, a significant positive correlation was found between L. paracasei's relative bacterial activity and H concentration (Spearman rank correlation, r = 0.638; p = 0.002), while F. nucleatum exhibited a negative correlation (r = - 0.741; p ≤ 0.001). Furthermore L. paracasei with sucrose showed a moderate, but significant positive correlation between relative bacterial activity and ldh-expression (r = 0.307; p = 0.024).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The relative bacterial activity after sucrose pulse showed a significant correlation not only to the acid production (H concentration) but also to ldh expression of L. paracasei. However, further research is required to confirm these findings in a mature biofilm in vivo.
Topics: Biofilms; Coculture Techniques; Fusobacterium nucleatum; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lactobacillus
PubMed: 29980934
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-018-2547-2 -
Data in Brief Feb 2020Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator and platelet aggregation inhibitor. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, inhalation of NO is used as a therapeutic option. It has...
Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator and platelet aggregation inhibitor. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, inhalation of NO is used as a therapeutic option. It has been proposed that nitrite (NO ) is a constitute intravascular storage and delivery source of NO, a potent cardioprotective-signaling molecule. The administration of NO could have therapeutic effects in conditions where the oxygen-dependent enzymatic production of NO is compromised (i.e., ischemia). Thus, if NO could be supplied by an intravenous infusion fluid, it would be an easier method than by inhalation or delivery to the blood vessels by the blood stream. We produced 2 types of solutions, i.e., a nitrogen gas injected solution (control solution) and NO gas injected solution (experimental solution). NO was measured by the Microplate Photometer (MultiSkan FC, Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Tokyo, Japan) with a 540-nm wavelength and NO assay kit (Quantichrom™ Nitric Oxide Assay Kit, BioAssay Systems, Hayward, CA, USA). Gas profiles were measured by the EG6+ (Abbott Japan Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) with an i-STAT system (300F, Abbott Japan Co., Ltd.). Comparisons of gas profiles and measured NO concentrations in vitro and ex vivo are shown between the control and experimental solutions. Since NO is oxidized to NO and nitrate (NO ), it is common practice to quantitate total NO /NO as a measure of the NO level. We used the assay that was designed to accurately measure NO production following reduction of NO to NO using the Griess method. The data in this document describe production of an infusion fluid that contains NO without any special devices.
PubMed: 31909112
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.105011 -
PloS One 2015The purposes of this study were to determine the following: 1) the exposure levels of municipal household waste (MHW) workers to diesel particulate matter (DPM) using...
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were to determine the following: 1) the exposure levels of municipal household waste (MHW) workers to diesel particulate matter (DPM) using elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), total carbon (TC), black carbon (BC), and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) as indicators; 2) the correlations among the indicators; 3) the optimal indicator for DPM; and 4) factors that influence personal exposure to DPM.
METHODS
A total of 72 workers in five MHW collection companies were assessed over a period of 7 days from June to September 2014. Respirable EC/OC samples were quantified using the thermal optical transmittance method. BC and PM 2.5 were measured using real-time monitors, an aethalometer and a laser photometer. All results were statistically analyzed for occupational and environmental variables to identify the exposure determinants of DPM.
RESULTS
The geometric mean of EC, OC, TC, BC and PM 2.5 concentrations were 4.8, 39.6, 44.8, 9.1 and 62.0 μg/m3, respectively. EC concentrations were significantly correlated with the concentrations of OC, TC and BC, but not with those of PM 2.5. The exposures of the MHW collectors to EC, OC, and TC were higher than those of the drivers (p<0.05). Workers of trucks meeting Euro 3 emission standard had higher exposures to EC, OC, TC and PM 2.5 than those working on Euro 4 trucks (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the job task, European engine emission standard, and average driving speed were the most influential factors in determining worker exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
We assessed MHW workers' exposure to DPM using parallel sampling of five possible indicators. Of these five indicators, EC was shown to be the most useful indicator of DPM exposure for MHW workers, and the job task, European emission standard, and average driving speed were the main determinants of EC exposure.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Carbon; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Occupational Exposure; Particle Size; Particulate Matter; Refuse Disposal; Republic of Korea; Soot; Vehicle Emissions
PubMed: 26248196
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135229 -
Australian Dental Journal Mar 2007Current techniques for intra-coronal bleaching of stained root-filled teeth employ oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide. However, concern over the potential for...
BACKGROUND
Current techniques for intra-coronal bleaching of stained root-filled teeth employ oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide. However, concern over the potential for invasive cervical resorption following the use of hydrogen peroxide has been expressed by many researchers, and recommendations have been made to limit the use of this agent. A reductive-oxidative bleaching process using a thiourea and hydrogen peroxide regimen is proposed as an effective and safer bleaching combination. The efficacy of this novel bleaching regimen is evaluated in this study.
METHODS
The study involved a quantitative and qualitative spectrophotometric assessment of the ability of two amine (bleaching) agents, aqueous thiourea and acidified thiourea, to alter the absorption spectra of haemoglobin and methaemoglobin compared to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, extracted premolar teeth discoloured by blood were subjected to different bleaching regimens using amine reducing agents and hydrogen peroxide. The change in the colour of the bloodstained dentine samples was measured at each stage of the bleaching process with a Photometer and Reflectance Densitometer. Comparisons of different treatments were made using a method of least significant difference and/or analysis of variance.
RESULTS
Spectrophotometric studies showed that acidified thiourea solution greatly reduced the colour of the haemoglobin and methaemoglobin in the visible range (330-760 nm). Aqueous thiourea had no effect on the presence of haemoglobin and methaemoglobin. Reflection Densitometer and Photometer scores indicate that the greatest bleaching effect was achieved by the combined acidified thiourea and hydrogen peroxide regimen.
CONCLUSION
The recognition that bleaching discoloured teeth is a chemical process, which can be achieved by both reducing and oxidizing agents, offers the possibility of developing new and safer clinical bleaching protocols. It is concluded that the bleaching regimen which employs the sequential use of 0.1 M acidified thiourea and 30% w/v hydrogen peroxide is as effective at bleaching bloodstained dentine as 30% w/v hydrogen peroxide alone. However, the addition of thiourea to the bleaching regimen has the potential benefit of reducing the level of damaging hydroxyl radicals and achieving a safer bleaching process.
Topics: Adolescent; Blood; Child; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Oxidants; Thiourea; Tooth Bleaching; Tooth Discoloration
PubMed: 17500162
DOI: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2007.tb00463.x -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of...
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of Brahman bulls evaluated with a commercial CASA system. The experiment was carried out at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology from March to August 2021. A total of eight Brahman bulls were used. A total of 28 ejaculates were collected in the pre-mating period (PMP), during it (DMP), and after it (AMP) using an electroejaculator. The sperm concentration was measured with the Accuread photometer. The motility was measured using a Spermtrack counting chamber. The analyses were performed with the CASA-Mot ISASv1 system. The morphology was analyzed using a microscope with a negative phase contrast objective. Morphometry was evaluated with the CASA-Morph. The sperm concentration did not present differences between the PMP and AMP; however, it was significantly higher than DMP ( > 0.05). Regarding the progressiveness variables, linearity on forward progression (LIN), straightness (STR), and wobble (WOB) were higher ( < 0.05) DMP. A kinematic principal component analysis grouped all the variables into three factors and an effect on the reproductive period was found ( < 0.05) in the parameters of the head and middle part of the sperm, such as width and perimeter, which were greater in the PMP. The length of the sperm head in the PMP and DMP did not show differences; however, both were larger ( < 0.05) than AMP. The insertion distance of the middle piece of the sperm was significantly greater than DMP. Finally, the PMP contained cells with a larger insertion angle ( < 0.05) than AMP. These findings are important to understand the implications of reproductive status on sperm quality and to consider them in andrological evaluations.
PubMed: 38200863
DOI: 10.3390/ani14010132 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2022Research on light pollution of the night sky has been carried out in Toruń, Poland since 2017. Initially, the measurements were conducted within a network of 24 points...
Research on light pollution of the night sky has been carried out in Toruń, Poland since 2017. Initially, the measurements were conducted within a network of 24 points using a handheld sky quality meter with lens (SQM-L) photometer (Unihedron, Canada). Based on these measurements, the first accurate maps of night sky pollution by artificial light in Toruń have been developed, both in seasonal and annual terms. Using the experience gained and elements of modern technology, a decision was made to construct an automatic network of mobile devices measuring light intensity at night, covering the entire city of Toruń. This paper presents the technical characteristics of the constructed automatic measurement devices that make up the distributed monitoring network and the process of testing and using the devices. The implementation of this project has started in 2020. To accommodate the evolving expectations of different user groups and the observed trends in the concept of Smart Cities, especially those related to the communication between devices of the Internet of Things, LoRaWAN was selected for data transmission. The first stage involved the construction of a prototype of an automatic, portable and cost-effective device, which was subjected to months of field testing under operational conditions. The device was built using off-the-shelf electronic components and a housing that met the requirements for outdoor use. The next stage was to calibrate the device by simultaneously comparing the obtained results with measurements taken using professional SQM devices. This was followed by the preparation of 35 identical devices, which are already operating in the measurement network in the city of Toruń. Elements of the network are prepared in a way that allows for further expansion and makes data available in the form of an application for many recipients.
Topics: Cities; Environmental Pollution; Light Pollution; Photometry; Poland
PubMed: 36183041
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20624-7 -
Biosensors May 2023Excessive use of pesticides could potentially harm the environment for a long time. The reason for this is that the banned pesticide is still likely to be used...
Excessive use of pesticides could potentially harm the environment for a long time. The reason for this is that the banned pesticide is still likely to be used incorrectly. Carbofuran and other banned pesticides that remain in the environment may also have a negative effect on human beings. In order to provide a better chance for effective environmental screening, this thesis describes a prototype of a photometer tested with cholinesterase to potentially detect pesticides in the environment. The open-source portable photodetection platform uses a color-programmable red, green and blue light-emitting diode (RGB LED) as a light source and a TSL230R light frequency sensor. Acetylcholinesterase from (AChE) with high similarity to human AChE was used for biorecognition. The Ellman method was selected as a standard method. Two analytical approaches were applied: (1) subtraction of the output values after a certain period of time and (2) comparison of the slope values of the linear trend. The optimal preincubation time for carbofuran with AChE was 7 min. The limits of detection for carbofuran were 6.3 nmol/L for the kinetic assay and 13.5 nmol/L for the endpoint assay. The paper demonstrates that the open alternative for commercial photometry is equivalent. The concept based on the OS3P/OS3P could be used as a large-scale screening system.
Topics: Humans; Carbofuran; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Acetylcholinesterase; Pesticides; Cholinesterases
PubMed: 37366964
DOI: 10.3390/bios13060599