Simultaneous Determination of Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Stress Biomarkers in Saliva Using In-Tube SPME and LC-MS/MS for the Analysis of the Association between Passive Smoking and Stress.

Passive smoking from environmental tobacco smoke not only increases the risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease but may also be a stressor triggering neuropsychiatric and other disorders. To prevent these diseases, understanding the relationship between passive smoking and stress is vital. In this study, we developed a simple and sensitive method to simultaneously measure nicotine (Nic) and cotinine (Cot) as tobacco smoke exposure biomarkers, and cortisol (CRT), serotonin (5-HT), melatonin (MEL), dopamine (DA), and oxytocin (OXT) as stress-related biomarkers. These were extracted and concentrated from saliva by in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) using a Supel-Q PLOT capillary as the extraction device, then separated and detected within 6 min by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using a Kinetex Biphenyl column (Phenomenex Inc., Torrance, CA, USA). Limits of detection (S/N = 3) for Nic, Cot, CRT, 5-HT, MEL, DA, and OXT were 0.22, 0.12, 0.78, 0.39, 0.45, 1.4, and 3.7 pg mL-1, respectively, with linearity of calibration curves in the range of 0.01-25 ng mL-1 using stable isotope-labeled internal standards. Intra- and inter-day reproducibilities were under 7.9% and 14.6% (n = 5) relative standard deviations, and compound recoveries in spiked saliva samples ranged from 82.1 to 106.6%. In thirty nonsmokers, Nic contents positively correlated with CRT contents (R2 = 0.5264, n = 30), while no significant correlation was found with other biomarkers. The standard deviation of intervals between normal beats as the standard measure of heart rate variability analysis negatively correlated with CRT contents (R2 = 0.5041, n = 30). After passive smoke exposure, Nic levels transiently increased, Cot and CRT levels rose over time, and 5-HT, DA, and OXT levels decreased. These results indicate tobacco smoke exposure acts as a stressor in nonsmokers.

Optimizing high-intensity focused ultrasound-induced immunogenic cell-death using passive cavitation mapping as a monitoring tool.

Over the past decade, ultrasound (US) has gathered significant attention and research focus in the realm of medical treatments, particularly within the domain of anti-cancer therapies. This growing interest can be attributed to its non-invasive nature, precision in delivery, availability, and safety. While the conventional objective of US-based treatments to treat breast, prostate, and liver cancer is the ablation of target tissues, the introduction of the concept of immunogenic cell death (ICD) has made clear that inducing cell death can take different non-binary pathways through the activation of the patient's anti-tumor immunity. Here, we investigate high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to induce ICD by unraveling the underlying physical phenomena and resulting biological effects associated with HIFU therapy using an automated and fully controlled experimental setup. Our in-vitro approach enables the treatment of adherent cancer cells (B16F10 and CT26), analysis for ICD hallmarks and allows to monitor and characterize in real time the US-induced cavitation activity through passive cavitation detection (PCD). We demonstrate HIFU-induced cell death, CRT exposure, HMGB1 secretion and antigen release. This approach holds great promise in advancing our understanding of the therapeutic potential of HIFU for anti-cancer strategies.

Development of biomaterial composite hydrogel as a passive sampler with potential application in wastewater-based surveillance.

Nowadays, the need to track fast-spreading infectious diseases has raised due to the recent COVID-19 disease pandemic. As a response, Wastewater-based Surveillance (WBS) has emerged as an early detection and disease tracking method for large populations that enables a comprehensive overview of public health allowing for a faster response from public health sector to prevent large outbreaks. The process to achieve WBS requires a highly intensive sampling strategy with either expensive equipment or trained personnel to continuously sample. The sampling problem can be addressed by passive sampler development. Chitosan-based hydrogels are recognized for their capability to sample and remove various contaminants from wastewater, including metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, among others. However, chitosan-based hydrogels unique characteristics, can be exploited to develop passive samplers of genetic material that can be a very valuable tool for WBS. This study aimed to develop a novel chitosan hydrogel formulation with enhanced characteristics suitable for use as a passive sampler of genetic material and its application to detect disease-causing pathogens present in wastewater. The study evaluates the effect of the concentration of different components on the formulation of a Chitosan composite hydrogel (Chitosan, Glutaraldehyde, Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and Polyethylene glycol (PEG)) on the hydrogel properties using a Box Hunter & Hunter experimental matrix. Hydrogels' weight, thickness, swelling ratio, microscopic morphology (SEM), FTIR assay, and zeta potential were characterized. The resulting hydrogel formulations were shown to be highly porous, positively charged (Zeta potential up to 35.80 ± 1.44 mV at pH 3) and with high water swelling capacity (up to 703.89 ± 15.00 %). Based on the results, a formulation from experimental design was selected and then evaluated its capacity to adsorb genetic material from a control spiked water with Influenza A virus synthetic vector. The adsorption capacity of the selected formulation was 4157.04 ± 64.74 Gene Copies/mL of Influenza A virus synthetic vector. The developed hydrogel showed potential to be used as passive sampler for pathogen detection in wastewater. However, deeper research can be conducted to improve adsorption, desorption and extraction techniques of genetic material from chitosan-hydrogel matrices.

Quantitative evaluation of anti-biofilm cavitation activity seeded from microbubbles or protein cavitation nuclei by passive acoustic mapping.

OBJECTIVE: Bacterial biofilms represent a major challenge for effective antibiotic therapy as they confer physical and functional changes that protect bacteria from their surrounding environment. In this work, focused ultrasound in combination with cavitation nuclei was used to disrupt biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which are on the World Health Organization's priority list for new antimicrobial research. Approach: Single species biofilms were exposed to ultrasound (0.5 MHz centre frequency, 0.5-1.5 MPa peak rarefactional pressure, 200 cycle pulses, 5 Hz repetition frequency, 30 s duration), in the presence of two different types of cavitation nuclei. Quantitative passive acoustic mapping (PAM) was used to monitor cavitation emissions during treatment using a calibrated linear array. Main Results: It was observed that the cumulative energy of acoustic emissions during treatment was positively correlated with biofilm disruption, with differences between bacterial species attributed to differences in biofilm morphology. PCaN provided increased biofilm reduction compared to microbubbles due in large part to their persistence over the duration of ultrasound exposure. There was also good correlation between the spatial distribution of cavitation as characterized by PAM and the extent of biofilm disruption observed with microscopy. Significance: Collectively, the results from this work indicate the potential broad applicability of cavitation for eliminating biofilms of priority pathogens and the opportunity presented by Passive Acoustic Mapping for real-time monitoring of antimicrobial processes.

Clinical and radiographic assessment of gummy smile patients with altered passive eruption: a cross-sectional study in a Thai population.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical crown length (CCL) among patients diagnosed with altered passive eruption (APE), the causes of a gummy smile, the prevalence of APE, and the correlation between parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 86 gummy smile patients (516 teeth) underwent clinical examination and assessment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), photography, and intraoral scanning. RESULTS: Significantly shorter CCL and distance between the cementoenamel junction and bone crest (CEJ-BC) were observed among APE-affected teeth (p < 0.05). Among the patients, 56.1% of patients were diagnosed with APE, and most of them were affected by a combination of APE and hypermobile upper lip (HUL). Based on 183 APE-affected teeth, the prevalence of APE types and subtypes was as follows: APE1A (96; 19.3%), APE1B (78; 15.9%), APE2A (8; 1.6%), and APE2B (1; 0.2%). Positive correlations were found between keratinized gingival width (KGW) and bone thickness (BT), while negative correlations were observed between gingival thickness (GT) and BT. CONCLUSION: Shorter CCL and CEJ-BC were the highlighted features of APE. APE affected approximately half of the gummy smile patients, with most of them presenting with a combination of HUL. Almost teeth affected by APE were classified as Type I, with a nearly equal distribution between subtypes A and B. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical and radiographic features of APE contribute to a better understanding of this condition and facilitate the management of patients affected by APE. Approximately half of gummy smile patients will require multidisciplinary treatment.

Rational Design and Fine Fabrication of Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling Textiles Integrate Antibacterial, UV-Shielding, and Self-Cleaning Characteristics.

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) textiles hold substantial potential for localized outdoor cooling of the human body without additional energy consumption, but their limited multifunctional integration severely hinders their practical application. Herein, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanoparticles were purposefully introduced into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers via a facile electrospinning process, forming a large-scale and flexible PDRC textile with the desired antibacterial, UV-shielding, and self-cleaning capabilities. These prepared PDRC textiles present a weighted sunlight reflection rate of 92.3% and a weighted emissivity of 89.5% in the mid-infrared region. Furthermore, outdoor tests with an average solar intensity of ∼715 W/m2 demonstrated that a skin simulator temperature could be cooled by ∼16.1 °C below the ambient temperature, outperforming cotton fabric by ∼6.3 °C. Owing to the outstanding photocatalytic properties of the AZO nanoparticles, these prepared PVDF textiles exhibit antibacterial properties (Escherichia coli: 99.99%), UV-shielding performance (UPF > 50+), and superior self-cleaning capabilities, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly avenue for daytime personal thermal management.

Changes in Lower Extremity Passive Range of Motion and Muscle Strength After Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening and Functional Physiotherapy in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience motor and postural disorders, along with spasticity, muscle weakness, muscle-tendon contractures, and decreased joint range of motion (ROM). Muscle-tendon contractures are typically addressed through orthopaedic surgery to improve joint ROM, which can result in further muscle weakness. This study aimed to investigate the impact of selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) combined with functional physiotherapy on joint passive ROM and isometric muscle strength in the lower extremities of children with spastic CP. Methods A single-group pre- and post-test design was utilised in this study. Twenty-six children aged five to seven years with spastic CP and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II-IV underwent the SPML procedure and received nine months of postoperative functional strength training physiotherapy. Joint passive ROM and isometric muscle strength were measured using a universal goniometer and a digital hand-held dynamometer, respectively. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to compare baseline and follow-up measurements. Results Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in passive ROM of hip abduction, straight leg raise, popliteal angle, and ankle dorsiflexion, as well as in isometric strength of hip flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors, knee extensors, and ankle dorsiflexors. Conclusions The SPML procedure supported by postoperative functional physiotherapy can effectively address fixed contractures by significantly increasing passive joint ROM and muscle strength. Further research with longer-term follow-up measurements is necessary to confirm and expand upon these findings.

Lightweight and wearable magnetoencephalography system based on spatially-grid constrained coils and compact magnetically shielded room.

Magnetoencephalography based on optically pumped magnetometers can passively detect the ultra-weak brain magnetic field signals, which has significant clinical application prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral disorders. This paper proposes a brain magnetic signal measurement method on the basis of the active-passive coupling magnetic shielding strategy and helmet-mounted detection array, which has lower cost and comparable performance over the existing ones. We first utilized the spatially-grid constrained coils and biplanar coils with proportion-integration-differentiation controller with tracking differentiator to ensure a near-zero and stable magnetic field environment with large uniform region. Subsequently, we implemented the brain magnetic signal measurement with the subject randomly moving fingers through tapping a keyboard and with the condition of opening and closing the eyes. Effectively induced brain magnetic signals were detected at the motor functional area and occipital lobe area in the two experiments, respectively. The proposed method will contribute to the development of functional brain imaging.

Atmospheric concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their emissions at a waste recycling facility producing refuse-derived paper and plastics densified fuel.

To better understand the types and concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) emitted into the air from waste recycling facilities that produce refuse-derived paper and plastics densified fuel (RPF) from industrial waste, we conducted an air sampling campaign at a waste recycling facility in Japan. Both passive and active air sampling were conducted, and the samples collected were used to quantify the PFAS emitted into the air during the production of RPF. Overall, few ionic PFAS were detected in the air at the facility; however, high levels of neutral PFAS (8.21-53.4 ng/m3; 20.7-130 pmol/m3) were measured in the air near the heat molding machines. The two neutral PFAS detected at the highest concentrations were 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol and 6:2 fluorotelomer methacrylate, which are currently unregulated under the Stockholm Convention, suggesting that product manufacturers have shifted away from using regulated PFAS. Small amounts of regulated PFAS such as 8:2 fluorotelomer methacrylate and 8:2 fluorotelomer acrylate were measured in some parts of the facility. Analysis of the concentrations of PFAS in the exhaust gas from the heat molding machines revealed neutral PFAS concentrations (537-2160 ng/m3; 1350-5040 pmol/m3) that were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than those in the surrounding indoor air. The total emission of neutral PFAS from the facility to the environment was estimated to be 0.066-0.260 g/day (0.168-0.607 mmol/day), depending on whether air volume discharged as exhaust gas or as indoor ventilation was considered. A contribution analysis of the emissions revealed that treating the exhaust gas from the heat molding machines, which constitutes over 94 % of the total emissions, is very effective at reducing PFAS emissions from the facility.

Evaluation of passive samplers as a cost-effective method to predict the impact of wildfire smoke in grapes and wines.

Wildfire smoke exposure alters grape composition, potentially resulting in "smoke tainted" wines. This has been correlated with elevated levels of smoke-derived volatile phenols (VPs) in grapes and wines. This work sought to create a predictive tool that could correlate levels of VPs in smoke with concentrations in grapes and wines. Therefore, passive samplers and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were intentionally exposed to various smoke intensities, and wines were made thereafter. As expected, concentrations of VPs in grapes and wines were positively associated with the intensity of smoke exposure. Interestingly, levels of guaiacol in the passive samplers had a strong positive correlation with concentrations in grapes (R2 = 0.9999) and wines (R2 = 0.9998). The passive samplers were able to accurately predict guaiacol levels in smoke exposed grapes and wines with percent errors ranging from 0.08 to 11.3 %. These results suggest the capability of passive samplers to act as a monitoring system in vineyards during smoke events.

Microplastics in indoor air from Birmingham, UK: Implications for inhalation exposure.

Microplastics (MPs) are a group of emerging contaminants that attracted increasing scientific and societal attention over the past decade. So far, most studies on MPs focus on characterizing their occurrence, fate, and impact in the aquatic environment. In contrast, very little is known about the magnitude, patterns, and associated risks of human exposure to MPs, particularly indoors, despite people spending most of their time indoors. This paper provides the first study hitherto of MPs in indoor air via both active and passive sampling from 30 homes and 30 workplaces in Birmingham, UK. The average concentration of MPs in the active air samples was 15.6 ±â€¯5.4 MP/m3 in homes and 13.1 ±â€¯6.5 MP/m3 in workplaces. For atmospheric deposition samples (passive sampling), the average MPs concentrations were 3735 ±â€¯1343 MP/m2/day in homes and 3177 ±â€¯1860 MP/m2/day in workplaces. Mean concentrations of MPs in UK homes were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in workplaces for both active and passive air samples. This was mainly driven by carpeted floors in all the studied homes, while 13 of the sampled workplaces were uncarpeted. MPs concentrations in atmospheric deposition (passive) samples were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than airborne (active) MPs samples in the studied microenvironments. Nonetheless, a strong correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between the concentrations of MPs measured by active and passive sampling, indicating common sources of MPs to both active and passive samples collected from the same microenvironments. In terms of morphology, fibres were the dominant shape of MPs, followed by fragments, constituting together ≥90% of the identified MPs in all samples, with the remaining minor percent made up by foams. Airborne MPs were dominated by particles in the size range (10-25 µm), and the particles abundance decreased with increasing particle size. MPs in atmospheric fallout particles, were dominated by larger particles (50-100 µm) with lower contribution from smaller particles (10-25 µm) compared to airborne particles. Nonetheless, combined with the predominance of fibres, this raises concern over the risk from inhalation exposure because MPs fibres in the detected size ranges were observed to penetrate into human lung tissue. PET and PVC were the most abundant polymer types in the studied samples followed by PP and PE. The average daily inhalation exposure of UK adults and toddlers was estimated at 3.0 and 6.3 MP/kg body weight/day, respectively. The higher inhalation exposure of UK toddlers raises concern due to their incompletely developed immune and nervous systems.

Impact of anthropogenic activities on atmospheric chlorinated paraffins in Ghana using polyurethane foam disk - passive air sampler.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a global concern due to their high production, ubiquity in the environment and potential toxicity. In Ghana, there is a significant research gap on the concentration and sources of CPs in the air, as well as insufficient regular monitoring programs to track CP levels over time. This study utilized polyurethane foam-based passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) to examine the concentrations, sources and potential human health risks of CPs in the atmosphere surrounding e-waste sites, urban areas, commercial areas and control/background areas in Ghana. The medium-chain CPs (MCCPs) dominated with an average concentration of 26.0 ± 40.1 ng/m3 and ranged from 1.78 to 240 ng/m3. Short-chain CPs (SCCPs) ranged from 0.05 to 15.2 ng/m3 and had an average concentration of 3.48 ± 3.99 ng/m3. The very short-chain CPs (C9-CPs), had an average concentration of 0.544 ± 0.524 ng/m3 and ranged from 0.091 to 2.14 ng/m3. MCCPs exceeded SCCPs by a factor of 7.5 and C9-CPs by a factor of 48. C14Cl8 was the dominant congener in MCCPs and C10Cl7 was also the dominant congener in SCCPs. E-waste was the main contributor to SCCPs and MCCPs (>30 %) in Ghana. The assessed non-cancer risks associated with CP exposure were within acceptable ranges. For cancer risk, MCCPs indicated high potential health risk but C9-CPs and SCCPs showed low risk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on CPs in Ghana's atmosphere, and e-waste was identified as the country's main source of CPs. This study will help regulatory bodies create policies and procedures to control the use and disposal of chlorinated paraffins.

A review of recent advances in metal-organic frameworks materials for zero-energy passive adsorption of chemical pollutants in indoor environments.

Approximately 75-90 % of a person's lifetime is spent inside increasingly airtight buildings, where indoor pollutant levels typically exceed those outdoors. Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergies, respiratory diseases, and even cancer, and can also reduce the longevity of buildings. Passive adsorption materials play a crucial role in reducing indoor pollutants. This review highlights the latest advances in using Metal-organic Frameworks (MOFs) as passive adsorption materials for indoor pollutant capture and outlines the principles for developing high-performance adsorbents. It provides a comparative analysis of the development and performance of MOFs and composite adsorbent materials, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations in indoor pollutant adsorption technology. The article proposes strategies to address these challenges and offers a comprehensive review of current practical adsorption devices. Finally, aiming to advance commercialization of MOFs, the anticipated development of indoor pollutant adsorption technology is discussed in this paper.

Temporal, spatial, and seasonal variations in airborne PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations around Bien Hoa hot spot, Vietnam, and health risk assessments.

Passive air samplers were used to monitor polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (dl-PCBs) between 2020 and 2022 in four residential areas around Bien Hoa hot spot (BHS) including Trung Dung (TD), Tan Phong (TP), Quang Vinh (QV), and Buu Long (BL). The total toxic equivalents of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs (∑TEQs) were highest in the TD area, from 284 to 642 fg TEQ/PUF day. Next was the QV area, where ∑TEQs ranged from 229 to 569 fg TEQ/PUF day. Then, ∑TEQs varied from 205 to 503 fg TEQ/PUF day in the TP area. The lowest ∑TEQs were between 179 and 385 fg TEQ/PUF day in the BL area. The temporal, spatial, and seasonal variations in concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were related to the prevailing wind direction and the distance from each area to the dioxin hot spot. The average ∑TEQs for all four areas surrounding BHS in the dry season (423 fg TEQ/PUF day) were 1.4 times higher than in the rainy season (303 fg TEQ/PUF day). Health risk assessments from airborne dioxin exposure were estimated using the average daily doses through inhalation (ADDI). The ADDI for residents surrounding BHS ranged from 14.6 to 208 fg TEQ/kg BW/day. The ADDI values by areas were as follows: 23.2-208 fg TEQ/kg BW/day in the TD, 18.7-184 fg TEQ/kg BW/day in the QV, 16.7-163 fg TEQ/kg BW/day in the TP, and 14.6-125 fg TEQ/kg BW/day in the BL. These ADDI values remained within and below the 10% threshold of the WHO-recommended tolerable daily intake (100-400 fg TEQ/kg BW/day). It is necessary to control the excavation activities inside the BHS and cover the temporary storage sites of dioxin-contaminated materials to minimize the emissions of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCB into the ambient air.

Uncovering the protective potential of vanillic acid against traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive decline in male rats: Insights into underlying mechanisms.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant contributor to global mortality and disability, and there is still no specific drug available to treat cognitive deficits in survivors. Vanillic acid (VA), a bioactive phenolic compound, has shown protective effects in various models of neurodegeneration; however, its impact on TBI outcomes remains elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the possible role of VA in ameliorating TBI-induced cognitive decline and to reveal the mechanisms involved. TBI was induced using the Marmarou impact acceleration model to deliver an impact force of 300 g, and treatment with VA (50 mg/kg; P.O.) was initiated 30 minutes post-TBI. The cognitive performance, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), oxidative stress markers, neurological function, cerebral edema, and morphological changes were assessed at scheduled points in time. TBI resulted in cognitive decline in the passive avoidance task, impaired LTP in the perforant path-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) pathway, increased hippocampal oxidative stress, cerebral edema, neurological deficits, and neuronal loss in the rat hippocampus. In contrast, acute VA administration mitigated all the aforementioned TBI outcomes. The data suggest that reducing synaptic plasticity impairment, regulating oxidative and antioxidant defense, alleviating cerebral edema, and preventing neuronal loss by VA can be at least partially attributed to its protection against TBI-induced cognitive decline.

Temporal variations in airborne PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations surrounding the dioxin-remediated areas in Da Nang, Vietnam, and health risk assessments.

The air pollution levels from polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (dl-PCBs) in three residential areas located north, west, and south of the Da Nang airport were determined by using passive air samplers containing polyurethane foam (PUF) discs with 3-month sampling intervals from 2017 to 2020. The total toxic equivalents (∑TEQs) of the PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, using WHO2005-TEFs, were highest north of the airport (134 to 10610 fg WHO-TEQ/PUF day, with an average of 1108 fg WHO-TEQ/PUF day). The ∑TEQs were lower west of the airport, between 159 and 381 fg WHO-TEQ/PUF day and averaged 230 fg WHO-TEQ/PUF day. The lowest ∑TEQs occurred south of the airport, with ranges of 76 and 331 fg WHO-TEQ/PUF day and an average of 152 fg WHO-TEQ/PUF day. Construction activities, including excavation and transportation of dioxin-contaminated soil north of the airport, have increased airborne PCDD/F and dl-PCB contamination and health risks. The average daily doses of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs through inhalation (ADDA) for residents located north of the airport were the highest (10.9 to 3434 fg WHO-TEQ/kg BW/day and average: 597 fg WHO-TEQ/kg BW/day). Residents located west of the airport faced lower health risks (13-123 fg WHO-TEQ/kg BW/day and average: 39 fg WHO-TEQ/kg BW/day). Residents south of the airport were exposed to a minimum of 6.2-107 fg WHO-TEQ/kg BW/day, with an average of 28 fg WHO-TEQ/kg BW/day. The maximum and average ADDA values for residents north of the airport exceeded 10% of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) recommended by the WHO (100-400 fg WHO-TEQ/kg BW/day). In comparison, all the ADDA values for residents located west and south of the airport were less than and within 10% of the TDI.

Corrosion behavior of Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo alloy in simulated body fluid.

Metals that are used to reconstruct skeletal structures often interfere with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) owing to differences in magnetic susceptibility; consequently, metals with lower magnetic susceptibilities need to be developed for use in implant devices. Herein, we investigated the corrosion properties of the Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo alloy, which exhibits low magnetic susceptibility and excellent mechanical properties. The pitting potential of Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo was higher than that of pure Zr. The passive current density of Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo also higher than that of pure Zr, which is ascribable to slow reconstruction of the initial passive film associated with the presence of Nb and Ta. XPS revealed that the passive film is enriched with Nb and Ta. Therefore, while the Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo alloy exhibited a high initial passive current density in simulated body fluid, it formed a stable passive film that suppressed localized corrosion. Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo is therefore a prospective implant-material alloy candidate.

Distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air samples from Hanoi urban areas, Vietnam, and its implications for inhalation exposure.

Sixteen PAHs in ambient air samples collected from residential and roadside areas in the Hanoi metropolitan were investigated. Total PAH concentrations in the ambient air samples ranged from 45.0 to 451 ng/m3. Among PAHs, phenanthrene was found at the most abundant and highest levels. The distributions of PAHs in the ambient air collected in the dry season were on average 26% higher than in the wet season. The PAH concentrations in the air samples collected from the traffic areas were significantly higher (about 2.7 times) than those in the residential areas, indicating that these chemicals originated from motor vehicles. According to vertical, the PAH concentrations found in the ambient air samples collected from the ground floor were significantly higher than on the upper level, however, there was not much difference when going higher (from 24 m (8th floor) to 111 m (37th floor)). The human exposure doses were estimated for two age groups (adults and children) based on the measured PAH concentrations, the inhalation rates, and body weights. The estimated exposure doses to PAHs through inhalation for adults/children were 1.13/2.86 (ng/kg-bw/d) (residential areas) and 3.24/8.18 (ng/kg-bw/d) (traffic areas), respectively. The average lifetime excess cancer risk (ECR) from inhalation exposure to PAHs was 3.0 × 10-4 at the traffic areas and 1.4 × 10-4 at the residential areas. These estimated exposure doses were above the acceptable level of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (1*10-6).

2D spatiotemporal passive cavitation imaging and evaluation during ultrasound thrombolysis based on diagnostic ultrasound platform.

Acoustic cavitation plays a critical role in various biomedical applications. However, uncontrolled cavitation can lead to undesired damage to healthy tissues. Therefore, real-time monitoring and quantitative evaluation of cavitation dynamics is essential for understanding underlying mechanisms and optimizing ultrasound treatment efficiency and safety. The current research addressed the limitations of traditionally used cavitation detection methods by developing introduced an adaptive time-division multiplexing passive cavitation imaging (PCI) system integrated into a commercial diagnostic ultrasound platform. This new method combined real-time cavitation monitoring with B-mode imaging, allowing for simultaneous visualization of treatment progress and 2D quantitative evaluation of cavitation dosage within targeted area. An improved delay-and-sum (DAS) algorithm, optimized with a minimum variance (MV) beamformer, is utilized to minimize the side lobe effect and improve the axial resolution typically associated with PCI. In additional to visualize and quantitatively assess the cavitation activities generated under varied acoustic pressures and microbubble concentrations, this system was specifically applied to perform 2D cavitation evaluation for ultrasound thrombolysis mediated by different solutions, e.g., saline, nanodiamond (ND) and nitrogen-annealed nanodiamond (N-AND). This research aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-based research systems and real-time spatiotemporal cavitation evaluation demands in practical uses. Results indicate that this improved 2D cavitation monitoring and evaluation system could offer a useful tool for comprehensive evaluating cavitation-mediated effects (e.g., ultrasound thrombolysis), providing valuable insights into in-depth understanding of cavitation mechanisms and optimization of cavitation applications.

Diverse baleen whale acoustic occurrence around two sub-Antarctic islands: A tale of residents and visitors.

Knowledge on the occurrence and behaviour of baleen whales around sub-Antarctic regions is limited, and usually based on short, seasonal sighting research from shore or research vessels and whaling records, neither of which provide accurate and comprehensive year-round perspectives of these animals' ecology. We investigated the seasonal acoustic occurrence and diel vocalizing pattern of baleen whales around the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEIs) using passive acoustic monitoring data from mid-2021 to mid-2023, detecting six distinct baleen whale songs from Antarctic blue whales, Madagascan pygmy blue whales, fin whales, Antarctic minke whales, humpback whales, and sei whales. Antarctic blue and fin whales were detected year-round whereas the other species' songs were detected seasonally, including a new Antarctic minke whale bio-duck song sub-type described here for the first time. Antarctic minke and sei whales were more vocally active at night-time whereas the other species had no clear diel vocalizing patterns. Random forest models identified month and/or sea surface temperature as the most important predictors of all baleen whale acoustic occurrence. These novel results highlight the PEIs as a useful habitat for baleen whales given the number of species that inhabit or transit through this region.