Search Results (14,295)

This study investigates the shear performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with near-surface-mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) ropes under ambient and elevated temperature conditions. An experimental program comprising twelve RC beams was conducted, including both normal- and high-strength concrete specimens. The beams were strengthened using CFRP ropes installed at two orientations (45° and 90°) and two spacing configurations (150 mm and 200 mm). Ten specimens were exposed to a temperature of 600 °C prior to shear testing. The experimental results were evaluated against finite element (FE) simulations and shear strength predictions obtained from ACI 440.2R provisions. The FE models demonstrated close agreement with the observed experimental response, whereas ACI 440.2R consistently yielded conservative shear strength estimates, particularly for high-strength concrete beams. The results confirm that inclined CFRP configurations and reduced rope spacing significantly enhance shear capacity, even after severe thermal exposure, with measured strength gains reaching approximately 75% relative to unheated control beams and up to 135% compared to heated control specimen. The findings emphasize the sensitivity of NSM CFRP in terms of strengthening effectiveness to elevated temperature and highlight the limitations of existing design provisions when applied to fire-damaged RC members. Full article

Malathion (MLT) is an organophosphate pesticide widely used worldwide. Due to its environmental persistence and accumulation in living organisms, concerns have been raised regarding its potential health effects beyond the classical mechanism of cholinergic inhibition, particularly its impact on immune function. In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate the immunotoxicity of MLT in mice and identify the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) for immunotoxic effects. Key parameters assessed included body and organ weights, hematological and clinical chemistry profiles, histopathological changes, and immune function indicators. The results showed that exposure to MLT, particularly at low and intermediate doses, led to a significant increase in thymus weight, along with marked reductions in interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels, neutrophils, polychromatic erythroblasts, and monocyte lineage cells. Histological examination revealed atrophy of splenic white pulp, indicating immunopathological alterations predominantly at these dose levels. In contrast, immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels increased in a dose-dependent manner, possibly reflecting a compensatory humoral response to the observed suppression of cellular immune components. Meanwhile, the plaque-forming cell (PFC) response exhibited a dose-dependent trend but was significantly inhibited only at the highest dose, suggesting a complex, non-linear effect on humoral immunity. Based on significant alterations in thymus weight, cellular immune parameters, and splenic histopathology observed at the lowest dose tested (16 mg/kg bw), this value was preliminarily identified as the LOAEL for MLT-induced immunotoxicity in mice. Full article

Pomacea canaliculata, as a significant invasive alien species, poses severe threats to agricultural development. Currently, chemical applications demonstrate notable efficacy in controlling this pest. However, metaldehyde exhibits overly singular toxicity towards P. canaliculata; niclosamide sulfate is not a molluscicide; and fentin acetate is a fungicide. Currently, these findings fail to elucidate the physiological and biochemical effects of the compounds after they enter the P. canaliculata’s body. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of metaldehyde (ME), niclosamide sulfate (NS), and fentin acetate (FA) against P. canaliculata and analyzed the morphological and physiological changes in response to chemical stress. The results indicated that three chemicals exhibited potent molluscicidal activity, especially in the NS treatment group. After 12 h exposure to LC₅₀ concentrations (48 h LC₅₀), the surface area of livers was reduced significantly by 12.1%, 13.9%, and 2.8% compared to the control group, while the kidneys expanded significantly by 6.4%, 3.2%, and 16.7%, respectively. The heart showed marked enlargement by 152.1% and 44.2% under niclosamide sulfate and metaldehyde treatments. The pulmonary sac significantly contracted by 23.6% under niclosamide sulfate stress but expanded by 6.1% under fentin acetate exposure. The stomach enlarged significantly after niclosamide sulfate treatment, whereas it shrank by 2.1% and 5.7% under metaldehyde and fentin acetate treatments, respectively. Metabolomic analysis of liver tissues revealed 553, 99, and 585 differential metabolites compared to the control group, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the metabolism pathway, lysine degradation, and bile secretion are likely related to the response to chemical stress in P. canaliculata. Further examination showed a significant decrease in total protein content and the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) under chemical stress. These findings enhance our understanding of the targeted mechanisms of molluscicides against P. canaliculata. Metaldehyde may exert neurotoxic effects on the P. canaliculata, while niclosamide sulfate may interfere with its respiratory system. Additionally, both chemicals affect metabolic pathways in the snail’s liver, including lipid metabolism and metabolic pathways associated with energy metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights for designing a novel snail control agent and formulating scientific management strategy. Full article

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (GAs) are key plant defense compounds, yet their effects on insect gut physiology are not fully understood. We investigated how purified α-chaconine and Solanum tuberosum leaf extract influence the gut function and growth of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. Larvae were exposed to sublethal doses of GAs, and gut contractility, midgut digestive enzyme activity and body weight were analysed over time. Both α-chaconine and potato extract caused a rapid decrease in digestive enzyme activity 2 h after exposure, followed by a clear increase above control levels after 24 h, indicating a time-dependent compensatory response of the digestive system. Gut contractility was significantly enhanced in treated larvae, and larvae exposed to both treatments exhibited a body weight loss over 72 h. These results show that potato glycoalkaloids strongly modulate the gut physiology of T. molitor while allowing continued growth, highlighting both the plasticity of insect digestive responses and the need to consider sublethal, gut-centered effects when evaluating glycoalkaloids as candidates for bioinsecticidal agents. Full article

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of 635 nm photobiomodulation on the rate and magnitude of maxillary canine distalization following extraction of the maxillary first premolars in adult patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial included 18 adult patients undergoing extraction-based orthodontic treatment for Class II malocclusion. Maxillary first premolars were extracted, and canine distalization was performed using nickel–titanium closed-coil springs delivering a constant force of 150 g, supported by orthodontic mini-implants providing absolute anchorage. Photobiomodulation was applied on one randomized side using a 635 nm diode laser operating at 100 mW in continuous-wave mode, with an 8 mm handpiece diameter. Laser irradiation was delivered in contact mode to two application sites per session corresponding to the buccal and palatal aspects of the maxillary canine root, with an exposure time of 60 s per site. Irradiation was performed according to a predefined schedule over a 45-day observation period, while the contralateral side served as a sham-treated control. Tooth movement was assessed by repeated measurements of inter-bracket distance. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effects of treatment, time, and their interaction on tooth movement dynamics. Results: The linear mixed-effects model revealed a significant interaction between treatment and time (p < 0.001), indicating a greater rate of canine distalization on the photobiomodulation-treated side compared with the control side. Treatment and time also demonstrated significant main effects. After 45 days, the mean cumulative canine displacement was approximately 1.6 mm greater on the photobiomodulation side than on the control side. Age and sex did not significantly influence tooth movement. Conclusions: Photobiomodulation at a wavelength of 635 nm significantly increased the rate of maxillary canine distalization in adult extraction cases over a 45-day observation period. Full article

Utilizing the InVEST coastal exposure model and multi-source geospatial data, this study evaluates coastal vulnerability to sea-level rise along a critical stretch of the North Coast of Central Java, Indonesia, specifically focusing on the Semarang, Demak, and Jepara regions. A Coastal Exposure Index (CEI) was constructed for 256.63 km of shoreline by integrating key environmental variables, including wave climate, high-resolution coastal topography, shoreline geomorphology, bathymetry, coastal habitat distribution, and observed sea-level rise trends-based satellite altimetry from AVISO. The CEI classified coastal segments into five risk categories from Very Low to Very High exposure. A comparative analysis was performed between a scenario incorporating coastal habitats and a scenario without habitats to determine the protective role of natural ecosystems. The results of the analysis show that the average sea-level rise in the study area is 4.3 mm/year. Moreover, the findings also show that the inclusion of coastal habitats significantly reduces extreme exposure levels. Without accounting for habitats, 22.8% of the coastline was classified as Very High exposure, whereas with habitats included this portion dropped to 1.8%. For example, in Jepara Regency the length of shoreline in Very High exposure class decreased from 53.7% (no habitat scenario) to 5.5% when habitats were considered. Overall, the presence of coastal ecosystems shifted large stretches of the coast to lower exposure classes. This study demonstrates that natural habitats have a critical influence on coastal exposure, substantially mitigating the vulnerability of North Java’s coastline to sea-level rise. Full article

Dopaminergic neurodegeneration is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and environmental contaminants have been implicated in disrupting dopaminergic pathways. However, practical in vivo workflows for rapid, standardized, and accessible assessment of dopaminergic neurotoxicity remain limited. In this study, we built on our laboratory’s established high-throughput framework and implemented a high-content imaging workflow to quantify DA neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans following exposure to representative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We evaluated the neurotoxic effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and three PFAS mixtures with environmentally relevant component ratios. Functional relevance was assessed using dopamine-dependent behavioral endpoints, including basal slowing response (BSR) and area-restricted search (ARS). PFOS exhibited the greatest potency, followed by PFHxS, PFHxA, and PFOA, based on morphological degeneration and benchmark concentration modeling. Structural neuronal damage was significantly associated with behavioral impairment. Under mixture conditions, neurotoxicity was more strongly associated with PFOS molar fraction than with total PFAS concentration (ΣPFAS), suggesting a composition-dependent toxicity profile. Collectively, these findings establish a scalable in vivo framework for assessing PFAS-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity and support the potential use of this platform for screening environmental pollutants with dopaminergic neurotoxic potential. Full article

Benzydamine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used in topical formulations but occasionally misused orally at high doses for psychoactive effects. Data regarding the safety of benzydamine at supratherapeutic doses are limited and mainly focus on central nervous system effects. Even less information is available concerning its safety during pregnancy, despite the increased risk of unplanned pregnancies among users of psychoactive substances. In this preliminary study, we aimed to evaluate the maternal and fetotoxic potential of benzydamine to support future targeted reproductive toxicity investigations. Pregnant Wistar rats received benzydamine throughout gestation, followed by cesarean section and evaluation of fetal viability, fetal body weight at term, and macroscopic abnormalities. Maternal biochemical parameters related to hepatic, renal, and metabolic function, and oxidative stress markers, were also assessed. Results were compared with those of a control group. No significant differences in routine biochemical parameters were observed between groups; however, benzydamine exposure was associated with reduced fetal body weight and increased maternal plasma malondialdehyde levels. These findings suggest that benzydamine may impair fetal growth through indirect maternal toxicity and oxidative stress rather than direct teratogenic effects. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasite known to modulate host immunity and cellular signaling, raising interest in its potential influence on cancer biology. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate experimental evidence on the antitumor or pro-tumor effects of T. gondii infection and parasite-derived antigens and to categorize the underlying mechanisms. PubMed was searched through 9 September 2024, and 54 eligible experimental studies were included (41 in vivo, 10 in vitro, and three combined). Forty-six studies reported antitumor effects, two pro-tumor effects, one stage-dependent divergent effects (acute infection/antitumor vs. chronic infection/pro-tumor), and five highlighted T. gondii-associated cancer-pertinent signaling pathways. Antitumor effects were observed following acute infection and exposure to parasite antigens, certain recombinant proteins, and exosomal microRNA miR-155-5p. Dominant mechanistic categories included activation of innate and adaptive immunity and reversal of tumor microenvironment immunosuppression (notably Th1-driven IL-12/IFN-γ responses, antitumor M1 macrophage polarization), induction of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, molecular mimicry and modulation of cancer-pertinent pathways. Conversely, pro-tumor effects were seen with chronic infection and exposure to ROP18 effector protein and miR-21. Future translational research should focus on rigorous evaluation of the safety and efficacy of attenuated non-replicating T. gondii strains and/or select recombinant antigens for potential cancer T. gondii-based immunotherapy. Full article

The increasing demand for natural functional products for soothing the upper respiratory tract has stimulated interest in plant-based bioactive formulations with antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. This study aimed to develop and characterise an edible gel containing elderflower extract and to evaluate its physicochemical properties and biological activity in an in vitro inflammatory model. The extract was characterised in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS, DPPH), and compound composition using chromatographic analysis. The gel formulation was assessed for texture parameters and pH. Biological activity was evaluated using HBEC-3 cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 µg/mL) for 24 h, followed by treatment with the extract in free or gel-incorporated form at different concentrations. The elderflower extract exhibited high TPC and strong antioxidant activity, with chlorogenic acid, rutin, and quercetin derivatives identified as major phenolic compounds. The formulated gel showed suitable firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and a mildly acidic pH. LPS exposure reduced cell viability by approximately 48%, whereas treatment with the extract significantly increased viability in a concentration-dependent manner. At the highest tested concentration (50 mg/mL), the gel increased cell viability by 36% compared to LPS alone and markedly reduced necrotic cell death. These results indicate that the formulated edible elderflower extract gel combines favourable physicochemical properties with concentration-dependent cytoprotective effects, supporting its potential application for upper respiratory tract soothing. Full article

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether medical recommendation of Angocin^® Anti-Infekt N (hereafter referred to as Angocin^®) on the day of diagnosis of an acute upper respiratory tract infection (aURTI) or acute sinusitis (AS) is negatively associated with a recurrence of these diagnoses, incidence of antibiotic prescriptions, incidence of chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or sick leave duration. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized the IQVIA^TM Disease Analyzer database and included patients by general practitioners with at least one diagnosis of aURTI or AS from 2005 to 2024 and a prescription of Angocin^®, nasal medications (xylometazoline, oxymetazoline) and mucolytics (ambroxol or acetylcysteine), other phytopharmaceutical drugs, or antibiotics on the day of diagnosis. Patients who received Angocin^® were matched separately to each of the three comparison cohorts in a 1:5 ratio using a nearest-neighbor propensity score approach. The relationship between Angocin^® prescription and the risks of a recurrence, subsequent antibiotic use or progression to chronic disease was then estimated with Cox proportional hazard models. To examine whether Angocin^® exposure was associated with the length of sick leave, univariable conditional logistic regression was applied. Results: A total of 3501 Angocin^® patients and 17,505 patients in each further cohort were investigated. Angocin^® prescription was associated with a significantly lower incidence of a newly diagnosed aURTI/AS as compared to other phytopharmaceuticals (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68–0.86), nasal medications and mucolytics (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.71–0.88), or antibiotics (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77–0.95). In addition, there was a significantly lower incidence of subsequent further prescriptions of antibiotics when compared to other phytopharmaceuticals (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.82–0.99), nasal medications and mucolytics (HR: 0.87 (95%; CI: 0.80–0.95), or antibiotics (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.57–0.67). Furthermore, Angocin^® was associated with the most advantageous pattern of work absence across all time periods examined. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of the study, the results cast a positive light on Angocin^® prescription in the management of aURTI/AS, particularly with regard to recurrence rates, subsequent antibiotic prescriptions, and sick leave duration. Full article

Inhalation is a primary route of exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), enabling particles to penetrate deeply into the lungs and subsequently leading to adverse health effects. Human health risk assessment addresses the potential risk posed by ENMs. The aim was achieved by measuring the emissions of ENMs using real-time instrumentation and subsequently applying the data to evaluate associated human health risks using ModelRisk. Emissions during the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), graphene 2D (G2D) nanomaterials, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and the application of AuNPs on black carbon electrodes were monitored using a NanoScan SMPS Model 3910 and Optical Particle Sizer (OPS) Spectrometer Model 3330. The derived mass-based time-weighted average concentrations were reported for AgNPs and MWCNTs in comparison with occupational exposure limits (OELs). AgNP concentrations of 0.36 µg/m³ and 3.99 µg/m³ for the NanoScan SMPS and OPS, respectively, exceeded the OEL of 0.19 µg/m³, whereas MWCNT concentrations (0.261 µg/m³) remained below the OEL of 1 µg/m³. AuNP synthesis resulted in particle number concentrations exceeding the provisional nano reference value of 20,000 particles/cm³ for the OPS data (3.74 × 10⁴ particles/cm³), whereas application of AuNPs on carbon black electrodes was below this limit. Although no OEL exists for graphene, risk estimates indicated potential adverse health effects like those observed for AgNPs, AuNPs, and MWCNTs. Measured exposure concentrations were applied in a human health risk assessment model, highlighting ENM concentration as a key determinant of risk. These findings emphasise the need for continuous monitoring, further risk assessment studies, and proactive risk management strategies. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal region-of-interest (ROI) pixel size for fractal dimension analysis on panoramic radiographs that best reflects implant stability assessed by resonance frequency analysis (ISQ) and to investigate whether implant stability can be directly estimated from radiographic images. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 65 patients for whom panoramic radiographs and resonance frequency analysis measurements were available. All panoramic images were converted to TIFF format and standardized to a resolution of 2627 × 1646 pixels. All radiographic images were obtained using the same panoramic imaging device and standardized acquisition protocol. Exposure parameters were adjusted within the manufacturer’s recommended range to ensure optimal image quality while maintaining methodological consistency across patients. During ROI selection, care was taken to avoid cortical bone margins, overlapping anatomical structures, and radiographic artifacts in order to ensure that the analyzed regions represented trabecular bone adjacent to the implant surface. Fractal dimension analysis was performed in the cervical peri-implant bone region, starting from the first bone–implant contact and extending apically, using three different ROI configurations. The ROI size was defined as 30 pixels apically and 10 pixels horizontally for FMD1, 30 × 20 pixels for FMD2, and 30 × 30 pixels for FMD3. Implant stability was assessed using ISQ values. Data distribution was evaluated using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Associations between ISQ and fractal dimension measurements were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for age and sex were constructed to assess independent associations. Results: The mean age of the participants was 50.0 ± 9.9 years, and the mean ISQ value was 78.6 ± 5.9. The mean fractal dimension values were 1.466 ± 0.055 for FMD1, 1.595 ± 0.031 for FMD2, and 1.655 ± 0.046 for FMD3. No significant association was found between ISQ and FMD1 or FMD3. A weak positive correlation was observed between ISQ and FMD2; however, this association did not remain statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. In multiple linear regression analysis, ISQ was identified as an independent predictor of FMD2, but not of FMD1 or FMD3. Age and sex had no significant effect on fractal dimension measurements. Conclusions: Fractal dimension measurements derived from panoramic radiographs showed a weak association with implant stability that was dependent on the selected ROI pixel size. Among the evaluated configurations, the 30 × 20-pixel ROI at the cervical peri-implant region demonstrated the strongest association with ISQ values, suggesting that this ROI configuration showed the most consistent association with ISQ values among the tested ROI sizes. Full article

An investigation employing multiple diagnostic techniques was conducted to evaluate the post-fire condition and residual structural safety of a fire-damaged precast concrete industrial building. The evaluation included a detailed visual inspection, mechanical testing of extracted concrete cores, and mineralogical and microstructural analysis through thermo-chemical methods, namely X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, alongside tensile strength tests of reinforcement bars sampled from the affected structure. The building was divided into five sections according to the severity and extent of observed fire damage. Results indicated that the highest in situ temperatures were attained in the most heavily damaged section, whereas the remaining sections experienced progressively lower temperatures, remained below approximately 600 °C. Despite the severe fire exposure in localized areas, all assessed structural elements maintained adequate residual integrity. The reinforcing steel exhibited satisfactory residual mechanical properties, exhibiting yield strengths ranging from 550 to 600 MPa. The integration of visual, mechanical, and microstructural assessments provides a reliable framework for estimating fire temperatures and supporting structural rehabilitation decisions. Full article

The safety of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), widely used in foods and personal care products, has been of on-going concern. Adverse effects of TiO₂ have been reported, suggesting risk to human health. To evaluate its potential epigenotoxicity, the effect of exposure to a TiO₂ product, to which humans could be exposed, on microRNA (miRNA) expression (a primary epigenetic mechanism) was investigated using human cell lines (Caco-2, HCT116 (colorectal) and HepG2, SNU387 (liver)) relevant to human exposure. The effect of TiO₂ nanomaterial exposure on expression levels of miRNA was determined using the TaqMan Array Human microRNA A+B Card Set v3.0 platform. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified (SNU387 (n = 112), HepG2 (n = 97), Caco-2 (n = 94), and HCT116 (n = 53)). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis of target genes provided insights into the roles of modulating pathways, which can be associated with diseases. Top 10 KEGG pathways in each cell line included MAPK signaling pathway, Axon guidance, cell cycle, Hippo signaling pathway, and Endocytosis. Findings from the study clearly demonstrate the impact of TiO₂ exposure on miRNA expression, supporting the potential involvement of this epigenetic mechanism in its biological responses. Hence, epigenetic studies are important for the complete assessment of the potential risk from exposure. Full article