Berberine-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles inhibit non-small cell lung cancer proliferation and migration in vitro

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is reported to have a high incidence rate and is one of the most prevalent types of cancer contributing towards 85%...     

Physiological traits associated with a reproductive-resting stage in Coullana canadensis (Copepoda: Harpacticoida)

We investigated physiological traits associated with a reproductive-resting stage in adult female harpacticoid copepods, Coullana canadensis (Willey). Our hypothesis was this stage represents a life-history strategy that could increase fitness by improving winter survivorship and future reproductive success in spring. To test if physiological rates are suppressed in this stage, we compared gut-cell morphology, nitrogen excretion rates, enzyme activities, and phytoplankton grazing rates of reproductive-resting and reproductive females reared in the laboratory under high food conditions. Copepods came from laboratory cultures originating from individuals collected in Maine and Maryland, USA in 1990. Reproductive-resting females had lower physiological rates, and the surface area of gut-cells was reduced compared to reproductive females. Distinct morphological differences in the distribution of lipids between reproductive and reproductive-resting females were observed under light and electron microscopy, the latter having a diffuse accumulation of lipid in the area normally occupied by the ovaries. Differences in lipid composition were also found. Reproductive copepods had a significantly higher ratio (%) of polar lipids to total lipid, and a lower proportion of triacylglycerols compared to reproductive-resting copepods. These laboratory findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the reproductive-resting stage in C. canadensis is an adaptive response to increase winter survival. Received: 29 May 1996 / Accepted: 3 December 1997     

A reasoned approach towards administering COVID-19 vaccines to pregnant women

There are over 50 SARS-CoV-2 candidate vaccines undergoing Phase II and III clinical trials. Several vaccines have been approved by regulatory authorities and rolled out for use in different countries. Due to concerns of potential teratogenicity or adverse effect on maternal physiology, pregnancy has been a specific exclusion criterion for most vaccine trials with only two trials not excluding pregnant women. Thus, other than limited animal studies, gradually emerging development and reproductive toxicity data, and observational data from vaccine registries, there is a paucity of reliable information to guide recommendations for the safe vaccination of pregnant women. Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID-19, especially in women with comorbidities, resulting in increased rates of preterm birth and maternal morbidity. We discuss the major SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety profile and possible benefits to the maternal-fetal dyad to create a rational approach towards maternal vaccination while anticipating and mitigating vaccine-related complications. Pregnant women with high exposure risks or co-morbidities predisposing to severe COVID-19 infection should be prioritised for vaccination. Those with risk factors for adverse effects should be counselled accordingly. It is essential to support patient autonomy by shared decision-making involving a risk-benefit discussion with the pregnant woman.     

The role of household demographic factors in shaping transportation spending in Turkey

Environment, Development and Sustainability - Factors at the family scale, for which dynamic decisions and proper investments need to be made at the national level in curbing greenhouse gas...     

The effect of aniline on photochemical reactions in atmospheric and synthetic air samples

The inhibitory effect of aniline in photochemical smog reactions was studied using actual Toronto air samples. An aniline concentration of 0.81 pphm had negligible effect in a light traffic air sample containing negligible NO, whereas 20 pphm in a heavy traffic sample caused a 70% decrease in the oxidant dosage, a 50% decrease in the NO₂ peak and a four-fold increase in the NO half-life. In experiments with propylene in synthetic mixtures, the half-life of propylene was increased from 144 min. to 192 min. by the present of 20 pphm of aniline. In addition, a thirty-fold increase in condensation nuclei was produced following a one hour induction period. A chemical mechanism is proposed which is consistent with these results. Although the condensation nuclei detected may be too small to produce light scattering, they may be retained in the lung. In addition they may grow in size. These consequences do not favour the use of aniline as an inhibitor in photochemical smog.     

Metal partitioning in river sediments measured by sequential extraction and biomimetic approaches

We quantified the concentrations and distributions of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the sediments of Tuen Mun River, Hong Kong. The potential bioavailability of metals was assessed with a biomimetic extraction method using the sipunculan gut juices. The sediments were characterized by relatively high concentrations of trace metals. Field collected sediments were highly anoxic and the ratio of simultaneously extractable metal (sigmaSEM) to acid volatile sulfide (AVS) was much less than one in these sediments. The majority (>67%) of Cd, Pb, and Zn were bound to AVS, thus their concentrations in the sediment porewater were low. In contrast, Ni was little bound to AVS due to its lower ratios of SEM-Ni to total Ni concentrations. For Cu, relatively high concentrations in the sediment porewater was found, and total organic carbon, AVS and other resistant sulfide phase were the controlling factors for sedimentary Cu partitioning. Net metal adsorption from gut juices to anoxic sediments was observed in metal extraction experiments, suggesting that AVS determined the bioaccumulation and potential bioavailability of most metals in these sediments. Extraction of metals from the oxidized sediments by the gut juices was mainly attributed to metal redistribution from AVS to other geochemical phases. The gut juices were the most effective solvent or extractant than the simple electrolyte solution [I (NaNO(3)) = 0.01 M] and the natural overlying water. Cd was more easily extracted from the oxidized sediments than Zn that tended to have a stronger binding affinity with Fe-Mn oxide, clay and organic matter. The application of partial removal techniques in metal extraction experiments further demonstrated the differential controls of various sediment geochemical phases in affecting metal bioavailability, with the order of TOC > Fe-Mn oxides > carbonate.     

Biodegradation of phenanthrene in river sediment

The aerobic biodegradation potential of phenanthrene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon [PAH]) in river sediment was investigated in the laboratory. Biodegradation rate constants (k1) and half-lives (t1/2) for phenanthrene (5 microg/g) in sediment samples collected at five sites along the Keelung River in densely populated northern Taiwan ranged from 0.12 to 1.13 l/day and 0.61 to 5.78 day, respectively. Higher biodegradation rate constants were noted in the absence of sediment. Two of the sediment samples were capable of biodegrading phenanthrene at initial concentrations 5-100 microg/g; lower biodegradation rates occurred at higher concentrations. Optimal biodegradation conditions were determined as 30 degreesC and pH 7.0. Biodegradation was not significantly influenced by the addition of such carbon sources as acetate, pyruvate, and yeast extract, but was significantly influenced by the addition of ammonium, sulfate, and phosphate. Results show that anthracene, fluorene, and pyrene biodegradation was enhanced by the presence of phenanthrene, but that phenanthrene treatment did not induce benzo[a]pyrene biodegradation during a 12-day incubation period.     

CHANGES IN HYDROLOGIC RESPONSE DUE TO STREAM NETWORK EXTENSION VIA LAND DRAINAGE ACTIVITIES1

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work is to determine the effects of extension of a stream network through land drainage activities during the late 1800s on the hydrologic response of a watershed. The Mackinaw River Basin in Central Illinois was chosen as the focus and the pre‐land and post‐land drainage activity hydrologic responses were obtained through convolution of the hill slope and channel responses and compared. The hill slope response was computed using the kinematic wave model and the channel response was determined using the geomorphologic instantaneous unit hydrograph method. Our hypothesis was that the hydrologic response of the basin would exhibit the characteristic effects of settlement (i.e., increases in peak discharges and decreases in times to peak). This, indeed, is what occurred; however, the increase in peak discharges diminishes as scale increases, leaving only the decrease in times to peak. At larger scales, the dispersive effects of the longer hill slope lengths in the pre‐settlement scenario seem to balance the depressive effects of the longer path lengths in the post‐settlement scenario, thus the pre‐settlement and post‐settlement peak discharges are approximately equivalent. At small scales, the dispersion caused by the hill slope is larger in the pre‐settlement case; thus, the post‐settlement peak discharges are greater than the pre‐settlement.     

Applications of Explicitly Incorporated/Post‐Processing Measurement Uncertainty in Watershed Modeling

In the field of watershed modeling, the impact of measurement uncertainty (MU) on calibration results indicates the potential issue of inaccurate model predictions. It is important to note that MU refers to the uncertainty in measured data such as flow and nutrient values that are used to evaluate model outputs. The calculation of error statistics assuming measured data are deterministic may not be appropriate as has been frequently stated in literature. Although MU can affect model calibration results, it is rarely incorporated in modeling practice. MU can be incorporated in two schemes: explicitly incorporated (MU‐EI) during model calibration and post‐processed (MU‐PP) after calibration is completed. In this study, both schemes are implemented in a case study of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed, Texas. Unexpectedly, no substantial differences were observed between each scheme for flow predictions. Although MU did not cause dramatic differences in most sediment and NH₄‐N predictions, error statistics were affected in cases with MU greater than 50%, especially for sediment and NH₄‐N. Therefore, it is concluded that MU may not exert a significant impact on model predictions until certain threshold is reached. This study demonstrates that high levels of uncertainty in measured calibration/validation data significantly affect parameter estimation, especially in the auto‐calibration process.