Seasonal variation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in surface waters of Periyar River, Kerala, India.

Microplastics, an emerging contaminant, are widespread in oceans around the world, and rivers are the key conveyors of these pollutants into the oceans. There exists a dearth of available data pertaining to seasonal fluctuation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in rivers extending from upper reaches to the lower reaches. The collection of such data is of utmost importance for the purpose of formulating beneficial management strategies for riverine microplastics. In order to bridge this research gap, an investigation was made in the Periyar River in Kerala, India, which is exposed to anthropogenic stress and is at risk of microplastic pollution. A total of eighteen sites (six sites each from downstream, midstream and upstream) along the 244 km of the river were investigated across three seasons in a year. The study revealed a discernible pattern in the spatial distribution of microplastic concentrations, wherein there was a rise in abundance from the upstream to midstream and then a sudden increase of abundance along the downstream regions towards the lower reaches. The highest mean microplastic abundance of 124.95 items/L was obtained during the monsoon season followed by post-monsoon season i.e. 123.21 items/L and pre-monsoon i.e. 120.50 items/L. The predominant forms of microplastics were found to be fibres, fragments and filaments. Most prevalent polymer types acquired were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Pollution hazard index (PHI) and pollution load index (PLI) were also evaluated to assess the water quality of this river. The findings of this study conclude that the Periyar River is polluted with microplastics throughout its course and offer significant insights into the detection of microplastic origins in river systems and lend support to the implementation of potential measures aimed at mitigating their impact.

EEG-based driving intuition and collision anticipation using joint temporal-frequency multi-layer dynamic brain network.

Intuition plays a crucial role in human driving decision-making, and this rapid and unconscious cognitive process is essential for improving traffic safety. We used the first proposed multi-layer network analysis method, "Joint Temporal-Frequency Multi-layer Dynamic Brain Network" (JTF-MDBN), to study the EEG data from the initial and advanced phases of driving intuition training in the theta, alpha, and beta bands. Additionally, we conducted a comparative study between these two phases using multi-layer metrics as well as local and global metrics of single layers. The results show that brain region activity is more stable in the advanced phase of intuition training compared to the initial phase. Particularly in the alart state task, the JTF-MDBN demonstrated stronger connection strength. Multi-layer network analysis indicates that modularity is significantly higher for the non-alert state task than the alert state task in the alpha and beta bands. In the W4 time window (1 second before a collision), we identified significant features that can differentiate situations where a car collision is imminent from those where no collision occurs. Single-layer network analysis also revealed statistical differences in node strength and local efficiency for some EEG channels in the alpha and beta bands during the W4 and W5 time windows. Using these biomarkers to predict vehicle collision risk, the classification accuracy of a linear kernel SVM reached up to 87.5%, demonstrating the feasibility of predicting driving collisions through brain network biomarkers. These findings are important for the study of human intuition and the development of brain-computer interface-based intelligent driving hazard perception assistance systems.

Application of soil magnetometry and geochemical methods to investigate soil contamination with antimony.

The aim of the study was an assessment of the pollution level and identification of the antimony sources in soils in areas subjected to industrial anthropopressure from: transport, metallurgy and electrical waste recycling. The combination of soil magnetometry, chemical analyzes using atomic spectrometry (ICP-OES and ICP-MS), Sb fractionation analysis, statistical analysis (Pearson's correlation matrix, factor analysis) as well as Geoaccumulation Index, Pollution Load Index, and Sb/As factor allowed not only the assessment of soil contamination degree, but also comprehensive identification of different Sb sources. The results indicate that the soil in the vicinity of the studied objects was characterized by high values of magnetic susceptibility and thus, high contents of potentially toxic elements. The most polluted area was in the vicinity of electrical waste processing plants. Research has shown that the impact of road traffic and wearing off brake blocks, i.e. traffic anthropopression in general, has little effect on the surrounding soil in terms of antimony content. Large amounts of Pb, Zn, As and Cd were found in the soil collected in the vicinity of the heap after the processing of zinc-lead ores, the average antimony (11.31 mg kg-1) content was lower in the vicinity of the heap than in the area around the electrical and electronic waste processing plant, but still very high. Antimony in the studied soils was demobilized and associated mainly with the residual fraction.

The influence of multiple cognitive workload levels of an exergame on dorsal attention network connectivity at the source level.

This study investigates how adding a cognitive task on a balance board (exergame) affects connectivity in the dorsal attention network (DAN) during an exergame task. Healthy young adults performed a soccer ball-moving task by tilting a balance board with their feet while their brain activity was measured using electroencephalography (EEG). In this exergame, the speed of obstacles in front of the goal manipulated the cognitive workload. Higher speed means a higher cognitive workload. The study found significant changes in functional connectivity within DAN regions, specifically in the alpha band. During the shift from easy to medium cognitive task, we observed a significant increase in connectivity (p= 0.0436) between the right inferior temporal (ITG R) and the Left middle temporal (MTG L). During the transition from easy to hard cognitive tasks, strengthened interactions (p= 0.0324) between inferior temporal (ITG) and parsopercularis (pOPPER) were found. This suggests that the proposed balanceboard-based exergame enhances the functionality of specific brain regions, such as ITG and MTG regions, and improves connectivity in the frontal cortex. We also found a correlation between brain activity and performance data, highlighting that increased cognitive workload resulted in decreased performance and heightened frontal alpha activity. These findings align with research suggesting that adding cognitive games to physical activity-based tasks in rehabilitation programs can boost brain activity, resulting in improved decision-making and visual processing skills. This information can help clinicians tailor rehabilitation methods that target specific brain regions.

Accuracy of salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis of periodontal status and coronary heart disease.

Inflammatory illnesses, such as periodontitis and atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (ASCHD), trigger the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of using salivary interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in discerning patients with periodontitis with and without ASCHD from healthy individuals, and to assess their correlation with clinical periodontal parameters and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The study involved 120 participants: 30 were healthy subjects (control group, C), 30 had generalized periodontitis (group P), 30 had ASCHD and clinically healthy periodontium (group AS-C), and 30 had ASCHD and generalized periodontitis (group AS-P). Saliva and blood samples were collected, and periodontal characteristics such as plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss were examined. IL-1ß, IL-18, and GSDMD levels from saliva were determined using ELISA. LDL levels were determined from the blood samples. Groups P, AS-C, and AS-P had higher levels of salivary IL-1ß, IL-18, and GSDMD than group C. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of all biomarkers showed high diagnostic accuracy, with a significant positive correlation with the clinical parameters and LDL levels. The observed correlations between the studied pro-inflammatory mediators and disease severity suggest that these biomarkers could serve as indicators of disease progression in conditions such as periodontitis and ASCHD.

Individual Variability in Brain Connectivity Patterns and Driving-Fatigue Dynamics.

Mental fatigue during driving poses significant risks to road safety, necessitating accurate assessment methods to mitigate potential hazards. This study explores the impact of individual variability in brain networks on driving fatigue assessment, hypothesizing that subject-specific connectivity patterns play a pivotal role in understanding fatigue dynamics. By conducting a linear regression analysis of subject-specific brain networks in different frequency bands, this research aims to elucidate the relationships between frequency-specific connectivity patterns and driving fatigue. As such, an EEG sustained driving simulation experiment was carried out, estimating individuals' brain networks using the Phase Lag Index (PLI) to capture shared connectivity patterns. The results unveiled notable variability in connectivity patterns across frequency bands, with the alpha band exhibiting heightened sensitivity to driving fatigue. Individualized connectivity analysis underscored the complexity of fatigue assessment and the potential for personalized approaches. These findings emphasize the importance of subject-specific brain networks in comprehending fatigue dynamics, while providing sensor space minimization, advocating for the development of efficient mobile sensor applications for real-time fatigue detection in driving scenarios.

PYCARD gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to periodontal and coronary heart diseases.

Numerous studies have established a link between gene variants within the inflammasome complex and the incidence of periodontitis and cardiovascular illness across various ethnic groups. This study investigated the association between PYCARD gene polymorphism and susceptibility to periodontal disease and coronary heart disease (CHD) and their correlation with clinical periodontal indices. A total of 120 participants were enrolled, categorized into four groups: 30 healthy controls (C), 30 patients with generalized periodontitis (P), 30 patients with atherosclerotic CHD but clinically healthy periodontium (AS-C), and 30 patients with both atherosclerotic CHD and generalized periodontitis (AS-P). We recorded demographic data, collected blood samples, and measured periodontal indices, including plaque index, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, and pocket depth. The genomic variant of the PYCARD gene was analyzed using a conventional polymerase reaction. A significant prevalence of T and G allele mutations and a higher distribution of CT and TT genotypes in PYCARD C/T (rs8056505) and the AG genotype in PYCARD A/G (rs372507365) were observed in groups P, AS-P, and AS-C. These single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were also positively correlated with the severity of clinical periodontitis indices. Our findings suggest that the increased frequency of T and G alleles and the distribution of CT, TT, and AG genotypes in PYCARD SNPs are significantly associated with an elevated risk for periodontal disease and CHD. These SNPs may participate in the pathogenesis of these conditions. The study reinforces the potential role of these genetic markers as risk factors for both diseases in the Iraqi population.

Design method for VDCC-based analog comb filter for power line interference cancellation.

An analog comb filter is implemented by linking multiple VDCC-based notch filters in a cascading fashion (N in total), eliminating N different pole frequencies. This study focuses on suppressing a fundamental frequency of power-line interference of 50 Hz and its consecutive three odd harmonics at 150 Hz, 250 Hz, and 350 Hz. One significant advantage of this comb filter is the independent control over filters' parameters like quality factor and pole frequency. Additionally, these filters can be electronically tuned by adjusting the transconductance gain of VDCC. The suggested notch filter configuration involves 2 capacitors, 2 resistors, and 1 VDCC element. Extensive simulations were conducted using PSPICE simulator software to validate the effectiveness of these filters. The basic building block, VDCC, is designed and implemented in the simulation using integrated circuits MAX435 and AD844.•Design uses a VDCC-based high Q notch filter as the active building block.•The filter employs fewer active and passive components.•Simulated results using commercially available ICs, MAX435 and AD844, confirm the filter's practical utility.

Assessment of heavy metals in rainfall as an indicator of air pollution from Erbil Steel Factory in Iraq.

The goal of the current study is to evaluate the heavy metal rainfall contamination in the vicinity brought on by the Erbil Steel Factory in Iraq during the study period. The study's findings revealed the concentration of all studied heavy metals in the precipitation near and around the factory is significantly higher than that of the rural area of Barzan village which is used as a control site. The average concentration of the metals is in descending order manganese (Mn) > lead (Pb) > iron (Fe) > arsenic (As) > cobalt (Co) > selenium (Se) > mercury (Hg) > and cadmium (Cd) for the polluted site. The geo-accumulation index (I-geo) of the heavy metal Mn in the rainfall around the steel factory site is 6.28 > 5 which indicates extreme contamination. While the Igeo values of Cd, As, and Fe are 4.87, 4.54, and 4.04 > 4 that indicate heavy to extreme contamination, for Pb, 3.80 > 3 indicates moderate to heavy contamination, Cd 1.68 > 1 indicates moderate contamination, Hg 0.46 > 0 indicates uncontaminated to moderate contamination, and Se - 0.36 < 0 indicates uncontaminated. The pollution load index (PLI) of the rainwater around the steel factory site is 13.46 > 1, demonstrating that the area is highly metal-contaminated.

Serial monitoring of pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, C-reactive protein, abdominal ultrasonography, and clinical severity in dogs with suspected pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on clinical signs, pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI), and abdominal ultrasonography (AUS). Diagnostic discrepancies exist between test results which might be related to differences in the timeline for resolution of these abnormalities after pancreatic injury. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate disease severity, ultrasonographic findings, and serum biomarkers of pancreatitis in dogs over a period of 28-days. ANIMALS: Sixteen client-owned dogs with a clinical suspicion for acute pancreatitis based on history/physical examination, an abnormal SNAP cPLI, and ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Clinical severity (modified clinical activity index [MCAI]), cPLI, C-reactive protein (CRP), and AUS were evaluated at days 0, 2, 7, and 28. Owner assessed overall health (OH) was noted. Dogs were stratified into baseline cPLI ≥400 µg/L vs <400 µg/L groups for reporting. RESULTS: The median CRP, MCAI, and OH were 111.9 mg/L, 10, and 4/10 respectively in the cPLI ≥400 µg/L group. The median CRP, MCAI, and OH were 58.0 mg/L, 6, and 6/10 respectively in the cPLI <400 µg/L group. None of these variables were significantly different between groups. Most dogs (4/5) in the cPLI <400 µg/L group had a history of suspected pancreatitis (ie, suspect acute on chronic disease). cPLI and MCAI rapidly decreased in dogs with a baseline cPLI ≥400 µg/L, whereas sonographic evidence of pancreatitis persisted for a longer time period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis in the absence of overt clinical or biochemical abnormalities might represent a resolving injury rather than active disease.

Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation in Ganges Fish Near Varanasi, India.

Heavy metal contamination in river Ganga is one of the factors for deterioration in its water quality and also adds to human health risks. We designed our study to achieve a holistic approach by not only estimating the concentration of heavy metals (lead, manganese, chromium, and cadmium) in the river water at different sites based on human anthropogenic activities but also in the fishes residing in the same sites that are collected for human consumption on daily basis. We found that Ganga River in Varanasi is highly loaded with metals (PLI = 6.698). Mean concentration in water was 1.29 mg/L for Pb, 1.325 mg/L for Mn, 0.169 mg/L for Cr, and 0.161 mg/L for Cd, which were above the permissible limits stated by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in drinking water. Fish, including exotic and invasive species, were collected from the wild and were processed for the presence of these metals in their tissues. Degree of heavy metal concentration followed liver > gills > muscles. The highest accumulation of Pb was observed in Carpio (Cyprinus carpio) liver (8.86 µg/g) and lowest in Baikari (Clupisoma garua) muscles (0.07 µg/g). Total target hazard quotient (THQ) value, i.e., hazard index (HI) showed values in following sequence: Cyprinus carpio > Oreochromis niloticus > Channa gachua > Johnius coitor > Mastacembelus armatus > Mystus tengara > Clupisoma garua. Maximum HI value was recorded in C. carpio, which is highly consumed fish by humans, hence, may be harmful to them.

Alpha-type phospholipase A2 inhibitors from snake blood

It is of popular and scientific knowledge that toxins from snake venom (among them the PLA2 and myotoxins) are neutralized by various compounds, such as antibodies and proteins purified from animal blood. Venomous and nonvenomous snakes have PLA2 inhibitory proteins, called PLIs, in their blood serum. One hypothesis that could explain the presence of these PLIs in the serum of venomous snakes would be self-protection against the enzymes of their own venom, which eventually could reach the circulatory system. However, the presence of PLIs in non-venomous snakes suggests that their physiological role might not be restricted to protection against PLA2 toxins, but could be extended to other functions, as in the innate immune system and local regulation of PLA2s. The present study aimed to review the currently available literature on PLA2 and myotoxin alpha inhibitors present in snake plasma, thus helping to improve the research on these molecules. Furthermore, this review includes current information regarding the mechanism of action of these inhibitors in an attempt to better understand their application, and proposes the use of these molecules as new models in snakebite therapy. These molecules may help in the neutralization of different types of phospholipases A2 and myotoxins, complementing the conventional serum therapy.(AU)

Alpha-type phospholipase A2 inhibitors from snake blood

Abstract It is of popular and scientific knowledge that toxins from snake venom (among them the PLA2 and myotoxins) are neutralized by various compounds, such as antibodies and proteins purified from animal blood. Venomous and nonvenomous snakes have PLA2 inhibitory proteins, called PLIs, in their blood serum. One hypothesis that could explain the presence of these PLIs in the serum of venomous snakes would be self-protection against the enzymes of their own venom, which eventually could reach the circulatory system. However, the presence of PLIs in non-venomous snakes suggests that their physiological role might not be restricted to protection against PLA2 toxins, but could be extended to other functions, as in the innate immune system and local regulation of PLA2s. The present study aimed to review the currently available literature on PLA2 and myotoxin alpha inhibitors present in snake plasma, thus helping to improve the research on these molecules. Furthermore, this review includes current information regarding the mechanism of action of these inhibitors in an attempt to better understand their application, and proposes the use of these molecules as new models in snakebite therapy. These molecules may help in the neutralization of different types of phospholipases A2 and myotoxins, complementing the conventional serum therapy.