Ultrafine Ru species within confined space: An efficient adsorbent for ultra-deep desulfurization of benzene.

The ultra-deep adsorptive desulfurization (ppb level) of benzene remains a challenging subject with the need to construct efficient adsorbent systems. Herein, a kind of ruthenium-based adsorbent functionalized with bimetallic Ru-Al was rationally designed using Al2O3 as support (denoted as 0.8%Ru-1.2%Al/Al2O3). It was found that the co-anchoring of Ru and Al species endows the Ru-based adsorbent unique adsorption capability, which is able to completely eliminate sulfur compounds in benzene, and exhibiting a much higher breakthrough sulfur capacity than that of the 0.8%Ru/Al2O3. Remarkably, under the industrial experiment conditions, 0.8%Ru-1.2%Al/Al2O3 exhibited excellent long-term stability for more than 1200 h, showing the potential for industrial application. Various characterization techniques, including BET, XRD, SEM, TEM, TPD-MS, TPR and XPS, were used to investigate the correlation between the adsorption performance and the microstructure of the adsorbents. Over 0.8%Ru-1.2%Al/Al2O3, the ultra-thin aluminum additive is beneficial to improve the dispersion of Ru species, which therefore exhibits desirable desulfurization efficiency. Moreover, the enhanced performance is also correlated to the presence of the suitable Ru active centers generated from the selective coverage by Al species. It leads to an optimal exposure of the Ru active centers, which would facilitate the interaction of S-Ru and the improvement of the desulfurization activity.

Effects of prolonged isolation in a confined space on status of oxidative stress and prothrombogenesis: In preparation for possible future manned space expedition to Mars.

INTRODUCTION: Apart from inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, other key components in the development of atherogenesis include prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress. The effects of long-term confinement and isolation, exposure to radiation and different gravity forces during space travel could potentially increase the long-term risk of atherosclerosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study determining the status of prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress in six cosmonauts subjected to the longest duration of confined isolation period of 520 days in preparation for prospective undetermined manned space travel to Mars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This collaborative research between the National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia and Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP), Russia was conducted at the Russian Academy of Sciences IBMP, Moscow, Russia. Six multi-national cosmonauts were assigned to live in a ground-based confined module for 520 days. Standard exercise and diet regime were instituted throughout the isolation phase. Six age, ethnic and gender-matched healthy, free-living ground controls were recruited in parallel. Serial serum and whole blood were analysed for biomarkers of prothrombogenesis [plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and homocysteine] and oxidative stress [oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA)]. RESULTS: There were significantly lower concentrations of PAI-1 and homocysteine in cosmonauts during confinement compared to the controls. There were no significant differences seen in the concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress during confinement but there was a significant percentage change increment for serum MDA in cosmonauts. CONCLUSION: Long-term confinement decreased the risk of prothrombogenesis and this could be attributed to the exercise and diet regime which includes omega-3 fatty acids supplementation given to the crew members during their confinement period. However, oxidative damage could not be excluded and may be attributed to the influence of psychological stress during this prolonged confinement.

[The Research Advancement and Conception of the Deep-underground Medicine].

The 21th century is the century of exploring and utilizing the underground space. In the future, more and more people will spend more and more time living or/and working in the underground space. However,we know little about the effect on the health of human caused by the underground environment. Herein,we systematically put forward the strategic conception of the deep-underground medicine,in order to reveal relative effects and mechanism of the potential factors in the deep underground space on human's physiological and psychological healthy,and to work out the corresponding countermeasures. The original deep-underground medicine includes the following items. ①To model different depth of underground environment according to various parameters (such as temperature,radiation,air pressure, rock,microorganism), and to explore their quantitative character and effects on human health and mechanism. ② To study the psychological change, maintenance of homeostasis and biothythm of organism in the deep underground space. ③ To learn the association between psychological healthy of human and the depth, structure, physical environment and working time of underground space. ④ To investigate the effect of different terrane and lithology on healthy of human and to deliberate their contribution on organism growth. ⑤ To research the character and their mechanism of growth,metabolism,exchange of energy,response of growth, aging and adaptation of cells living in deep underground space. ⑥ To explore the physiological feature,growth of microbiome and it's interaction with host in the deep underground space. ⑦ To develop deep-underground simulation space, the biologically medical technology and equipments. As a research basis,a deep-underground medical lab under a rock thickness of about 1 470 m has been built,which aims to operate the research of the effect on living organism caused by different depth of underground environment.

[Psychosocial stress at work and alcohol consumption patterns in offshore oil workers]. / Estresse psicossocial no trabalho e o padrão de consumo de álcool em trabalhadores offshore.

The objectives were to assess the association between psychosocial stress at work and alcohol consumption patterns in offshore oil workers. This was a cross-sectional study of 210 workers on offshore oil rigs in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July to September 2014. The data collection instrument was a self-completed multidimensional questionnaire. Exposure to stress was measured by the demand-control model and alcohol consumption pattern was measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Statistical analyses were based on the multivariate logistic regression model. Participants' mean age was 32.9 years (SD ± 8.1 years). Most were married (62.9%) and reported having a religion (84.5%); 15.2% reported abusive levels of alcohol consumption, 20.3% had finished university, and 56.6% had fewer than 5 years of offshore experience. All the participants were subject to 12-hour daily shifts for 15 days followed by 15 days off, and 62.4% worked on fixed shifts. The multivariate analyses showed that workers exposed to workplace stress (OR = 3.30; 95%CI: 1.18-9.27) had higher odds of alcohol abuse when compared to unexposed workers. The results help elucidate what is still a controversial issue in the literature, i.e., the relationship between psychosocial stress and alcohol consumption, and point to the need for further studies.

Estresse psicossocial no trabalho e o padrão de consumo de álcool em trabalhadores offshore / Psychosocial stress at work and alcohol consumption patterns in offshore oil workers / Estrés psicosocial en el trabajo y patrón de consumo de alcohol en trabajadores offshore

Resumo: Os objetivos foram avaliar a associação entre o estresse psicossocial no trabalho e o padrão de consumo de álcool em trabalhadores offshore. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 210 prestadores de serviço em instalações petrolíferas situadas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre julho e setembro de 2014. O instrumento de coleta consistiu em um questionário multidimensional autopreenchido. A exposição ao estresse foi avaliada segundo o modelo demanda-controle e o padrão de consumo de álcool foi avaliado pelo instrumento AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). As análises estatísticas se basearem no modelo de regressão logística multivariado. Os participantes têm, em média 32,9 anos (desvio padrão ± 8,1 anos). A maioria é casada (62,9%) e relata ter religião (84,5%); 15,2% apresentam consumo abusivo de álcool, 20,3% completaram o Ensino Superior e 56,6% têm menos de 5 anos de experiência no campo offshore. Todos os participantes estão submetidos ao esquema de turnos de trabalho de 12 horas diárias ao longo de 15 dias seguidos por 15 dias de folga, 62,4% trabalham em turnos fixos. As análises multivariadas mostraram que trabalhadores expostos ao alto estresse no trabalho (RC = 3,30; IC95%: 1,18-9,27) têm maior chance de apresentar consumo abusivo de álcool quando comparados aos trabalhadores não expostos. Os resultados apresentados contribuem para o maior entendimento de um tema ainda controverso na literatura, qual seja, a relação entre o estresse psicossocial e o consumo de álcool, e apontam para a necessidade de novas investigações.

Abstract: The objectives were to assess the association between psychosocial stress at work and alcohol consumption patterns in offshore oil workers. This was a cross-sectional study of 210 workers on offshore oil rigs in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July to September 2014. The data collection instrument was a self-completed multidimensional questionnaire. Exposure to stress was measured by the demand-control model and alcohol consumption pattern was measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Statistical analyses were based on the multivariate logistic regression model. Participants' mean age was 32.9 years (SD ± 8.1 years). Most were married (62.9%) and reported having a religion (84.5%); 15.2% reported abusive levels of alcohol consumption, 20.3% had finished university, and 56.6% had fewer than 5 years of offshore experience. All the participants were subject to 12-hour daily shifts for 15 days followed by 15 days off, and 62.4% worked on fixed shifts. The multivariate analyses showed that workers exposed to workplace stress (OR = 3.30; 95%CI: 1.18-9.27) had higher odds of alcohol abuse when compared to unexposed workers. The results help elucidate what is still a controversial issue in the literature, i.e., the relationship between psychosocial stress and alcohol consumption, and point to the need for further studies.

Resumen: Los objetivos fueron evaluar la asociación entre el estrés psicosocial en el trabajo y el padrón de consumo de alcohol en trabajadores offshore. Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con 210 prestadores de servicio en instalaciones petrolíferas, situadas en el estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, entre julio y septiembre de 2014. El instrumento de recogida consistió en un cuestionario multidimensional autocompletado. La exposición al estrés se evaluó según el modelo demanda-control y el patrón de consumo de alcohol se evaluó mediante el instrumento AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Los análisis estadísticos se basaron en el modelo de regresión logística multivariada. Los participantes tienen de media 32,9 años (desvío patrón ± 8,1 años). La mayoría está casada (62,9%) e informa tener alguna religión (84,5%); un 15,2% presentan un consumo abusivo de alcohol, un 20,3% completaron la enseñanza superior y un 56,6% tiene menos de 5 años de experiencia en el campo offshore. Todos los participantes están sometidos al esquema de turnos de trabajo de 12 horas diarias, a lo largo de 15 días seguidos, de 15 días de vacaciones, y un 62,4% trabaja en turnos fijos. Los análisis multivariados mostraron que los trabajadores expuestos a un alto estrés en el trabajo (RC = 3,30; IC95%: 1,18-9,27) tienen una mayor oportunidad de presentar consumo abusivo de alcohol, cuando se les compara con los trabajadores no expuestos. Los resultados presentados contribuyen a un mayor entendimiento de un tema todavía controvertido en la literatura, sea cual sea: la relación entre el estrés psicosocial y el consumo de alcohol, que apunta la necesidad de nuevas investigaciones sobre el tema.

Body size and ability to pass through a restricted space: Observations from 3D scanning of 210 male UK offshore workers.

Offshore workers are subjected to a unique physical and cultural environment which has the ability to affect their size and shape. Because they are heavier than the UK adult population we hypothesized they would have larger torso dimensions which would adversely affect their ability to pass one another in a restricted space. A sample of 210 male offshore workers was selected across the full weight range, and measured using 3D body scanning for shape. Bideltoid breadth and maximum chest depth were extracted from the scans and compared with reference population data. In addition a size algorithm previously calculated on 44 individuals was applied to adjust for wearing a survival suit and re-breather device. Mean bideltoid breadth and chest depth was 51.4 cm and 27.9 cm in the offshore workers, compared with 49.7 cm and 25.4 cm respectively in the UK population as a whole. Considering the probability of two randomly selected people passing within a restricted space of 100 cm and 80 cm, offshore workers are 28% and 34% less likely to pass face to face and face to side respectively, as compared with UK adults, an effect which is exacerbated when wearing personal protective equipment.

Sex differences in stress-induced hyperthermia in rats: restraint versus confinement.

Studies using restraint to induce psychological stress consistently report the expected hyperthermic response in core body temperature (CBT), but many also report a hypothermic response that precedes the hyperthermia. To understand the conditions that produce hypothermia, and to study sex differences in stress-induced hyperthermia, we measured CBT in male and female rats at 70 and 180 days of age in response to two types of stressors: immobilization through restraint (Plexiglas restrainer) and confinement in a small area (circular wire mesh cylinders that allowed free airflow). Restraint early in the light period induced hypothermia only in 180-day-old males, with no hyperthermia observed during the 30-minute restraint period. Increases in humidity and temperature of the microenvironment due to the larger body weight at this age may contribute to the hypothermia. Hyperthermia during restraint in 70-day-old males was significantly attenuated and delayed in onset compared to the rise in females. All females exhibited a CBT rise of approximately 1.3 degrees C occurring 10-15 min after the onset of restraint. Restraint early in the dark period induced no significant change in CBT in males of either age during immobilization, while females exhibited a small rise of approximately 0.5 degrees C. Confinement early in the light period induced a significant rise of approximately 1.5 degrees C in all groups, with no preceding hypothermia. However, the male response was significantly delayed compared to females. Overall, these results indicate that CBT changes during restraint likely involve both anxiogenic and physiological components, while the marked hyperthermia during confinement is primarily psychological in both sexes.

Development of a laboratory exposure system using marine fish to carry out realistic effect studies with produced water discharged from offshore oil production.

A biotest system for environmentally realistic exposure of fish to produced water (PW) was developed and tested. Authentic PW was collected at an oil production platform in the North Sea and preserved by freezing in multiple aliquots a 25L. After transport to the test laboratory onshore, daily PW aliquots were thawed, homogenised and administered to the test fish, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), in two diluted exposure concentrations, 0.1% and 0.5%, during a 15 d period, using a continuous flow-through exposure setup. Positive control groups were exposed to two crude oil treatments for comparison. Chemical analyses showed that alkylphenol (AP) and PAH concentrations in PW exposure waters were very low. Observations of significantly increased AP and PAH metabolite levels in PW exposed fish demonstrated the suitability of the biotest system for its use in biological exposure/effect studies of PW, and it also demonstrated the sensitivity of bile metabolites as PW exposure markers in fish. The relevance of the biotest system for PW effect studies and for validating modelled environmental risk estimates of PW dischargers from offshore oil production is discussed.

Two routes for pollen entering indoors: ventilation and clothes.

BACKGROUND: The route by which pollen enters dwellings has not been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the amount of pollen entering dwellings by ventilation and adhesion to textile products. METHODS: The amount of pollen clinging to fabrics (clothes, laundry, and futon bedding) out of doors was measured by quantification of Japanese cedar pollen antigen Cry j 1. The effect of air ventilation on the amount of pollen indoors was also investigated using several neighboring unoccupied apartments with an identical layout while controlling the ventilation conditions. RESULTS: The amount of pollen adhering to futons was especially high. More than half of the pollen on futons or laundry remained on the surface, even after being brushed off by hand or shaken off. Vacuuming laundry and futons after airing out would be an effective way to decrease the amount of indoor pollen. A large amount of pollen entered dwellings through air ducts when the windows were closed and the ventilation fans working. Since most pollen that entered by ventilation remained near the windows, cleaning carefully and frequently near windows could reduce the amount of pollen indoors. CONCLUSIONS: To decrease the amount of pollen indoors, special attention must be paid to textile products and ventilation systems during the pollen season.

Association of occupational stress and social support with health-related behaviors among chinese offshore oil workers.

To explore the relationship of occupational stress and social support with health-related behaviors of smoking, alcohol usage and physical inactivity, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 561 offshore oil installation workers of a Chinese state-owned oil company. They were investigated with a self-administered questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, occupational stress, social support and health-related behaviors. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between occupational stress, social support and health-related behaviors and adjusted for age, educational level, marital status, duration of offshore work and job title. Of 561 workers, 218 (38.9%) were current smokers, 124 (22.1%) current drinkers, and 354 (63.1%) physically inactive in their leisure time. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that: (1) Current smoking was significantly negatively related with perceived stress from "Safety" (OR=0.74; 95% CI=0.58-0.94) and lack of supervisors' instrumental support (OR=0.34; 95% CI=0.18-0.65); (2) Current drinking was significantly positively related to perceived stress from "Interface between job and family/social life" (OR=1.32; 95% CI=1.02-1.70) and "Organizational structure" (OR=1.35; 95% CI=1.06-1.74), but was significantly negatively related to poor emotional support from friends (OR=0.54; 95% CI=0.62-0.96); (3) Physical inactivity after work was significantly positively associated with perceived stress from "Safety" (OR=1.44; 95% CI=1.16-1.79) and lack of instrumental support from both supervisors (OR=1.74; 95% CI=1.16-2.65) and friends (OR=1.68; 95% CI=1.06-2.42). The findings suggest that psychosocial factors of occupational stress and social support at offshore oil work might affect workers' health-related behaviors in different ways.

Arachidonic acid reduces the stress response of gilthead seabream Sparus aurata L.

In this study the influence of the dietary level of the fatty acid arachidonic acid (ArA, 20:4n-6) was determined on the acute stress response and osmoregulation of adult gilthead seabream Sparus aurata L. Seabream were fed a diet containing either 0.9% or 2.4% of total fatty acids as ArA for 18 days before being subjected to a 5 min period of net confinement. Prior to this stressor, a subgroup of fish from both dietary treatment groups was treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), an irreversible blocker of cyclooxygenase (COX). This would indicate whether any effects were caused by an enhanced synthesis of prostaglandins derived from ArA. The highest ArA levels were found in the kidneys, and these were further enhanced by dietary ArA-supplementation. In gill tissues, there were significant changes in all selected fatty acid classes 24 h after confinement, except for the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3): eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) ratio. ArA feeding strongly reduced the cortisol response to confinement, which was partially counteracted by ASA treatment. ArA also attenuated the stress-associated increase in plasma osmolality and, in combination with ASA, enhanced the osmolality and plasma chloride levels, but reduced plasma sodium levels after confinement. Furthermore, ArA enhanced the branchial Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity both before and after confinement, whereas feeding ASA diminished this effect. It appeared that the effects of ArA-supplementation could not always be ascribed to an increase in prostaglandin synthesis. It is advisable to determine the long-term effects of replacing fish oils in commercial diets with vegetable oils that contain no long-chain fatty acids, particularly in carnivorous/marine species with low fatty acid elongation and desaturation activities. The effects of a low dietary intake of ArA (and other polyunsaturated fatty acids) should be studied over a longer term, taking into account any consequences for the health of the fish.

A comparison of carbon monoxide levels during the use of a multi-fuel camp stove.

OBJECTIVE: The use of camp stoves in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space is clearly not recommended due to the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Instances may arise, however, when use for a limited time is necessary. We sought to find differences in CO levels between various fuels used to power a commercially available camp stove. METHODS: A comparison was made between unleaded gasoline, kerosene, and white gas (Coleman fuel). The stove, fuels, and CO detector were all purchased from local retailers. A 0.4-m3 space was constructed with a cardboard box. Three trials were performed using each fuel in which water was heated over the stove for 5 minutes. Measurement of the CO level within the box was taken every 30 seconds. RESULTS: Kerosene created CO levels of 714 (SD = 113.5) parts per million (ppm) at 2 1/2 minutes but was out of the measurable range of >999 ppm within 4 minutes on each of its trials. White gas burned the cleanest, with an average of 212 ppm (SD = 27.8) at 2 1/2 minutes and 348 ppm (SD = 76.0) at 5 minutes. Unleaded gasoline created 305 ppm (SD = 27.1) at 2 1/2 minutes and 464 ppm (SD = 31.6) at 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: All of the fuels created a high level of CO in a short period of time. White gas burned the cleanest and would be preferred to unleaded gasoline or kerosene in the event that the unvented use of a camp stove was necessary.