Trapping Ion Coulomb Crystals in an Optical Lattice.

We report the optical trapping of multiple ions localized at individual lattice sites of a one-dimensional optical lattice. We observe a fivefold increased range of axial dc-electric field strength for which ions can be optically trapped with high probability and an increase of the axial eigenfrequency by 2 orders of magnitude compared to an optical dipole trap without interference but of similar intensity. Our findings motivate an alternative pathway to extend arrays of trapped ions in size and dimension, enabling quantum simulations with particles interacting at long range.

Chemical Imaging of Pharmaceuticals in Biofilms for Wastewater Treatment Using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry.

The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment is a global water quality challenge for several reasons, such as deleterious effects on ecological and human health, antibiotic resistance development, and endocrine-disrupting effects on aquatic organisms. To optimize their removal from the water cycle, understanding the processes during biological wastewater treatment is crucial. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging was successfully applied to investigate and analyze the distribution of pharmaceuticals as well as endogenous molecules in the complex biological matrix of biofilms for wastewater treatment. Several compounds and their localization were identified in the biofilm section, including citalopram, ketoconazole, ketoconazole transformation products, and sertraline. The images revealed the pharmaceuticals gathered in distinct sites of the biofilm matrix. While citalopram penetrated the biofilm deeply, sertraline remained confined in its outer layer. Both pharmaceuticals seemed to mainly colocalize with phosphocholine lipids. Ketoconazole concentrated in small areas with high signal intensity. The approach outlined here presents a powerful strategy for visualizing the chemical composition of biofilms for wastewater treatment and demonstrates its promising utility for elucidating the mechanisms behind pharmaceutical and antimicrobial removal in biological wastewater treatment.

Association between air pollution and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent studies have indicated that air pollution (AP) has harmful effects on hearing and ear diseases such as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of exposure to AP on SSHL incidence. Valid electronic databases were searched to retrieve studies published until December 1, 2022, using appropriate keywords. The result of the search was 1146 studies, and after screening according to the defined criteria, in total 8 studies were obtained. The risk of bias (ROB) in the studies and their quality were assessed. Finally, the meta-analysis with a significance level of 5% was performed. The findings revealed that the mean level of SO2, CO, NO2, and PM10 in the patient group was more than that of the control group, and p-values were 0.879, 0.144, 0.077, and 0.138, respectively. There was an indirect relation between air pollutants and SSHL, and PM2.5 showed a significant effect (p < 0.05). Given the limited research and the use of different statistical methods, more research is suggested to confirm this association and to determine the mechanisms by which AP exposure may cause SSHL.

The Functional Roles of Curcumin on Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Progressive abnormality and loss of axons and neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) cause neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Protein misfolding and its collection are the most important pathological features of NDs. Astrocytes are the most plentiful cells in the mammalian CNS (about 20-40% of the human brain) and have several central functions in the maintenance of the health and correct function of the CNS. Astrocytes have an essential role in the preservation of brain homeostasis, and it is not surprising that these multifunctional cells have been implicated in the onset and progression of several NDs. Thus, they become an exciting target for the study of NDs. Over almost 15 years, it was revealed that curcumin has several therapeutic effects in a wide variety of diseases' treatment. Curcumin is a valuable ingredient present in turmeric spice and has several essential roles, including those which are anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, thrombosuppressive, cardioprotective, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, and anti-infectious. Furthermore, curcumin can suppress inflammation; promote angiogenesis; and treat diabetes, pulmonary problems, and neurological dysfunction. Here, we review the effects of curcumin on astrocytes in NDs, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple scleroses, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Probabilistic risk assessment of soil contamination related to agricultural and industrial activities.

Soil contamination related to industrial and agricultural activities were associated with many adverse health effects and climate change could exacerbate this effect. However, the evidence on this topic in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is still scarce. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the heavy metals (HMs) concentrations in topsoil around Lake Urmia (which dried about 50 % of it in recent years). Accordingly, 96 surface soil samples were collected from an area of about 4000 km2 in 2019. An inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used to measure the HMs concentrations, including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). Health risk assessment of exposure to HMs was performed using Monte Carlo simulations technique. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cr, As and Cd were 68.66, 35, 31.66, 15, 14.4, 11.2, 7.04, and 0.26 mg/kg, respectively, which was in the allowable range of USEPA guideline. The mean enrichment factor (EF) values for Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co and As were1.3, 1.9, 1, 1.2, 1.7, 2.8, 1.8 and 2, respectively. Carcinogenic risks of exposure to HMs for inhalation, dermal and ingestion exposure pathways were at safe level. Similarly, the hazard index (HI) was at safe level (HI < 1). The sensitivity analysis indicated that the exposure duration (ED) for As, exposure frequency (EF) for Cd and Ni, concentration (Csoi) for Cr and Pb had the highest impact on ELCR values. Our finding confirmed that HMs concentrations around Lake Urmia had no health risk for inhabitants.

Benjamini-Schramm convergence of periodic orbits.

We prove a criterion for Benjamini-Schramm convergence of periodic orbits of Lie groups. This general observation is then applied to homogeneous spaces and the space of translation surfaces.

Serum Vitamins and Homocysteine Levels in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Vitamin and homocysteine (Hcy) alternations have been associated with psychiatric disorders. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the association of serum vitamin and Hcy levels with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Following PRISMA protocol, we used the databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science with no time restriction. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and/or fixed-effects model to estimate the standard mean difference (SMD) for evaluation of the strength of association analyses. Our data showed a significant reduction in vitamin B12 (SMD = -0.58, 95% CI = -1.08 to -0.08, p = 0.02, I2 = 65%; pheterogeneity = 0.06), vitamin E (SMD = -0.89, 95% CI = -1.23 to -0.56, p < 0.00001, I2 = 23%; pheterogeneity = 0.26), and vitamin C (SMD = -1.40, 95% CI = -2.44 to -0.36, p = 0.008, I2 = 92%; pheterogeneity < 0.0001) in OCD patients. In addition, the findings showed significantly higher levels of Hcy (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI = [0.48, 1.75], p = 0.0006, I2 = 73%; ph = 0.02) in patients compared to controls. Also, our data showed that vitamin B9 and D levels are not associated with OCD (vitamin B9: SMD = -0.23, 95% CI = -1.01 to 0.55, p = 0.56, I2 = 88%; pheterogeneity < 0.0001; vitamin D: SMD = -0.63, 95% CI = -1.41 to 0.15, p = 0.11, I2 = 88%; pheterogeneity = 0.0002). Our findings support significant impacts of Hcy and vitamin B12, E, and C levels in OCD pathogenesis. This will be important for prevention and treatment of OCD. However, further studies are recommended to elucidate more accurate conclusions.

A novel ternary heterogeneous TiO2/BiVO4/NaY-Zeolite nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) under visible light.

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is a carcinogenic toxin, produced by cyanobacteria. The release of this toxin into drinking water sources can threaten public health and environmental safety. Therefore, effective MC-LR removal from water resources is necessary. In the present study, the hydrothermal method was used to synthesize a novel ternary BiVO4/TiO2/NaY-Zeolite (B/T/N-Z) nanocomposite for MC-LR degradation under visible light. FESEM, FTIR, XRD, and DRS were performed for characterizing the nanocomposite structure. Also, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the impact of catalyst dosage, pH, and contact time on the MC-LR removal. High-performance liquid chromatography was performed to measure the MC-LR concentration. Based on the results, independent parameters, including contact time, catalyst dosage, and pH, significantly affected the MC-LR removal (P < 0.05). In other words, increasing the contact time, catalyst dosage, and acidic pH had positive effects on MC-LR removal. Among these variables, the catalyst dosage, with the mean square and F-value of 1041.37 and 162.84, respectively, had the greatest effect on the MC-LR removal efficiency. Apart from the interaction between the catalyst dosage and contact time, the interaction effects of other parameters were not significant. Also, the maximum MC-LR removal efficiency was 99.88% under optimal conditions (contact time = 120 min, catalyst dosage = 1 g/L, and pH = 5). According to the results, the B/T/N-Z nanocomposite, as a novel and effective photocatalyst could be used to degrade MC-LR from polluted water.

Balancing essential and non-essential metal bioavailability during hatchery rearing of Greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus) larvae.

The use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) during bivalve hatchery production is thought to improve larval yields due to the reduced exposure to toxic metals (such as Cu); however, few studies have focused on the bioavailability of metals during the rearing process. Greenshell™ mussels (Perna canaliculus) were reared for 48 h with and without EDTA (12 µM) exposure and larvae were subsequently raised to 21 days post-fertilisation with and without EDTA exposure. Survival, shell length, algal ingestion rate, swimming activity, total metal concentration in water, bioavailable metal concentrations and larval metal accumulation were monitored for the 21 day period. Larval fitness (specifically D-yields) was improved on day 2 in the EDTA treatment, whereas an overall negative effect of EDTA treatment on fitness was observed on day 10 and 21. During the first 48 h, increased survival in the EDTA treatment is believed to be due to the reduction of bioavailable Zn concentrations in the rearing seawater. No other metal (essential or non-essential) displayed a consistent trend when comparing metal bioavailability to any of the fitness parameters measured throughout the experiment. Though the measured metal bioavailability was not clearly linked to fitness, the uptake of Al, P, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, and Hg by P. canaliculus was reduced during the first 48 h, suggesting that the biological regulation of these elements is just as important as the bioavailability. Overall, treatment of the rearing seawater with 12 µM EDTA is effective for improving Greenshell™ mussel larval yields by decreasing metal bioavailability during the first two days of development but has minimal benefit between day 2 and 21.

Malondialdehyde concentrations in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate serum and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in comparison to healthy controls. METHODS: Following the PRISMA protocol, we searched for the relevant studies through the databases of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and web of science until September 2019 with no time restriction. Overall, nine studies were included in the current meta-analysis. Data were pooled using a random-effects model; in addition, standard mean difference (SMD) and/or weight mean difference (WMD) was calculated. Cochran's Q test and I-square (I2) statistics were used to evaluate between-study heterogeneity. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Statistical analyses were done using the STATA version 14. RESULTS: Our systematic review included nine case-control studies (including 367 cases and 337 controls). Pooling findings from these studies showed a significantly higher MDA level in OCD patient compared to control groups (SMD = 1.62; 95% CI [0.53, 2.72]; I2 = 96.9%; Pheterogeneity (Ph) < 0.001). This finding remained unchanged among studies which reported MDA in the same unit (WMD = 1.93; 95% CI [0.27, 3.59]; I2 = 99.2%; Ph < 0.001). Subgroup analysis by the study location and sample size revealed findings that were also significant. CONCLUSION: We found that MDA levels are higher in OCD patients than healthy controls. This finding highlights the importance of inflammatory responses in OCD patients that should be considered for future investigations. Further studies are recommended to expand current knowledge on this issue.

Spatial distribution and correlations among elements in smaller than 75 µm street dust: ecological and probabilistic health risk assessment.

This study aimed to investigate spatial distribution, correlations among elements and ecological and probabilistic health risk assessment in smaller than 75 µm street dust in Kerman city, Iran. Street dust samples were collected from 35 different points. Elements were detected by ICP-AES. Pollution degree was characterized through Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) and Potential Ecological Risk (PER). The health risk was assessed using the Monte Carlo simulation method. The mean values of elements were in the order of Al > Mn > Zn > Cu > V > Pb > Cr > Ni > Li > As > Co > Mo > Sb > Cd > Ag. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) showed that Al, As, Co, Li, Mn and V were possibly derived from natural sources (local soil), while traffic and mining activities were proposed as the main source of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn. The order of EF and CF mean values decreased as follows: Mn > Ag > Cu > Zn > Pb > Sb > Mo > Li > Co > V > Cd > As > Cr > Ni. In addition, 73% of Cu and 35% of Zn, Ag and Mn had significant enrichment in the street dust samples. Also, Ag and Mn were categorized in the significant and very significant pollution category. In terms of the PER index, all samples could be classified at low-risk category. Ingestion of street dust was the significant route for exposure of residents of Kerman to the elements studied. No significant ecological hazards and health risks were observed from street dust in the study area in the period of the study. The improvement in the fuels quality and development of green spaces can be suggested to control natural and anthropogenic street dust pollution sources in the Kerman city.

Comparing THMs level in old and new water distribution systems; seasonal variation and probabilistic risk assessment.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water are associated with many chemical parameters in water. However, the available evidence on the relationship between physical parameters of the water distribution system (WDS) and THMs is still scarce; therefore, this study aimed to compare the THMs concentration in the old and new WDS in Yazd, Iran. Moreover, we investigated the seasonal trend and health risk assessment of exposure to THMs through ingestion, dermal, and inhalation pathways. Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare THMs between old and new WDS as well as fall season and winter season. The order of THM concentrations was: chloroform > BDCM > DBCM > bromoform. The maximum levels of THMs in the fall and winter were 31 and 39 ppb, respectively, which were less than the WHO recommended limits for drinking water, i.e., <200 ppb. There was a significant difference between the concentration of BDCM in autumn and winter (P-value = 0.01). There was a marginally significant difference between THM concentration in the autumn and winter (P-value 0.09). The total concentration of THMs and chloroform in the old WDS were significantly higher than the new WDS. The mean values of lifetime cancer risks (LTCR) for oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure pathways to THMs were in the acceptable and low-risk levels. The inhalation exposure pathway had the highest LTCR from among the three mentioned exposure pathways. The hazard index was found to be < 1 through oral and dermal pathways. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the ingestion rate for oral exposure, the exposure time for dermal and exposure duration for the inhalation exposure pathway had the highest impact on chronic daily intake (CDI). Our finding confirmed that THM concentration in tap water was associated with the lifespan of WDS and this finding could be useful for urban planners and decision-makers.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging Suggests That Cisplatin Affects Exocytotic Release by Alteration of Cell Membrane Lipids.

We used time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) imaging to investigate the effect of cisplatin, the first member of the platinum-based anticancer drugs, on the membrane lipid composition of model cells to see if lipid changes might be involved in the changes in exocytosis observed. Platinum-based anticancer drugs have been reported to affect neurotransmitter release resulting in what is called the "chemobrain"; however, the mechanism for the influence is not yet understood. TOF-SIMS imaging was carried out using a high energy 40 keV (CO2)6000+ gas cluster ion beam with improved sensitivity for intact lipids in biological samples. Principal components analysis showed that cisplatin treatment of PC12 cells significantly affects the abundance of different lipids and their derivatives, particularly phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, which are diminished. Treatment of cells with 2 µM and 100 µM cisplatin showed similar effects on induced lipid changes. Lipid content alterations caused by cisplatin treatment at the cell surface are associated with the molecular and bimolecular signaling pathways of cisplatin-induced apoptosis of cells. We suggest that lipid alterations measured by TOF-SIMS are involved, at least in part, in the regulation of exocytosis by cisplatin.

Rigorous prognostication and modeling of gas adsorption on activated carbon and Zeolite-5A.

Gas adsorption on various adsorbents is of highly important issue for the separation of gas mixtures in many industrial processes. In this work, estimation of pure gases (CH4, N2, CO2, H2, C2H4) adsorption on activated carbon (AC) and CO2, CH4, N2 on Zeolite-5A adsorbent were studied by developing four different computing techniques, namely MLP-ANN, ANFIS, LSSVM, and PSO-ANFIS for a broad range of experimental data found in the literature. Temperature, pressure, pore size (only for AC) and kinetic diameter of adsorbed gases are considered as the inputs and the gas adsorption as the output parameters of the developed models. We also used several statistical and graphical tools to assess the accuracy and applicability of the proposed models. The results of the study suggest the reliability and validity of all the models developed for estimating the equilibrium adsorption of gases on the adsorbents. Also, it is found that of all the models developed, the ANN model estimates experimental data of the gas adsorption on AC more accurately due to its values of R2 and AARD%, 0.9865 and 0.8948, respectively. Besides, PSO-ANFIS is the best model to prognosticate gas adsorption on zeolite 5A with R2 and AARD%, 0.9897 and 0.9551, respectively.

Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Drosophila Brain Using Matrix Sublimation versus Modification with Nanoparticles.

Laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) is used to image brain lipids in the fruit fly, Drosophila, a common invertebrate model organism in biological and neurological studies. Three different sample preparation methods, including sublimation with two common organic matrixes for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and surface-assisted laser desorption ionization (SALDI) using gold nanoparticles, are examined for sample profiling and imaging the fly brain. Recrystallization with trifluoroacetic acid following matrix deposition in MALDI is shown to increase the incorporation of biomolecules with one matrix, resulting in more efficient ionization, but not for the other matrix. The key finding here is that the mass fragments observed for the fly brain slices with different surface modifications are significantly different. Thus, these approaches can be combined to provide complementary analysis of chemical composition, particularly for the small metabolites, diacylglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, and triacylglycerides, in the fly brain. Furthermore, imaging appears to be beneficial using modification with gold nanoparticles in place of matrix in this application showing its potential for cellular and subcellular imaging. The imaging protocol developed here with both MALDI and SALDI provides the best and most diverse lipid chemical images of the fly brain to date with LDI.

Energy Scaling of Cold Atom-Atom-Ion Three-Body Recombination.

We study three-body recombination of Ba^{+}+Rb+Rb in the mK regime where a single ^{138}Ba^{+} ion in a Paul trap is immersed into a cloud of ultracold ^{87}Rb atoms. We measure the energy dependence of the three-body rate coefficient k_{3} and compare the results to the theoretical prediction, k_{3}∝E_{col}^{-3/4}, where E_{col} is the collision energy. We find agreement if we assume that the nonthermal ion energy distribution is determined by at least two different micromotion induced energy scales. Furthermore, using classical trajectory calculations we predict how the median binding energy of the formed molecules scales with the collision energy. Our studies give new insights into the kinetics of an ion immersed in an ultracold atom cloud and yield important prospects for atom-ion experiments targeting the s-wave regime.

Intact lipid imaging of mouse brain samples: MALDI, nanoparticle-laser desorption ionization, and 40 keV argon cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry.

We have investigated the capability of nanoparticle-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (NP-LDI MS), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) MS, and gas cluster ion beam secondary ion mass spectrometry (GCIB SIMS) to provide maximum information available in lipid analysis and imaging of mouse brain tissue. The use of Au nanoparticles deposited as a matrix for NP-LDI MS is compared to MALDI and SIMS analysis of mouse brain tissue and allows selective detection and imaging of groups of lipid molecular ion species localizing in the white matter differently from those observed using conventional MALDI with improved imaging potential. We demonstrate that high-energy (40 keV) GCIB SIMS can act as a semi-soft ionization method to extend the useful mass range of SIMS imaging to analyze and image intact lipids in biological samples, closing the gap between conventional SIMS and MALDI techniques. The GCIB SIMS allowed the detection of more intact lipid compounds in the mouse brain compared to MALDI with regular organic matrices. The 40 keV GCIB SIMS also produced peaks observed in the NP-LDI analysis, and these peaks were strongly enhanced in intensity by exposure of the sample to trifluororacetic acid (TFA) vapor prior to analysis. These MS techniques for imaging of different types of lipids create a potential overlap and cross point that can enhance the information for imaging lipids in biological tissue sections. Graphical abstract Schematic of mass spectral imaging of a mouse brain tissue using GCIB-SIMS and MALDI techniques.

Reduction of non-Betalactam Antibiotics COD by Combined Coagulation and Advanced Oxidation Processes.

The present study evaluates the reduction of antibiotic COD from wastewater by combined coagulation and advanced oxidation processes (AOPS). The reduction of Azithromycin COD by combined coagulation and Fenton-like processes reached a maximum 96.9% at a reaction time of 30 min, dosage of ferric chloride 120 mg/L, dosages of Fe0 and H2O2of 0.36mM/L and 0.38 mM/L, respectively. Also, 97.9% of Clarithromycin COD reduction, was achieved at a reaction time of 30 min, dosage of ferric chloride 120 mg/L, dosages of Fe0 and H2O2 of 0.3 mM/L and 0.3mM/L, respectively. The results of kinetic studies were best fitted to the pseudo first order equation. The results showed a higher rate constant value for combined coagulation and Fenton-like processes [(kap = 0.022 min-1 and half-life time of 31.5 min for Azithromycin) and (kap = 0.023 min-1 and half-life time of 30.1 min for Clarithromycin)].

Development of an organic lateral resolution test device for imaging mass spectrometry.

An organic lateral resolution test device has been developed to measure the performance of imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) systems. The device contains periodic gratings of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lipid bars covering a wide range of spatial frequencies. Microfabrication technologies were employed to produce well-defined chemical interfaces, which allow lateral resolution to be assessed using the edge-spread function (ESF). In addition, the design of the device allows for the direct measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) to assess image quality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) were used to characterize the device. TOF-SIMS imaging was used to measure the chemical displacement of biomolecules in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrix crystals. In a proof-of-concept experiment, the platform was also used to evaluate MALDI matrix application methods, specifically aerosol spray and sublimation methods.

A comprehensive protocol for evaluating health, safety, and environmental risks of hospital solid waste through FMEA technique.

This protocol outlines a comprehensive approach to evaluating hospital solid waste levels and assessing associated health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methodology. The study focuses on Imam Khomeini Hospital (RA) and employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. Over a 3-month period, waste production and potential risks are assessed, with specific attention to household, infectious, medicinal, and sharps waste. Through FMEA, potential failure modes and associated risks in waste management sectors are identified, enabling targeted interventions for risk mitigation. The protocol emphasizes the importance of aligning waste management practices with international standards and highlights the need for comprehensive training, awareness campaigns, and effective waste management methods to ensure the safety and environmental responsibility of hospital waste management practices.