Evaluation of indigenous plants’ extracts for mosquitocidal activity against different stages of Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Being vector of West Nile Virus and falariasis the control of Culex quinquefasciatus is likely to be essential. Synthetic insecticide treatment is looking most effective for vectors mosquito control. However, these products are toxic to the environment and non-target organisms. Consequently, ecofriendly control of vectors mosquito is needed. In this regard botanical insecticide is looking more fruitful. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of methanolic extract and various fractions, including, n-hexane, ethyl-acetate, chloroform, and aqueous fraction, obtained from methanolic extract of Ailanthus altissima, Artemisia scoparia, and Justicia adhatoda using separating funnel against larval, pupal, and adult stages of Culex quinquefasciatus. The larvae and pupae of Culex quinquefasciatus were exposed to various concentrations (31.25-1000 ppm) of methanolic extract and its fractions for 24 hours of exposure period. For knock-down bioassay (filter paper impregnation bioassay) different concentration of the methanolic extract and its various fractions (i.e. 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/mL) were applied for 1 hour exposure period. The results were statistically analysed using standard deviation, probit analysis, and linear regression. The R2 values of larvae, pupae, and adult range from 0.4 to 0.99. The values of LC50 (concentration causing 50% mortality) for late 3rd instar larvae after 24 hours exposure period range from 93-1856.7 ppm, while LC90 values range from 424 -7635.5ppm. The values of LC50for pupae range form 1326.7-6818.4ppm and and values of LC90 range from 3667.3-17427.9ppm, respectively. The KDT50 range from 0.30 to 2.8% and KDT90 values range from1.2 to 110.8%, respectively. In conclusion, Justicia adhatoda may be effective for controlling populations of vector mosquito.

Innovative Perspectives on Biofilm Interactions in Poultry Drinking Water Systems and Veterinary Antibiotics Used Worldwide

Prudent use of antibiotics in livestock is widely considered to be important to prevent antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the interactions between biofilms and veterinary antibiotics in therapeutic concentrations administrated via drinking water through a standardized experimental setup. In this context, two biofilms formed by pseudomonads (Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa or P. fluorescens) and a susceptible Escherichia (E.) coli strain were developed in a nutrient-poor medium on the inner surface of polyvinyl chloride pipe pieces. Subsequently, developing biofilms were exposed to sulfadiazine/trimethoprim (SDZ/TMP) or tylosin A (TYL A) in dosages recommended for application in drinking water for 5 or 7 days, respectively. Various interactions were detected between biofilms and antibiotics. Microbiological examinations revealed that only TYL A reduced the number of bacteria on the surface of the pipes. Additionally, susceptible E. coli survived both antibiotic treatments without observable changes in the minimum inhibitory concentration to 13 relevant antibiotics. Furthermore, as demonstrated by HPLC-UV, the dynamics of SDZ/TMP and TYL A in liquid media differed between the biofilms of both pseudomonads over the exposure period. We conclude that this approach represents an innovative step toward the effective evaluation of safe veterinary antibiotic use.

Integrating in vitro metabolomics with a 96-well high-throughput screening platform

Introduction High-throughput screening (HTS) is emerging as an approach to support decision-making in chemical safety assessments. In parallel, in vitro metabolomics is a promising approach that can help accelerate the transition from animal models to high-throughput cell-based models in toxicity testing. Objective In this study we establish and evaluate a high-throughput metabolomics workflow that is compatible with a 96-well HTS platform employing 50,000 hepatocytes of HepaRG per well. Methods Low biomass cell samples were extracted for metabolomics analyses using a newly established semi-automated protocol, and the intracellular metabolites were analysed using a high-resolution spectral-stitching nanoelectrospray direct infusion mass spectrometry (nESI-DIMS) method that was modified for low sample biomass. Results The method was assessed with respect to sensitivity and repeatability of the entire workflow from cell culturing and sampling to measurement of the metabolic phenotype, demonstrating sufficient sensitivity (> 3000 features in hepatocyte extracts) and intra- and inter-plate repeatability for polar nESI-DIMS assays (median relative standard deviation < 30%). The assays were employed for a proof-of-principle toxicological study with a model toxicant, cadmium chloride, revealing changes in the metabolome across five sampling times in the 48-h exposure period. To allow the option for lipidomics analyses, the solvent system was extended by establishing separate extraction methods for polar metabolites and lipids. Conclusions Experimental, analytical and informatics workflows reported here met pre-defined criteria in terms of sensitivity, repeatability and ability to detect metabolome changes induced by a toxicant and are ready for application in metabolomics-driven toxicity testing to complement HTS assays.

Allowing for shocks in portfolio mortality models

The COVID-19 pandemic creates a challenge for actuaries analysing experience data that include mortality shocks. Without sufficient local flexibility in the time dimension, any analysis based on the most recent data will be biased by the temporarily higher mortality. Also, depending on where the shocks sit in the exposure period, any attempt to identify mortality trends will be distorted. We present a methodology for analysing portfolio mortality data that offer local flexibility in the time dimension. The approach permits the identification of seasonal variation, mortality shocks and occurred-but-not reported deaths (OBNR). The methodology also allows actuaries to measure portfolio-specific mortality improvements. Finally, the method assists actuaries in determining a representative mortality level for long-term applications like reserving and pricing, even in the presence of mortality shocks. Results are given for a mature annuity portfolio in the UK, which suggest that the Bayesian information criterion is better for actuarial model selection in this application than Akaike’s information criterion.

Residual post fire strength of non-prismatic perforated beams

The main aim of this study is to assess the performance and residual strength of post-fire non-prismatic reinforced concrete beams (NPRC) with and without openings. To do this, nine beams were cast and divided into three major groupings. These groups were classified based on the degrees of heating exposure temperature chosen (ambient, 400, and 700°C), with each group containing three non-prismatic beams (solid, 8 trapezoidal openings, and 8 circular openings). Experimentally, given the same beam geometry, increasing burning temperature caused degradation in NPRC beams, which was reflected in increased mid-span deflection throughout the fire exposure period and also residual deflection after cooling. But on the other hand, the issue with existing openings was exacerbated. The burned NPRC beams were then gradually cooled down by leaving them at ambient temperature in the laboratory, and the beams were loaded until failure to examine the effect of burning temperature degree on the residual ultimate load-carrying capacity of each beam by comparing them to unburned reference beams. It was found, increasing the exposure temperature leads to a reduction in ultimate strength about (5.7 and 10.84%) for solid NPRC beams exposed to 400 and 700°C, respectively related to unburned one, (21.13 -32.8) % for NPRC beams with eight trapezoidal openings, and (10.5 - 12.8) % for those having 8 circular openings. At higher loading stage the longitudinal compressive strain of Group ambient in mid-span of solid beams reach 2700 με, while the others with openings exhibit divergent strain higher than that, it’s about 3300 με meanwhile, the lower chord main reinforcements have been pass beyond yielding stress. Exposure to high temperatures reduces rafters’ stiffness causing a reduction in load carrying capacity, companion with premature failure consequently reduce the strain at the ultimate stage.

Assessment of carbamazepine acute toxicity in the cockle Cerastoderma edule through chemical, physiological and biochemical tools

The cockle Cerastoderma edule was exposed to four concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 70 μg L-1) of carbamazepine (CBZ). This anticonvulsant was found to alter the mussel behavior of by reducing its clearance rate (CR). Analysis of CBZ accumulation in tissues of C. edule was carried out using HPLC-UV after 48 or 96 hours of exposure. In addition, an overproduction of H2O2 by the bivalves was detected following exposure to CBZ but nitrite levels remained unchanged. Moreover, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a significant increase in relation to their contact with CBZ. The activity of the biotransformation enzyme gluthatione-S-transferase did not change during exposure. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels indicating cellular damage, increased when bivalves were exposed to 20 and 70 μg l-1 of carbamazepine for 96 h CBZ. The results also indicate that acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) was inhibited in all CBZ concentrations during the 48 h exposure period. However, during the 96 h exposure period, AChE was only inhibited at the highest concentration. Further studies are needed now for more exploration of the toxicity of CBZ since it could be bioaccumulable throughout the food web and may affect non-target organisms.

Uptake and toxicity of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics in gastric cells: Effects of particle size and surface functionalization

Toxicity of micro or nanoplastics (MP/NP) in aquatic life is well-documented, however, information about the consequences of exposure to these particles in terrestrial species is scarce. This study was used to evaluate the uptake and/or toxicity of polystyrene MP/NP in human gastric cells, comparing doses, particle sizes (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 or 5000 nm) and surface functionalization (aminated, carboxylated or non-functionalized). In general, the uptake of 50 nm particles was significantly higher than 1000 nm particles. Among the 50 nm particles, the aminated particles were more avidly taken up by the cells and were cytotoxic at a lower concentration (≥ 7.5 μg/mL) compared to same sized carboxylated or non-functionalized particles (≥ 50 μg/mL). High toxicity of 50 nm aminated particles corresponded well with significantly high rates of apoptosis-necrosis induced by these particles in 4 h (29.2% of total cells) compared to all other particles (≤ 16.8%). The trend of apoptosis-necrosis induction by aminated particles in 4 h was 50 > 5000 > 1000 > 500 > 200 > 100 nm. The 50 nm carboxylated or non-functionalized particles also induced higher levels of apoptosis-necrosis in the cells compared to 100, 1000 and 5000 nm particles with same surface functionalization but longer exposure (24 h) to 50 nm carboxylated or non-functionalized particles significantly (p<0.0001) increased apoptosis-necrosis in the cells. The study demonstrated that the toxicity of MP/NP to gastric cells was dependent on particle size, dose surface functionalization and exposure period.

Influence of Prolonged Serotonin and Ergovaline Pre-Exposure on Vasoconstriction Ex Vivo

Ergot alkaloid mycotoxins interfere in many functions associated with serotonergic neurotransmitters. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate whether the association of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and ergot alkaloids during a 24 h pre-incubation could affect the vascular contractile response to ergot alkaloids. To evaluate the effects of 24 h exposure to 5-HT and ergot alkaloids (ergovaline, ERV), two assays were conducted. The first assay determined the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) following the 24 h pre-exposure period, while the second assay evaluated the effect of IC50 concentrations of 5-HT and ERV either individually or in combination. There was an interaction between previous exposure to 5-HT and ERV. Previous exposure to 5-HT at the IC50 concentration of 7.57 × 10−7 M reduced the contractile response by more than 50% of control, while the exposure to ERV at IC50 dose of 1.57 × 10−10 M tended to decrease (p = 0.081) vessel contractility with a response higher than 50% of control. The 24 h previous exposure to both 5-HT and ERV did not potentiate the inhibitory response of blood vessels in comparison with incubation with each compound alone. These results suggest receptor competition between 5-HT and ERV. More studies are necessary to determine the potential of 5-HT to treat toxicosis caused by ergot alkaloids.

Effects of Virgin Microplastics on Growth, Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota on Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Microplastics (MPs), classified as plastic debris less than 5 mm in size, are widely found in various aquatic environments. However, there have been few studies regarding their potential threat under aquaculture conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the general health, intestinal morphology and microbiota of virgin polypropylene MPs (3–4 mm) on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) over a 28-d exposure period. Four groups were divided according to whether the MPs were added in water or in food. The results disproved the hypothesis that MPs expose may adversely affect the growth of fish. Largemouth bass expelled MPs with minimal harm to the organism. MPs exposure had no significant effect on the community composition or diversity of intestinal microbial, although it could partly influence intestinal morphology, and the recombination process of the intestinal microbial community. Fish may be more sensitive to answer MPs exposure in water than in feed. Proteobacteria could potentially be pathogenic bacteria phylum in fish gut when affected by MPs. This research represents an innovative attempt to investigate the impact of virgin MPs on largemouth bass using a manipulative feeding experiment. The results could provide new insight on commercial fish health when challenged with MPs pollution.

CARBONIZATION OF CONCRETE AND CORROSION OF REINFORCEMENT OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES OF UNDERGROUND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS

The process of carbonization of concrete with different ratio of water to cement (W/C) was studied, and the influence of the environment on corrosion damage of reinforced concrete reinforcement was studied. The results of the study of carbonization of concrete on specially prepared model samples of concrete with a size of 250x250x250 mm with an exposure period in NACE solution for 500 days without external load are presented. Measurements of corrosion damage of reinforcing rods, which were placed inside concrete cubes, were performed. The method of estimating the amount of carbonization of concrete and corrosion of reinforcement is described in detail in known scientific papers. The obtained data testify to the active carbonization of concrete during the whole exposure period of the samples in NACE solution, however, concrete prepared at the ratio W/C = 0.5 and 0.6 is particularly significant in terms of carbonization intensity. Concrete with a ratio of W/C = 0.7 is less susceptible to damage. Moreover, a similar trend is observed for corrosion of fittings. This is due to the fact that the increase of the aqueous medium in the concrete mass facilitates diffusion processes of delivery to the reactive zone of chemically aggressive ingredients such as carbon dioxide, chloride ions, hydrogen, sulfur, sulfate ions, various types of bacteria and the like. The kinetics of concrete carbonization and corrosion of reinforcing bars in chemically aggressive NACE medium depending on the exposure period of the samples in the model solution was experimentally studied. It is established that with the increase of the water-cement ratio W/C from 0.5 to 0.7, the depth of carbonization and the layer thickness of corrosion products increase sharply. The flooding of the surface layers of the reinforcement and their strong embrittlement in the process of long-term operation of the reinforcement in the structure of reinforced concrete, which causes a decrease in crack resistance in general of reinforced concrete structures. The degradation of reinforcing steel during long-term operation in aggressive environments, which leads to premature corrosion damage to the reinforcement with subsequent destruction of the structure, was investigated experimentally with the involvement of high-precision metallographic equipment.