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22 pages, 595 KB  
Article
An Assessment of the Public Health Risk Associated with Consumption of Imported Fish Based on the Intake of Essential and Harmful Elements
by Agata Witczak, Artur Ciemniak, Beata Więcaszek, Sławomir Keszka, Mikołaj Protasowicki and Kamila Pokorska-Niewiada
Molecules 2025, 30(18), 3836; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183836 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Despite its many important health benefits, fish consumption is associated with a growing risk of toxicity due to increasing levels of environmental pollution. Therefore, this study compared the potential risks to human health associated with the consumption of imported fish and locally produced [...] Read more.
Despite its many important health benefits, fish consumption is associated with a growing risk of toxicity due to increasing levels of environmental pollution. Therefore, this study compared the potential risks to human health associated with the consumption of imported fish and locally produced fish, which may be contaminated with toxic elements. A selection of the most commonly consumed fish in Poland, imported and domestic, was assayed for 11 trace elements in muscle tissue using ICP-AES, CV-AAS and GF-AAS. In general, the levels of toxic elements decreased according to the following sequence: As > Hg > Cd > Pb; however, the values of lead were slightly higher than those of cadmium in cod. All imported fish contained significantly more cadmium than the Polish species. Our assessment of EDI, THQ, TTHQ, TWI, PTMI and BMDL01 indicates that typical levels of consumption of fish do not pose a risk based on the assumed intake. The highest TTHQ was observed in tilapia, but it did not exceed 0.169. This was well below the acceptable value. Hence, the consumption of these fish does not appear to entail any non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic health risks. In addition, the estimated consumer risk parameters indicate no risk to consumer health in the short term; however, the presence of these elements may present a long-term hazard due to the potential for bioaccumulation. Continuous monitoring of trace element concentrations, especially toxic ones, is recommended for the protection of communities in both local and global contexts. Our findings provide a clearer picture of the health risk associated with the consumption of fish in the Polish market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analysis of Pollutant in the Environment)
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23 pages, 1316 KB  
Article
The Mobility and Distribution of Lead and Cadmium in the Ecosystems of Two Lakes in Poland and Their Effect on Humans and the Environment
by Monika Rajkowska-Myśliwiec, Mikołaj Protasowicki and Agata Witczak
Water 2025, 17(15), 2255; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152255 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 543
Abstract
The presence of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) can have considerable effects on the environment and on humans. The present study examines their levels in two lakes with different trophic levels located in northwestern Poland; their concentrations were determined in water and the [...] Read more.
The presence of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) can have considerable effects on the environment and on humans. The present study examines their levels in two lakes with different trophic levels located in northwestern Poland; their concentrations were determined in water and the bottom sediments, in common reed and in the organs of pike, bream and roach. The work also evaluates Pb and Cd bioavailability in bottom sediments, their potential for biomagnification, their bioaccumulation in the food chain and risk to human consumers. Metal concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The geochemical fractions of the metals were isolated by sequential extraction. Both Pb and Cd demonstrated low bioavailability, with the carbonate fraction playing a key role in their bioconversion. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in some organs and tissue types of fish and reeds correlated with their levels in water and sediments. No biomagnification was observed between the studied fish species. Calculations based on BMDL, TWI and THQ concentrations found Pb and Cd levels in the edible parts of fish to be within permissible limits and not to pose any threat to consumer health. Full article
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16 pages, 303 KB  
Article
Physicochemical Properties, Trace Elements, and Health Risk Assessment of Edible Vegetable Oils Consumed in Romania
by Nicoleta Matei, Semaghiul Birghila, Simona Dobrinas, Alina Soceanu, Viorica Popescu and Roxana-Georgiana Zaharia (Pricopie)
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6269; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116269 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1265
Abstract
The concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Mn) and physicochemical parameters of eight types of edible vegetable oils (obtained from a local market in Romania) were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) and Association of Official [...] Read more.
The concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Mn) and physicochemical parameters of eight types of edible vegetable oils (obtained from a local market in Romania) were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) and Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) standard methods. The values of the physicochemical parameters show that most of the oils analyzed were within the limits established by the Codex Standards for Edible Oils, with a few exceptions (walnut oil acidity 2.080 mg/g; iodine value 72.7 g/100 g). The concentration of metals such as Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, and Cd were found to be within acceptable limits set by FAO/OMS (2002) in the edible vegetable oils, except for Cu (blend oil 0.627 mg/kg; organic extra virgin oil 0.312 mg/kg) and Pb (rice oil 0.217 mg/kg). The results obtained after health risk assessments and incremental lifetime cancer risk calculations showed that their values do not pose a health hazard, but continuous monitoring can provide data on the quality of edible vegetable oils for local consumers. A statistical test at the 0.1 probability level (p < 0.1) was used to determine the degree of association between pairs of the variables. The data corresponding to the correlation coefficients for physicochemical parameters and different metals show significant and insignificant positive/negative correlations. Full article
34 pages, 4080 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment of Potentially Toxic Element (PTE) Contamination in Honey from a Historically Polluted Agro-Industrial Landscape: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability and Food Safety
by Ioana Andra Vlad, Szilárd Bartha, Győző Goji, Ioan Tăut, Florin Alexandru Rebrean, Laviniu Ioan Nuțu Burescu, Călin Gheorghe Pășcuț, Petrică Tudor Moțiu, Adrian Tunduc, Claudiu Ion Bunea and Florin-Dumitru Bora
Agriculture 2025, 15(11), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15111176 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 861
Abstract
Honey is increasingly recognized not only as a functional food but also as a potential bioindicator of environmental pollution. This study assessed the concentrations of four potentially toxic elements (PTEs)—lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—in 48 multifloral honey samples collected [...] Read more.
Honey is increasingly recognized not only as a functional food but also as a potential bioindicator of environmental pollution. This study assessed the concentrations of four potentially toxic elements (PTEs)—lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—in 48 multifloral honey samples collected in 2023 from seven locations across a historically polluted agro-industrial region in Romania. Samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) and Graphite Furnace AAS (GFAAS), with quality control ensured through certified reference materials. Results revealed that Pb (0.72–1.69 mg/kg) and Cd (0.02–0.37 mg/kg) levels consistently exceeded international safety thresholds, while Cu (0.62–2.22 mg/kg) and Zn (0.91–1.93 mg/kg), although essential nutrients, were found in elevated concentrations. Spatial analysis indicated a general trend of higher contamination in sites located closer to former industrial facilities, influenced by factors such as altitude and atmospheric transport. These findings confirm the persistent environmental burden in post-industrial landscapes and support the use of honey as a cost-effective tool for pollution monitoring. The study underscores the need for targeted environmental policies, sustainable apicultural practices, and continued surveillance to protect ecosystem health and food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)
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16 pages, 2277 KB  
Article
Simultaneous Trace Analysis of Lead and Cadmium in Drinking Water, Milk, and Honey Samples Through Modified Screen-Printed Electrode
by Fei Wang, Xiao Peng, Ziqian Xiao, Ying Ge, Bilin Tao, Zhaoyong Shou, Yifei Feng, Jing Yuan and Liang Xiao
Biosensors 2025, 15(5), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15050267 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 831
Abstract
A composite (N-rGO@ppy) of N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) coated with polypyrrole (ppy) particles was successfully synthesized. The incorporation of N-rGO significantly mitigates the aggregation of ppy synthesized in situ, and the doped N atoms improve the conductivity of graphene oxide (GO), thereby [...] Read more.
A composite (N-rGO@ppy) of N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) coated with polypyrrole (ppy) particles was successfully synthesized. The incorporation of N-rGO significantly mitigates the aggregation of ppy synthesized in situ, and the doped N atoms improve the conductivity of graphene oxide (GO), thereby enhancing N-rGO@ppy’s redox properties. Firstly, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with N-rGO@ppy (N-rGO@ppy/GCE) was used in combination with a bismuth film and square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) for the simultaneous trace analysis of Pb2+ and Cd2+. N-rGO@ppy/GCE exhibited distinct stripping peaks for Pb2+ and Cd2+, with a linear range of 1 to 500 μg L−1. The limits of detection (LODs) were found to be 0.080 μg L−1 for Pb2+ and 0.029 μg L−1 for Cd2+, both of which are significantly below the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Subsequently, the same electrochemical sensing strategy was adapted to a more portable screen-printed electrode (SPE) to accommodate the demand for in situ detection. The performance of N-rGO@ppy/SPE for analyzing Pb2+ and Cd2+ in actual samples, such as drinking water, milk, and honey, showed results consistent with those obtained from conventional graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Full article
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23 pages, 2728 KB  
Article
A Phantom-Based Study of the X-Ray Fluorescence Detectability of Iron, Copper, Zinc, and Selenium in the Human Blood of Superficial and Cutaneous Vasculature
by Mihai Raul Gherase and Vega Mahajan
Metrology 2025, 5(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/metrology5020023 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Blood concentrations of essential trace elements can be used to diagnose conditions and diseases associated with excess or deficiency of these elements. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) have [...] Read more.
Blood concentrations of essential trace elements can be used to diagnose conditions and diseases associated with excess or deficiency of these elements. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) have been employed for such measurements, but maintenance and operation costs are high. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) detectability in cutaneous blood of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) was assessed as an alternative to ICP-MS. Three phantoms were made up of two polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic cylindrical cups of 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm thick walls and a 5.3 mm diameter POM cylindrical insert. Six aqueous solutions of Fe in 0 to 500 mg/L and Cu, Zn, and Se in 0 to 50 mg/L concentrations were poured into the phantoms to simulate X-ray attenuation of skin. Measurements using an integrated X-ray tube and polycapillary X-ray lens unit generated 24 calibration lines. Detection limit intervals in mg/L were (36–100), (14–40), (3.7–10), and (2.1–3.4) for Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se, respectively. Fe was the only element with detection limits lower than its 480 mg/L median human blood concentration. The estimated radiation dose and equivalent dose to skin were below those of common radiological procedures. Applications will require further instrumental development and finding a calibration method. Full article
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25 pages, 15544 KB  
Article
Interpretable Dual-Channel Convolutional Neural Networks for Lithology Identification Based on Multisource Remote Sensing Data
by Sijian Wu and Yue Liu
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(7), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17071314 - 7 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 960
Abstract
Lithology identification provides a crucial foundation for various geological tasks, such as mineral exploration and geological mapping. Traditionally, lithology identification requires geologists to interpret geological data collected from the field. However, the acquisition of geological data requires a substantial amount of time and [...] Read more.
Lithology identification provides a crucial foundation for various geological tasks, such as mineral exploration and geological mapping. Traditionally, lithology identification requires geologists to interpret geological data collected from the field. However, the acquisition of geological data requires a substantial amount of time and becomes more challenging under harsh natural conditions. The development of remote sensing technology has effectively mitigated the limitations of traditional lithology identification. In this study, an interpretable dual-channel convolutional neural network (DC-CNN) with the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) interpretability method is proposed for lithology identification; this approach combines the spectral and spatial features of the remote sensing data. The model adopts a parallel dual-channel structure to extract spectral and spatial features simultaneously, thus implementing lithology identification in remote sensing images. A case study from the Tuolugou mining area of East Kunlun (China) demonstrates the performance of the DC-CNN model in lithology identification on the basis of GF5B hyperspectral data and Landsat-8 multispectral data. The results show that the overall accuracy (OA) of the DC-CNN model is 93.51%, with an average accuracy (AA) of 89.77% and a kappa coefficient of 0.8988; these metrics exceed those of the traditional machine learning models (i.e., Random Forest and CNN), demonstrating its efficacy and potential utility in geological surveys. SHAP, as an interpretable method, was subsequently used to visualize the value and tendency of feature contribution. By utilizing SHAP feature-importance bar charts and SHAP force plots, the significance and direction of each feature’s contribution can be understood, which highlights the necessity and advantage of the new features introduced in the dataset. Full article
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17 pages, 6901 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities, Minerals Element Profiling, and Identification of Bioactive Compounds by UPLC-HRMS Orbitrap in Four Aromatic and Medicinal Plants
by Aicha Boubker, Abdelmoula El Ouardi, Taha El Kamli, Adnane El Hamidi, Mohammed Kaicer, Faouzi Kichou, Najia Ameur, Khaoula Errafii, Rachid Ben Aakame and Aicha Sifou
Molecules 2025, 30(6), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30061279 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1768
Abstract
Four aromatic and therapeutic plants, Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Foeniculum vulgare, were examined in this comparative study. The objectives were to assess its phytochemical composition; polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin content; antioxidant and antibacterial activity; bioactive molecule [...] Read more.
Four aromatic and therapeutic plants, Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Foeniculum vulgare, were examined in this comparative study. The objectives were to assess its phytochemical composition; polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin content; antioxidant and antibacterial activity; bioactive molecule identification; and critical trace element quantification. Its aqueous and organic extracts were examined, focusing on ethanolic extracts. The ethanolic extract’s ability to neutralize free radicals was validated by phytochemical studies and antioxidant tests, underscoring their role in preventing oxidative stress. An Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography—High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Orbitrap Exploris 120 (UPLC–HRMS Orbitrap) was used to identify the bioactive chemicals, and the results showed a variety of compounds having antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The important trace elements found in these plants were also measured using a Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GF-AAS). These components are essential to the biological characteristics of the plants, especially their antioxidant and antibacterial capacities. Among the aqueous extracts, it was observed that Rosmarinus officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare exhibited a MIC of 3.91 µg/mL against Staphylococcus. Additionally, R. officinalis also demonstrated a MIC of 3.91 µg/mL against Escherichia coli. All of the data were interpreted and shown using principal component analysis. The results were grouped and explained using this statistical method, which revealed a strong association between the abundance of antibacterial and antioxidant chemicals in the four plants under investigation. Full article
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16 pages, 948 KB  
Communication
Determination of the Standardized Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of U.S. Tannin-Free Sorghum in Broilers
by Santiago Sasia, William Bridges and Mireille Arguelles-Ramos
Agriculture 2025, 15(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15010109 - 5 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1716
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the standardized ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility (SIAD) values in broilers (3 weeks of age) for tannin-free sorghum samples collected from the Southeastern region of the USA as well as provide a general comparison between sorghum vs. corn. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the standardized ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility (SIAD) values in broilers (3 weeks of age) for tannin-free sorghum samples collected from the Southeastern region of the USA as well as provide a general comparison between sorghum vs. corn. An incomplete block design was implemented using the direct method to assess the SIAD of eight sorghum samples and one corn sample as the standard. Three of these sorghum samples were obtained from North Carolina (NC-PL, NC-T2, NC-LW), four samples from South Carolina (SC-Flo, SC-Pei, SC-Tub, SC-Experience), and one from Georgia (GA-Gf). Each tested grain was assigned to eight cages, with thirteen birds/cage. Birds were reared for 3 wks using the last 4 d as the experimental phase when ileal digesta were collected for SIAD assessment. Each sorghum sample’s digestibility was compared to that of corn. Generally, the South Carolina sorghum varieties showed the lowest AA digestibility values, except for SC-Flo, which had the highest digestibility, surpassing corn in Lys, Thr, Gly, and Asp (p < 0.05). Then, the sorghums’ SIAD values were pulled together for a general comparison to corn. Overall, the sorghum SIAD was comparable to corn (p > 0.05), but variations were noted among the AAs. Sorghum had better digestibility for Lys, Thr, and Asp while corn had more digestible Met, Leu, Pro, and Phe (p < 0.05). By integrating the crude protein content with SIAD data, this study provides an updated assessment of tannin-free sorghum’s protein quality. The findings suggest that tannin-free sorghum could serve as a practical alternative to corn in poultry feed, providing a comparable nutritional profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)
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12 pages, 3618 KB  
Communication
Analysis of Trace Heavy Metal in Solution Using Liquid Cathode Glow Discharge Spectroscopy
by Duixiong Sun, Xinrong Ma, Jiawei Chang, Guoding Zhang, Maogen Su, Marek Sikorski, Vincent Detalle and Xueshi Bai
Sensors 2024, 24(23), 7756; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237756 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1300
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution, particularly from cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu), poses significant environmental and health risks. To address the need for efficient, portable, and sensitive detection methods, this study introduces an improved atmospheric pressure glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry (APGD-AES) technique for quantifying [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution, particularly from cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu), poses significant environmental and health risks. To address the need for efficient, portable, and sensitive detection methods, this study introduces an improved atmospheric pressure glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry (APGD-AES) technique for quantifying Cd and Cu in water samples. The APGD-AES method offers key advantages, including low energy consumption (<33 W), high excitation energy, and compact design. The system was optimized for a discharge voltage of 550 V (Cd) and 570 V (Cu), a flow rate of 3.6 mL/min, and a solution pH of 1.0. Under these conditions, detection limits reached 16 µg/L for Cd and 1.3 µg/L for Cu. APGD-AES was tested on real water samples, including sewage and tap water, demonstrating compliance with national safety standards and comparable performance to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). This technique shows promise for real-time, on-site monitoring of trace heavy metals due to its portability, precision, and cost-efficiency. Full article
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10 pages, 4340 KB  
Article
Study on the Thermal Control Performance of Mg-Li Alloy Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating in High-Temperature Environments
by Wentao Zhang, Shigang Xin, Qing Huang and Haiyang Jiao
Surfaces 2024, 7(4), 969-978; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces7040063 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1568
Abstract
This paper reports on the successful preparation of a low absorption–emission thermal control coating on the surface of LAZ933 magnesium–lithium alloy using the micro-arc oxidation method. This study analyzed the microstructure, phase composition, and thermal control properties of the coating using Scanning Electron [...] Read more.
This paper reports on the successful preparation of a low absorption–emission thermal control coating on the surface of LAZ933 magnesium–lithium alloy using the micro-arc oxidation method. This study analyzed the microstructure, phase composition, and thermal control properties of the coating using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible near-infrared spectroscopy (UV-VIS-NIR) and infrared emissivity measurements. The results indicate that the hemispherical emissivity of the coating remains unaffected with an increase in temperature and holding time, while the solar absorption ratio gradually increases. The thermal control performance of the coating after a high-temperature experiment was found to be related to the diffusion of the Li metal element in the magnesium lithium alloy matrix, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), flame graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GD-OES). As the holding time is extended, the coating structure gradually loosens under thermal stress. The Li metal element in the substrate diffuses outward and reacts with O2, H2O and CO2 in the air, forming LiO2, LiOH, Li2CO3 and other products. This reaction affects the coating’s solar absorption ratio in the end. Full article
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10 pages, 6520 KB  
Communication
Leucine-Enriched Diet Reduces Fecal MPO but Does Not Protect Against DSS Colitis in a Mouse Model of Crohn’s Disease-like Ileitis
by Drishtant Singh, Paola Menghini, Alexander Rodriguez-Palacios, Luca Di Martino, Fabio Cominelli and Abigail Raffner Basson
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111748 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1623
Abstract
Understanding the complex link between inflammation, gut health, and dietary amino acids is becoming increasingly important in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study tested the hypothesis that a leucine-rich diet could attenuate inflammation and improve gut health in a mouse [...] Read more.
Understanding the complex link between inflammation, gut health, and dietary amino acids is becoming increasingly important in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study tested the hypothesis that a leucine-rich diet could attenuate inflammation and improve gut health in a mouse model of IBD. Specifically, we investigated the effects of a leucine-rich diet on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in germ-free (GF) SAMP1/YitFC (SAMP) mice colonized with human gut microbiota (hGF-SAMP). hGF-SAMP mice were fed one of four different diets: standard mouse diet (CHOW), American diet (AD), leucine-rich AD (AD + AA), or leucine-rich CHOW diet (CH + AA). Body weight, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, gut permeability, colonoscopy scores, and histological analysis were measured. Mice on a leucine-rich CHOW diet showed a decrease in fecal MPO prior to DSS treatment as compared to those on a regular diet (p > 0.05); however, after week five, prior to DSS, this effect had diminished. Following DSS treatment, there was no significant difference in gut permeability, fecal MPO activity, or body weight changes between the leucine-supplemented and control groups. These findings suggest that while a leucine-rich diet may transiently affect fecal MPO levels in hGF-SAMP mice, it does not confer protection against DSS-induced colitis symptoms or mitigate inflammation in the long term. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets for Pain Regulation)
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15 pages, 17417 KB  
Article
Contaminants in the Soil and Typical Crops of the Pannonian Region of Slovenia
by Žiga Jelen, Milan Svetec, Peter Majerič, Stanislav Kapun, Lara Resman, Tatjana Čeh, Granit Hajra and Rebeka Rudolf
Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8678; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198678 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1871
Abstract
Soil contamination and the uptake of pollutants by food crops are widespread issues that vary greatly by region and are influenced by the mineral composition of the soil and local human activities. The Pannonian region, where agriculture has played a key role since [...] Read more.
Soil contamination and the uptake of pollutants by food crops are widespread issues that vary greatly by region and are influenced by the mineral composition of the soil and local human activities. The Pannonian region, where agriculture has played a key role since Roman times, has been particularly impacted by the long-standing agricultural and industrial practices. While soil contamination with heavy metals is monitored by the Slovenian government, microplastic contamination and the uptake of pollutants into food crops have yet to become a regular component of monitoring efforts. In this study, we conducted a preliminary investigation into soil and crop contamination across the Pannonian region, focusing on identifying harmful contaminants and their potential uptake into food crops. Both soil and crop samples were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals with proven methods such as atomic absorption spectrometry (FASS), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was found to be a potentially faster method of obtaining data on soil composition. Special attention was also given to the potential presence of microplastics in the region’s soils. Full article
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11 pages, 4041 KB  
Article
Highly Transparent, Mechanically Robust, and Conductive Eutectogel Based on Oligoethylene Glycol and Deep Eutectic Solvent for Reliable Human Motions Sensing
by Zhenkai Huang, Jiahuan Xie, Tonggen Li, Liguo Xu, Peijiang Liu and Jianping Peng
Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2761; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192761 - 30 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2451
Abstract
Recently, eutectogels have emerged as ideal candidates for flexible wearable strain sensors. However, the development of eutectogels with robust mechanical strength, high stretchability, excellent transparency, and desirable conductivity remains a challenge. Herein, a covalently cross-linked eutectogel was prepared by exploiting the high solubility [...] Read more.
Recently, eutectogels have emerged as ideal candidates for flexible wearable strain sensors. However, the development of eutectogels with robust mechanical strength, high stretchability, excellent transparency, and desirable conductivity remains a challenge. Herein, a covalently cross-linked eutectogel was prepared by exploiting the high solubility of oligoethylene glycol in a polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (DES) form of acrylic acid (AA) and choline chloride (ChCl). The resulting eutectogel exhibited high transparency (90%), robust mechanical strength (up to 1.5 MPa), high stretchability (up to 962%), and desirable ionic conductivity (up to 1.22 mS cm−1). The resistive strain sensor fabricated from the eutectogel exhibits desirable linear sensitivity (GF: 1.66), wide response range (1–200%), and reliable stability (over 1000 cycles), enabling accurate monitoring of human motions (fingers, wrists, and footsteps). We believe that our DES-based eutectogel has great potential for applications in wearable strain sensors with high sensitivity and reliability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart and Functional Polymers)
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24 pages, 1691 KB  
Article
Trace Metal Bioaccumulation in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) and Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) Residing in the Urban Environment of Iasi City, Romania
by Diana Iacob, Emanuela Paduraru, Vicentiu-Robert Gabor, Carmen Gache, Iuliana Gabriela Breaban, Silviu Gurlui, Gabriel Plavan, Roxana Jijie and Mircea Nicoara
Toxics 2024, 12(8), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080593 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2554
Abstract
Nowadays, trace metal contamination within urban atmospheres is a significant and concerning global issue. In the present study, two synanthropic bird species, namely, the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) and the rook (Corvus frugilegus), were employed as [...] Read more.
Nowadays, trace metal contamination within urban atmospheres is a significant and concerning global issue. In the present study, two synanthropic bird species, namely, the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) and the rook (Corvus frugilegus), were employed as bioindicators to assess the atmospheric trace metal pollution in Iasi City, Romania. The concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu were determined through high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF-AAS) of various tissues, including the liver, kidney, lung, heart, muscle, and bone, of feral pigeons and rooks collected in Iasi City. The order of trace metal concentrations in the tissues of feral pigeons and rooks in Iasi City was similar: Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr > Co. However, trace element values in most tissues were higher in the rook samples than in feral pigeon ones, except for Co, which had elevated levels in feral pigeon renal and cardiac tissues, and Cu, which registered the highest concentrations in feral pigeon liver and kidney tissues. While not statistically significant, Pb concentration values in the PM10 fraction of atmospheric particles positively correlated with Pb concentrations in rook kidney samples (p = 0.05). The concentration levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni in the PM10 fraction of air particles showed a positive correlation with Cd levels in the samples of pigeon heart and rook liver, kidney, and heart, Pb levels in the samples of pigeon kidney, heart, and muscle and rook liver and bone, and Ni levels in the samples of pigeon liver, kidney, and bone and rook liver, muscle, and bone, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)
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