Land-derived metals impact the survival and settlement of larval mussels.

Global declines in wild mussel populations and production have been linked to the impacts of climate change and pollution. Summer die-offs of mussels (Perna canaliculus), spat retention issues, and a severe decline in mussel spat settlement have been reported in the Marlborough Sounds, an important area for mussel farming in New Zealand. Preliminary evidence suggests that naturally occurring contaminants and changing land use in the surrounding areas, could contribute to the decline of this species.

[Evaluation of medication self-administration feasibility in a university hospital: Clinical audits and recommendations].

The French Health Authority recently published guidelines about patient self-administration of medications for voluntary hospitalized patients under medical supervision. This study aimed to assess medication management practices in our hospital and provide recommendations for self-administration medication. A prospective monocentric study was performed from January to June 2023, involving patient and nurse surveys based on the guidelines from the French Health Authority.

Nature-Inspired Peptide Antifouling Biocide: Coating Compatibility, Field Validation, and Environmental Stability.

This study reports the development of a class of eco-friendly antifouling biocides based on a cyclic dipeptide scaffold, 2,5-diketopiperazine (2,5-DKP). The lead compound cyclo(-Bip-l-Arg--Bip-l-Arg) () was synthesized in gram amounts and used to assess the compatibility with an ablation/hydration coating, efficacy against biofouling, and biodegradation. Leaching of from the coating into seawater was assessed via a rotating drum method, revealing relatively stable and predictable leaching rates under dynamic shear stress conditions (36.

PVC containing silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties effective against SARS-CoV-2.

Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) is commonly used to manufacture biomedical devices and hospital components, but it does not present antimicrobial activity enough to prevent biofouling. With the emergence of new microorganisms and viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was responsible for the global pandemic caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is evident the importance of the development of self-disinfectant PVC for hospital environments and medical clinics where infected people remain for a long time. In this contribution, PVC nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared in the molten state.

Does plastic type matter? Insights into non-indigenous marine larvae recruitment under controlled conditions.

Marine plastic debris (MPD) are a global threat to marine ecosystems. Among countless ecosystem impacts, MPD can serve as a vector for marine 'hitchhikers' by facilitating transport and subsequent spread of unwanted pests and pathogens. The transport and spread of these non-indigenous species (NIS) can have substantial impacts on native biodiversity, ecosystem services/functions and hence, important economic consequences.

Characterization of the effects of triclosan on sperm and embryos of Mytilus and Perna mussel species.

The Greenshell™ mussel (GSM), Perna canaliculus, is a culturally and commercially important species in New Zealand. Declines in spat settlement of GSM have been observed in important growing areas and the cause(s) have not been identified. One hypothesis is that chemical contaminants could be a contributing factor.

Investigating the Ecotoxicity of Select Emerging Organic Contaminants Toward the Marine Copepod Gladioferens pectinatus.

Estuarine ecosystems are recipients of anthropogenic stressors released from land-based activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ecotoxicological hazards of organic contaminants toward the estuarine copepod Gladioferens pectinatus using acute and chronic testing. Most chemicals demonstrated acute toxicity and influenced development of the copepods.

Trace Metal Residues in Marine Mussels: A Global Survey.

Pressures from anthropogenic activities are causing degradation of estuarine and coastal ecosystems around the world. Trace metals are key pollutants that are released and can partition in a range of environmental compartments, to be ultimately accumulated in exposed biota. The level of pressure varies with locations and the range and intensity of anthropogenic activities.

Aspirin-Loaded Polymeric Films for Drug Delivery Systems: Comparison between Soaking and Supercritical CO Impregnation.

Polymeric implants loaded with drugs can overcome the disadvantages of oral or injection drug administration and deliver the drug locally. Several methods can load drugs into polymers. Herein, soaking and supercritical CO (scCO) impregnation methods were employed to load aspirin into poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

Plastic additives: challenges in ecotox hazard assessment.

The risk of plastic debris, and specifically micro(nano)plastic particles, to ecosystems remains to be fully characterized. One particular issue that warrants further characterization is the hazards associated with chemical additives within micro(nano)plastic as they are not chemically bound within the polymers and can be persistent and biologically active. Most plastics contain additives and are therefore potential vectors for the introduction of these chemicals into the environment as they leach from plastic, a process that can be accelerated through degradation and weathering processes.

Boron nitride-based nanocomposite hydrogels: preparation, properties and applications.

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanostructures are well-known for their good chemical stability, thermal conductivity and high elastic modulus. BN can be used as a filler in hydrogels to significantly improve their mechanical and thermal properties, to reinforce their biocompatibility and to provide self-healing capacity. Moreover, in contrast with their carbon equivalents, BN nanocomposites are transparent and electrically insulating.

Introduction of a model of skin lesions on rats and testing of dissolving microneedles containing 5-aminolevulinic acid.

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used to treat non melanoma skin cancers. It consists of topically applying on the skin lesions a cream containing a prodrug (5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)) that is then metabolized to the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Light irradiation at PpIX excitation wavelength combined with oxygen then lead to a photochemical reaction inducing cell death.

History of perinatal loss: A study of psychological outcomes in mothers and fathers after subsequent healthy birth.

Background: The loss of an expected child is a psychologically difficult and potentially traumatic life event. While most women will become pregnant again within a year following the loss, data are limited regarding the mental health of parents with a history of perinatal loss, especially in the period following the birth of a subsequent healthy child. This study, therefore, investigated the relation between perinatal loss and mothers' and fathers' psychological symptoms and parenting stress 6-months after the birth of a healthy child.

A facile fabrication of dissolving microneedles containing 5-aminolevulinic acid.

Photodynamic therapy induced by protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is widely used to treat precancerous skin lesions. The penetration depth of the prodrug 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) using topical application is currently limited, which hampers the production of PpIX in deep seated lesions. To enhance 5-ALA delivery in deep skin layers, a soluble microneedles patch (MN-patch) containing 5-ALA has been successfully developed by using a fast solvent casting molding method which could be easily up-scaled.

Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) associated disease masquerading as prolonged intractable nausea and vomiting.

The clinical and radiological spectrum of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated disease continues to expand. Here, we describe a case of prolonged, relapsing, intractable nausea and vomiting misdiagnosed as a functional disorder for more than one year. The patient did not receive a neurological workup until clear neurological signs developed.

Assessing the Efficacy of a Sediment Remediation Program Using Benthic and Pelagic Copepod Bioassays.

Tributyltin is an organotin chemical that has been commonly used in ship antifouling paints. Despite the global total prohibition of tributyltin-based paint in 2008, tributyltin continues to be found at toxic levels in areas of high maritime traffic such as ports and harbors. A remediation program was conducted at a New Zealand port to reduce tributyltin and copper concentrations to acceptable values.

Photodynamic therapy for skin cancer: How to enhance drug penetration?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) induced by protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) has been widely used in dermatological practices such as treatment of skin cancers. Clearance rate depends on different factors such as light irradiation, skin oxygenation and drug penetration. The poor penetration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) with topical application is limited and restrains the production of PpIX which could restrict PDT outcomes.

Effects of chronic exposure to benzophenone and diclofenac on DNA methylation levels and reproductive success in a marine copepod.

The UV-filter benzophenone and the anti-inflammatory diclofenac are commonly detected in the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the multigenerational effects of chronic exposure to low concentrations of these chemicals on toxicity and DNA methylation levels in the copepod . Acute toxicity tests were conducted to determine the sensitivity of to the chemicals.

Antifouling activity of portimine, select semisynthetic analogues, and other microalga-derived spirocyclic imines.

A range of natural products from marine invertebrates, bacteria and fungi have been assessed as leads for nature-inspired antifouling (AF) biocides, but little attention has been paid to microalgal-derived compounds. This study assessed the AF activity of the spirocyclic imine portimine (1), which is produced by the benthic mat-forming dinoflagellate Vulcanodinium rugosum. Portimine displayed potent AF activity in a panel of four macrofouling bioassays (EC 0.

Supramolecular poly(acrylic acid)/F127 hydrogel with hydration-controlled nitric oxide release for enhancing wound healing.

Unlabelled: Topical nitric oxide (NO) delivery has been shown to accelerate wound healing. However, delivering NO to wounds at appropriate rates and doses requires new biomaterial-based strategies. Here, we describe the development of supramolecular interpolymer complex hydrogels comprising PEO-PPO-PEO (F127) micelles embedded in a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) matrix, with S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) molecules dissolved in the hydrophilic domain.

Current manufacturing processes of drug-eluting sutures.

Drug-eluting sutures represent the next generation of surgical sutures since they fulfill their mechanical functions but also deliver the drug in their vicinity after implantation. These implants are produced by a variety of manufacturing processes. Drug-eluting sutures represent the next generation of surgical sutures since they fulfill their mechanical functions but also deliver the drug in their vicinity after implantation.