Distribution and Fate of Polyethylene Microplastics Released by a Portable Toilet Manufacturer into a Freshwater Wetland and Lake.

A portable toilet manufacturer in northwest Indiana (USA) released polyethylene microplastic (MP) pollution into a protected wetland for at least three years. To assess the loads, movement, and fate of the MPs in the wetland from this point source, water and sediment samples were collected in the fall and spring of 2021-2023. Additional samples, including sediment cores and atmospheric particulates, were collected during the summer of 2023 from select areas of the wetland.

Effectiveness of Single Fetal Membrane Sweeping in Reducing Elective Labor Induction for Postdate Pregnancies (38+0 to 40+6 Weeks): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:  Postdate pregnancy is characterized by a heightened risk for both maternal and perinatal complications. Owing to the risks, clinicians frequently turn to elective labor induction as a management strategy for postdate pregnancies. However, patients are increasingly informed and apprehensive about this approach and its associated risks.

Effects of Supramaximal Anderson Quarter-squats as a Potentiating Stimulus on Discus Performance in Division I Throwers: A Pilot Study.

No study has assessed supramaximal (over 100% 1RM) back squat variations as a potentiating stimulus in collegiate throwers. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a supramaximal Anderson (bottom-up) quarter squat potentiating stimulus would improve discus throw performance in Division I throwers compared to a dynamic warm-up alone. Nine NCAA division I thrower athletes (age: 20.

Single-Particle Analysis of the Photodegradation of Submicron Polystyrene Particles Using Infrared Photothermal Heterodyne Imaging.

Sunlight irradiation is the predominant process for degrading plastics in the environment, but our current understanding of the degradation of smaller, submicron (<1000 nm) particles is limited due to prior analytical constraints. We used infrared photothermal heterodyne imaging (IR-PHI) to simultaneously analyze the chemical and morphological changes of single polystyrene (PS) particles (∼1000 nm) when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (λ = 250-400 nm). Within 6 h of irradiation, infrared bands associated with the backbone of PS decreased, accompanied by a reduction in the particle size.

Maternal Seroprevalence and Placental Transfer of COVID-19 Antibodies in Pregnancy: A Hospital-Based Study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a relatively new disease with high morbidity and mortality. Information about the prevalence of infections in pregnancy could help identify herd immunity, project epidemics, and decide policy guidelines.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the infection susceptibility risk of COVID-19 in pregnancy, to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies (IgG & IgM), and to evaluate the determinants of COVID-19 antibody positivity in pregnancy.