On 10 August 2021, a face mask (14 cm × 9 cm) was found in the feces of a juvenile green turtle, by-caught alive in a set net off the northeast coast of Japan. Although sea turtles have been monitored in this region over the last 15 years (n = 76), face masks had never been found before the Covid-19 pandemic and this is the first detection. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified the mask as polypropylene. Estrogenic active benzotriazole-type UV stabilizers such as UV329 were detected in commercially available polypropylene face masks. Exposure of marine organisms ingesting plastics to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and physical injury are of concern. This study indicates that changes in human life in the pandemic are beginning to affect marine life. Precautionary actions including establishment of appropriate waste management of personal protective equipment and use of safe additives are urgently needed.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113389 | DOI Listing |
Sensory neurons must be reproducibly specified to permit accurate neural representation of external signals but also able to change during evolution. We studied this paradox in the olfactory system by establishing a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of all developing antennal sensory lineages, including latent neural populations that normally undergo programmed cell death (PCD). This atlas reveals that transcriptional control is robust, but imperfect, in defining selective sensory receptor expression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall Methods
January 2025
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Institute of Emergent Materials, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea.
A crucial step in fabricating full-color organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays is patterning the emissive layer (EML). Traditional methods utilize thermal evaporation through metal masks. However, this limits the achievable resolution required for emerging microdisplay technologies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnviron Int
January 2025
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:
This study evaluated the inhalation of mask-derived materials by simulating real breathing conditions and examined how the amount of inhaled materials varies with breathing flow rate and duration. Three types of non-certified reusable masks and two types of certified disposable masks were selected. For each mask, five different hazardous materials were captured and analyzed in three replicates with two breathing flow rates of 30 L/min and 85 L/min and two breathing time combinations of 15 min and 60 min.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Infect Dev Ctries
December 2024
Faculdade de Medicina de Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil.
Introduction: Despite efforts by health organizations to share evidence-based information, fake news hindered the promotion of social distancing and vaccination during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study analyzed COVID-19 knowledge and practices in a vulnerable area in northern Rio de Janeiro, acknowledging the influence of the complex social and economic landscape on public health perceptions.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Novo Eldorado - a low-income, conflict-affected neighborhood in Campos dos Goytacazes - using a structured questionnaire, following the peak of COVID-19 deaths in Brazil (July-December 2021).
J Infect Dev Ctries
December 2024
Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Introduction: Significant challenges to implementing international health regulations (IHR) at points of entry (PoEs) have been highlighted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Better assessment of the capacities of the PoEs may promote focused interventions. This study aimed to assess the capacities and practices at PoEs.
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