Waterborne Environmental (United States)

Achieving a balance between high performance and recyclability in thermoset polymers remains a formidable challenge, primarily due to the absence of efficient and controllable dynamic exchange strategies. Herein, we report a covalent adaptable network (CAN) based on an episulfide resin, featuring a dual dynamic pathway for network topology reconstruction by synergistic sulfhydryl–disulfide and disulfide–disulfide bond exchange. The ring-opening of episulfide monomers generates pendant sulfhydryl groups that actively participate in dynamic bond exchange, endowing the network with rapid stress relaxation (Ea = 33 kJ/mol) and excellent reconfigurability. The resulting sulfur-rich material demonstrates superior thermomechanical performance (Tg = 89 °C, tensile strength = 18.9 MPa), high shape fixity (Rf > 94%), robust solvent resistance, and rapid self-healing. Notably, the network undergoes over 99% degradation within 2 h under mild conditions, highlighting its closed-loop chemical recyclability. These findings demonstrate a dual-dynamic covalent design strategy for constructing recyclable, high-performance thermoset materials.

Surface water monitoring of pesticides ensures adherence to environmental and human health regulatory requirements. This study focuses on an unprecedented monitoring program spanning two decades with daily or near-daily sampling across 13 states in the US Midwest and Southern United States, targeting watersheds in the upper 20th percentile of runoff vulnerability based on the United States Geological Survey watershed regressions for pesticides model. The Atrazine Ecological Monitoring Program (AEMP), mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), aims to collect extensive high-frequency atrazine exposure data alongside key environmental parameters to better understand the dynamics of atrazine fate, transport, and concentrations in these watersheds. Note, the AEMP is also referred to by the USEPA as the Atrazine Ecological Exposure Monitoring Program, or AEEMP, though the former is more commonly cited. Analysis of the 322 site-years of data revealed that sampling frequency is paramount in accurately estimating seasonal chemical concentrations and runoff loads in flowing waters. The AEMP has advanced with improved sampling techniques and a focus on increasingly vulnerable watersheds (i.e., currently representing 97th-99th centile runoff vulnerability), as evidenced by analysis of variance results indicating higher atrazine concentrations in later years, particularly post-2012. Factors such as soil conditions and precipitation were significant in influencing atrazine levels in surface water. Regression analyses underscored the interaction between agricultural activity and weather patterns as predictors of atrazine concentrations. The AEMP's detailed dataset has notably contributed to environmental risk assessment and the refinement of regulatory models. This study highlights the value of high-resolution data in vulnerable regions, emphasizing that high-frequency monitoring and inclusion of detailed environmental data significantly enhance our understanding of pesticide fate and transport in surface waters and informs stewardship efforts.

Abstract Background Testing for most respiratory viruses in the U.S. occurs in limited settings, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the full burden of disease, especially among non-medically-attended infections. We used a U.S. community-based cohort of participants aged 6 months – 49 years in Washington and Oregon to assess respiratory virus detections and outcomes in participants with acute respiratory illness (ARI).Table 1.Number of participants enrolled in CASCADIA and acute respiratory illness* episodes, by age group. Methods At symptom onset, enrolled participants completed symptom surveys and self-collected nasal swabs. At days 7 and 14 post symptom onset, they completed follow-up symptom surveys. Swabs were tested for multiple viruses using TaqMan RT-PCR (OpenArray, ThermoFisher). We assessed viral detections and outcomes among ARI episodes during September 2022 — August 2023. ARI was defined as ≥ 2 of the following: fever, cough, congestion, muscle aches, sore throat, or shortness of breath. A distinct ARI episode was defined as a reported onset of a new illness > 30 days after a prior onset for the same participant. For each episode, we included test results from all swabs collected 0 – 7 days post-onset.Figure 1.Proportion of viruses detected among acute respiratory illness episodes with multi-pathogen OpenArray test results* (n=2,370), by age group. Results Among 3,407 participants enrolled during the analytic period (median age 17 years, IQR: 9 – 41; 59% female sex; 70% non-Hispanic White), we identified 2,788 ARI episodes, of which 2,370 (85%) had OpenArray virus test results (Table 1). Of these 2,370 episodes, 1,248 (53%) had a single virus detected, 249 (11%) had > 1 virus (i.e. viral codetections), and 873 (37%) had none; these results varied by age (Fig.1), and detected virus varied by month (Fig. 2). Among 1,248 detections of single viruses, rhinovirus/enterovirus (46%) and SARS-CoV-2 (16%) were detected most frequently; SARS-CoV-2 was more common in adults than children. Participant characteristics, symptoms, and illness outcomes are presented by virus type in Table 2. Healthcare was sought for 13% (range: 6 – 19% across viruses) of ARI episodes and missed work or school was reported for 26% (range: 20 – 45% across viruses).Figure 2.Number of acute respiratory illness episodes (n=2,370) and proportion positive on multi-pathogen OpenArray test*, by detected virus and month. Virus percentages include single detections and codetections. Conclusion Virus-associated ARI varied by age, and outcomes varied by virus, but healthcare needs and missed work/school were reported for all viruses. These data may inform clinical and socioeconomic burden estimates for respiratory viruses.Table 2.Age groups, clinical, and outcome characteristics of acute respiratory illness episodes (n=2,370), by detected virus*. Disclosures Jade James-Gist, MPH, NA: na Janet A. Englund, MD, Abbvie: Advisor/Consultant|AstraZeneca: Advisor/Consultant|AstraZeneca: Grant/Research Support|GlaxoSmithKline: Advisor/Consultant|GlaxoSmithKline: Grant/Research Support|Meissa Vaccines: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Board Member|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Speaker at meeting|SanofiPasteur: Advisor/Consultant|Shinogi: Advisor/Consultant Helen Y. Chu, MD, MPH, Abbvie: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Vir: Advisor/Consultant Jennifer L. Kuntz, MS, PhD, Hillevax, Inc: Grant/Research Support Richard A. Mularski, MD, MSHS, MCR, Pfizer, Inc: Grant/Research Support Mark A. Schmidt, PhD, MPH, HilleVax: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Vir Biotechnology: Grant/Research Support Neil D. Yetz, M.P.H., N/A: Expert Testimony

Abstract BackgroundPeople living with dementia (PWD) have upregulated inflammatory pathways, exaggerated metabolic aging, and cellular aging. They also have declines in physical function and heightened fall‐risk. Understanding the physiologic factors that influence physical decline and fall‐risk in PWD is vital to assess and prevent adverse health outcomes, such as future falls. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between physiological biomarkers, physical decline, and fall‐risk in PWD.MethodIn this cross‐sectional study, we used the baseline data of n=42 PWD in residential care facilities from our pilot randomized controlled trial [NCT05488951]. We assessed fall‐risk with the Morse Fall Scale and pulled fall history in the last 6 months from incident reports in medical charts. Participants completed two 4‐meter usual pace walking trials. We assessed two trials of maximum quadriceps strength on each leg with a portable dynamometer. We drew fasted blood and measured inflammatory biomarkers (Interleukin(IL)‐1b, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IL‐17A, IL‐18, IL23, IL‐33, chemokine ligand 2, tumor necrosis factor‐a, human interferon (INF)‐a2, INFg), metabolic aging (kynurenine), and cellular aging (telomere length). Separate multiple linear regressions were performed for each biomarker, with gait speed, leg strength, fall history, and the Morse Fall Scale as variables of interest. We controlled for age, sex, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in each model.ResultFall history (β=5.61, p=0.03) and older age (β=0.49, p=0.005) were associated with greater INF‐a2 (R2=0.49, p=0.07). Fall history (β=4.93, p=0.07) showed a trend for a relationship with greater IL‐10 (R2=0.50, p=0.04). Older age (β=0.28, p=0.009) and lower MOCA scores (β=‐0.40, p=0.04) were related to greater IL‐12p70 (R2=0.64, p=0.003). Older age (β=9.26, p=0.01), fall history (β=74.42, p=0.04), and poorer leg strength (β=‐7.40, p=0.06) were related to greater kynurenine (R2=0.49, p=0.02).ConclusionOur exploratory findings suggest that there may be a relationship between certain physiological biomarkers (INF‐a2, IL‐10, kynurenine), physical function, and fall history. These inflammatory and metabolic aging biomarkers may play an important role for physical function and fall‐risk in PWD. This preliminary research may have implications for screening and monitoring of physical decline and fall‐risk among PWD.

Cyanate resin is widely used in electronic packaging, printed circuit boards, radomes, and communication satellites for its excellent dielectric performance, heat resistance, and good flame retardancy, but its high brittleness is still a real challenge to be solved. In this paper, three poly(ether sulfone)s (PESs) were prepared from bis(4-fluorophenyl)sulfone with different bisphenol compounds, namely, bis(allyl)bisphenol A (DABPA, PES-a), bisphenol fluorene (BHF, PES-b), and the mixture of DABPA and BHF (PES-ab). Then, the effects of PESs on the mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of 2,2′-bis(4-cyanophenyl)propane cyanate (BADCy) resins were investigated. The bulky fluorene ring and its intrinsic low dipole moment make PES-b an effective modifier to reduce the dielectric constant (ε) and dielectric loss (tanδ), as well as to improve the toughness of BADCy resin composites. The allyl units in PES-a can efficiently react with BADCy monomers, leading to a highly improved interfacial compatibility. The impact strength of the PES-b/BADCy (10/90, wt/wt) composites was increased to 23.8 kJ/m2, which is 146% higher compared to the pure BADCy resin (9.7 kJ/m2), and the Tg was also increased slightly. More importantly, the ε and tanδ of PES-b/BADCy composites (7.5/92.5, wt/wt) are 2.51 and 0.0025, respectively, which are much lower than those of the pure BADCy (2.86 and 0.0054), at 106 Hz. In the Ku-band range (12–18 GHz), the wave transmittance of PES-b/BADCy (5/95, w/w) composites reaches up to 92.5%-86.1% (14–18 GHz) compared with pure BADCy resins (87.9%-81%). The low-k dielectric properties, excellent wave-transparent properties, and highly enhanced toughness of the PES/BADCy composites have great potential for applications in microelectronics and aerospace.

Macrolides of different ring sizes are critically important antimicrobials for human medicine and veterinary medicine, though the widely used 15-membered ring azithromycin in humans is not approved for use in veterinary medicine. We document here the emergence of azithromycin-resistant Salmonella among the NARMS culture collections between 2011 and 2021 in food animals and retail meats, some with co-resistance to ceftriaxone or decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. We also provide insights into the underlying genetic mechanisms and genomic contexts, including the first report of a novel combination of azithromycin resistance determinants and the characterization of multidrug-resistant plasmids. Further, we highlight the emergence of a multidrug-resistant Salmonella Newport clone in food animals (mainly cattle) with both azithromycin resistance and decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. These findings contribute to a better understating of azithromycin resistance mechanisms in Salmonella and warrant further investigations on the drivers behind the emergence of resistant clones.

Abstract Phylogenetic investigations indicate that multiple monophyletic clades (separate or distinct groups in a phylogenetic sense) exist within Vibrio , which has led to the reclassification of some species into different genera. The genera covered in this chapter are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, primarily marine waters. Pertinent clinical histories (when known) should accompany specimens to alert the laboratory to include appropriate isolation media for the Vibrionaceae in their stool workup; this is especially important in areas where the isolation of Vibrio is infrequent. Direct microscopic detection of vibrios in stool is not routinely recommended, since it may not be possible to distinguish pathogenic vibrios from other members of the enteric microbiota. Reagents for the serodiagnosis of cholera are available only in specialized reference laboratories, but titration of acute‐ and convalescent‐phase sera in agglutination, vibriocidal, or antitoxin tests is considered reliable.

The availability of detailed surface runoff and river flow data across large geographic areas is needed for several scientific applications, such as refined freshwater environmental risk assessments. Some limiting factors in developing detailed river flow datasets over large spatial scales have been paucity of detailed input spatial data and challenges in processing of these data. The well-established USDA Curve Number (CN) method was applied for spatially distributed hydrologic processing to estimate surface runoff. Publicly available global datasets for hydrologic soil groups, land cover, and precipitation were spatially processed by applying the CN equations to create a global mean annual surface runoff grid of 50 meters. Runoff was spatially combined with global hydrology of catchments and rivers from publicly available datasets to estimate daily mean annual flow (MAF) across the globe. Estimated daily MAF were compared with measured gauge flow at rivers in several countries which showed good correlation (R 2 of 0.76 -0.98). These flow estimates can be used for diverse applications at local watersheds to larger regions across the globe. The two spatial data products of this project representing MAF at the global scale are publicly available for download at

La lógica clásica parte del postulado de que un elemento solo puede estar en uno u otro de dos estados mutuamente excluyentes ("X" o "no X") de manera que la asignación del elemento a un estado es total, por ejemplo: 0 o 1; Si o No; Verdadero o Falso. Esta limitación queda superada en la lógica multivaluada, admitiendo no solo el "X" y el "no X" como alternativas, sino las infinitas posibilidades que en el medio se encuentran. En situaciones donde la información con la que se trabaja es incierta, la lógica multivaluada permite interpretar los hechos con mayor precisión. En ese contexto, considerando que los resultados de un proyecto de inversión en el futuro son inciertos, con el presente trabajo se pretende emplear la lógica multivaluada en la evaluación ex ante de los proyectos de inversión, de tal manera que se llegue a considerar la incertidumbre que todo proyecto tiene asociado. Para ello, se elaborará un modelo matemático que considere a los Números Borrosos Triangulares (NBT´s) en el cálculo del Valor Actual Neto, por tanto, el tratamiento corresponde al enfoque cuantitativo- experimental