Chemical Composition Research Articles

Antifungal and Allelopathic Effects of Essential Oil from Calyptranthes concinna DC. Dried Leaves and of Its Major Constituent Elemicin

Essential oils (EOs) are natural products widely used in sustainable agrochemistry, not only because they are biodegradable and safe but also because they are regarded as alternatives to chemical fungicides against fungal species that attack crops. Allelopathy, another field of study, falls within the most recent and sustainable strategies applied to weed suppression to replace synthetic herbicides. Therefore, this study reports the chemical composition and allelopathic and antifungal effects of the EOs extracted from Calyptranthes concinna dried leaves (Cc-EO) and its pure major constituent elemicin. Their antifungal activities were evaluated by the disk diffusion method (DDM) at doses between 0.05 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL of Cc-EO and elemicin. The allelopathic effect was evaluated by studying the inhibition of germination and the growth of Lactuca sativa seeds. The chemical composition of Cc-EO was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses. The major constituents of Cc-EO were elemicin (60.5%), α-cadinol (9.0%) and caryophyllene oxide (8.3%). Cc-EO and elemicin were assayed in vitro against 17 fungi of agronomic interest (Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. nomius, Penicillium digitatum, P. expansum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, S. rolfsii, S. minor, Fusarium graminearum, Myrothecium verrucaria, Corynespora cassiicola, Erwinia psidii, Colletotrichum musae, Alternaria carthami, Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizopus stolonifer and Macrophomina phaseolina). The concentration of Cc-EO (0.4 mg/mL) inhibited 100% of the mycelium growth of seven strains, equal to the fungicide fluazinam, which was used as a positive control. Elemicin showed antifungal activity against all fungi at all concentrations under investigation (above 50%). A strong allelopathic effect was recorded for Cc-EO and elemicin at the dose of 0.28 mg/mL, with the almost total inhibition of germination. This study revealed, for the first time, the strong and remarkable fungicidal and allelopathic effects of Cc-EO and elemicin, an important finding for the agrochemical field.

Comprehensive risk assessment of microplastics in tidal channel sediments in amazonian mangroves (northern Brazil)

Pollution by microplastics (MPs) in mangroves is a growing concern, given its potential ecological and human health impacts. The characteristics of microplastic pollution and a risk assessment of MPs in the Amazon region's coastal sediments are still insufficient, and information about MP pollution in the benthic component of the mangrove ecosystem is lacking. We analyzed MP concentrations in the surface sediment of 9 stations in three tidal channels along the Ajuruteua Peninsula connected to the Caeté River estuary, aiming to assess the hazard level on the environment based on the Pollution Load Index (PLI). Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy determined the MP's chemical composition. The results showed that the abundance of sediment MPs ranged from 100 to 1200 items kg−1, with an average of 433 ± 261.6 items kg−1. The MPs were mainly composed of transparent and blue fragments and fibers, ranging in size from 100 to 5000 μm. Six types of polymers were identified, including alkyd varnish (AV), resin dispersion (RD), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyethylene-polypropylene (PE-PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and hostaperm blue (HB). Hydrodynamic processes within estuaries and tidal channels play a crucial role in explaining the concentrations found, as circulation determines the pattern of sediment deposition and the particles adhered to it. PLI risk assessment showed that all sampling sites were at hazard level I: a low level of contamination in the mangrove sediments. However, a more comprehensive and systematic monitoring campaign is needed to expand our knowledge about pollution and contamination by MPs in Amazon mangrove areas.

High Stability Hypha-Like Core-Shell Nanostructure by In Situ Induced Phase Inversion for Zinc Metal Batteries.

Nanomaterials are widely used in many fields for their unique physical and chemical properties and especially demonstrate irreplaceability in energy storage systems. In this paper, a novel composite of copper sulfide with hypha-like core-shell nano-structure is synthesized by in situ phase inversion method, which serves as high stability negative electrode materials of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). The unique structure facilitates efficient electron and ion transport, enhances the kinetics of electrochemical reactions, and effectively suppresses the undesired expansion and decomposition of transition metal compounds. As a result, the half battery exhibits high specific capacity (250.2 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1), reliable rate performance, and cycle stability (98.3 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 500 cycles). Additionally, when assembled with ZnxMnO2 positive to form a full battery, it demonstrates good cycling capacity at an intermediate current density of 2 A g-1, while maintaining excellent structural stability over 5,000 cycles (61% retention).

Developments in biochar incorporated geopolymers and alkali activated materials: A systematic literature review

Annually, industries related to agricultural products generate substantial volumes of waste biomass, presenting critical challenges for solid waste management due to its environmental and health implications. Pyrolysis emerges as a significant technique for converting such waste into biochar (BC), a material with notable internal microstructure, porosity, and chemical properties, contingent on the feedstock and processing conditions. BC is recognized for its exceptional water retention and alkalinity, primarily utilized for soil enhancement and fertilization. Its application across various fields, particularly in enhancement for sustainability, has gained momentum. This review meticulously explores BC's role in sustainable composites, focusing on geopolymers and alkali-activated binders through a comprehensive examination of existing literature, underscored by bibliometric analysis. This pioneering review, leveraging the PRISMA framework and VOSviewer for bibliometric insights, aims to bridge the research gap in this evolving domain, offering a critical assessment of BC's integration in sustainable construction materials, its challenges, and future research directions. Hence, this pioneering systematic review represents the first-ever exploration within the research domain of BC's applications in geopolymers and alkali-activated materials, marking a foundational step toward understanding its potential and challenges in sustainable engineering practices.

In situ heating-induced loading of anion-rich vacancy Mo–Fe1-xS nanoparticles on mesoporous carbon for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Inspiriting the kinetics of transition metal sulfide-based anodes is key to optimizing rate performance and cycling stability. To this end, the controllable anion vacancy and large specific surface area are considered as powerful means to improve the performance of sodium-ion batteries due to their unique physical and chemical properties and convenient transport paths. Hence, we have generated Fe3+/MoO42−@cystine nanosheets by solvothermal reaction with iron molybdate nanosheets using cysteine as a sulfur and carbon source. in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the Fe3+/MoO42−@cystine nanosheets calcined under a vacuum state undergo significant structural evolution, consequentially, the decomposition and carbonization of cystine induces the generation of mesoporous structures with increasing temperature. In the half-cell, Mo–Fe1-xS@mesoporous nitrogen doped carbon-600 showed excellent rate capability at current densities of 0.1–5 A g−1, as well as excellent cycling performance (428.9 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g-1 after 800 cycles). Mesoporous nitrogen doped carbon and sulfur vacancies induced enhanced conductivity, fast ionic transfer and structural stability, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance of Mo–Fe1-xS@mesoporous nitrogen doped carbon under calcination at 600 °C (Mo–Fe1-xS@MCN-600).

Soil‐vegetation interplay in a Holocene toposequence at Torres del Paine National Park, southern Andes, Chile

AbstractChile's Torres del Paine National Park (TPNP) is one of the most impressive landscapes in southern Patagonia, with unique natural elements on the edge of the southern ice field, where knowledge of soils and ecological relationships is nonexistent. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical, physical, mineralogical, and micromorphological characteristics of Holocene soils along a local toposequence representing the main vegetation types of the TPNP. The morphological, chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties of 12 soil profiles were studied and classified according to Soil Taxonomy. Coevolution of vegetation and soil taxa is clearly evident since glaciation, with podsolization under austral Nothofagus pumilio forests leading to the development of spodosols, while paludization in local depressions with Nothofagus forests allowed the formation of histosols. Slopes covered with loess and tephra led to the formation of Andisols with shrub vegetation. Predominant parent materials include till from Late Quaternary advances of southern Andean ice, Pleistocene loess, and volcanic ash from surrounding Chilean volcanoes. The parent materials were strongly influenced by Late Quaternary climatic and landscape changes following the retreat of the Last Glacial Maximum in southern Patagonia, resulting in erosional and depositional conditions (windblown loess, fluvial glacial deposits, and moraines). Stable landforms show the influence of allochthonous volcanic ash shaping Andean features, combined with the accumulation of organic matter in hydromorphic soils. Three main groups of soils have been identified: loess‐rich soils, organic‐rich soils, and poorly developed soils. The latter show low fertility related to recent landforms on different substrates ranging from till, rocky slopes, talus, or glacial deposits. In high mountain regions under periglacial conditions, cryoturbation features indicate seasonal frost–thaw cycles without current permafrost. The diversity of soil orders in the mountains of southern Patagonia is comparable to similar environmental conditions and latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the andic properties due to volcanic ejecta inputs, as well as organic‐rich soils at low altitudes of bottom valleys, are typical features of the soils at TNTP.

Chemical characterization and biological properties of oyster and shiitake mushrooms extracts and their liposomal formulations

In recent years, the production of liposomal formulations using mushroom extracts has gained increasing interest to increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds in the nutraceutical field. Based on this information, we aimed to determine the antioxidant capacity (by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and FRAP assays) and enzyme inhibition (against cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase and tyrosinase) activities of alone and liposomal formulations of Pleurotusostreatus (OYE) or Lentinusedodes (SHE) in different extracts solvents which were methanol (MeOH), aqua (Aq), methanol/aqua (MeOH/Aq). The extracts and formulations were chemically characterized using HPLC-DAD. The mean diameter of SL:SHE and SL:OYE (in MeOH/Aq) extended in range between 60 and 165 nm. The entrapment yields of SL:SHE and SL:OYE (in MeOH/Aq) were 63.8% ± 3.7% and 71.2% ± 2.8%, respectively. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that ferulic and cinnamic acids were main components in the liposomal formulations. Liposomal formulations (in MeOH) showed higher antioxidant activity in the FRAP and CUPRAC assays. SL:SHE (in Aq) showed effective enzyme inhibition activity on acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase enzymes. Based on our findings, the liposomal formulations can be a valuable strategy in preparing functional applications with shiitake and oyster mushrooms.

Evaluation of WRF-Chem air quality forecasts during the AEROMMA and STAQS 2023 field campaigns

ABSTRACT A real-time air quality forecasting system was developed using the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) to provide support for flight planning activities during the NOAA Atmospheric Emissions and Reactions Observed from Megacities to Marine Areas (AEROMMA) and NASA Synergistic TEMPO Air Quality Science (STAQS) 2023 field campaigns. The forecasting system operated on two separate domains centered on Chicago, IL, and New York City, NY, and provided 72-hour predictions of atmospheric composition, aerosols, and clouds. This study evaluates the Chicago-centered forecasting system’s 1-, 2-, and 3-day ozone (O3) forecast skill for Chiwaukee Prairie, WI, a rural area downwind of Chicago that often experiences high levels of O3 pollution. Comparisons to vertical O3 profiles collected by a Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) instrument revealed that forecast skill decreases as forecast lead time increases. When compared to surface measurements, the forecasting system tended to underestimate O3 concentrations on high O3 days and overestimate on low O3 days at Chiwaukee Prairie regardless of forecast lead time. Using July 25, 2023, as a case study, analyses show that the forecasts underestimated peak O3 levels at Chiwaukee Prairie during this regionwide bad air quality day. Wind speed and direction data indicates that this underestimation can partially be attributed to lake breeze simulation errors. Surface fine particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements, Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16) aerosol optical depth (AOD) data, and back trajectories from the NOAA Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model show that transported Canadian wildfire smoke impacted the Lake Michigan region on this day. Errors in the forecasted chemical composition and transport of the smoke plumes also contributed to underpredictions of O3 levels at Chiwaukee Prairie on July 25, 2023. The results of this work help identify improvements that can be made for future iterations of the WRF-Chem forecasting system. Implications: Air quality forecasting is an important tool that can be used to inform the public about upcoming high pollution days so that individuals may plan accordingly to limit their exposure to health-damaging air pollutants. Forecasting also helps scientists make decisions about where to make observations during air quality field campaigns. A variety of observational datasets were used to evaluate the accuracy of an air quality forecasting system that was developed for NOAA and NASA field campaigns that occurred in the summer of 2023. These evaluations inform areas of improvement for future development of this air quality forecasting system.

Effect of different powers on microstructure evolution and corrosion behavior of 5SiC-Ni60 coatings by directed energy deposition

The microstructural evolution and corrosion behavior of directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufactured 5SiC-Ni60 composite coatings are investigated, elucidating the impact of fluctuations in power on the coating. The experiment reveals the microstructural characteristics, eutectic evolution, phase-microhardness correlation, and corrosion resistance mechanisms, all influenced by power variation as a crucial factor. Utilizing SEM, EDS, XRD, PDP, EIS, and XPS, the mapping relationship between microstructure reinforcement mechanisms, microhardness region features, corrosion behavior formation mechanisms, and power variation is clarified. The optimal laser power is determined to be 3000 W, facilitating the formation of a dense passivation film, efficiently reducing corrosion contact area and enhancing corrosion resistance. The chemical composition of the passivation film is revealed through XPS. Furthermore, utilizing polarization characteristics, impedance analysis, and corrosion morphology as focal points of discussion, the pitting defects on the corroded surface are explained. Consequently, achieving corrosion protection for the composite coating requires intervention with appropriate power parameters, providing valuable insights for enhancing corrosion resistance based on process parameters.

АНАЛИЗ НАДЕЖНОСТИ СРЕДСТВ ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНОЙ ЗАЩИТЫ ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ ПОЖАРНЫХ

The article examines the analysis of the equipment of fire and rescue units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in the Vladimir region with personal respiratory and visual protection equipment for firefighters. The statistics of their failures are presented, as well as the process of determining the most unreliable elements of the personal respiratory and visual protection equipment for firefighters, as well as an analysis of the causes of failures. It was determined that the main reasons for the failures of the personal respiratory and visual protection equipment for firefighters are a decrease in the reliability of the functional elements of the pulmonary automaton: a violation of the tightness of the housing, incomplete switching on/off of the additional air supply button (bypass) due to mechanical action on the actuator (springs, membranes), a change in the shape and chemical composition of plastic elements. It is shown that a significant number of negative factors affect the reliability of the personal respiratory and visual protection equipment for firefighters. The results of the study will be useful for both responding fire and rescue units and manufacturers of personal respiratory and visual protection equipment for firefighters in terms of forecasting and monitoring the reliability of their elements. In practice, this will increase the safety and efficiency of fire protection units in an inhospitable environment.

Effect of Mo Content on the Structural, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of New Zr-Nb-Mo Alloys Obtained by Combining Powder Metallurgy and Vacuum Arc Melting Methods

Considering the high demand for innovative solutions in medicine, a major increase in interest in biomaterials research has been noticed, with the most significant advancements in metals and their alloys. Titanium-based alloys are one of the most recognised in the scientific community but do not represent the only way to achieve optimal results. Zirconium alloys for medical applications are a novelty with significant research potential based on their outstanding properties, which may be of value for medicine. The aim of the present study was to obtain new biomedical Zr-Nb-Mo alloys with varying ratios of their respective elements—Zr and Mo—using combined powder metallurgy (PM) and arc melting (VAM) methods. The obtained samples underwent microstructure analysis using an optical microscope (OM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study of element distribution was conducted with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), whereas the phase composition was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were examined with a Micro Combi Tester MCT3, whereas tribological properties were assessed with a TRN Tribometer, and Ringer’s solution was used as a lubricant. Additionally, the wear tracks of the studied samples were observed using the SEM. The research results indicated that increased Mo content conduced to microstructure refinement and homogeneity. Furthermore, the higher content of this element contributed to the growth of the HVIT, HIT, and EIT parameters, together with the improvement in the tribological performance of the alloys. XRD analysis revealed that the obtained samples were multiphase, and raising the Mo addition promoted the formation of new phases, including a ternary phase—Zr0.9Nb0.66Mo1.44 (Fdm). The chemical composition study showed uneven distribution of niobium and areas of uneven mutual distribution of zirconium and molybdenum.

Comparison of chemical compositions and aroma characteristics of walnut oil prepared by different roasting processes.

Walnut oil is an edible oil with high nutritional value, and the roasting process influences its quality and flavor. This study aimed to investigate the effects of roasting on the fatty acid composition, bioactive compounds (tocopherols, polyphenols, and phytosterols), and antioxidant capacity of walnut oil. Additionally, the aroma compounds and sensory characteristics were evaluated to comprehensively assess the variations in walnut oil after roasting. Roasting resulted in no notable impact on the fatty acid composition of walnut oil but increased the content of tocopherols and polyphenols in walnut oil, increasing its antioxidant capacity. Heavy roasting (160°C/20min) reduced the phytosterol content in walnut oil by 2.3%. In total, 146 volatile compounds were detected in both cold-pressed and roasted walnut oil using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 32 key aroma compounds were identified. Aromatic aldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes, and heterocyclic compounds significantly contributed to fragrant walnut oil. Furthermore, the principal component analysis based on quality characteristics and sensory evaluation indicated that moderate roasting (130°C/20min, 130°C/30min, and 160°C/10min) provided walnut oil with a sweet, nutty, and roasted aroma, as well as high levels of linoleic acid, phytosterols, and γ-tocopherol. Although heavy roasting (160°C/15min and 160°C/20min) enhanced the antioxidant capacities of walnut oils due to high levels of polyphenols, the oils exhibited an unpleasant burnt aroma. This study showed that roasting promoted the quality and flavor of walnut oil, and moderate conditions endowed walnut oil with a characteristic-rich flavor while maintaining excellent quality.

Digestate from an Agricultural Biogas Plant as a Factor Shaping Soil Properties

In the context of a circular economy, special attention should be paid to the rational management of biodegradable waste. Currently, a potentially valuable waste material, rich in ingredients available to plants, is digestate, obtained as a by-product in agricultural biogas plants. The presented study aimed to determine the impact of digestate (DIG) from an agricultural biogas plant on soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), sorption properties (SBC, HAC, CEC, BS), and chemical composition of soil. The research was based on a pot experiment in which increasing doses of liquid (LD) and solid (SD) forms of DIG were used in corn cultivation, balanced in terms of the amount of N introduced into the soil. The composition of DIG varied and depended on the LD or SD form. The LD was characterized by a lower pH value and higher EC compared to the SD form. The LD contained much less TC, fewer macroelements, and fewer trace elements. The application of LD significantly increased in the soil the content of TC, Ntot, available K, P, Fe, and Mn, and exchangeable cations K+. The SD significantly increased the content of available P, Mg, and Mn and exchangeable cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the soil. Both forms of digestate increased the total content of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, and Ni) in the soil. However, they did not pose a threat to the environment concerning their legally permissible levels.

Multiscale modelling of microstructure evolution, and local solidification behaviours of the AlSi10Mg build component in laser powder bed fusion process

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process is an additive manufacturing process, in which rapid heating and cooling takes place. The microstructure and the solidification behaviour of L-PBF components have significant impacts on their mechanical properties. The solidification takes place in a very short duration which is difficult to capture experimentally, therefore the finite-element (FE) simulation is the best feasible solution. In this paper, to study the evolution of the AlSi10Mg alloy’s microstructure during the L-PBF process, a model composed of macroscopic finite element (FE) model and microscopic phase field (PF) model was built. This model is suitable to predict a more realistic thermal behaviour involving the possible physical phenomena and the thermal behaviour for various heat inputs was calculated. The PF model was then updated with these results in order to simulate the chemical compositions’ concentration field and solidified microstructure. According to the simulation’s results, the primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) is significantly influenced by the laser line energy. To validate the FE model along with the Phase field (PF) model, the results were compared with the analytical and experimental findings; and the FE model and PF results exhibited good agreement with the experimental results. Additionally, the solute distribution analysis demonstrated that during the solidification process, micro-segregation developed and the process parameters affected the micro-segregation. Finally, the specimens were subjected to metallographic and element distribution analyses using an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to compare the results with those from the PF simulation and establish the relationship between the process parameters.

Design and Control of the Natural Frequency of Brake Discs in the Aspect of the Gray Cast Iron Production Process

The results of research on the influence of the chemical composition of cast iron and its potential changes in the production cycle on the elastic properties and the correctness of numerical simulations of the natural frequency of ventilated brake discs are presented. The tests were carried out for three grades of gray cast iron with flake graphite with a eutectic saturation coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 1.01. A quantitative metallographic assessment of the pearlitic cast iron matrix and graphite precipitates was carried out, and the hardness and compressive/tensile strength of individual cast iron grades were determined, taking into account the limit contents of the alloying elements. Next, ultrasonic tests were performed, and the elastic properties of cast iron were determined. Based on the obtained data, a numerical modal analysis of brake discs was performed, the results of which were compared with the actual values of an FRF frequency analysis. The error of the computer simulations was estimated at approx. 1%, and it was found that the accuracy of the calculations of the first natural frequency did not depend on the dimensions (size) of the discs and the chemical composition of the cast iron from which they were cast. The functional relationships between the chemical composition of cast iron, its strength and elasticity and the first natural frequency of the disc vibrations were determined, and a database of the material parameters of the produced cast iron grades was developed. An implementation example showed the validation of the brake disc design with natural frequency prediction and demonstrated a high convergence of the experimental results with the simulated values. Using I-MR control cards, both the effectiveness of designing and predicting the natural vibrations of brake discs based on the implemented material database as well as the stability of the gray cast iron production and disc casting processes were confirmed.

Hygroscopic Properties of Water-Soluble Counterpart of Ultrafine Particles from Agriculture Crop-Residue Burning in Patiala, Northwestern India

To determine the link between hygroscopicity and the constituent chemical composition of real biomass-burning atmospheric particles, we collected and analyzed aerosols during wheat-straw (April–May), rice-straw (October–November), and no-burning periods (August–September) in 2008 and 2009 in Patiala, Punjab. A hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA) system was used to measure hygroscopicity at ~5 to ~95% relative humidity (RH) of aerosolized 100 nm particles generated from the water extracts of PM0.4 burning and no-burning aerosol samples. The chemical analyses of the extracts show that organic carbon and water-soluble inorganic-ion concentrations are 2 to 3 times higher in crop-residue burning aerosol samples compared to no-burning aerosols, suggesting the substantial contribution of biomass burning to the carbonaceous aerosols at the sampling site. We observed that aerosolized 100 nm particles collected during the crop-residue burning period show higher and more variable hygroscopic growth factor (g(RH)) ranging from 1.21 to 1.68 at 85% RH, compared to no-burning samples (1.27 to 1.33). Interestingly, crop-residue burning particles also show considerable shrinkage in their size (i.e., g(RH) < 1) at lower RH (<50%) in the dehumidification mode. The increased level of major inorganic ions in biomass-burning period aerosols is a possible reason for higher g(RH) as well as the observed particle shrinkage. Overall, the measured g(RH), together with the correlation observed between aerosol water content and ionic-species volume fraction, and the study of the abundance of individual constituent ionic species suggests that inorganic salts and their proportion in aerosol particles primarily governed the aerosol hygroscopicity.

Study on the Distribution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Antibiotics and Resistance Genes in Water Sources of Wuhan

In contemporary society, the improper use of antibiotics leads to their persistent presence in the ecological environment. Due to the diverse physical and chemical properties of antibiotics, their spatial and temporal distribution in the environment varies. Moreover, antibiotics can stimulate the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which complicates the monitoring and regulation of antibiotics and poses a significant threat to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This study investigated the distribution of 15 antibiotics and 11 typical ARGs across four categories at 19 sites of drinking water sources in Wuhan, China. The findings revealed that the concentration of antibiotics during the dry season (nd~61,883 ng/L) was significantly higher compared to both the normal water season (nd~49,883 ng/L) and the wet season (nd~28,686 ng/L). Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfamethoxazole (SMD), sulfadiazine (SD), and roxithromycin (RTM) were the predominant antibiotics in the target water environments. The study indicated that most of the antibiotics analyzed posed little to no risk to aquatic organisms. The primary ARGs detected in the surface water of the study area were sul1, qnrD, and tetO. Furthermore, some ARGs showed a negative correlation with their respective antibiotics. Additional research is necessary to evaluate the impact of these emerging pollutants (antibiotics and ARGs) on the safety of high-quality drinking water for residents in Wuhan City.

Mussel Culture Farming Systems in the Northern Gargano Coast (Adriatic Sea): Changes in the Nutritional Profile of the Mytilus galloprovincialis

The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional characteristics of Mytilus galloprovincialis cultivated in three sites of the Northern Coastal Area of Gargano. The mussel farms were characterized by different distances of dropper ropes (extensive dropper ropes: EDR; intensive dropper ropes: IDR; semi-intensive dropper ropes: SIDR). Mussels’ chemical composition, fatty acids, and amino acids profiles were investigated at monthly intervals, from April to June. The fat content of mussels from EDR and SIDR sites was lower than values observed for mussels of the IDR in both the April and June sampling months. An increase in the main saturated fatty acids (C15:0; C16:0; C17:0 and C18:0; p < 0.001) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2c9c12, C18:3n3, C20:2n6, C20:4n6, and C22:6n3; p < 0.001) was found in the mussels collected in June from all farms analyzed. In terms of farming systems, mussels from the EDR and SIDR sites exhibited the greatest content of beneficial molecules like conjugated linoleic acids isomers (p < 0.001), glutamic acid (p < 0.05), serine (p < 0.05), tryptophan (p < 0.001), hydroxyproline (p < 0.05) and proline (p < 0.01). This study revealed that the farming system can affect the nutritional composition of mussels and evidenced that EDR and SIDR are the most effective cultured farming methods in the Gargano area.

Gene expression in the Longissimus dorsi muscle related to meat quality from tropical hair lambs.

The present study describes the expression of genes in the Longissimus dorsi muscle related to meat quality of hair lambs finished in an Integration Crop-Livestock system. Twenty-eight non-castrated lambs of two breeds, Somalis Brasileira and Santa Inês, at 120 ± 15 days of age, with an average initial live weight of 18 ± 3.1kg, were kept in a pasture-based finishing system with supplementation. Upon reaching 28kg body weight, animals were sent for slaughter. Samples of the Longissimus dorsi and Biceps femoris muscle were harvested for analyses of gene expression and physicochemical properties. Significant differences were detected between the breeds for tissue and chemical composition, whereas the physical aspects did not differ. We observed the expression of six genes related to lipid synthesis (acetyl-CoA carboxylase [ACACA], fatty acid synthase [FAS], stearoyl-CoA desaturase [SCD], lipoprotein lipase [LPL], cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A [CIDEA], and thyroid hormone responsive [THRSP]) and six genes related to molecular synthesis (myostatin [MSTN], growth differentiation factor 8 [GDF8], insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF1], insulin-like growth factor 2 [IGF2], delta-like 1 homolog [DLK1], and growth hormone receptor [GHr]) in both breeds. The Santa Inês breed and the Somalis Brasileira showed similar expression patterns of genes related to lipogenesis and myogenesis of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, with the exception of the THRSP gene, in which the Somalis Brasileira have more receptors for the action of thyroid hormones, which resulted in greater thickness of fat in the carcass (subcutaneous fat) and higher lipid content in the chemical composition of the meat.

Study of essential oils and hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from Clinopodium vimineum (Lamiaceae), according to its different phenological stages

ABSTRACT The Caribbean shrub, Clinopodium vimineum, had its essential oil (EO) and hydroalcoholic extracts analyzed across three growth stages: vegetative, flowering, and post-flowering. The chemical composition of the EOs was analyzed by GC/MS/FID and that of the extracts was studied by UHPLC/ESI-Q-Orbitrap-MS. Twenty six compounds (>0.1%) were detected in the EOs of C. vimineum. p-Menth-3-en-8-ol (35–40%) and pulegone (27–30%) were the major components. Among the hydroalcoholic extracts, hydroxycinnamic acids (18–46 mg/g) and glycosylated flavones (17–19 mg/g) were found. The amounts of rosmarinic acid (20–40 mg/g) in the extracts isolated from the hydrodistillation residual biomass were twice as high as those in the extracts from the fresh plant material. The antioxidant activity of the EOs and extracts was evaluated by the ABTS+• and ORAC assays. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the chemical composition or antioxidant activity of EOs and hydroalcoholic extracts, obtained from plants collected at different phenological stages.