Commercial Mineral Research Articles

Study of the behavior of snails intermediate hosts of Schistosoma spp. under different maintenance conditions and their resistance to salinity in an african laboratory environment

BackgroundThe control of snails intermediate hosts remains an effective strategy to limit schistosomiasis transmission despite the widespread mass de-worming campaign based on praziquantel. Therefore, the study of snail biology could help to improve snails control strategies. This study evaluated the development of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus senegalensis and Bulinus truncatus in various water sources and their resistance to salinity. MethodsFive day-old juveniles individuals issued from adult snails non-shedding Schistosoma spp cercariae were breed in distilled water, commercial mineral water, ground pump water and well water. Snail’s survival rate and size were measured over a period of 40 days. These two parameters were also measured over 30 days in increasing saline solutions (1 g/l, 3.5 g/l and 4 g/l) made of well water to which sodium chloride was added. ResultsB. truncatus growth was not hampered by any water sources with a survival rate between 68% and 84% (log rank X2 = 1.86, df = 3, p = 0.60). Despite a poor survival rate (8%) in distilled water, B. pfeifferi, has adapted to other water sources with a survival fraction between 88% and 96% (log rank X2 = 61.94, df = 3, p < 0.0001). B. senegalensis development was very delicate with low survival rate of 4% in distilled water, 20% in well water and 24% in commercial mineral water and ground pump water (log rank X2 = 13.24, df = 3, p = 0,004). For each species, even if the difference is not significant, the size of snails is larger with well water and pump water compared to distilled and commercial mineral water.B. pfeifferi survival rate was at 45% in both three saline solutions at day 30. B. senegalensis population collapsed at day 10 in 4 g/l saline solution and persisted until day 30 in both 1.5 g/l and 3.5 g/l solution. B. truncatus also persisted with a survival rate at 20% in 1.5 g/l but collapsed at day 5 and 15 in 4 g/l and 3.5 g/l solution, respectively. ConclusionThe differences in adaptation between snails species show the need to take into account the water sources for snail breeding in the laboratory. Further studies could help to determine the optimal water quality for each snail species in order to standardize breeding conditions. This study could contribute to the understanding of the dynamics and distribution of snails in natural conditions.

Flame Retardant Nano-Structured Fillers from Huntite/Hydromagnesite Minerals.

In the current study, we propose a simple hydrothermal pathway to synthesize nano-structured Mg(OH)2 after application of thermal decomposition followed by hydration of commercial minerals based on hydromagnesite and huntite. The synthesis of nano-materials is performed without the use of any catalyst. The effect of decomposition temperature on the hydrothermal synthesis of Mg(OH)2 is extensively studied. It is shown that the morphology of resulting structures consists typically of particles ~200 nm in diameter and ~10 nm in thickness. Study of the structure at the molecular level designates the composition and supports the nano-sized characteristics of the produced materials. The associated thermal properties combined with the corresponding optical properties suggest that the material may be used as a flame retardant filler with enhanced transparency. In this concept, the flame retardancy of composite coatings containing the produced nano-sized Mg(OH)2 was examined in terms of limiting oxygen index (LOI), i.e., the minimum concentration of oxygen that just supports flaming combustion.

О повышении эффективности геологического изучения Каспийского региона на базе уточненной картографической основы

This article aims to improve the methodology and approaches in substantiation of a unified cartographic base for prospective study, planning, and placement of research, forecasting of new oil and gas accumulations. In this case, the basic objectives are the refinement of the regional structure of the Caspian region by taking into account the main geological events during the formation and development, a more precise stratification of the section, specifically, the possible higher detailing of the Devonian and Cenozoic part. To this end, the main “tools” are considered to be the analysis of the paleogeographic environment, and peculiarities of sediment accumulation, which substantiate the formation of centers of maximum filling with fragmentary material, and anomalous objects (large carbon-bearing platforms and atollshaped massifs, mega-elevations, areas with non-conventional conditions for the oil-and-gas-formation processes). According to the preliminary results, their formation was preceded by the development of accumulative sedimentary forms of diverse genesis and paleobathymetric zoning of the sedimentation basin. The structural plan of the region and local anomalies are evaluated with due regard for such non-conventional features for the exploration geology as the structure of the daylight surface terrain, and the pattern of manifestation of anomalies of potential physical fields. Finally, a more detailed cartographic base allows refining some previously substantiated regional regularities in the manifestations of various types of minerals (hydrocarbons, solid commercial minerals, groundwater, ore, and valuable components), unique processes associated with the genesis of anomalous geological features, from the perspective of exploring, forecasting and detection of new oil and gas accumulations. A unified cartographic base constitutes a key factor for the expansion and active integration of geological organizations of all the five Caspian littoral states.

Development and Physiological Performance of Hydroponically-Grown Ornamental Indoor Plants in Relation to their Potential Use in Botanical Biofilters: Effect of Mineral Nutrient Availability

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of mineral nutrient availability on development and physiological performance of several common indoor ornamental plant species (Anthurium sp., Chlorophytum comosum, Epipremnum aureum, Plectranthus fruticosus, Spathiphyllum sp., and Tradescantia pallida) cultivated in hydroponics with potential use in active botanical biofilter systems. Plants were grown in expanded clay granules at four levels of mineral nutrient availability provided by two types of commercial mineral fertiliser. The growth stimulative effect of increased mineral nutrient availability depended on plant growth rate, with a lower effect on slower growing species. The need for nutrients increased in the order Anthurium &lt; Spathiphyllum &lt; Epipremnum &lt; Chlorophytum &lt; Tradescantia &lt; Plectranthus. Tissue water content showed pronounced differences between various plant species as well as between plant organs. For several species, increase in mineral nutrient availability resulted in a significant increase in tissue water content. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis showed that indoor plants can successfully adapt to low and moderate mineral fertiliser levels with balanced individual nutrient rates, without negative consequences to photochemistry of photosynthesis. Consequently, indoor plants can be cultivated at a relatively low concentration of mineral nutrients for optimum utilisation in active botanical biofilter systems.

Parametric and numerical modeling tools to forecast hydrogeological impacts of a tunnel

The project of interest involving a hydroelectrical diversion tunnel through a crystalline rock massif in the Alps required a detailed hydrogeological study to forecast the magnitude of water inflows within the tunnel and possible effects on groundwater flow. The tunnel exhibits a length of 9.5 km and is located on the right side of the Toce River in Crevoladossola (Verbania Province, Piedmont region, northern Italy). Under the geological framework of the Alps, the tunnel is located within the Lower Penninic Nappes in the footwall of the Simplon Normal Fault, and the geological succession is mostly represented by Antigorio gneiss (meta-granites) and Baceno metasediments (metacarbonates). Due to the presence of important mineralized springs for commercial mineral water purposes, the abovementioned hydrogeological study focused on both quantity and quality aspects via rainfall data analysis, monitoring of major spring flow rates, monitoring of hydraulic heads and pumping rates of existing wells/boreholes, hydrochemical and isotopic analysis of springs and boreholes and hydraulic tests (Lefranc and Lugeon). The resulting conceptual model indicated dominant low-permeability (aquitard) behavior of the gneissic rock masses, except under conditions of intense fracturing due to tectonization, and aquifer behavior of the metasedimentary rocks, particularly when interested by dissolution. Groundwater flow systems are mainly controlled by gravity. The springs located near the Toce River were characterized by high mineralization and isotopic ratios, indicating long groundwater flow paths. Based on all the data collected and analyzed, two parametric methods were applied: 1) the Dematteis method, slightly adapted to the case study and the available data, which allows assessment of both potential inflows within the tunnel and potential impacts on springs (codified as the drawdown hazard index; DHI); 2) the Cesano method, which only allows assessment of potential inflows within the tunnel, thereby discriminating between major and minor inflows. Contemporarily, a groundwater flow model was implemented with the equivalent porous medium (EPM) approach in MODFLOW-2000. This model was calibrated under steady-state conditions against the available data (groundwater levels inside wells/piezometers and elevation and flow rate of springs). The Dematteis method was demonstrated to be more reliable and suitable for the site than was the Cesano method. This method was validated considering a tunnel through gneissic rock masses, and this approach considered intrinsic parameters of rock masses more notably than morphological and geomorphological factors were considered. The Cesano method relatively overestimated tunnel inflows, considering variations in the topography and overburden above the tunnel. Sensitivity analysis revealed a low sensitivity of these parametric methods to parameter values, except for the rock quality designation (RQD) employed to represent the fracturing degree. The numerical model was calibrated under ante-operam conditions, and sensitivity analysis evaluated the influence of uncertainties in the hydraulic conductivity (K) values of the different hydrogeological units. The hydraulic head distribution after tunnel excavation was forecasted considering three scenarios, namely, a draining tunnel, tunnel as a water loss source, and tunnel sealed along its aquifer sectors, considering 3 levels of K reduction. Tunnel impermeabilization was very effective, thus lowering the drainage rate and impact on springs. The model quantitatively defined tunnel inflows and the effects on spring flow at the surface in terms of flow rate decrease. The Dematteis method and numerical model were combined to obtain a final risk of impact on the springs. This study likely overestimated the risk because all the values assigned to the parameters were chosen in a conservative way, and the steady-state numerical simulations were also very conservative (the transient state in this hydrogeological setting supposedly lasts 1–3 years). Monitoring of the tunnel and springs during tunnel boring could facilitate the feedback process.

The effects of rumen digesta supplementation enriched with different feedstuffs on feed quality and cattle performances

Rumen digesta disposal from slaughterhouses is a significant problem due to causes environmental pollution. However, it is valuable waste that is potent to use as a supplement on animal diet considering its rich in nutrients. Moreover, additional natural substances on rumen digesta improved feed efficiency. Thus, this research aimed to evince the effectiveness of rumen digesta supplementation enriched with natural sources for enhancing the quality of animal diet and cattle performance. The study was conducted on a cattle farm of Ngablak, Magelang Regency. Four formulations of rumen digesta were fed to five male cattle (Holstein-Friesian crossbred) in a completely randomized experimental design, namely: (1) RCS: rumen digesta enriched with cassava leaves, (2) RKD: rumen digesta enriched with moringa leaves and soybean powder, (3) RKC: rumen digesta enriched with moringa leaves and cassava chips, (4) RKS: rumen digesta enriched with moringa leaves and milk. The rumen digesta were processed through anaerobic fermentation for 21 days, then mixed with other feedstuff components, including rice straws, grasses, rice bran, molasses, table salts, and commercial mineral. The utilization of RKS rumen digesta resulted in the best nutritional value of feed indicated by high crude protein (10.24% DM), lipid (3.37% DM), and crude fiber (28.5% DM). Moreover, feeding cattle with the RKS diet significantly gained the cattle body weight up to 1.24 kg/day.

An analysis of the supply-side factors of geological exploration in China based on provincial panel data between 1999 and 2017

Geological exploration inputs' appropriateness is questionable and becomes one of research hotspots in the supply-side reform of geological exploration industry, as China has increased its investment in geological exploration in recent years to secure needed resources. In this study, starting with three theoretical hypotheses, we have constructed transmission chain of geological exploration value with mineral exploration as the core to analyze the appropriateness of the geological exploration inputs, and solve the problem that geological exploration products can't effectively measure their output benefits due to their quasi-public product attributes. To verify the theoretical framework, the effect of geological exploration inputs on mineral outputs and stockpiling has been examined using the Chinese provincial panel data between 1999 and 2017 and the stochastic frontier model. The results show that the investment and exploration rights are excessive, while labor is not, and the excessive investment is caused by fiscal overinvestment. In terms of policy, the government should appropriately reduce fiscal investment in mineral exploration, and gradually withdraw from the commercial mineral exploration sector. The key to improve the effectiveness supply of geological exploration factors' market is to establish a sound market for venture exploration capital and exploration technology services.

Corn Oil Performance’s A Bio Cooling Fluid in Electric Distribution Transformer

Biodegradable (Vegetable) fluids are considered as environmentally friendly fluids and possess an abundant benefit, they are wildly available by means of renewable sources compared to different kinds of mineral-oil. Given the occurrence of environmental pollution and health problems from mineral oils. This paper investigates the effect of utilizing the corn oil for the cooling performing features of distribution electric transformer, and making a comparison with the cooling performance of the electric transformer whith cooling by the commercial mineral fluid. This investigation is done by using the four- ball machine and electric transformers. Each experiment that was executed complies with ASTM D4172-B under different electrical loads (200-1600W). Depending on the outcomes of the four-ball machine and electric transformer, it has been noticed that the corn oil has the adequate cooling behavior compared to the commercial cooling fluid. It maintains the insulation housing between the coils, and maintains the coils when overloaded at peak time.

Inclusion of Biuret With or Without Bovatec in a Commercial Mineral Supplement Did Not Improve Growth Performance of Yearling Calves Grazing Native Grass: Year 1 of 2

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; biuret) or NPN + ruminal modifier (biuret + Bovatec, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) inclusion in a commercial mineral mix on growth performance of yearling beef calves grazing in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Biomass ashes as potential raw materials for mineral wool manufacture: initial studies of glass structure and chemistry

The energy intensive and CO2-generating nature of commercial mineral wool and glass production necessitates advances and changes in materials and processes. The derivation of raw materials from waste products arising from biomass energy generation offers the possibility of a two-fold environmental benefit: partial replacement of carbonate raw minerals in production, leading to lower CO2 release during melting; and the utilisation and valorisation of byproducts which may otherwise be sent to landfill. Glass samples with a basaltic mineral wool composition were produced with additions to the raw materials of 0, 1, 5 and 10 wt% of a fly ash and a bottom ash arising from biomass combustion. The resulting glasses were analysed by x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, dilatometry, 57Fe Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopies, and their densities, molar volumes and viscosity–temperature profiles were calculated and compared against benchmark glass samples. All biomass ash-containing glasses were closely similar in both composition and properties to the benchmark glass, with up to 10 wt% ash additions to the raw materials. In addition, the use of the biomass fly ash led to a reduction in batch CO2 content estimated to be 1·5 kg CO2 per tonne of batch for each 1 wt% addition. These initial results provide evidence supporting the further development of these ash materials as potential value-added raw materials for mineral wool manufacture.

Nanozymes with reductase-like activities: antioxidant properties and electrochemical behavior.

Nanozymes (NZs) as stable cost-effective mimics of natural enzymes may be promising catalysts in food and environmental biotechnology, biosensors, alternative energy and medicine. The majority of known NZs are mimetics of oxidoreductases, although there are only limited data regarding mimetics of reductases. In the present research, a number of metal-based NZs were synthesized via chemical methods and screened for their antioxidant ability in solution. The most effective reductase-like Zn/Cd/Cu NZ was characterized in detail. Its antioxidant properties in comparison with several food products and Trolox, as well as substrate specificity, size and composition were studied. Zn/Cd/Cu NZ was shown to mimic preferentially selenite reductase. The amperometric sensor was constructed possessing a high sensitivity (1700 A M−1 m−2) and a broad linear range (16–1000 μM) for selenite ions. The possibility to apply the fabricated sensor for selenite determination in commercial mineral water has been demonstrated.

Stanovenie pufračnej kapacity vybraných krmív používaných vo výžive ošípaných

If gastric acidity is to be encouraged, it may be beneficial to eliminate some feed elements from pig starter meals since they bind more acid in the stomach than others. The cereals (wheat, maize, and barley), soybean meal, commercial mineral supplement, and two feed mixtures (one of them with the additive Zeolit) were evaluated. In this study, it was discovered that adding zeolite to the feed mixture had the effect of lowering its initial pH (P<0.001), buffering (P<0.05) and binding capacity (P<0.05). This study aimed to measure the buffering and acid-binding capacity of some ingredients commonly used in growing pig feeds and estimate the coefficient of correlation between crude protein, ash, and the buffering capacity of feed ingredients with significant linear correlation (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). The combined impact of the individual feed mixture components' individual buffering capacities has not been proven.

Distrontium Cerate as a Radiopaque Component of Hydraulic Endodontic Cement.

This study aimed to synthesize distrontium cerate (2SrO·CeO2: S2Ce) and evaluate its properties as an alternative component of the endodontic cement. S2Ce cement was prepared through calcination of strontium hydroxide and cerium carbonate. Subsequently, the crystal phase was confirmed using X-ray diffraction. S2Ce cement exhibited a rapid setting time (121 min) and achieved a high compressive strength (72.1 MPa) at 1 d after mixing, comparable to the compressive strength of a commercial mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement (ProRoot MTA) after 28 d post mixing. However, the compressive strength decreased after 28 d of storage when the W/P ratio was 0.30–0.40 (p < 0.05). Ion dissolution test of the S2Ce cement showed that strontium ions were released after immersion in water (5.27 mg/mL after 1 d), whereas cerium dissolution was not detected. S2Ce exhibited approximately three times higher radiopacity (9.0 mm aluminum thickness equivalent) compared to the commercial MTA (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that S2Ce is a possible component for hydraulic endodontic cement that demonstrates a rapid setting and high radiopacity.

Mechanical and durability performance of concretes produced with steel slag aggregate and mineral admixtures

The steel slag is a residue for the steel industry that is already applied in many cement-based composites, although there is a lack of studies on the durability of this material in aggressive environments. This work evaluated the durability against chloride attack of concrete produced using steel slag as aggregate and mineral admixture, called steel slag powder. For comparison purposes, reference concretes using conventional aggregates and commercial mineral admixtures (silica fume and metakaolin) were produced. The concretes produced with steel slag aggregates and steel slag powder had lower chloride penetration depths compared to conventional ones. The steel slag powder presented an ability similar to silica fume of forming Friedel salt. The concrete produced with steel slag aggregates also presented a smaller water absorption and a higher compressive/tensile strength compared to the reference one. In general, this research observed that steel slag concretes are technically feasible options for the construction sector.

Application of Individual Digestate Forms for the Improvement of Hemp Production

In a two-year vegetation field experiment, the fertilizing effects of by-products from the agricultural biogas plant—a solid phase of digestate (SPD) and a liquid phase of digestate (LPD)—were studied and compared with mineral fertilization (NPK) on the biomass yield, content and nutrient uptake by Cannabis sativa L. plants. Furthermore, the agrochemical properties of the soil were evaluated at the end of the experiment. In all variants of the experiment, a uniform nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha was applied. The dose of other nutrients corresponded to the fertilizer used. The biggest fertilizing effect, and therefore the greatest hemp biomass yield and nutrient uptake, was demonstrated when combining SPD and LPD fertilization in one treatment. However, the differences were statically insignificant (p ≤ 0.05). The applied amount appeared to be sufficient for the nutrition of hemp plants and was comparable to mineral fertilization. The distribution of nutrients between leaves and stems varied depending on the nutrient monitored. Analyses after the end of the experiment did not show different contents of accessible nutrients in the soil on the studied variants. The content of accessible risk elements in the soil was not affected by the application of the SPD and the LPD. The experiment showed that cannabis plants are able to achieve equivalent biomass yields (8.68 t/ha) using the combination of LPD and SPD by-products from a biogas plan compared to commercial mineral fertilizer (7.43 t/ha). Therefore, we can recommend a split application of LPD and SPD as a suitable alternative to mineral fertilization. Due to prolonged nutrient release from SPD, we can expect a smaller negative environmental impact than current fertilization practices.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Low Viscosity 2‐Ethylhexyl Alkyl Ethers Made from Palm‐Based Esters as Potential Biolubricant

AbstractA series of 2‐ethylhexyl alkyl ethers (EHAE) are synthesized from palm‐based esters via a one‐step reaction under mild reaction conditions for potential usage as biolubricant. In this work, 2‐ethylhexyl esters with varying fatty acid chain lengths are reacted with 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS), catalyzed by indium bromide (InBr3) at 40 °C to afford EHAE with lauryl, palmityl, stearyl, and oleyl alkyl chain with 55–68% isolated yield. These compounds are characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and NMR spectroscopic methods and are evaluated for their viscosity, thermal, cold‐flow, oxidative, and anti‐wear properties. The synthesized EHAEs demonstrate low viscosity (1.65–2.55 cSt at 100 °C) with excellent viscosity indices (130–182). These EHAEs show comparable wear scar diameter (0.6–1.0 mm) in comparison with commercial mineral oil base stock (group I SN150) in the four‐ball wear test. Thermal‐oxidative investigation of the EHAE reveals that the thermal degradation temperatures are in the range of 200–250 °C and oxidation onset temperatures are between 165 and 184 °C. Among the EHAEs, 2‐ethylhexyl lauryl ether with the shortest alkyl chain has the lowest pour point of −27 °C. The physicochemical properties of synthesized EHAEs indicate that they are potential as biolubricant base stocks.Practical Applications: The EHAEs produced from this work exhibit promising physicochemical and lubricity properties, which offer great potential to be used as lubricant base stock especially for internal engine oil application.

Feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets with different feed additives.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets containing different feed additives. Six rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 225 ± 13.2 kg) were distributed in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Six experimental diets based on 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis were evaluated. Diets differed in feed additive on a DM basis, as follows: 1.4% bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in 3:1 ratio (BOX); 36 ppm lasalocid sodium (LAS); 30 ppm monensin sodium (MON); 25 ppm virginiamycin (VIR); 30 ppm monensin sodium plus 25 ppm virginiamycin (MV); and 3.15% commercial mineral supplement containing D-limonene and exogenous α-amylase (EOA). The experiment lasted 144 d, with six periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 14 d for dietary adaptation, 3 d for feces and urine collection, and 7 d for omasal and ruminal digesta collection. Bulls fed the BOX diet showed greater (P < 0.05) intake of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (apNDF), crude protein (CP), and starch compared to the other diets. Diets with LAS, MON, VIR, MV, or EOA did not influence (P > 0.05) the DM, OM, apNDF, CP, or starch intake of feedlot bulls. Bulls fed the EOA diet showed greater (trend; P = 0.09) ruminal digestibility of starch compared to the other diets. The feed additives did not affect (P > 0.05) the intestinal or total tract digestibility of starch, rumen pH, microbial efficiency, total rumen fluid, dilution rate, rate of intake, rate of degradation, or passage rate of the DM, OM, apNDF, and starch. In conclusion, LAS, MON, VIR, MV, and EOA diets reduced nutrient intake compared to BOX. Although all feed additives presented similar effects on rumen pH, temperature, and kinetics the presence of exogenous α-amylase in the EOA diet may increase ruminal starch digestibility and apparent total tract digestibility of DM and OM.

P–250 Mineral oil with high viscosity improves the stability of pH and osmolality in the human in vitro culture system

Abstract Study question Do commercial mineral oil brands differ in their capacity to stabilize the human embryo culture system, and is this related to the oil’s viscosity? Summary answer While the oils’ viscosity only had minor effects on temperature maintenance, it showed a direct correlation with the stability of pH and osmolality during culture. What is known already Mineral oil is a key component of the in vitro embryo culture system, which stabilizes temperature, pH and osmolality of the media during culture. Its use has been implemented worldwide for several decades and many manufacturers currently produce and commercialize oil intended for human embryo culture. Unfortunately, oil remains as one of the less characterized products in the IVF laboratory due to a lack of standardized nomenclature, production and testing. With differing physico-chemical properties, such as viscosity, oils produced by various manufacturers could behave differently to the same culture conditions and, thus, its use may need to be adjusted accordingly. Study design, size, duration Viscosity was quantified in three high-viscosity (H-V) and three low-viscosity (L-V) oils with a viscosity-meter. The required time for media’s pH to equilibrate using each oil was studied, as well as its subsequent stability outside the incubator for 30min. In-drop temperature was assessed during 15min when taking a dish outside the incubator, and again when putting it back. Additionally, each oil’s capacity to avoid media evaporation was studied with daily osmolality measurements during 7 days. Participants/materials, setting, methods pH equilibration was measured with a continuous pHmeter (Log&amp;Guard, Vitrolife) in 4-well dishes prepared with 600µl of medium and 500µl of oil. For the other experiments, 35mm dishes with 4ml of oil and 20µl media droplets were used. pH stability was assessed after 0, 15 and 30min outside the incubator with a blood-gas-analyzer (epoc,SiemensHelthineers). A fine-gauge thermocouple was used to measure in-drop temperature loss/recovery. Daily osmolality readings were taken with a vapor pressure osmometer (Vapro5600,Wescor). Main results and the role of chance The selected oil samples had a viscosity of 115, 111, 52, 22, 18, and 12cP. The medium’s pH took approximately 12h to completely equilibrate under H-V oils, while it took less than 4h in L-V. Similarly, the rise in pH after 30min on a heated stage outside of the incubator with room atmosphere was 0.03, 0.04, 0.06, 0.13, 0.17, and 0.26, respectively. Dishes were taken out of the incubator and placed on a heated surface. In the first five minutes, the in-drop temperature loss ranged between –0.22 and –0.13oC/min, with no significant differences observed between oil types. However, temperature plateaued at a significantly higher value in L-V oils (36.5oC), compared to H-V brands (36.25–36.1oC; p = 0.0005). By contrast, all samples followed a similar pattern when the dishes were returned to the benchtop incubator, with temperature taking around 7 minutes to completely recover. Some media evaporated in all oil groups during the 7-day culture in a dry benchtop incubator. The linear regression performed to compare the evaporation rate between groups showed a statistically significant correlation between oil viscosity and the rate of evaporation (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), with an osmolality rise ranging between +2.55mmol/kg/day in the most viscous oil and +6.29mmol/kg/day in the least viscous. Limitations, reasons for caution While the selected oils for this study represent a wide range of options in the market, future projects could widen this selection and include additional tests, such as optimized bioassays. Results may vary between centers, and thus each laboratory should test and optimize their culture system with their own settings. Wider implications of the findings: Different oil brands have shown differing physico-chemical properties that have a direct effect on the culture system and the stability of several culture conditions. These results may be of major importance to adapt the settings and methodologies followed in each IVF laboratory according to the type of oil being used. Trial registration number Not applicable

Spontaneously Occurring Chronic Copper Toxicosis in Pattanam Breed of Sheep

Background: Copper (Cu), an essential trace element, is toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. Ruminants, particularly sheep, are highly susceptible to chronic copper poisoning and cause acute death. Spontaneous copper poisoning in sheep was reported from many parts of the world however limited reports are available from India. Hence the present investigation was undertaken to report the occurrence of chronic copper poisoning in an intensively maintained Pattanam breed of sheep flock and its therapeutic management. Methods: An investigation was carried out to ascertain the possible cause of increased mortality in an intensively maintained 130 male lambs aged between 8 to 10 month old belongs to Pattanam breed during the month of September 2020 following death of 21 animals within a period of 15 days. Affected flock was inspected and samples were collected for biochemical analysis, toxicological, bacteriological and pathological examination.Result: Affected animals showed depression, anorexia, jaundice, hemoglobinurea and accelerated breathing. At necropsy, the dead animals showed generalized icterus, lung edema, yellow to orange coloured liver and gun metal kidney. Histopathological lesions include lung edema, centrilobular hepatic necrosis, bile stasis, renal tubular necrosis and formation of tubular cast. Toxicological analysis of liver revealed the copper level of 781 mg/kg dry matter basis. Source of copper was identified as a commercial mineral mixture supplement intended for cattle was supplemented along with concentrate feed. The flock was treated with chelating agent (D-penicllamine) and supportive therapies.

Single‐Component Chemical Nose with a Hemicyanine Probe for Pattern‐Based Discrimination of Metal Ions†

Main observation and conclusionWe report here a chemical nose utilizing the nonspecificity of a hemicyanine dye (probe P) containing three acetates and one deprotonatable phenol groups. Unlike conventional pattern‐based recognition that requires a combination of different probes, probe P alone is able to differentiate 9 different metals, generating distinctive absorption spectra and various patterns upon principle component analysis (PCA). River water samples and commercial mineral water samples were evaluated by the probe and were successfully distinguished.