Concentrations Of Different Fractions Research Articles

Long-Term Amendment with Sewage Sludge: Effects on Nutrient Value and Trace-Metal Content in Different Parts of Maize Plants

Agricultural soils play a key role in the achievement of a circular nutrient economy. The use of sewage sludges as fertilizers is important for such an achievement, assisting in the maintenance of soil health and nutritional crop value. This study was established, after 23 years of a fertilization experiment, in calcareous soil under a maize monoculture. The treatments included mineral fertilization as a control (MIN, 225 kg N ha−1) and two sludge treatments, where doses followed a threshold sludge nitrogen criterion (SNC, 170 kg org-N ha−1) or a threshold soil phosphorus criterion (SPC; when the soil Olsen-P value exceeded 40–60 kg P ha−1, the sludge application was stopped). A detailed study was performed on Cd, Cu, F, Mn, Pb, and Zn soil extractable with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), as well as the nutrient and heavy metal concentration of different fractions of the maize plant (grain, cob, and the rest of the plant). Extractions were also quantified. No biomass-yield differences were observed in the different parts of the maize plant in the year of sampling. Sludges increased the soil DTPA extraction of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn and diminished Mn extraction, without differences in extractable Pb. The SNC, when compared with MIN, showed increased P cob concentrations, and in grain, it showed increased Fe, Cr, and Co concentrations. The SPC figures of the studied parameters were, in general, between both treatments (MIN and SNC), although Cr extractions in grain diminished vs. SNC. Based on the results, the SPC can be recommended as it also avoids excessive available-P build up.

Influence of organism stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide on the metabolism of the extracellular matrix of the heart of rats under conditions of experimental metabolic syndrome

Until recently, the extracellular matrix was considered only a structural component of the organ, which performs exclusively the function of the framework. However, recent studies provide insight into a much broader role of extracellular matrix in metabolic homeostasis, the transmission of intra-organ and tissue signals. Metabolic syndrome and chronic infectious diseases can change the extracellular matrix’s structure in the heart. However, the combined effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and metabolic syndrome on extracellular matrix of the heart remains insufficiently elucidated at present. The purpose of this work is to establish the effect of organism stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide on the concentration of different fractions of glycosaminoglycans, the intensity of collagenolysis and the content of sialic acids in the heart of rats under conditions of experimental metabolic syndrome. The study was conducted on 24 sexually mature rats of the “Wistar” line weighing 200-260 g. Animals were divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each group: control, metabolic syndrome group, lipopolysaccharide injection group and combination of lipopolysaccharide injection and metabolic syndrome group. Metabolic syndrome was modelled by using 20% fructose solution as the only water source. Lipopolysaccharide of S. typhi was administered according to the scheme: the first week, 0.4 μg/kg 3 times intraperitoneally, then once a week 0.4 μg/kg throughout the experiment. Experiment lasted for 60 days. The concentration of glycosaminoglycans, their separate fractions, the content of free L-hydroxyproline and sialic acids was studied in 10% rat heart homogenate. The combined effect of stimulation of the organism with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and metabolic syndrome modeling led to an increase in the total concentration of glycosaminoglycans in the heart of rats by 73.46% compared to the control group. Under these conditions, the concentration of the heparin-heparan fraction of glycosaminoglycans in the heart of rats increased by 188.64% compared to the control group. The content of the keratan-dermatan fraction of glycosaminoglycans increased by 75.34%, and the chondroitin fraction of glycosaminoglycans increased by 17.63%. The concentration of free L-hydroxyproline increased by 167.23%. The content of sialic acids increased by 66.95%. Metabolic syndrome, stimulation of the organism with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and their combination lead to intensification of degradation of the extracellular matrix of the heart of rats due to increased collagenolysis, destruction of proteoglycans and glycoproteins.

76 An in-vitro analysis of hemp as feed for beef cattle

Abstract Hemp, Cannabis sativa L., is a versatile crop that has been cultivated for centuries. Cannabis production had been outlawed in the United States due to concerns related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intoxication. However, recent legislation has declassified hemp as a schedule 1 drug under regulated conditions (i.e., THC < 0.3%). Thus, hemp has been reclassified as an agricultural commodity, and its production for fiber, food, and medicine has increased. Hemp cultivation results in by-products that are not utilized for human needs and have potential as livestock feed, especially for ruminants. Current regulations restrict the use of hemp and its by-products in livestock systems due to the presence of cannabinoids. Thus, research on the nutritional value of hemp for cattle is lacking. The objective of this study was to characterize the nutrient concentrations, in-vitro digestibility (IVD), and cannabinoid concentrations of different fractions of the hemp plant. Procedures involving animals were approved by IACUC at Texas State University (#8497). Four replications of hemp plants of the Cherry Soda varietal were cultivated at Texas State University. Samples were air-dried and fractionated into lower (n = 4), leaves (n = 4), stalks (n = 4), and whole plant (n = 4). Dry matter, organic matter (OM), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and crude protein (CP) were determined. For IVD, samples were incubated in digestion vessels containing buffers and rumen fluid at 39.5°C for 48 h and subsequently analyzed for NDF. Cannabinoid analysis was conducted via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The OM was in acceptable ranges for each hemp fraction (69-95%). The NDF and ADF were within normal ranges of conventional livestock feeds and forages for most fractions, except hemp stalk (81% NDF, 69% ADF). There was high variability in CP between fractions, with the least concentrations observed in the stalk (4%) and greatest in the flower (25%). Stalks had an IVD of 21%, whole plant of 67%, flower of 87%, and leaves of 93%. Cannabinoids were present in each fraction and especially concentrated in the flower (14%) and depleted in the stalk (0.06%). Flower had THC of 0.56%, while other fractions were less than the 0.3% legal threshold. Similarly, total cannabidiol (CBD) ranged from 0.05-11.4% with the greatest concentrations in the flower and least in the stalk. Our results indicate there is potential for hemp to be integrated into cattle production, especially the leaves. Despite adequate nutritional value, there are practical limitations with feeding hemp flower to cattle. In-vivo trials are needed to assess digestibility and profile cannabinoid metabolism in various tissues before hemp can be integrated into cattle diets.

Variation in the burden and chemical forms of thallium in non-detoxified tissues of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) from waterborne exposure

Thallium (Tl) is highly toxic to aquatic ecosystems, but information about its concentration and distribution characteristics in different fish tissues is limited. In this study, juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were exposed to Tl solutions with different sub-lethal concentrations for 28 days, and the Tl concentrations and distribution patterns in the fish non-detoxified tissues (gills, muscle, and bone) were analyzed. The Tl chemical form fractions, Tl-ethanol, Tl–HCl, and Tl-residual, corresponding to easy, moderate, and difficult migration fraction, respectively, in the fish tissues were obtained by sequential extractant approach. The Tl concentrations of different fractions and total burden were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Exposure-concentration effect determined the Tl burden in the fish tissues. The average Tl-total concentration factors were 360, 447, and 593 in the bone, gills, and muscle, respectively, and the limited variation during the exposure period indicates that tilapia have a strong ability to self-regulate and achieve Tl homeostasis. However, Tl fractions varied in tissues, and the Tl–HCl fraction dominated in the gills (60.1%) and bone (59.0%), switchover Tl-ethanol fraction dominated in the muscle (68.3%). This study has shown that Tl can be easily taken up by fish during 28-days-period and largely distributed in non-detoxified tissues especially muscle, in which concurrent risks of high Tl-total burden and high levels of Tl in the form of easy migration fraction, posing possible risks to public health.

Optimization of reaction temperature and Ni–W–Mo catalyst soaking time in oil upgrading: application to kinetic modeling of in-situ upgrading

Decreasing the conventional sources of oil reservoirs attracts researchers’ attention to the tertiary recovery of oil reservoirs, such as in-situ catalytic upgrading. In this contribution, the response surface methodology (RSM) approach and multi-objective optimization were utilized to investigate the effect of reaction temperature and catalysts soaking time on the concentration distribution of upgraded oil samples. To this end, 22 sets of experimental oil upgrading over Ni–W–Mo catalyst were utilized for the statistical modeling. Then, optimization based on the minimum reaction temperature, catalysts soaking time, gas, and residue wt.% was performed. Also, correlations for the prediction of concentration of different fractions (residue, vacuum gas oil (VGO), distillate, naphtha, and gases) as a function of independent factors were developed. Statistical results revealed that RSM model is in good agreement with experimental data and high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.96, 0.945, 0.97, 0.996, 0.89) are the witness for this claim. Finally, based on multi-objective optimization, 378.81 °C and 17.31 h were obtained as the optimum upgrading condition. In this condition, the composition of residue, VGO, distillate, naphtha, and gases are 6.798%, 39.23%, 32.93%, 16.865%, and 2.896%, respectively, and the optimum condition is worthwhile for the pilot and industrial application of catalyst injection during in-situ oil upgrading.

Impact of Silica Addition on Alleviating Cadmium Stress: Case Studies of Three Afforestation Tree Species Seedlings in Southern China

Cadmium (Cd) stress is becoming an increasing menace for plants, inducing a series of negative effect. Silicon (Si) plays an important role in mitigating Cd stress in plants. Here, we conducted a one-year experiment with three kinds of tree species seedlings (Schima superba, Chinese sweetgum, Chinese fir) and five levels of Cd treatments (0 mg·kg−1, 6 mg kg−1, 12 mg kg−1, 24 mg kg−1, 36 mg kg−1) with or without 1 g kg−1 Si addition to investigate the mitigation effect of Si on woody plants. The results in this study showed that Cd stress triggered morphological and physiological changes, inhibiting the growth of the three kinds of tree species seedlings. Low concentrations of Cd treatment stimulated the biomass production of Schima superba and Chinese sweetgum seedlings, whereas the biomass production of Chinese fir was not stimulated by Cd treatment. The stimulatory effects were also observed in the antioxidant enzyme (SOD, POD, CAT) activities of the three kinds of seedlings. The MDA contents decreased with the rise of Cd treatments. Soil pH decreased under Cd stress. BCF values of different fractions were observed to increase with the rise of Cd treatments, except for the leaf BCF value of Chinese sweetgum. The root−to−stem TF values of all increased compared with the control, while the root-to-leaf TF values were observed to decrease. Si addition enhanced the growth of the three kinds of tree species seedlings, inducing the increase of heights, ground diameter, leaf morphological parameters, biomass production, the content of chlorophyll and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Treatment with Si significantly decreased the Cd concentration in different fractions of the three kinds of seedlings. Soil pH increased after treatment with Si. The BCF values for Si-treated plants were all observed to be lower than the non-Si-treated ones. However, the addition Si did not affect the root-to-stem and root-to-leaf TF values in the three kinds of seedlings.

Water-insoluble carbonaceous components in rainwater over an urban background location in Northern India during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.

The carbonaceous content of rainwater was investigated in samples collected at an urban background site in northern India. Sampling was performed on an event basis during two seasons: pre-monsoon (PM) and monsoon (MN) season covering May-June and July-August, respectively, in 2016. The concentrations of different fractions of water-insoluble organic carbon (WIOC) and elemental carbon (EC) were precisely determined, and the sources of WIOC and EC were also analysed. The result revealed that the average WIOC and EC concentration in rainwater ranged from 0.4 to 52 mgC/L and from 0.1 to 15.3 mgC/L, respectively. The concentrations of WIOC and EC were found to be ~ 9 times and ~ 12 times higher, respectively, in the PM season than MN season. The WIOC/EC ratio indicated higher variation in PM season as compared to that of the MN season, suggesting divergent emission sources during the PM season. The formation of water-insoluble secondary organic carbon (WISOC) has also been identified as one of the causes for the extensive difference in the WIOC/EC ratio in different seasons. Results showed that the WIOC and its fractions were efficiently scavenged through rain. While EC and its fractions were less significantly scavenged, due to its hydrophobicity and fine size. The atmospheric scavenging coefficients of selected carbonaceous components were found significantly correlated with rain intensity (RI) during both the seasons. Higher rain intensity caused greater rates of carbonaceous component wash-out and decreasing concentrations of carbonaceous components in the rain.

Recovery of soil phosphorus on former bauxite mines through tropical forest restoration

Soil phosphorus (P) is a major driver of forest development and a critically limited nutrient in tropical soils, especially when topsoil is removed by mining. This nutrient can be present in soils in the form of different fractions, which have direct consequences for P availability to plants and, consequently, for restoration success. Therefore, understanding how the stocks of different soil P fractions change over the restoration process can be essential for guiding restoration interventions, monitoring, and adaptive management. Here, we investigated the recovery of soil P fractions by forest restoration interventions on bauxite mine sites in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We assessed the concentration of different fractions of soil organic and inorganic P at (1) a bauxite mine prepared for restoration; (2) two former bauxite mines undergoing forest restoration for 6 and 24 years; and (3) an old‐growth forest remnant. Overall, restored areas recovered levels of labile organic P (Pₒ‐NaHCO₃) at 5–40 cm and of moderately labile organic P (Pₒ‐NaOH) at different depths, exhibiting concentrations similar to those found in a conserved forest. The use of P‐rich fertilizers and forest topsoil may have greatly contributed to this outcome. Some other fractions, however, recovered only after 24 years of restoration. Other inorganic P fractions did not differ among mined, restored, and conserved sites: nonlabile Pᵢ (residual P and P‐HCl), labile Pᵢ (Pᵢ‐NaHCO₃), and moderately labile Pᵢ (Pᵢ‐NaOH). Forest restoration was able to promote efficient recovery of important soil P fractions, highlighting the value of restoration efforts to mitigate soil degradation by mining.

ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF ARECA CATECHU SEED EXTRACT IN SWISS ALBINO MICE USING EAC CELL LINE IN DIFFERENT CULTURE MEDIUM

Objective: Areca nut is the dried ripe seeds of Areca catechu, belonging to family Palmae. Areca nut contains a number of alkaloids, belonging to pyridine and piperidine groups, derived from amino acid lysine. Arecoline a nicotinic acid-based alkaloid present which exerts sialagogue property. But the habit of chewing marketed gutka may cause oral leukoplakia, sometimes lead to squamous cell carcinoma. However, Based on the phytochemical compounds present, it is predicted that it must show antioxidant and may show cytotoxic activities.
 Methods: The antioxidant activity (nitrite scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging) and cytotoxic activity in two different medium were checked in EAC cell line using the swiss albino mice model.
 Results: The study was also postulated an idea about the qualitative and quantitive analysis of Areca catechu. The plant extract showed good Nitrite and Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. The cytotoxicity study conducted in swiss albino mice, cell viability and IC50 value was checked. The cytotoxic activity of different concentrations of different fractions of plant extract was checked in two different medium, i.e., PBS and RPMI 1640. IC50 values for following fractions which were studied in PBS; as, 91.73±73 (µg/ml), 183±36.24 (µg/ml), 53.74±1.562 (µg/ml) for crude ethanolic extract, alkaloid fraction and flavonoid fraction respectively. IC50 value in RPMI 1640 medium obtained as; 44.18±1.09µg/ml, 54.27±0.2279µg/ml and 51.24±2.461µg/ml for crude ethanolic extract, Alkaloid and Flavonoid fraction, respectively.
 Conclusion: Areca nut extract showed good scavenging activity depending on concentration. Relatively RPMI 1640 medium showed better cytotoxic activity than other mediums.

Plasma Concentrations of Extracellular DNA in Acute Kidney Injury

Current diagnostic methods of acute kidney injury (AKI) have limited sensitivity and specificity. Tissue injury has been linked to an increase in the concentrations of extracellular DNA (ecDNA) in plasma. A rapid turnover of ecDNA in the circulation makes it a potential marker with high sensitivity. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of ecDNA in plasma in animal models of AKI. Three different fractions of ecDNA were measured—total ecDNA was assessed fluorometrically, while nuclear ecDNA (ncDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. AKI was induced using four different murine models of AKI-bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO), glycerol-induced AKI (GLY), ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and bilateral nephrectomy (BNx). Total ecDNA was significantly higher in BUO (p < 0.05) and GLY (p < 0.05) compared to the respective control groups. ncDNA was significantly higher in BUO (p < 0.05) compared to SHAM. No significant differences in the concentrations of mtDNA were found between the groups. The plasma concentrations of different fractions of ecDNA are dependent on the mechanism of induction of AKI and warrant further investigation as potential surrogate markers of AKI.

Aragonite Fraction Dating of Vermetids in the Context of Paleo Sea-Level Curves Reconstruction

ABSTRACTIdentifying and tackling recrystallization is a critical factor in the reliable radiocarbon (14C) dating of carbonates, since exogenous carbon can be incorporated and thus mask the real age of the samples. Vermetids are among the most important bioindicators used for paleo sea-level reconstruction, and the accuracy of their chronology can significantly impact sea-level curves. Age differences larger than 1 14C kyr before and after acid etching, combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis that indicates a significant amount of calcite still remains in the shell, led us to apply the previously developed carbonate density separation protocol (CarDS). Using a solution of sodium polytungstate, with density of 2.80 g/cm3, we successfully separated different carbonate fractions for a set of 10 vermetid samples from the coast of Rio de Janeiro, southeast of Brazil. Each separation was verified by XRD analysis and the 14C concentrations of different fractions were compared. The results show that the calcite fraction in the studied vermetid samples varied from 12 to 63% and aragonite fraction ages are up to 2 14C kyr older than the raw samples, thus confirming the efficacy of CarDS in removing young carbonates and the importance of density separation to vermetids prior to accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating.

Partitioning of particulate matter and elements of suburban continental aerosols between fine and coarse modes.

The results presented in this work demonstrate for the first time a distribution of elements in the spectral analysis of aerosols in the suburban continental Balkan Peninsula. Samples were collected in the suburban area of Belgrade (Serbia) in the period from March 2012 till December 2013. Results presented here are from long-term measurements of masses of size-segregated aerosols and macro- and microelements in the range of PM0.27-16. The following elements were analyzed: Al, Ag, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, Tl, V, and Zn; levels of Be, Hg, and Se were under the detection limits in all samples. Average concentrations and time and seasonal variations of particulate matter (PM) as well as element contents and their percentage shares are given. The results showed the domination of particle content around the accumulation mode in the range of 0.53 < Dp < 1.06μm, but the fractional distribution of elements showed maximal average concentrations in different fractions depending on the origin of each element. Crustal elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ti, etc.) dominated in coarse mode, while anthropogenic elements (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, etc.) were mainly distributed in fine mode fractions. Some elements, such are As and Ni, were detected in investigated aerosols only occasionally, while others, such as Ca, Fe, and Mg, were detected in all analyzed samples. The application of multivariate analysis (PCA) demonstrated the connection between the elements of similar origin, in fine fractions mainly of anthropogenic origin, while in coarse mode of crustal origin, indicating the resuspension with contribution of about 40%. The contents of some measured elements were compared with their contents in aerosols in some European suburban areas.

Antinociceptive and anti-edema properties of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from extracts of Coriandrum sativum Linn. leaves

This study evaluated the antinociceptive and anti-edema properties of fractions of Coriandrum sativum Linn. (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae) leaves in mice. Ethyl acetate fractions (FAc) were obtained from dichloromethane extracts prepared from dried C. sativum (CS) leaves and stems. The effects of different concentrations of FAc on mice were observed using the open-field test, formalin-, capsaicin-, and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests, and the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. Results from the carrageenan-induced paw edema test were subjected to a linear regression analysis and data from other assays were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test (followed by the SNK post hoc test). Dihydrocoriandrin (34.5%), coriandrin (14.4%), vitamin E (4.6%), and stigmasterol (7.9%) were identified in FAc. The number of squares the mice crossed in the open field test was decreased by 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg FAc (i.p.). The administration of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg FAc induced fewer abdominal writhes than the control. In the formalin test, neurogenic pain was reduced by 20 mg/kg morphine and 30 and 100 mg/kg FAc, but not 5 mg/kg dexamethasone or 10 mg/kg FAc. Formalin-induced inflammatory pain was decreased by morphine, dexamethasone, and 30 and 100 mg/kg FAc. Morphine and 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg FAc significantly decreased the reaction time during the capsaicin test. Dexamethasone reduced both early and later phases of carrageenan-induced edema. Both 30 and 300 mg/kg FAc induced less edema than the control throughout the experiment. FAc showed antinociceptive, anti-edema and anti-inflammatory properties and it may be considered as a potential phytotherapeutic agent in the future.

Acanthamoebicidal activity of periglaucine A and betulinic acid from Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr. in vitro

Acanthamoeba species are pathogenic protozoa which account for amoebic keratitis, conjunctivitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. These amoebae form cysts which resist drugs and more effective acanthamoebicidal agents are needed. Medicinal plants could be useful in improving the current treatment strategies for Acanthamoeba infections. In the present study, we examined the amoebicidal effects of Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr., a medicinal plant used for the treatment of conjunctivitis in Malaysia. Pathogenic Acanthamoeba triangularis were isolated from environmental water samples and treated with different concentrations of fractions obtained from Pericampylus glaucus (Lam.) Merr. as well as main constituents for 24–72 h. Chlorhexidine was used as a reference drug. Ethanol fraction of stem showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of trophozoites survival. Betulinic acid and periglaucine A from this plant at 100 μg/mL inhibited more than 70% survival of both cysts and trophozoites. The calculated therapeutic index for betulinic acid and periglaucine A was 170 and 1.5 for trophozoites stage and 3.75 and 8.5 for cysts stage. The observed amoebicidal efficacies indicate the beneficial aspects of this plant in the treatment of Acanthamoeba infection. Periglaucine A could also be of value for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infection.

The Positive Effect of Sulfur on Selenium Detoxification Under Selenite Condition in Wheat

ABSTRACTAn experiment was performed to evaluate the regulatory effects of varied amounts of sulfur (S) on selenium (Se) uptake and distribution within wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in response to selenite (SeO32-). The results showed that an appropriate amount of SeO32- (≤5 mg kg−1) improved the agronomic traits of wheat, and the addition of S significantly alleviated wheat growth inhibition caused by excessive SeO32- (≥15 mg kg−1). The Se concentration of different fractions in wheat grain showed a tendency of alkali-soluble Se > alcohol-soluble Se > water-soluble Se > salt-soluble Se. The use of S significantly reduced Se accumulation in each wheat part when the addition of SeO32- was ≤15 mg kg−1, but the Se distribution ratio of various wheat parts was not influenced by S supply. Overall, the application of S fertilizer is an effective technical measure to promote wheat production safety in high-Se areas.

Cell wall fractions in the biomass of Dactylis glomerata and Festuca pratensis

&lt;p&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;purpose&lt;/strong&gt; of this paper is to determine the changes in the concentration of different fractions in the cell wall of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; growing on both mineral and organic soil with different harvesting times. This paper has drawn on two field experiments set up and carried out between 2010 and 2013 by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Słupia Wielka. The experimental plots were sown with varieties of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt;: Niva, Tukan, Amila, Crown Royale and with varieties of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt;: Limosa, Pasja, Anturka, Amelka (d. AND 1009). The experiment in Krzyżewo was set up on mineral soil. In Uhnin the experimental plots were located on peat meadow. The full exploitation of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; varieties was due between 2012 and 2013, whereas for &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; it was due between 2011 and 2012. In the experimental plots with the varieties of &lt;em&gt;Dactylis glomerata&lt;/em&gt; the grass was harvested six times a year and chemical analysis of the biomass was done taking dry matter only from five cuts. The varieties of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt; were harvested four times. Each year in the course of the experiment fresh and dry matter of each cut were weighed. The obtained results showed that the time of the harvest or cut for both of the grass species showed significantly different concentrations of the neutral detergent fiber fraction (NDF), acid detergent fiber fraction (ADF) and different concentrations of lignin and cellulose. For both of the grass species, plants harvested in the fourth cut had the highest content of different cell wall fractions. The location, that is the type of soil, affected the concentration of lignin (ADL), but only in the case of &lt;em&gt;Festuca pratensis&lt;/em&gt;. A higher concentration of this polysaccharide was in the grass growing on organic soil.&lt;/p&gt;

Longterm study of transformation of potentially toxic element pollution in soil/water/sediment system by means of fractionation with sequential extraction procedures

In first part of the paper a review is given on fractionation methodologies by sequential extraction methodologies applied for risk assessment of environmental pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTE). Main sources of PTE release are the mining-, industrial-, agri-food production-, traffic- and communal-waste. In this latter the medical and health care sources may emerge due to therapeutic and diagnostic applications (Ag, As, Au, Ba, Bi, Cd, Ga, Gd, 131I, Ir, Li, Mn, Fe, Os, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Sb, Sn, Ti, V), to nanomedicines, to ayurvedic herbal medicines with possible contaminant PTEs and non-controlled dietary supplements. The magnitude of adverse effects caused by PTEs in the soil-water-sediment system depends on the various chemical species that can arise. Long-term biological impacts are strongly influenced by mobilization-immobilization processes in the aquatic environment. These can be studied through sequential extraction procedures modelling their pathways. In Europe the simplified extraction scheme proposed by BCR in 1993 and modified in 2001 is mostly used for this purpose. By this approach samples are gradually decomposed and four different fractions of PTEs can be identified, i.e.: i) water-soluble and carbonate-bound fraction; ii) fraction associated with reducible Fe- and Mn-oxides; iii) organic complexed fraction and sulphides; iv) fraction soluble in oxidative acids. The sediment-based Certified Reference Material (CRM) BCR 701 was produced to check the accuracy of the fractionation procedure. The standardization process was hindered by methodological problems, i.e.: i) the solvents used in the BCR system do not mirror completely the natural mobilization processes and partly modify the original chemical species; ii) the time demand of the batch leaching extraction steps is exceedingly long (4–5days); iii) the above CRM, certified for the fractionation of Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn, is available only for sediment and cannot be applied to other environmental matrices and other PTEs. The studies aimed at improving the BCR methodology are summarized, in particular to: i) develop continuous flow systems; ii) accelerate the BCR leaching steps by sonication; iii) extend the BCR procedure to other environmental matrices (soils, red mud, composts, biofilms) and further PTEs by multielemental (ICP-OES) detection.In second part of the paper a case study is presented for evaluation of long-term changes of the environmental mobility of PTE contaminations in the fish pond system of Gödöllő town. For vertical and horizontal mapping of PTE content of accumulated sediment layers core samples were taken in 1994, 1995 and 2013. In the sediment layers total soluble PTE content was related to the BCR fractionation. The Chernobyl origine radionuclides were detected by γ-spectroscopy. The BCR sequential extraction procedure for tracking the long-term fate of PTE contamination of different origine in surface water/sediment/systems showed a much potential. By repetition of fractionation of PTEs after 20years clearly reflects the change of PTE concentrations in different fractions. The decrease of PTE concentrations can be explained by leaching the most mobile fractions by water exchange over the sediment and/or by remediation activity.

Inhibitory effects of different fractions of Nepeta satureioides on melanin synthesis through reducing oxidative stress.

Nepeta satureioides Boiss. has been used in traditional medicine of eastern countries and is famous for its medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methanol (MeOH), n-hexane and dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) fractions of the extract on melanin synthesis and oxidative stress in B16F10 melanoma cell line. The B16F10 cell line viability after treatment with increasing concentrations of different fractions of the plant (5-60 μg/mL) was measured using MTT assay. The inhibitory effect on synthesis of melanin, mushroom tyrosinase activity, cellular tyrosinase and oxidative stress were determined by the colorimetric and fluorometric methods. The data showed that at concentrations below 60 μg/mL, fractions did not show significant toxicity on melanoma cells. The amount of melanin synthesis by MeOH and CH2Cl2 fractions and mushroom tyrosinase activity by the MeOH fraction declined in B16F10 cells. In addition to the capacity of MeOH, n-hexane and CH2Cl2 fractions in decreasing the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in melanoma cells, all fractions revealed remarkable antioxidant activity. The melanogenesis inhibitory and antioxidant effects of N. satureioides on B16F10 cells may suggest this plant as a new pharmaceutical agent in reducing skin pigment and skin aging in cosmetic industry.

Panax ginseng Fraction F3 Extracted by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Protects against Oxidative Stress in ARPE-19 Cells.

In our previous work, the ethanolic extract of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer was successively partitioned using supercritical carbon dioxide at pressures in series to yield residue (R), F1, F2, and F3 fractions. Among them, F3 contained the highest deglycosylated ginsenosides and exerted the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of P. ginseng fractions against cellular oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Viability of adult retinal pigment epithelium-19 (ARPE-19) cells was examined after treatments of different concentrations of fractions followed by exposure to H2O2. Oxidative levels (malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and reactive oxygen species (ROS)) and levels of activity of antioxidant enzymes were assessed. Results showed that F3 could dose-dependently protected ARPE-19 cells against oxidative injury induced by H2O2. F3 at a level of 1 mg/mL could restore the cell death induced by H2O2 of up to 60% and could alleviate the increase in cellular oxidation (MDA, 8-OHdG, and ROS) induced by H2O2. Moreover, F3 could restore the activities of antioxidant enzymes suppressed by H2O2. In conclusion, F3 obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide fractionation could significantly increase the antioxidant capacity of P. ginseng extract. The antioxidant capacity was highly correlated with the concentration of F3.

Bioleaching of heavy metals from contaminated alkaline sediment by auto- and heterotrophic bacteria in stirred tank reactor

Bioleaching Xiangjiang River alkaline sediment contaminated by multiple heavy metals was investigated. Multiple metals in alkaline sediment possess significant toxicity to aquatic organisms or humans and will greatly inhibit bioleaching. The bioleaching method using autotrophic bacteria mixed with heterotrophic bacteria can solve this problem successfully. The experiment results showed that bioleaching efficiencies of Zn, Mn, Cu, and Cd were 95.2 %, 94.2 %, 90.1 %, and 84.4 %, respectively. Moreover, the changes of heavy metal concentrations in different fractions in contaminated sediment before and after bioleaching were analyzed by selective sequential extraction, and it was discovered that the main fractions of Zn, Mn, Cu and Cd after bioleaching are Fe-Mn oxide, organic associated form and a residual form. Its biotoxicity decreased greatly. The bioleaching heavy metals from sediment using autotrophic bacteria combined with heterotrophic bacteria can effectively improve the bioleaching efficiency and reduce toxicity.