Fluid Concentrations Research Articles

Numerical Study of an Electrically Conducting Nanofluid Flow Past a Vertical Stretching Riga Plate

The heat and mass transfer through electrically conducting and mixed convective nanofluid flow across an elongating Riga plate is studied. Riga plate is an electromagnetic sheet, in which electrodes are assembled alternatively. The arrangement of Riga plate produces electromagnetic behavior in the fluid flow. In the current analysis, the influence of Arrhenius activation energy, viscous dissipation and heat source/sink over the surface of Riga sheet is considered. The heat and mass transfer are examined by convective boundary conditions and nanoparticles (NPs) zero-mass flux. The Brownian motion and thermophoretic diffusion of fluid molecules are applied via Buongiorno's approach. Von Karman's similarity approach is implemented to reset the modeled equations into the dimensionless form of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The system of ordinary differential equations is solved numerically via PCM (parametric continuation method). The fluid velocity, temperature field, and concentration gradients are analyzed by varying various flow parameters and graphically portrayed. The numerical results are validated by comparing them with the published studies. It can be resolved form the results that the flow rate decilnes with the effect of power index m, whereas enhances with the consequence of Hartmann number. The significance of thermophoresis term augments the temperature curve of the fluid.

The Advancement Stage of Gastric Cancer and the Levels of CEA and Ca19-9 in Serum and Peritoneal Lavage

Background: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the levels of tumor markers—specifically, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Ca19-9 antigen—determined in both serum (sCEA and sCa19-9) and intraoperative peritoneal washings (pCEA and pCa19-9) and the advanced stage of gastric cancer (including the occurrence of cancer cells in cytology from abdominal fluid). Methods: This study included 47 patients with histopathologically confirmed gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer who underwent surgical treatment. The material for the cytological examination and assessment of CEA and Ca19-9 concentrations in peritoneal fluid was collected intraoperatively. Later, blood was drawn to assess the CEA and Ca19-9 concentrations in blood serum. Results: There was a statistical correlation between a positive cytology result or the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis and a positive result for the tumor markers obtained from abdominal washings. This correlation was not observed with marker levels obtained from blood serum. The pCEA marker was highly sensitive (93.3%) and specific (93.8%) for detecting cancer cells. The pCa19-9 marker was less effective in detecting cancer but matched pCEA in identifying the absence of cancer. No differences were observed in sCEA and sCA19-9 levels between patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not receive this treatment. However, statistical analysis showed that this relationship did not apply to pCEA and pCa19-9 levels. Conclusions: Intraoperative determinations of tumor marker levels in peritoneal washings may be a predictive factor for a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.

An experimental investigation examining the usage of a hybrid nanofluid in an automobile radiator

AbstractSeveral modifications have been made to the radiator’s dimensions and materials as part of the evolution of the automotive cooling cycle. Coolant is an important factor that greatly affects the efficiency of the cooling cycle. In applications involving heat transmission, nanofluids have become a viable possibility coolant. Two distinct types of nanoparticles floating in the base fluid make up the hybrid nanofluid, a newly invented class of nanofluids. Tests of hybrid nanofluids as a working fluid substitute for conventional fluids have been assisted by the current study. In the radiator of a 2005 Honda, the MWCNT–Al2O3/water nanofluid was tested at various volumetric concentrations (Φ) using a 50:50 mixing ratio. The outcomes of the experiments were compared with those obtained by using pure water. The radiator’s performance was evaluated by adjusting the fluid flow rate and operating the fluid at two distinct temperatures (60, 80 °C). The outcomes demonstrated that the convection heat transfer coefficient increased with a ratio reached 28.5% over the distilled water at the same temperature and flow rate. Both effectiveness and the Nusselt number had improved, coming in at 22.54% and 23.74%, respectively. Depending on the fluid concentration there is an increase in the pressure drop up to 24% than ordinary fluid. It discovered considerable agreement between the research outcomes by comparing them with earlier publications. An experimental correlation was inferred from the results to estimate the Nusselt number as a function of the Reynolds number and (Φ).

MHD Casson Fluid Flow over a Stretching Surface with Suction, Double Stratification, and Heat and Mass Transfer Effects

Abstract In this article, we investigated the flow of a magnetohydrodynamic Casson fluid across an extending surface with exponential permeability in a double-stratified medium. Thermal radiation, suction, heat sources, viscous dissipation, and chemical reactions drive the stream field. We converted the flow describing partial differential equations into terms of ordinary differential equations by applying appropriate transformations. Next, we utilised the bvp4c package in Matlab to obtain numerical solutions for these equations. We explored and graphically showed the implications of different non-dimensional governing parameters for temperature, concentration, and velocity profiles. After analysis, we provide a tabular presentation of the friction factor, Nusselt, and Sherwood numbers. The Casson fluid temperature shows a rising trend for the solutal stratification parameter and a decreasing trend for the thermal stratification parameter, while the Casson fluid velocity shows a declining trend towards both of these parameters. The Casson fluid concentration also behaves differently depending on the stratification parameter; for example, it increases for thermal stratification and decreases for solutal stratification. We notice that an increase in the Casson parameter's value suppresses the velocity field. However, as the Casson parameter increases, both the temperature and the concentration improve. Furthermore, comparisons with previously published findings also support the current results. \sethlcolor{yellow}\hl{The study of MHD Casson fluid flow that includes suction, dual stratification, and the effects of heat and mass transfer is very useful in many areas, such as polymer processing, metallurgical engineering, biomedical applications, environmental sciences, and advanced cooling technologies.

Sensing method on magnetorheological fluid concentration and in-situ settlement monitoring based on wire wound inductor

Aiming at the limitations of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) settlement monitoring in transparent non-metallic containers, a method of MRF concentration measurement based on a wire wound inductor is proposed in this paper, and with the sensing method, in-situ monitoring of MRF sedimentation inside the damper is fulfilled. The varying local concentration of MRF will lead to the inductance change of the wire wound inductor, which is immersed in the MRF at a specific position, with the settling process. When harmonically excited with a signal generator, the relationship between the output amplitude across the inductor and the MRF concentration can be established. To reveal the settling speed dependence, the monitoring of the MRF settling is carried out with different concentrations and viscosities. It is testified that the proposed method can measure the concentration of MRF effectively, and is qualified with the in-situ monitoring of the MRF settling in a real damper.

Thermophoretic particle deposition effect on a squeezed flow of radiative Jeffrey fluid past a sensor surface with uniform heat source/sink and chemical reaction

Abstract This anticipated model investigates the time-dependent, and incompressible 2D magnetized Jeffrey liquid flowing on a sensor surface placed between two infinite parallel plates with the existence of a uniform heat source/sink. The lower plate remains fixed while the upper plate is subject to squeezing. For the heat and mass transmission processes, the consequences of radiative heat flux, chemical reaction, and thermophoretic particle deposition are applied and analyzed. The envisioned model is supported by prescribed heat and mass flux conditions. The uniqueness of the proposed model is the analysis of the unsteady squeezed flow of Jeffrey liquid over a sensor surface, accounting for radiative heat flux, thermophoretic particle deposition, and variable thermal conductivity. The model possesses applications in microfluidic sensors, biomedical devices, thermal management systems, and inkjet printing. The equations comprising the model are subject to similarity transformations. The bvp4c package is utilized to analyze the dynamic flow system. The connotation of arising parameters with the associated profiles is depicted through graphs and tables. It is examined that fluid velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are dwindling functions of squeezed parameter. It is also witnessed that the concentration of liquid drops with an enhancement of thermophoretic and chemical reaction parameters. The validation of the truthfulness of the envisioned model is an added feature of this study.

Research on the stimulation mechanism of well shut-in imbibition and parameter optimization during fracturing-flooding

ABSTRACT In the development of low-permeability tight oil reservoirs, fracturing-flooding technology, with its dual advantages of “fracture creation and energy replenishment, and displacement by imbibition,” effectively addresses challenges such as poor water injection and low oil recovery. However, the mechanism of oil-water migration within the reservoir and the enhanced oil recovery during the shut-in imbibition process remain unclear, and the construction parameters are primarily based on empirical data. In this study, focusing on the Y block in the Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China, we conducted dynamic imbibition experiments and utilized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology to analyze the key factors influencing imbibition-driven oil displacement and the microscopic oil-water migration mechanisms within the pore space. Numerical simulation was then employed to optimize the construction parameters for fracturing-flooding operations. The results indicate that displacement and imbibition primarily occur in medium-sized pores, while the poor connectivity of micro- and small-sized pores leads to suboptimal effects. The shut-in process provides favorable conditions for imbibition displacement, allowing oil in small and medium pores to be further displaced into fractures. The main factors affecting imbibition efficiency include core permeability (optimal range: 1.5 mD to 4 mD), fracture length (approximately 2/3 of the core length), fracturing-flooding fluid concentration (optimal around 0.2%), and shut-in time (optimal range: 24 to 48 hours). Based on production capacity simulations, the optimal construction parameters for the Y block include an injection rate of 1152 to 1440 m3/min, a total injection volume of 20,000 to 25,000 m3, and a shut-in time of 30 to 45 days. The application of these optimized parameters resulted in an increase in the average daily oil production in the Y block from 4.4 tons to 7.7 tons, demonstrating a significant enhancement in reservoir productivity and oil recovery.

Arginine combination with fluoride and calcium glycerophosphate: effects of concentration and on biofilm fluid.

Aim: To study the influence of varying concentrations of arginine (Arg) combined with fluoride (F) and/or calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) on biofilms.Materials & methods: Biofilms were analyzed for acidogenicity, microbial viability and Ca, F and inorganic phosphorus (P) concentrations.Results: For total bacteria, the lowest viability was found in F-containing groups, regardless of the arginine concentrations and presence of CaGP. For aciduric bacteria, no significant differences were found among arginine concentrations in the presence of F. For MS, arginine concentrations did not influence MS viability in the presence of fluoride and CaGP only decreased viability at 3.2% Arg concentration. The arginine-treated groups showed the lowest acidogenicity. For ion concentrations in biofilms, CaGP showed the highest values for P; Arg+F for F; and CaGP/Arg+CaGP for Ca.Conclusion: Different concentrations of arginine did not affect the microbial viability or acidogenicity of biofilms. Moreover, 0.8% Arg did not increase ion concentration in biofilm fluid.

Impacts of Buoyancy and Joule Heating on Unsteady MHD Fluid Flow Along a Semi‐Infinite Vertical Porous Plate With Dufour, Chemical Reaction, and Radiation Effect

ABSTRACTAn analytical solution for unsteady, incompressible, laminar MHD fluid flow involving mass and heat transfer along a semi‐infinite vertical moving flat plate in a porous medium have been studied in this paper. Effects of heat radiation and absorption, Joule heating, Dufour, thermal and solutal buoyancy, and first order chemical reaction of are discussed under suitable physical conditions. It is postulated that the plate will migrate in the fluid's motion's direction due to the presence of a uniform magnetic field normal to the porous surface. The regular perturbation technique is used to solve the dimensionless governing equations. The mathematical derivations for fluid velocity, temperature, and concentration are evaluated; apart from that, skin friction, rate of mass and heat transfer at the plate are also expressed. The present outcomes are compared with previously obtained results and are found to be in excellent agreement. It is observed that the fluid velocity and temperature enhanced with thermal and solutal buoyancy forces as well as the Dufour effect. Also, with an increase in chemical reaction parameter, there is a decrease in fluid velocity, temperature, and concentration. Skin friction and Nusselt number increase with higher heat absorption parameter values. Schmidt number and chemical reaction parameter both lead to a rise in Sherwood number. Applications for these models have been observed in a number of industrial and technical methods.

MiR-19b-3p inhibits cell viability and proliferation and promotes apoptosis by targeting IGF1 in KGN cells

Background Endometriosis (EM) is a major cause of infertility, but the pathogenesis and mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. MiR-19b-3p is involved in many diseases, but its functional role in EM-associated infertility remains unexplored. This study aimed to examine miR-19b-3p abundance and IGF1 concentration in cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid of EM-associated infertility patients, and to investigate the potential role of miR-19b-3p in KGN cells by identifying its target and elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Results The results from the case-control study indicated that, compared to the control group consisting of patients with tubal infertility, patients with EM-associated infertility exhibited a lower percentage of mature oocytes. MiR-19b-3p level was elevated in CCs from EM-associated infertility patients. IGF1 was identified as a direct target of miR-19b-3p and was negatively regulated by miR-19b-3p in KGN cells. Overexpression of miR-19b-3p significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase in KGN cells. The effects of miR-19b-3p were reversed by co-transfection of IGF1, and the biological effects of miR-19b-3p in KGN cells were mediated by IGF1. Additionally, miR-19b-3p targeted IGF1 to down-regulate AKT phosphorylation and participate in the apoptotic pathway in KGN cells. Conclusions This study demonstrates that miR-19b-3p level is elevated in CCs and IGF1 concentration is decreased in follicular fluid in patients with EM-associated infertility. MiR-19b-3p regulates the biological effects of KGN cells by targeting IGF1.

Innovative machine learning for drilling fluid density prediction: a novel central force search-adaptive XGBoost in HPHT environments

Oil and gas industries are facing a special dilemma when it comes to high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling as the accurate forecasting of the drilling fluid density (DFD) is a vital factor for safe and efficient operations. Complicated relationships and inconsistencies in HPHT situations are rarely mapped by current forecasting models, while their buggy performance and safety risks during drilling can be underestimated. In this research, we propose a novel machine learning (ML) approach to enhance the accuracy of DFD anticipation under HPHT conditions: central force search-adaptive extreme gradient boosting (CFS-XGB). This paper uses a dataset that has drilling variables together with the DFD for HPHT situations to examine the accuracy of the CFS-XGB model. Excluding the abnormalities of data or mistakes, the reliability of the original data is maintained by applying min–max normalization. After that, finding the important features with the help of the boosted principal component analysis (BPCA) approach to the normalized data will ensure a major improvement in the CFS-XGB methodology’s prediction efficacy. This research is experimented in the Python platform, and the performance of the proposed CFS-XGB method is analyzed in terms of MSE, R2, and AAPRE metrics. The suggested approach performs better than the current methods in forecasting the drilling fluid concentration in HPHT settings, according to the experimental data. This development in predictive modeling helps increase the productivity and safety of drilling operations, which will eventually help the oil and gas sector manage the challenges posed by HPHT drilling settings.

Suppressing neutrophil itaconate production attenuates Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in which neutrophils play a critical role. Immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1), responsible for itaconate production, has emerged as an important regulator of inflammation and infection, but its role during M. pneumoniae infection remains unknown. Here, we reveal that itaconate is an endogenous pro-inflammatory metabolite during M. pneumoniae infection. Irg1 knockout (KO) mice had lower levels of bacterial burden, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with wild-type (WT) controls after M. pneumoniae infection. Neutrophils were the major cells producing itaconate during M. pneumoniae infection in mice. Neutrophil counts were positively correlated with itaconate concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia. Adoptive transfer of Irg1 KO neutrophils, or administration of β-glucan (an inhibitor of Irg1 expression), significantly attenuated M. pneumoniae pneumonia in mice. Mechanistically, itaconate impaired neutrophil bacterial killing and suppressed neutrophil apoptosis via inhibiting mitochondrial ROS. Moreover, M. pneumoniae induced Irg1 expression by activating NF-κB and STAT1 pathways involving TLR2. Our data thus identify Irg1/itaconate pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

Enhancing mechanical strength and microstructural properties of alkali-activated systems through nano graphene oxide dispersion and polycarboxylate ether admixture

The dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles in alkali-activated concrete with / without superplasticizers can help in understanding the effect it has on its mechanical strength and microstructural properties. The dispersion of GO in alkali activator fluid of 10(M) and 12(M) with / without polycarboxylate ether (PCE) admixture has been explored in this study. The alkali activator solution of 10(M) NaOH solution with PCE shows better dispersion than 12(M) NaOH solution, as higher alkalinity leads to agglomeration of GO. The study investigated the effect of incorporating PCE in GO-based alkali-activated slag (AAS) mortar with 8(M), 10(M) and 12(M) of alkaline activator solution. The mechanical strength and microstructural characteristics of conventional AAS (without both GO and PCE), GO-based AAS (without PCE) and GO-based AAS with PCE of the respective molar concentration of activator fluid are analysed. The mechanical strength of the AAS mortars has been evaluated using compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength testing. The micro-structural and mineralogical characteristics of the binders are evaluated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM with EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The addition of only GO (0.06 % of binder w/w) and the addition of both GO and PCE in AAS have shown up to 30 % and 40 % mechanical strength improvement with respect to conventional AAS, respectively. The effectiveness of PCE and percentages of strength improvement are higher with a lower molarity of activator fluid, and vice versa. Adding GO and PCE to the AAS system improves its hydration rate and denser microstructure, enhancing its strength.

Lossy Mode Resonance Optical Fiber Enhanced by Electrochemical-Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Glucose Detection.

Noninvasive glucose sensors are emergent intelligent sensors for analyzing glucose concentration in body fluids within invasion-free conditions. Conventional glucose sensors are often limited by a number of issues such as invasive and real-time detection, creating challenges in continuously characterizing biomarkers or subtle binding dynamics. In this study, we introduce an efficient lossy mode resonance (LMR) optical fiber sensor incorporating the molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to amplify glucose molecules. A molecularly imprinted recognition platform is created on an LMR sensor surface through a convenient one-step electrochemical (EC) polymerization method, in which 3-Aminophenylboric acid and glucose serve as the functional monomer and template molecule, respectively. LMR resonance wavelength shift induced by the coupling of the optical lossy mode and the fiber core mode is employed as the parameter to characterize biomolecules. Due to its high sensitivity to surrounding environment changes, a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.62 × 10-2 μmol/L for glucose can be achieved by this optical fiber sensor. Additionally, the prepared EC-MIPs LMR sensor is capable of detecting glucose molecules in human saliva samples with high accuracy, endowing its potential for practical applications.

Orthogonal experimental investigation on permeability evolution of unconsolidated sandstones during geothermal fluid reinjection: A case study in the Minghuazhen Formation, Tianjin, China

Geothermal fluid reinjection (GFR) is vital for sustainable sandstone hydrothermal geothermal resource extraction. However, the permeability damage mechanisms of sandstone geothermal reservoirs due to reinjection remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the permeability evolution of unconsolidated sandstone during GFR through an orthogonal experiment. The influence mechanism of the factors, including temperature, injection rate, confining pressure, geothermal fluid concentration (GFC), and depth, on sandstone permeability is also discussed. The results showed the sandstone samples suffered permeability damage in 34.62–72.73 %. Particle clogging emerged as the primary mechanism responsible for the permeability damage, serving as a crucial bridge in understanding the influences of the factors on sandstone permeability. Efficient GFR requires the optimization of reinjection conditions tailored to the characteristics of geothermal reservoirs. Sensitivity analysis showed that the order-sensitive characteristic of permeability damage to the factors was injection rate > GFC > temperature > depth > confining pressure. Through the optimization of reinjection parameters, the heat exploitation performance under the worst permeability damage case can be improved by 1.77–1.93 times. This study could offer valuable insights into the challenges and considerations associated with GFR in sandstone reservoirs.

The role of cuproptosis in gastric cancer.

As a biologically essential transition metal, copper is widely involved in various enzymatic reactions and crucial biological processes in the body. It plays an increasingly important role in maintaining normal cellular metabolism and supporting the growth and development of the human body. As a trace element, copper maintains the dynamic balance of its concentration in body fluids through active homeostatic mechanisms. Both excess and deficiency of copper ions can impair cell function, ultimately leading to cell damage and death. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death where copper ions cause cell death by directly binding to the lipoylated components of the citric acid cycle (CAC) in mitochondrial respiration and interfering with the levels of iron-sulfur cluster (Fe-S cluster) proteins, ultimately causing protein toxic stress. Its primary characteristics are Cu2+ concentration dependence and high expression in mitochondrial respiratory cells. Recent research has revealed that, compared to other forms of programmed cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, cuproptosis has unique morphological and biochemical features. Cuproptosis is associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. This article focuses on a review of the relevance of cuproptosis in gastric cancer (GC).

Steady and periodical heat-mass transfer behavior of mixed convection nanofluid with reduced gravity, radiation and activation energy effects

Significance of this study is to explore Arrhenius activation energy, microgravity, chemical reaction and porous medium effects on Darcy nanofluid over a stretching sheet with nonlinear thermal radiations. Purpose of this study is to enhance the lubrication efficiency, excessive heat reduction, surface roughness and tool wear in drilling, milling, grinding and cutting tools of machining procedures. Use of Brownian and thermophoretic nanoparticles in base liquid is very effective to reduce friction in tool-chip and tool-work interfaces, tool life ability and cooling ability through nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication in machining operations. A refined mathematical model is solved using dimensionless variables; oscillatory stokes conditions and primitive variables. The implicit form of finite difference method is applied for numerical results using Gaussian elimination approach. The numerical and physical outputs are secured using Gaussian elimination methodology in FORTRAN tool and TecPlot-360. Graphs are displayed by using numerical data in Tecplot-360 program. Impact of activation energy (AE), solar radiation (Rd), microgravity (RG), porosity (Ω), thermophoresis (NT), chemical reaction (Kr), Prandtl (Pr) and Schmidt factor (Sc) on oscillating frequency of heat and mass transport is depicted. Amplitude in fluid velocity, surface temperature and volume of concentration is enhanced as radiation, microgravity and activation energy increases. It is noted that the increasing amplitude in fluid velocity, temperature and fluid concentration is found with activation energy, radiation and buoyancy force effects. Steady behavior of skin friction and mass transport decreases as Darcy porous medium and reaction rate decreases. Frequency of oscillating skin friction and oscillating heat transfer increases as Schmidt and Prandtl coefficient increases. Fluctuations and amplitude in the frequency of heat and mass transport enhances as thermophoretic nanoparticle enhances.

Fructose metabolism is unregulated in cancers and placentae.

Fructose and lactate are present in high concentrations in uterine luminal fluid, fetal fluids and fetal blood of ungulates and cetaceans, but their roles have been ignored and they have been considered waste products of pregnancy. This review provides evidence for key roles of both fructose and lactate in support of key metabolic pathways required for growth and development of fetal-placental tissues, implantation and placentation. The uterus and placenta of ungulates convert glucose to fructose via the polyol pathway. Fructose is sequestered within the uterus and cannot be transported back into the maternal circulation. Fructose is phosphorylated by ketohexokinase to fructose-1-PO4 (F1P) by that is metabolized via the fructolysis pathway to yield dihydoxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-PO4 that are downstream of phosphofructokinase. Thus, there is no inhibition of the fructolysis pathway by low pH, citrate or ATP which allows F1P to continuously generate substrates for the pentose cycle, hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, one-carbon metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as lactate. Lactate sustains the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha and its downstream targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor to increase utero-placental blood flow critical to growth and development of the fetal-placental tissues and a successful outcome of pregnancy. Pregnancy has been referred to as a controlled cancer and this review addresses similarities regarding metabolic aspects of tumors and the placenta.

Trace element partitioning between natural barite and deep anoxic groundwaters: Implications for radionuclide retention in host rocks of nuclear waste repositories

Safety assessments for deep geological repositories involve risk calculations for the release of radionuclides like Ra, U, Pu and trivalent actinides from the storage containers to the groundwater. The retention of radionuclides through water-mineral interaction along the groundwater flow path could be a crucial factor in case of a repository failure. Barite (BaSO4) assumes significance in this context, as it has the potential to (re)crystallize and incorporate significant quantities of radioactive elements under relevant physico-chemical conditions.The assessment of mineral-fluid partition coefficients provides a means to evaluate the uptake potential of elements into the mineral. Usually, partition coefficients are determined under well-defined and controlled experimental conditions in laboratories. However, these results have shown discrepancies to partitioning coefficients determined from natural systems.Furthermore, effects like diagenesis or changes in the chemical fluid parameters might lead to a secondary alteration of the phases and affecting the retention ability.Here we investigate the incorporation of trace elements in natural barite from a borehole at 415 m depth in the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Sweden). High-resolution LA-ICP-MS enables the quantitative determination of field-based partition coefficients through the integrated pixel average of selected zones in element distribution maps, combined with existing fluid concentration data. Similarities between the solid solution systems (Ra,Ba)SO4 and (Sr,Ba)SO4 allowed the combination of Sr partitioning data with density-functional theory simulations for an estimation of the partition coefficient value for Ra in natural barite. Values in the 10−2 range were determined, showing a deviation from those reported in previous experimental studies in the 10° range.Moreover, lanthanum serves as an analogue element for the radioactive trivalent actinides. The partition coefficient values for La in natural barite were determined in the range of 10−2 and 10−1, aligning well with experimental partition coefficients. Although density functional theory simulations cannot directly convert a La partition coefficient into a partition coefficient for trivalent actinides, it is assumed that these elements exhibit comparable behavior. Besides primary growth zonation, La also exhibits strong secondary enrichment, probably resulting from groundwater mixing and late fluid-mediated element transport through connected intracrystalline pore space oriented at cleavage plane systems. Additional SIMS analysis provides insights into the temporal variation of the sulfate source at the sampling site reflecting the influence of different waters during mineral growth.This study demonstrates a discrepancy between natural and synthetic PRa for barite and emphasizes that secondary processes significantly impact radionuclide retention in barite. Including these effects in reactive transport models will improve the reliability and applicability of integrative risk models.

A view of immunologic male infertility from the perspective of preserving seminal fluid homeostasis

The basis of the pathogenesis of immunologic male infertility is the production of antisperm antibodies against sperm antigens by plasmocytes. Extracellular nucleic acids, among other antigens, are perceived as DAMPs. The clearance system for biological fluids is complex. Endonucleases are responsible for the utilization of extracellular DNA. Among endonucleases, DNase 1 is the most studied. Its concentration in biological fluids is higher than others. For the first time, we determined the concentration of DNase 1 in the seminal fluid of men of reproductive age. DNase 1 concentration values were compared with the level of antisperm antibodies in the ejaculate, after which the relationship between the enzyme level and standard spermogram parameters was determined. The material for the study was the ejaculate of 44 relatively healthy men of reproductive age. During spermiological analysis, macroscopic and microscopic parameters of seminal fluid were determined, the concentration of deoxyribonuclease 1 (DNase 1) in the material was determined by enzyme immunoassay, and the presence of antisperm antibodies was assessed using a direct diagnostic method – the MAR test. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using analytical software PAST v. 4.06. Reference intervals for DNase 1 concentrations were calculated using the MedCalc v. 17.4 program. The relationship between spermogram parameters and DNase 1 concentration was assessed by calculating Spearman’s linear rank correlation coefficients. As a result, a negative correlation was found between the DNase 1 ratio and such ejaculate parameters as liquefaction time (rS = -0.37; p = 0.013) and viscosity (rS = -0.37; p = 0.013), as well as the level of antisperm antibodies A (rS = -0.43; p = 0.003) and G (rS = -0.33; p = 0.027), the mucous component of the ejaculate (rS = -0.37; p = 0.012) and agglutination of male germ cells (rS = -0.33; p = 0.029). According to the data obtained, the optimal level of DNase 1 is directly related to the quality of the ejaculate. Determination of DNase 1 concentration can serve as an additional diagnostic criterion for male immunological infertility. These data will expand our understanding of a man’s fertile potential.