Decrease In Concentration Research Articles

Comparing Refrigeration to Immediate Room Temperature Testing for Uric Acid Monitoring in Rasburicase-Treated Patients.

Rasburicase retains activity at room temperature (RT), so specimens collected for uric acid-level monitoring require cooling protocols. Our objective was to determine if we could ease these preanalytical requirements to improve compliance while maintaining accuracy. Fifty pairs of specimens were transported and stored either on ice or at RT. All were tested at 3 time points postcollection: immediately upon arrival to the laboratory (approximately 45 min), 90, and 135 min. Uric acid concentrations are not clinically significantly different in RT or iced specimens, as long as specimens are tested within approximately 45 min postcollection. There was a negative bias in uric acid levels in a subset of specimens if they were held at RT and tested at 90 min (-9.1%) and 135 min (-17.5%). Specimens tested within 2 rasburicase half-lives postinfusion have an additional 24% decrease in uric acid levels if kept at RT for 90 min. Specimens from patients given a 6 mg dose had an 18% decrease in uric acid concentration compared to a 3 mg dose. Laboratories that can test uric acid levels rapidly after specimen collection may be able to validate alternative preanalytical methods to transporting and testing on ice.

Stability of Alizarin as a Low-Cost Anthraquinone for Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Abstract An affordable and sustainable redox-active compound with suitable electrochemical properties is the key for commercializing redox flow batteries. Herein, the stability of the flow battery negolyte, alizarin (1,2- dihydroxyanthraquinone), is studied under different cycling conditions with a ferro/ferricyanide posolyte. The developed cell exhibits an open circuit potential of 1.12 V at 50% state-of-charge and capacity fade rate of 0.73% per day with full state-of-charge window (~ 0 – 99%) cycling. Three capacity fade mechanisms are identified: dimerization of reduced alizarin and a decrease in concentration of alizarin due to precipitation and crossover. Capacity recovery via oxidation of formed dimers is implemented with some success, while leaving precipitation as the dominant capacity fade mechanism.

Methane and sulfide sulfur in water and bottom sediments of streams of the steppe zone of the European part of Russia

The results of long-term studies of the conjugate distribution of concentrations of methane (CH 4 ) and sulfide sulfur (S sulfide ) in bottom sediments of streams of the steppe zone of the European part of Russia are analyzed. In addition to CH 4 and S sulfide , Eh and pH values, humidity and density were determined in various sediment horizons; CH 4 , dry residue and pH values were determined in water. Concentrations of CH 4 in the water of watercourses vary from 0.1 to 2007.0 µl/l (median 24.3 µl/l), with the largest number of values (72 %) in the range 10.1–100.0 µl/l. The concentrations of CH 4 and Ssulfide in the bottom sediments of watercourses are quite high and vary, respectively, from 0.01 to 51.0 µg/g of wet sediment (median 1.35 µg/g) and from 0.001 to 4.50 mg/g of wet sediment (median 0.813 mg/g). Usually, there is an increase in CH 4 and S sulfide from the surface layer to the subsurface horizons, after which their concentrations decrease. The difference between the distribution of sulfides and the distribution of CH 4 is the more frequent occurrence of maximum concentrations of sulfides in less deep sediment horizons. Seasonal changes in the distribution of CH 4 and S sulfide along the vertical of sediments were recorded not only in terms of their concentrations, but also in the location of maximum and minimum values. There is a weak direct relationship between the concentrations of CH 4 and S sulfide , which indicates synchronous processes of formation of these gases in separate layers of sediments of the studied watercourses. The direct relationship established between the concentrations of CH 4 in water and the 0–2 cm layer of bottom sediments indicates sediments as an important source of CH 4 entering water and its emission into the atmosphere.

Vegetation Effects on Air Pollution: A Comprehensive Assessment for Two Italian Cities

The role of urban vegetation in urban air quality is usually assessed by considering only the pollutant removal capacity of the plants. This study aims to show, for the first time, the effects of vegetation on air pollutant concentrations through its effects on meteorology, separately from its biogenic emissions. It also investigates how air quality changes when only biogenic emissions are altered by using plants with different emission factors, as well as the potential effects of introducing new vegetation into urban areas. These assessments were conducted using atmospheric modelling systems currently employed for air quality forecasting and planning, configured specifically for the cities of Bologna and Milan. Simulations were performed for two representative months, July and January, to capture summer and winter conditions, respectively. The variability in air concentrations of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM10) within the municipal boundaries was assessed monthly. When evaluating the impact of future vegetation, changes in temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity were also considered. The results indicate that vegetation influences air quality more significantly through changes in meteorological conditions than through biogenic emissions. Changes in biogenic emissions result in similar behaviours in O3 and PM10 concentrations, with the latter being affected by the changes in the concentrations of secondary biogenic aerosols formed in the atmosphere. Changes in NO2 concentrations are controlled by the changes in O3 concentrations, increasing where O3 concentrations decrease, and vice versa, as expected in highly polluted areas. Meteorologically induced vegetation effects also play a predominant role in depositions, accounting for most of the changes; however, the concentrations remain high despite increased deposition rates. Therefore, understanding only the removal characteristics of vegetation is insufficient to quantify its effects on urban air pollution.

Dietary antioxidants: An overview

The substances which inhibit oxidation are called as antioxidants. They are also known as free radical scavengers. The decrease in concentration of antioxidant is termed as oxidative stress. The presence of antioxidants decreases the risk of inflammation, liver disease, cardiovascular, cataract, nephrotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. They are categorized as exogenous and endogenous. Endogenous antioxidants include enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Enzymatic antioxidants are glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase whereas non-enzymatic are uric acid, metanonin lipoic acid, glutathione and bilirubin. Exogenous are carotenoids, Vitamin E, A, C and flavonoids. Apart from natural antioxidants, synthetic antioxidants such as octyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, hydroxytoluene and tertbutylhydroquinone are used to enhance flavor, color extending shelf life of the product. This paper discusses on the various role of antioxidants.

The influence of NOx, temperature, wind and total radiation on the level of ozone concentration in the Upper Silesian agglomeration

In 2019, ozone was responsible for about 365,000 premature deaths worldwide (6.21 million healthy life years lost) and acute ozone exposure led to 16,800 premature deaths in the European Union. The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of NO, NO2, wind direction (WD) wind speed (WS), air temperature (TA), and total radiation (GLR) on ozone concentration levels. Data provided by 3 automatic air quality monitoring stations of the Regional Environmental Protection Inspectorate in Katowice, were used in this study. The measurements were conducted in from January 1 2009 to December 31 2017. The data obtained from the measuring stations were statistically analysed. The study showed that the strongest influencing factors for O3 values are air temperature and total radiation, with each showing a high correlation with ozone concentration. NO and NO2 had a dual effect on O3 concentration, causing an increase in ozone concentration at low NO and NO2 concentrations and a decrease in ozone concentration at higher NO and NO2 concentrations. We noted that the direction of the wind had very little effect on the concentration of O3. The influence of wind speed on the O3 level was also small, but stronger than that of the wind direction. The research shows that in the analysed years for selected measuring stations the strongest factors influencing O3 concentration are air temperature and total radiation, the NO and NO2 concentrations had a dualistic effect on the O3 concentration.

The colloidal nature and osmotic potential of alkali-silica reaction products and their role for the ASR expansion mechanism

The chemical basics of the ASR are largely revealed and widely accepted, but the nature of the expansion mechanism is still not yet sufficiently well understood. Recent observations showed that ASR products could be considered as colloidal systems. In order to clarify if and to what extent this is the case and whether it could help to better understand the nature of the ASR products and the mechanism of ASR expansion in concrete, 10 ASR products of different composition, water content and synthesised at two temperatures (40 and 60 °C) were investigated over a period of 1.5 years. The ASR products were studied by means of NTA, SEM, 29Si NMR, XRD and an osmotic cell test. The results show that ASR products contain particles of colloidal size, mainly between 50–600 nm and of different shape. The particles are unable to pass pores with a size smaller than themselves what represents a mechanism of semi-permeability in all concrete constituents with respective pore sizes, resulting in the Donnan effect and osmosis. The particles are irreversibly linked by the addition of Ca, which leads to a decrease in the particle concentration, the formation of crystalline phases and thus to a decrease in the osmotic potential of the ASR products. Based on the colloidal nature of the ASR products, expansion caused by ASR in concrete can be explained osmotically.

Effectiveness of Cooking Procedures in Reducing Antibiotic Residues in Bivalves

Background/Objectives: The widespread use of antibiotics, which wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) cannot fully remove, in human and veterinary medicine leads to their release into wastewater, resulting in the contamination of aquatic environments. Bivalves can accumulate these antibiotics, posing a risk to shellfish consumers, including potential antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to assess how three cooking methods—marinating, steaming, and grilling—affect the concentration of 33 different antibiotics in bivalves fortified at the level of maximum residue limit (MRL) and twice the MRL (2MRL). Results: The data show the percentage of antibiotic remaining after cooking: 100% indicates stability or no reduction; values above 100% show an increase in concentration, and values below 100% reflect a decrease in antibiotic concentration. In general, all culinary procedures removed part of the added antibiotics. However, the most effective method was marinating (47%), followed by steaming (60%) and finally grilling (92%). It was also found that, overall, the fortification level, MRL or 2MRL, did not impact antibiotic removal in each cooking method. Moreover, different antibiotics’ classes presented diverse removals when cooked, ranging between 0% for penicillins and 73% for sulphonamides. Furthermore, the results showed a great diversity of responses to cooking within some antibiotic classes. Methods: After cooking, the analysis was based on solid–liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS). Conclusions: The ongoing monitoring of antibiotic levels is essential, and further research is needed to understand how cooking affects these substances and their metabolites. This will help assess the real risk to consumers and guide risk-mitigation measures.

Hydrogeological and hydrochemical study of groundwater aquifer in Wasit Governorate, Eastern Iraq

The main aim of groundwater studies is to assess the physical and chemical characterizations of water-bearing layers as a goal for assessing their suitability for various purposes Wasit Governorate, which is located in eastern Iraq, is an important area in terms of agriculture and poultry and livestock husbandry. The area mainly depends on groundwater, especially on the Iraqi-Iranian border. The area was investigated (40) wells inventoried during the field study and used to demonstrate the hydrogeological and hydrochemical properties. The groundwater aquifer is composed of Quaternary deposits and Mukdadiyah formation. The mean thickness, transmissivity, and maximum yields were 53 meters, 114 m2/day, and 600 m3/day, respectively. The groundwater moved partially to the western parts and mainly towards the southern parts of the area towards Shuwaicha Marsh, which is located outside the study area. The salinity map showed a regular decrease in salinity concentrations towards the central and southwestern parts of the area due to groundwater recharge from infiltrated surface water. The groundwater is brackish to saline, with two dominant calcium and sodium sulphate types. The central area between Zurbatia and Badra towns can be a qualified location to increase well drilling due to salinity decreasing as the transmissivity and maximum yields increase.

Enhanced electrical reliability of Zr‐doped BaTiO3 nanoceramics: First‐principle calculations and experimental studies

AbstractWith the miniaturization of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and the increase of electric field on single‐layer dielectrics, it is essential for the development of nanograin high‐reliability dielectric materials. In this work, Zr‐doped BaTiO3‐based ceramics with an average grain size of 130–150 nm were prepared by a chemical coating method. The effects and intrinsic mechanisms of Zr concentration on microstructure, dielectric properties, and reliability were systematically investigated by theoretical calculations and experiments. Zr additives lower the migration barrier of the dopants, which consequently contributes to the formation of thick shell layers in the core‐shell structure and grain growth, affecting the temperature stability and DC bias characteristics of the dielectric constant. Owing to the large change rate of the Zr–O bond length, the introduction of Zr increases the migration barrier of oxygen vacancies. However, the decrease in the effective doping concentration of the shell part and the reduction in the number of grain boundaries of ceramics with high Zr content have a weakening effect on the inhibition of oxygen vacancy migration. An appropriate amount of Zr doping can adjust the dielectric properties and improve the reliability of BaTiO3‐based ceramics. This study provides a theoretical reference for the design of high‐quality MLCCs.

Active-reset protein sensors enable continuous in vivo monitoring of inflammation.

Continuous measurement of proteins in vivo is important for real-time disease management and prevention. Implantable sensors for monitoring small molecules such as glucose have been available for more than a decade. However, analysis of proteins remains an unmet need because the lower physiological levels require that sensors have high affinities, which are linked to long complexation half-lives (t1/2 ~20 hours) and slow equilibration when concentrations decrease. We report active-reset sensors by use of high-frequency oscillations to accelerate dissociation, which enables regeneration of the unbound form of the sensor within 1 minute. When implemented within implanted devices, these sensors allow for real-time, in vivo monitoring of proteins within interstitial fluid. Active-reset protein sensors track biomarker levels on a physiological timescale for inflammation monitoring in living animals.

The Mobility of Major and Trace Elements in EOC Minerals on Parent Chondrite Bodies

The combined EPMA and SIMS study of the geochemical features of olivine, low-Ca pyroxene and plagioclase in equilibrated ordinary chondrites (EOCs) has revealed the effect of thermal metamorphism on trace element concentrations in EOC silicate minerals. In ordinary chondrites of petrological type 6, trace element composition is homogenized in olivine (Zr, Al, Ti, Ca, Cr, Sr and Ba) and low-Ca pyroxene (Zr, Hf, Y, Ti, Ca, Cr, Sr, Ba and Rb). Trace element concentrations in silicate minerals of petrological types 4 and 5 remain unequilibrated. Although variations in trace element concentrations have decreased, their concentrations in EOC minerals remain unchanged with an increase in the grade of thermal metamorphism. Plagioclase in equilibrated ordinary chondrites displays a consecutive decrease in trace element concentrations with a rise in the peak temperature of thermal metamorphism measured with an olivine-Cr spinel geothermometer. Chondrites of petrological type 4 show a metamorphic temperature of 670–682 °C, and meteorites of petrological type 5 reached equilibrium at a temperature of 687–700 °C. Chondrites of petrological type 6 show the highest metamorphic temperature of 734 °C. The temperatures are generally consistent with the concentric model of parent chondrite bodies.

What Can the COVID-19 Pandemic Tell Us About the Energy Transition? A Nitrogen Dioxide and Ground-Level Ozone Study

The lockdown measures imposed in Lisbon during the COVID-19 pandemic offered an unprecedented opportunity to observe abrupt changes in tropospheric NO2 and O3 concentrations, providing information on air quality improvements in a future dominated by electric vehicles. This study used deweathering modelling to account for meteorological influences in the data, analysing pollution changes throughout the baseline (2016–2019), COVID-19 (2020), recovery (2021), and post-COVID-19 (2022) periods. In summary, significant decreases in NO2 concentrations were observed at both traffic and background locations, with reductions up to 30% during the COVID-19 year. This is similar to what would be expected in an aggressive energy transition scenario. Concentrations of O3 increased by up to 20% at traffic locations; however, background O3 concentrations remained virtually unchanged, indicating that O3 formation is not primarily driven by NO2 but possibly VOC. The findings in this paper suggest that future reductions in NO2 due to vehicle electrification are unlikely to result in considerably high regional O3 concentrations.

Differential modulation of inflammatory cytokines by recombinant IL-10 in IL-1β and TNF-α ̶ stimulated equine chondrocytes and synoviocytes: impact of washing and timing on cytokine responses

Osteoarthritis (OA) remains a challenging joint disorder necessitating effective anti-inflammatory interventions. In this study, our primary objective was to establish an in vitro protocol that replicates the clinical investigation of anti-inflammatory drugs intended for OA management. Focusing on recombinant IL-10 (r.IL-10) as a potential anti-inflammatory treatment, we designed and implemented two distinct protocols to evaluate the efficacy of r.IL-10 in modulating chondrocyte and synoviocyte inflammation.The experimental design involved sequential stimulation with IL-1β and TNF-α for 24 h, followed by washing (model 1) or not washing (model 2) the cells before r.IL-10 treatment. Samples were collected after 6–24 h of treatment. Cellular responses were evaluated by quantifying gene expression and synthesis of key inflammatory cytokines and proteases.The expression and synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and proteases was significantly affected by washing and treatment time. The expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5 were effectively reduced in r.IL-10-treated chondrocytes and synoviocytes in model 2 after 24 h, particularly at concentrations of 10 and 20 ng/mL. r.IL-10 treatment significantly increased IL-6 gene expression in chondrocytes at all time points. However, in synoviocytes, IL-6 expression was significantly lower in model 2 after 24 h of r.IL-10 treatment. r.IL-10 treatment significantly decreased IL-1β and TNF-α content in synoviocyte supernatants, particularly in model 2 at concentrations of 10 and 20 ng/mL after 6 and 24 h. r.IL-10 treatment in chondrocytes led to a significant decrease in IL-1β supernatant concentrations in model 2 after 24 h only.This study demonstrated that r.IL-10 treatment effectively reduces key inflammatory markers and matrix metalloproteinase activity in both chondrocytes and synoviocytes, particularly in model 2 where cells were not washed prior to treatment. These findings highlight r.IL-10’s potential as a robust anti-inflammatory agent for OA management and suggest its critical role in developing effective therapeutic strategies for OA.

Growth-dependent concentration gradient of the oscillating Min system in Escherichia coli.

Cell division in Escherichia coli is intricately regulated by the MinD and MinE proteins, which form oscillatory waves between cell poles. These waves manifest as concentration gradients that reduce MinC inhibition at the cell center, thereby influencing division site placement. This study explores the plasticity of the MinD gradients resulting from the interdependent interplay between molecular interactions and diffusion in the system. Through live cell imaging, we observed that as cells elongate, the gradient steepens, the midcell concentration decreases, and the oscillation period stabilizes. A one-dimensional model investigates kinetic rate constants representing various molecular interactions, effectively recapitulating our experimental findings. The model reveals the nonlinear dynamics of the system and a dynamic equilibrium among these constants, which underlie variable concentration gradients in growing cells. This study enhances quantitative understanding of MinD oscillations within the cellular environment. Furthermore, it emphasizes the fundamental role of concentration gradients in cellular processes.

The impact of CEO contract duration on corporate misconduct

CEOs play a crucial role in mitigating organisational misconduct. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the CEO characteristics that help firms choose an appropriate CEOs. Less is known about how to manage risk through contract design when appointing a chief executive to reduce misconduct. This study examines how CEO contract duration affects the likelihood of corporate misconduct. We bridge agency and upper echelon theories to hypothesise the impact of CEO contract duration on corporate misconduct. We also examine how CEO compensation and firm ownership concentration moderate this relationship. Using data collected from multiple sources, we analyse the impact of CEO contract duration on corporate misconduct in listed companies from 1994 to 2022. The results show a U-shaped relationship between CEO contract duration and misconduct. Initially, misconduct decreases with longer CEO contracts but begins to increase as the duration extends further. This relationship is strengthened when CEO compensation and ownership concentration decrease. We also investigate the relationship between CEO succession contract duration and the actual tenure situation, and the results are generally consistent with our hypothesis. Overall, CEO succession contract duration at an intermediate level is more effective in reducing corporate misconduct than other contract durations. Our conclusions contribute to the research on the relationship between CEO contract design and corporate misconduct.

Numerical and analytical investigation of Jeffrey nanofluid convective flow in magnetic field by FEM and AGM

In the present research, a numerical and analytical study on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) convective flow of Jeffrey nanofluid has been presented. Investigation of mass and heat transfer phenomena has been done using mathematical modeling and considering thermal radiation. Solving and developing non-linear differential equations is done using finite element method (FEM) and Akbari-Ganji method (AGM). The novelty of this research lies in its application of these methods to investigate the effects of varying physical parameters on Jeffrey nanofluid flow, thereby filling a significant gap in the field of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Non-linear equations for energy, momentum and concentration are converted into dimensionless nonlinear equations by using appropriate variables. The main goal of this study is to determine the effect of various physical parameters on velocity, temperature and fluid concentration with the finite element model. This particular model was chosen because of the important role of magnetohydrodynamics and its wide applications in industry, engineering and medicine. The obtained results are presented graphically. It can be seen that with the increase of the mixed convection parameter, the velocity field increases, but the temperature and concentration decrease. Increasing the Hartmann number increases the speed and decreases the temperature in a certain range. When the Prandtl number increases, the temperature decreases. An increase in the Schmidt number results in a decrease in concentration. The results of the present study are in good agreement with the previous results, which shows the high accuracy and efficiency of the techniques used in this study.

Experimental study on fatigue strength of trapezoidal corrugated-web steel girders based on hot spot stress method

Corrugated-web steel girders (CWGs) significantly reduce the use of transverse stiffeners and avoid the fatigue problems associated with the web, in contrast to flat-web girders (FWGs). However, alterations in the web profile induce an uneven normal stress distribution in the flange, introducing an additional fatigue problem. This study experimentally investigates the static and fatigue behaviours of 20 trapezoidal corrugated-web steel girders (TCWGs) with four groups of different geometrical dimensions under a four-point bending load. Static test results indicate that in cross-sections with parallel and inclined web folds, normal stresses in the flange exhibit a linear variation along the width direction in both constant bending and combined bending-shear regions. Reducing the corrugation angle and length, and increasing the corner radius, contributes to a decrease in the stress concentration of TCWGs. Fatigue test results reveal that, among the 20 TCWGs showing fatigue failure, 85% of the initial cracks originate at the S-point in the tensile flange, while the remaining specimens exhibit cracks at the web weld toe. Varied crack propagation processes were observed at different crack initiation points. Cracks originating at S-point first progress along the flange thickness and width, eventually propagating upward along the weld to a minor height on the web. For cracks originating at the weld toe on the web, propagation does not proceed along the flange thickness and width initially; instead, it penetrates through the web thickness and propagates diagonally along the web height direction to a certain distance. Finally, utilising the hot spot stress range, a combined regression of the fatigue test data from this study and other studies was performed to propose the design S-N curve (logN = 12.645-3logΔσhs) for TCWGs experiencing S-point fatigue failure. This curve can be applied to calculate the fatigue strength of TCWGs with varying geometrical dimensions.

Physiological parameters and metal-accumulating capacity of the biofuel plant Miscanthus × giganteus cultivated on oil-contaminated podzol soil treated with humic preparations

Background. Physiological characteristics of the biofuel plant Miscanthus × giganteus J. M. Greef, Deuter ex Hodk. & Renvoize are currently attracting much attention due to its phytoremediation potential. The aim of this work was to study the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of M. giganteus, the accumulation of metals in the rhizosphere and aboveground organs, as well as the morphological parameters of plants cultivated on oil-contaminated soil and exposed to treatment with humic preparations. Materials and Methods. During field experiments, five experimental plots (PC and P1–P4) with an area of 1 m2 were laid out on podzol soil in the territory adjacent to the Starosambirske oil field. The PC plot was not subjected to any experimental treatment. The soil in plot P1 was planted with M. giganteus rhizomes; the soils in plots P2–P4 were contaminated with 10 L/m2 of crude oil and then planted with M. giganteus rhizomes. Before planting the rhizomes on plots P3 and P4, these were soaked in solutions of Fulvital® Plus Liquid and Humifield® Forte, respectively. During the growth period, the plants were sprayed twice with humic preparations. Shoot height and leaf width, a- and b-type chlorophyll (Chla and Chlb, respectively), total chlorophyll (Chla+b) and carotenoid concentrations were measured using standard methods. The content of metals (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soil and plant samples was assessed by X-ray fluorescence analysis using an Elvax Light SDD Analyzer. Results. The cultivation of M. giganteus on oil-contaminated soil did not affect shoot height or leaf width of plants, but it reduced the content of Chla, Chlb, Chla+b and carote­noids in plant leaves. Treatment of plants with humic preparations led to an increase in pigment concentrations in the leaves at different growth periods. Oil-contaminated soil planted with M. giganteus showed elevated levels of Cr and Ni. The cultivation of M. giganteus treated with Fulvital® Plus Liquid resulted in increased Ca, Mn and Ni contents in rhizosphere soil of an oil-contaminated plot. Growing M. giganteus on oil-contaminated soil resulted in significant decreases in Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Ni and Zn concentrations in plant stems. Treatment with humic preparations increased the content of the mentioned metals in the stems and the concentration of Mg and Ni in the leaves of plants from oil-contaminated soil compared to those in untreated plants. According to the bioaccumulation factor (BF) values, M. giganteus leaves have a high accumulation potential for Ni and Ca (BF>1), a medium accumulation potential for Mg, K and Cr (BF from 0.1 to 0.32) and a low accumulation potential for Fe and Zn (BF<0.1). The BF values of metals in leaves and stems decreased when plants were grown on oil-contaminated soil. Conclusions. Humic preparation treatment has a positive effect on the physiological parameters of M. giganteus grown on oil-contaminated podzol soil. The ability of M. giganteus to extract Ni from soil may mediate the plant’s phytoremediation potential. In this regard, the cultivation of M. giganteus in combination with its treatment with humic preparations will be promising on lands contaminated with oil and petroleum products.

The effect of adding dried egg whites and the enzyme lysozyme on improving some chemical properties of fresh and cold preservation sausages.

The current study aimed to use dried egg whites at concentrations of 0.6, 0.4, and 0.2% in preserving beef sausage by cooling at a temperature of 4°C. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the values ​​of peroxide (TBA) and the percentage of free fatty acids for the meat samples treated with dried egg whites compared to the control treatment, which amounted to 3.74 mEq/kg, fat, 1.24 mg, malondialdehyde /kg, 0.58%, and on the seventh day of preservation, they were excluded due to their microbial contamination, While the addition samples continued within standard limits until day 21 of cryopreservation. The results also showed a significant decrease in cholesterol concentration in beef sausages treated with dried egg whites compared to the group treated with the lysozyme enzyme. The averages in the fifth treatment reached 0.89 mg/g on day 21 of storage, while in the sixth treatment (adding the enzyme lysozyme) they reached 0.91 mg/g.