Variable Element Research Articles

STUDIES ON THE SEASONAL VARIATION OF MAJOR ELEMENTS DURING FRUIT DEVELOPMENT STAGES AND EVALUATION OF POST-HARVEST CHANGES IN MANGO GERMPLASM

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is one of the important fruits grown and consumed all over the world. Presently it is grown on an area of 173.8 thousand ha with 1.85 million tones production in the country. The production area and the fruit production season influence the composition of nutrients, especially carotenoids, ascorbic acid, flavonoid, and thiamine. Seasonal variations, also known as seasonality, refer to alterations in behavior, biological rhythms, physiology, and more, prompted by cyclic shifts in the environment caused by the changing seasons. The fruit quality, vegetative growth, reproductive growth, and yield depend on the proper nutrition of trees. Analyzing leaves plays a pivotal role in determining the nutrient requirements of mango trees, as the roots may face challenges in absorbing adequate nutrients from the soil. The research was planned to study the seasonal variation of major elements during fruit development stages and then evaluate the post-harvest changes in mango. Sixteen mango varieties were selected for the evaluation, and the collection of leaves was done every month from the marble stage to the harvesting for one year. Fruits were harvested at four distinct developmental stages, and an examination of biochemical properties such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT), and others was conducted. Leaf essential macro elements (N, P, and K) were also assessed. Data were analyzed by Statistics 8.1 statistical software and means were compared by Tukey’s significant test. The texture of all varieties was found to be smooth at first morphological stage. Malda, Keittn (SSI), Collector, Temora, and Zaafran exhibited a rough texture during observation. Among the varieties studied, Chaunsa SB, Tommy Atkin, and Rohi Raat displayed a more pronounced fruit aroma compared to others. Swarnerka, Keitt, and Pohi Raat exhibited notable color characteristics at the time of harvesting. Catalase in selected mango varieties showed the highest value in Malda. Hydrogen peroxide was highest in Zaafran. Malondialdehyde showed maximum value in Chaunsa SB. Peroxidase dismutase showed the maximum value in Chaunsa Lahori (8.50mg/g protein). Superoxide dismutase showed maximum value in Swarnerka. Titratable acidity was notably higher in Pop (13.53%) and Langra (11.25%) but lower in Chaunsa Lahori and Tommy Atkin (3.83%). In summary, the findings underscore the significant influence of each morphological stage on the various parameters studied.

Systematics of slab-derived components in Central Java, Sunda Arc: Evidence for differential material transfer across the Southeast Asian convergent margin

The modern volcanoes of Indonesia, represent the cycling of material and heat along the Southeast (SE) Asian subduction zone. This volcanic activity is well exemplified in the middle section of Java Island, which is found on the Sunda arc portion of the SE Asian convergent system. Central Java's volcanoes inherit their geochemistry from silicate melts that formed due to hydrous melting at a range of depths above their subducting slab: ∼136 to ∼272 km. It has been shown that across-arc variations in magmatic trace elements like boron (B) can shed light on the quantity and type of slab-derived fluid released in a forearc to back-arc sequence. In this study, we present major, trace and radiogenic chemistry data for five volcanoes arranged in a roughly N-S lineament across Central Java. We show that the observed chemical changes across the section of the Sunda arc can be explained by variations in different kinds of source from fluid mobile material being devolatilized across the arc. Our mixing models suggest that the magmas underlying these volcanoes see a decreasing ratio of sediment to altered oceanic crust (AOC) contributions from the volcanic front (Merapi volcano) toward the rear-arc (Muria). We estimate that a maximum ∼1% contribution of sediment-derived fluid is sufficient to explain the chemical systematics of this arc segment. Shallow slab dehydration, mostly from the sediment cover, at low temperature (at <60 km of slab depth) transfers the fluid high in B/Nb, Ba/Nb, 87Sr/86Sr and 207Pb/204Pb to the mantle beneath this region's arc front, inducing flux melting. Farther from the trench, the signature of the subducting oceanic plate increases and peaks at around ∼160–170 km of slab depth, carrying substantial slab liquids with moderate to low B/Nb and Ba/Nb with lower 87Sr/86Sr and 207Pb/204Pb to the mantle beneath middle- and rear-arc region. Beyond 200 km, in the rear-arc, evidence for slab liquid is low, but not non-existent. Unexplained Ba-enrichment in magmas from across the arc may account for the role of subduction serpentinite dehydration in the subduction channel or local crustal assimilation. This study provides a conceptual model for material transfer from the subducting slab in SE Asia. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of geochemical cycling in this region, as well as the impact of these cycles on present and past volcanism.

Spatiotemporal variation of the major meteorological elements in an agricultural region: A case study of Linyi City, Northern China

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Evaporation is a key element of the water and energy cycle and is essential in determining the spatial and temporal variations of meteorological elements. In particular, evaporation is crucial for thoroughly understanding the climate variations of a region. In this study, we discussed evaporation, precipitation, and temperature by adopting Linyi City in Shandong Province, China, which is an important agricultural region, as a research case. Linear regression analysis, the empirical orthogonal decomposition function, and the Morlet wavelet function were used to reveal the trends, spatiotemporal modes, and multi-time scale characteristics of the three climate factors and provide a theoretical basis for the efficient use of climate resources in the future development of regional agriculture. Results showed that the precipitation (2.09 mm/a) and temperature (0.04 ℃/a) in Linyi City exhibited a synchronous growth trend. Conversely, evaporation (−6.47 mm/a) showed a decreasing trend and the evaporation paradox because of the considerable decrease in evaporation energy. Regional development of water-consuming agriculture in consideration of global warming is a key point for improving water use efficiency in Linyi City. In terms of spatial distribution, precipitation was dominated by the first mode wherein low precipitation was observed at the early stage, and high precipitation occurred at the late stage. The first mode was supplemented by the second mode wherein an inverse phase change occurred in the southeast-northwest direction. Large interannual fluctuations were observed only in Yinan County. Temperature exhibited a pattern of warming change with high homogeneity. Evaporation demonstrated obvious heterogeneity and was dominated by two major modes, and the difference in evaporation between Junan County and the other regions of Linyi City was large. Therefore, the local regional climate changes in Yinan and Junan should be given attention. All three meteorological elements showed interannual and interdecadal variations in the short (5 a), medium (16 a), and long (25 a) terms, with precipitation, temperature, and evaporation dominated by 16 a, 24 a, and 31 a, respectively. In the short-term future, the regional precipitation and temperature in Linyi will experience decrements that are above the multiyear average, and evaporation will increase to above the multiyear average. Given the changing trends of precipitation, temperature, and evaporation, urgent requirements for the regional development of efficient water-saving irrigation and the promotion of digital agriculture should be proposed.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Unveiling the Versatile Realm of CdSnO3 Nanoparticles for Advanced Sensing Applications

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of CdSnO3 thin films at different deposition temperatures 400, 500 and 600 °C. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDAX, TEM, optical and ammonia gas sensing properties respectively. X-ray diffraction confirms the orthorhombic crystal structure, with prominent peaks corresponding to the (111), (112), (103), (130), and (133) planes. The mean crystallite size is determined to be 84 nm. Scanning electron microscopy reveals morphological changes with varying substrate temperatures. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy shows elemental composition variations, highlighting non-stoichiometric CdSnO3 thin films. Transmission electron microscopy images depict larger spherical thin films with clear lattice fringes. Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirm the presence of Cd-O and Sn-O bonds. Optical properties yield a calculated band gap was decreased with increase in temperature. Gas sensing tests demonstrate significant sensitivity to ammonia gas concentrations, with responses affected by ammonia concentrations. Overall, CdSnO3 thin films show promise for applications in diverse fields due to their tunable properties and potential for tailored performance.

Elemental and boron isotopic variations of tourmalines from the Miocene leucogranite-pegmatite in Kuju, eastern Himalaya: Implications for the evolution of magmatic melts

Elemental and boron isotopic variations of tourmalines from the Miocene leucogranite-pegmatite in Kuju, eastern Himalaya: Implications for the evolution of magmatic melts

Rhenium elemental and isotopic variations at magmatic temperatures

Rhenium elemental and isotopic variations at magmatic temperatures

Investigation of nonlinear optical properties in α-A2BB'O6 (A = Li, Na, K; B = Ti, Zr, Hf; B' = Se, Te) by first-principles calculations.

Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals based on oxides typically have wide bandgaps and large laser damage thresholds (LDTs), which are important for generating high-power and continuous terahertz radiation. Recently, a new family of NLO materials α-A2BB'O6 including Li2TiTeO6 (LTTO) with a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of 26 × KH2PO4 (KDP) and a large LDT of 550 MW cm-2 were reported. Herein, we systematically study the electronic structures and NLO properties of α-A2BB'O6 (A = Li, Na, K; B = Ti, Zr, Hf; B' = Se, Te) to explore the relationship between the structure and SHG coefficient. First, 15 members of the A2BB'O6 family are demonstrated to be highly stable and NLO materials, excluding K2TiTeO6, K2TiSeO6 and K2ZrSeO6. Then, the electronic band structure, dipole moment and distortion of BO6/B'O6 octahedrons, SHG coefficient and terahertz absorption spectrum are calculated comprehensively with the element variation of A-site, B-site and B'-site. Finally, the magnitude of the SHG coefficient is found to be directly proportional to the value of total dipole moment and distortion, and inversely proportional to the bandgap value. Most importantly, among the A2BB'O6 materials, K2HfSeO6 shows the smallest direct bandgap of 2.99 eV, the largest SHG coefficient d33 of about 5 × LTTO and low terahertz absorbance from 0.1 to 9 THz. Our results provide new NLO crystals that may have potential application in terahertz radiation sources and other nonlinear electronics.

The relative contribution of mantle and continental crustal sources to primitive arc magmas: Insights from the early Palaeozoic Famatinian - Puna arc

Subduction zone magmatism plays a crucial role in driving the exchange of chemical elements between Earth's interior and surface. This survey focuses on the compositional analysis of primitive mafic rocks within an ancient Early Palaeozoic subduction-related magmatic belt. The primary objective is to assess the petrological processes involved in the cycling of chemical elements from the Earth's surface, through the slab and mantle reservoirs, to the crustal arc magmatic systems. By examining the composition of primitive mafic rocks and utilizing inverse modelling techniques, we estimate the composition of the ambient mantle source, which appears to have undergone depletion due to melt extraction before being metasomatized by slab agents. The inverse approach reveals that fluid-mobile elements (Th, U, La, Ce, and Sr) were primarily derived from the slab contribution and suggests that subduction had influenced the abundances of Nb and Ta in the modified mantle source. Conversely, Zr, Hf, and Ti were sourced from the ambient mantle. However, the available mineral/melt partition coefficients used in inverse modelling may overestimate the contribution of Sr and Nb from the slab. Instead, forward modelling is limited by the incomplete preservation of ancient volcanic arc geology. The forward mixing models that consider the interaction between slab-released sedimentary-derived melts and the ambient depleted mantle can explain the observed variations in Nd and Sr isotopic ratios in primitive mafic rocks. Two-component mixing shows that a small mass fraction (≤1.5 wt%) of average Cambrian continental sediments subducted beneath the Early Ordovician arc into a MORB-depleted mantle source account for the abundance of sedimentary-supplied elements such as Th, La, and Ba, as well as radiogenic isotope ratios of 143Nd/144N and 87Sr/86Sr in the primitive mafic magmas. The chemical and isotopic composition of deep-seated primitive mafic rocks reveals a decoupling between incompatible trace elements, which display minimal variation, and radiogenic isotopic ratios, which exhibit a wide range and reflect contributions from continental crustal reservoirs. To explain the observed variations in trace elements and isotopes, we propose a simple model involving simultaneous bulk assimilation (A) and imperfect fractional crystallization (IFC) in an open igneous system, where crystal accumulation and assimilation occur concurrently. Especially, deep crustal physicochemical interaction of primitive arc magmas with supracrustal host rocks may mask the expected clear signature of subarc mantle petrological processes. Our assessment of the Famatinian-Puna arc, an ancient subduction zone, concurs with estimates from active volcanic arcs, underscoring the general applicability of this study case to subduction zone magmatism.

Geographic and tissue-specific variations of the trace elements and trophic niches of three offshore cetaceans in Chinese waters

Systematical investigation on trace elements’ (TEs) distribution and trophic niches of cetaceans are essential to understand marine mammal ecology and environmental toxicology. Here, the concentrations of 10 TEs and isotopic values in six tissues of stranded Stenella attenuata (SA) and Kogia breviceps (KB) from the northern South China Sea (SCS) and Peponocephala electra (PE) from the East China Sea (ECS) were investigated. The TEs levels of the studied cetaceans were characterized by geo- and tissue-specific distributions. For SA and KB, most TEs levels were in the normal ranges, with low toxicological risk. For PE, several toxic TEs accumulated above the thresholds up to 892.80 μg/g of Hg and 335.24 μg/g of Cd, indicating that land-based anthropogenic pollution may be an ongoing threat to top predators in the ECS. The liver, spleen, and kidney are the main organs that accumulate toxic TEs, and there are strong positive, such as Se–Hg, correlations in several tissues. In particular, for PE with severe Hg and Cd exposure, tissue-specific distribution and correlations were more obvious. The results of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes showed partly overlapped trophic niches of the three cetaceans, with similar calculated trophic levels in a narrow range of 4.29–4.43.

Insight of Oxidative Stress, Ultrastructural Transformations, and Elemental Variations in Rice Seedlings Exposed to Boron Toxicity: Unraveling the Role of Fe-SOD in Boron Tolerance

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings differing in boron tolerance were grown in hydroponics containing varying boron concentration. (as boric acid) for 8 days. Yoshida Nutrient Solution (Yoshida et al.1976) served as control, whereas 0.5 mM boron (moderately toxic) and 1.5 mM boron (highly toxic). Boron excess (B) caused marked reduction in length, biomass and relative water content of the seedlings, with more reductions in B-sensitive cv. Malaviya-36 as compared with B-tolerant cv. Brown Gora. B-sensitive seedlings showed higher B uptake in roots and shoots compared to the tolerant. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed ultrastructural damage to the guard cells with excess boron. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) of rice leaves showed decline in concentration of P, S, Ca and Mg in seedlings on B treatment. Increased production of reactive oxygen species O2˙−, H2O2, lipid peroxides, alteration in activity of antioxidative enzymes and increased membrane permeability was observed in B treated seedlings compared to controls. Real time PCR analysis of stress regulatory genes indicated differential expression of SOD isoforms in the two sets of cultivars with B treatment. Interestingly seedlings of B-tolerant cultivar were characterized by higher level of expression of Fe-SOD and its further increased expression on B treatment. Results suggest that B toxicity involves ultrastructural and elemental changes, increased generation of ROS and altered antioxidative enzyme activities in rice seedlings and increased expression Fe-SOD isoform appears to be associated with B tolerance.

Trace element of small lake sediments sensitively recorded environmental changes in the watershed: Implications for mining history and urbanization

Lake sediments serve as a sink for trace elements and provide a record of watershed changes resulting from anthropogenic activities and natural processes. In this study, eight trace elements in the sediments of Lake Aha, an urban lake in Guiyang City, Southwest China, were investigated to reveal the effects of historical coal mining and rapid urbanization in the watershed. Results showed that the median contents of measured trace elements in order of Zn (220.00 mg/kg) > Ni (98.16 mg/kg) > Cr (70.26 mg/kg) > Cu (66.20 mg/kg) > As (58.14 mg/kg) > Co (41.66 mg/kg) > Pb (28.33 mg/kg) > Cd (1.39 mg/kg). Except for Cr and Pb, the median concentrations of Cd, As, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cu were 4.64, 2.33, 2.00, 1.92, 1.81, and 1.09 times higher than regional natural background values respectively. Trace element contents in sediments of the center of the lake were significantly higher than in the rest of the sediment cores, resulting from relatively stable hydrodynamic processes in the region. Vertical variation of trace elements indicated that the fluctuations in the intensity of coal mining activities in the tributaries were effectively tracked by variations of trace element levels in the middle layer sediments of the Youyu River and Baiyan River estuaries. The elevated concentrations of Pb in the surface sediments of the Jinzhong River estuary reflected the rapid urbanization in the basin over the past 20 years. PMF analysis demonstrated that As, Cd, and Pb in sediments were from a mixture of natural and urban activities, and Cu, Zn, Ni, and Co originated from coal mining. This study provides important information for comprehending the anthropogenic activities of small-scale lakes and historical environmental changes.

The Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether used as a surface tensiometry tool for non-invasive quality assessment of peloids (TVS mud index®): An overview

Background Surface tensiometry consented to characterize the surface free energy of geomaterials in an integrated and non-destructive way. A new surface tensiometry tool, based on the contact angle measurement of Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether (TVS mud index), has thus developed in the early 2000s. The TVS mud index was for the first time employed from 2005 to 2010 for surface tensiometry characterization of peloids for pelotherapy from Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (Pa-dova, Italy). We aim to report the surface tensiometry application in the thermal field, and show the potentialities of TVS mud index as a marker for the non invasive quality control of the peloids and their maturation process. Methods The determination of the typical chemical-mineralogical characteristics of a Euganean Thermal Mud (ETM) and their surface tensiometry allowed us to demonstrate the link between the chemical data from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and they performed using a tensiometer to assess the quality of the peloid and its biological maturation process. Results The liquid test Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether-based demonstrated the link between variations in volume elements and surface free energy of muddy matrices. The research results here showed that the TVS mud index is linked to the chemical pattern of peloids. Conclusions The research work implemented in the period 2005-2010 showed the potentialities of surface tensiometry in the assessment of peloids for pelotherapy using Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether as a liquid test.

APPLICATION OF AMPLITUDE-INTEGRATED ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS OF NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Intriduction. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography is a technique for monitoring continuous cerebral function, when electroencephalographic signal is filtered, scaled and compressed in time.&#x0D; Objective of the study is to elucidate peculiarities of interpreting findings of the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in patients of neonatal intensive care units, and represent a clinical case of establishing diagnosis by using the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography for a critically sick neonate.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted across international and national databases, including Elsevier, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar, covering the period from 2019 to 2023. The search focused on the keywords "amplitude-integrated electroencephalography" and/or "aEEG" and "neonates" and/or "term infants" and/or "preterm infants." The clinical case presented took place at the neonatal intensive care unit of the Maternity Home "Central Municipal Clinical Hospital", Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Permission for publication was obtained from both parents of the child.&#x0D; Results. The main indications for conducting the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates include the assessment of the cerebral function and the degree of cerebral damage with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or asphyxia at birth (often combined with therapeutic hypothermia); assessment of sleep-wake cycle; identification of seizures; assessment of cerebral function maturity in preterm neonates.&#x0D; The underlying cerebral activity is estimated according to the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography findings by means of a simple recognition of visual images corresponding to the five main patterns: Continuous Normal Voltage, Discontinuous Normal Voltage, Burst Suppression, Low Voltage, and Flat Trace. A typical neonatal single seizure fit on the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography looks like a “hump” or lower edge elevation interrupting the background recording. Repeated fits (epileptic status) look like a “saw” of repeated “humps”, one of each represents one attack. The article presents a clinical case of the diagnostic search in the neonate with congenital pneumonia and development of multiple organ failure syndrome including seizure syndrome. Clinical tonic-clonic seizures of the infant were associated with electroencephalographic criteria of status epilepticus both on the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (repeated symmetrical elevations of the lower edge in the left and right) and on the standard electroencephalography (different variations of seizure graphic elements in the right and left). Considering the results of the clinical and instrumental examination, an adequate anticonvulsant therapy was administered.&#x0D; Conclusions. Continuous recording of the video-amplitude-integrated electroencephalography and standard electroencephalography in infants from the risk group is a good strategy of the neurological status effective monitoring. It enables to assess the underlying cerebral electric activity and it maturity, diagnose seizures and manage anticonvulsant therapy correctly. An adequate training of the staff who are at the patient’s bedside 24/7 is an important part of the interdisciplinary collaboration which is essential for a safe and effective management of patients in the neonatal intensive care units, prevention of early complications and disability in the future.

Technical note: Implementing MRI/CT-based elemental concentration data to Monte Carlo simulation for yielding positron emitters in proton therapy.

The elemental concentration (especially oxygen and carbon) and mass density must be accurately assigned to perform Monte Carlo (MC) simulations for predicting proton-induced nuclear reactions in the human body. We recently proposed an approach to quantify elemental concentrations and mass densities of human soft tissues from water content (WC) data obtained by quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (which we called "MRWC"). This study presents the first implementation of MRWC-derived elemental concentrations and mass densities as complementary inputs into MC simulations on a virtual head phantom, and demonstrates the simulation of positron emitter production yields in proton therapy. An MC code, PHITS, was used to simulate proton therapy with a monoenergetic 140 MeV beam for a digital head phantom provided by BrainWeb. Three different head images were synthesized as inputs: a conventional CT image, an ideal CT image as a reference, and a WC image coupled with the bone-only CT image for a hybrid approach (MRWC/CT). Thereafter, the performance of the MRWC/CT method was evaluated by comparing its accuracy in predicting the production yields of positron emitters (11C and 15O) with the gold-standard CT-only method. The MRWC/CT method could predict 11C and 15O production yield maps that closely resembled the corresponding reference maps, while the CT-only method failed. The structural similarity index measures between the reference and CT- or MRWC/CT-derived maps were improved from 0.67 (CT-only) to 0.87 (MRWC/CT) for 11C and 0.76 (CT-only) to 0.93 (MRWC/CT) for 15O. Furthermore, applying post-processing normalizations to account for elemental density variations in the production yields of positron emitters facilitated the determination of distal fall-off positions in depth activity profiles. At least in the head area, the MRWC/CT method demonstrated potential for more precise predictions of proton-induced positron emitter distributions via MC simulations than that of the CT-only method.

Experimental validation for the interconversion between generalized Kelvin–Voigt and Maxwell models using human skin tissues

Mechanical properties of biological systems provide essential insights into their component, physiological function, and disease mechanism under various conditions, such as age, health, and other environmental factors. Viscoelasticity is one of the most important and investigated properties to study biomaterials, cells, and tissues, as they exhibit the characteristics of both fluid-like behavior, viscosity, and solid-like behavior, elasticity. Various mathematical models, such as the Kelvin–Voigt and Maxwell models, have been developed and practiced to estimate and extract viscoelastic properties. However, one of the inherent challenges with the use of these models is the poor transferability of mathematically estimated viscoelastic properties across different models, largely due to variations in constituent elements and their arrangements within each model. This issue impedes the interconversion of parameters of one model to another and complicates comparison across models. In this study, we demonstrate the equivalence between the generalized Maxwell and generalized Kelvin-Voigt models through two distinct approaches: indirect, Maxwell model-based Kelvin-Voigt model estimation and direct, curve fitting-based Kelvin-Voigt model estimation. We utilized human melanoma skin tissues to estimate viscoelastic properties using the Prony series. The estimated parameters and resulting viscoelastic properties revealed no significant difference between the two approaches and between the two patients. This study is the first experimental validation of the mathematical interconversion of the two models, signifying that this approach will enable an accurate and objective analysis and comparison of mechanical properties across various viscoelastic models.

Ore genesis of the Bayanbaolege Ag-Pb-Zn deposit, NE China: Constraints on LA-ICP-MS studies of cadmium and related trace elements in sulfides

The newly discovered Bayanbaolege Ag-Pb-Zn deposit is located in the Southern Great Hinggan Range metallogenic belt, northeastern China, with 1440 t Ag, 380000 t Zn, 50000 t Pb, and a beneficial component of Cd (806 t Cd) and Ga (211 t Ga). The orebodies of this deposit occur as veins and are hosted mainly by a contact zone between the Permian silty slate and the granite intrusion, and have a closely spatio-temporal relationship with the early Cretaceous granodiorite porphyry intrusion.The mineralization process of the Bayanbaolege deposit can be divided into three mineralization stages including arsenopyrite-pyrite-quartz stage (stage I), pyrite-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite stage (stage II) and galena-sphalerite-argentite -pyrite-calcite stage (stage III). LA-ICP-MS trace element mapping and spot analyses were conducted on the sphalerite and pyrite in stage III at the Bayanbaolege deposit.LA-ICP-MS trace element mapping and spot analyses were conducted on the stage III sphalerite and pyrite selected from the Bayanbaolege deposit in order to identify the occurrence form and distribution characteristics of critical metal elements, constrain the possible controls on the variation of trace elements, reveal the physicochemical condition of mineralization and provide new insights into the ore genesis. The results show that Ga, Ge, In, Cd, Mn, Cu, Ag and Co concentrations in sphalerite, and pyrite is the preferential host for Ge, As and Ni. The occurrence of Ga, Ge, In and Cd in sphalerite are mainly deposited in form of isomorphism. Physicochemical condition studies suggest that sphalerite precipitated from a medium-temperature hydrothermal system with the range from 190 °C to 291 °C (average at 230 °C) and accompanied with the intermediate fS2. Trace element concentrations of sphalerite are different from that of the MVT, VMS, SEDEX and skarn deposits. The results of this study, combined with the previous geological and physicochemical evidence, indicate that the Bayanbaolege Ag-Pb-Zn deposit deposit is an intrusion-related mesothermal hydrothermal vein-type deposit.

Role of Genetic Variation in Transcriptional Regulatory Elements in Heart Rhythm.

Genetic predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias has been a field of intense investigation. Research initially focused on rare hereditary arrhythmias, but over the last two decades, the role of genetic variation (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in heart rate, rhythm, and arrhythmias has been taken into consideration as well. In particular, genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of genomic loci associated with quantitative electrocardiographic traits, atrial fibrillation, and less common arrhythmias such as Brugada syndrome. A significant number of associated variants have been found to systematically localize in non-coding regulatory elements that control the tissue-specific and temporal transcription of genes encoding transcription factors, ion channels, and other proteins. However, the identification of causal variants and the mechanism underlying their impact on phenotype has proven difficult due to the complex tissue-specific, time-resolved, condition-dependent, and combinatorial function of regulatory elements, as well as their modest conservation across different model species. In this review, we discuss research efforts aimed at identifying and characterizing-trait-associated variant regulatory elements and the molecular mechanisms underlying their impact on heart rate or rhythm.

Spatial variation and potential ecological risk assessment of trace elements in the sediments of Chaohu Lake in China

Chaohu is a large freshwater lake. It plays an essential part in agriculture, life, and part of the industry. This study analyzed the heavy metals contents of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in sediments of the Chaohu Lake using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distribution of some potential hazardous trace element in Chaohu Lake in the order as Zn (44.04 mg kg−1)>Cu (28.62 mg kg−1)>Cr (27.39 mg kg−1)>Pb (16.71 mg kg−1)≈Ni (16.22 mg kg−1)>As (5.89 mg kg−1)>Cd (0.14 mg kg−1)>Hg (0.04 mg kg−1). The results indicated that the selected heavy metals in the lake were practically uncontaminated, and the levels of selected potential hazardous elements varied from different sampling sites. Correlation analysis indicated that the selected potential hazardous element pollutant has co-contamination also occurs in sediments. However, in the center of Chaohu Lake, the primary contributor to the ecological risk was Cd (41%) and Hg (40%). Based on the PERI, the total potential ecological risk of selected heavy metals in the sediments of Chaohu Lake was light-contaminated.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 tir 255 T > A allele strains differ in chromosomal and plasmid composition.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 strains with the T allele in the translocated intimin receptor polymorphism (tir) 255 A > T gene associate with human disease more than strains with an A allele; however, the allele is not thought to be the direct cause of this difference. We sequenced a diverse set of STEC O157:H7 strains (26% A allele, 74% T allele) to identify linked differences that might underlie disease association. The average chromosome and pO157 plasmid size and gene content were significantly greater within the tir 255 A allele strains. Eighteen coding sequences were unique to tir 255 A allele chromosomes, and three were unique to tir 255 T allele chromosomes. There also were non-pO157 plasmids that were unique to each tir 255 allele variant. The overall average number of prophages did not differ between tir 255 allele strains; however, there were different types between the strains. Genomic and mobile element variation linked to the tir 255 polymorphism may account for the increased frequency of the T allele isolates in human disease.

Central-line-associated bloodstream infection burden among Dutch neonatal intensive care units

The establishment of an epidemiological overview provides valuable insights needed for the (future) dissemination of infection-prevention initiatives. To describe the nationwide epidemiology of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among Dutch Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Data from 2935 neonates born at <32 weeks' gestation and/or with a birth weight <1500g admitted to all nine Dutch NICUs over a two-year surveillance period (2019-2020) were analysed. Variations in baseline characteristics, CLABSI incidence per 1000 central-line days, pathogen distribution and CLABSI care bundles were evaluated. Multi-variable logistic mixed-modelling was used to identify significant predictors for CLABSI. A total of 1699 (58%) neonates received a central line, in which 160 CLABSI episodes were recorded. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common infecting organisms of all CLABSI episodes (N=100, 63%). An almost six-fold difference in the CLABSI incidence between participating units was found (2.91-16.14 per 1000 line-days). Logistic mixed-modelling revealed longer central line dwell-time (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):1.08, P<0.001), umbilical lines (aOR:1.85, P=0.03) and single rooms (aOR:3.63, P=0.02) to be significant predictors of CLABSI. Variations in bundle elements included intravenous tubing care and antibiotic prophylaxis. CLABSI remains a common problem in preterm infants in The Netherlands, with substantial variation in incidence between centres. Being the largest collection of data on the burden of neonatal CLABSI in The Netherlands, this epidemiological overview provides a solid foundation for the development of a collaborative platform for continuous surveillance, ideally leading to refinement of national evidence-based guidelines. Future efforts should focus on ensuring availability and extraction of routine patient data in aggregated formats.