Maximum Total Concentration Research Articles

Identification of molecules from tomato plant residues using sustainable green chemicals

AbstractHigh quantities of biomass produced in greenhouses create environmental problems as this side stream, and its downgraded products are not further used in the production cycle. The aim of our research was the identification and semi-quantification of molecules extracted from vegetative tomato plant residues with sustainable green alternative solvents using vacuum-assisted soxhlet and solid–liquid extraction to evaluate the possibilities for high-value applications for the first time. To identify compounds, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and the Folin–Ciocalteau method were used. In sum, 285 different compounds have been assigned to 383 detected peaks using GC–MS analysis. The solvents 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) and ethyl acetate, compared with ethanol and hexane, provided better results with a maximum number of 99 ± 8.83 compounds, a maximum total concentration of 5894.82 ± 586.48 and 3363.02 ± 71.14 mg naphthalene equivalent (NEQ) kgdw−1, and a total phenolic content of 2143.25 ± 155.17 and 1605.92 ± 66.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kgdw−1, respectively. With 781.2 ± 112.66 and 718.25 ± 54.89 mg NEQ kgdw−1, the compound neophytadiene was the most common terpene in ethyl acetate and 2-MTHF extracts, respectively. It can be concluded that vegetative tomato plant residues contain a large variety of bioactive molecules. Green solvents, such as 2-MTHF and ethyl acetate, enhance the extraction of these molecules from the solid matrix. Graphical abstract

Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of oral testosterone undecanoate in males with hypogonadism.

Testosterone deficiency results from insufficient testosterone production. Testosterone therapy may require dose titration to reach eugonadal serum testosterone concentrations. The primary objective was the efficacy of oral testosterone undecanoate (TLANDO; Antares Pharma Inc.) in male patients with documented hypogonadism. Secondary objectives included a comparison of oral testosterone undecanoate safety and quality-of-life assessments to 1.62% topical testosterone gel (AndroGel 1.62%; AbbVie). In this phase 3 study, 315 patients were randomized 2:1 to oral testosterone undecanoate or 1.62% topical testosterone gel (NCT02081300). Patients received 225mg oral testosterone undecanoate twice daily, and doses were adjusted by 75mg/dose at weeks 4 and 8 based on average serum total testosterone concentration and maximum observed serum concentration. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients receiving oral testosterone undecanoate with serum total testosterone concentration within the eugonadal reference range (300-1140ng/dL). Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with maximum serum total testosterone concentrations within predetermined limits, safety parameters, and quality-of-life endpoints including the Short Form-36v2 Health Survey, Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire, and International Prostate Symptom Score. Overall mean±SD baseline testosterone was 205.7±71.6ng/dL. For patients receiving oral testosterone undecanoate, 87.4% demonstrated a 24-h average serum total testosterone concentration within the reference range following titration. Oral testosterone undecanoate demonstrated a nominal statistically significantly greater mean change from baseline than 1.62% topical testosterone gel for Short Form-36v2 Health Survey measures of mental health (2.91vs. -0.10; p=0.035), and mental component summary (3.82vs. 0.55; p=0.009); and Psychosexual Daily Questionnaire measure of weekly negative mood (-0.57vs. -0.20; p=0.021). Safety endpoints were comparable between therapies. No deaths or treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Male patients with hypogonadism receiving oral testosterone undecanoate 225mg twice daily demonstrated improvements in libido and sexual frequency. Serum testosterone concentrations were within the reference range in 87% of patients without dose titration.

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AS INDICATORS OF SOIL POLLUTION IN THE ZONE AFFECTED BY THE TRANSPORT COMMUNICATIONS OF THE GORLOVO ANTHRACITE DEPOSIT

The areas adjacent to open coal mining facilities are affected by different kinds of anthropogenic impact, including dust pollution. To reveal the extent of technogenic impact, the parameters characterising the content and composition of 19 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in chernozem soils adjacent to the haul road of the Gorlovo anthracite deposit (the Novosibirsk Region) were assessed. It is shown that the maximum total concentration of PAHs (>1000 ng/g) is reached at the distance of 100 m from the source, while the levels higher than the background are detected at a distance of 1000 m. The effect of dominating wind direction and the presence of tree belt were determined to affect the total PAH content in soil but leave their group composition unchanged at a distance of 2000 m from the road. At the same time, the individual composition of PAHs in soils changes with an increase in the distance from the pollution source. The concentration of benz(α)pyrene and total PAH content, calculated for benz(α)pyrene toxic equivalents, were determined in the soils of territories adjacent to the road and compared with the current standards in force in the Russian Federation (sanitary rules and regulations). Statistical processing of the results, performed by the principal component analysis, shows that the input of black carbon in the form of anthracite coal dust into soil is most adequately represented by polyarene ratio PHE/(PHE + CHR), where PHE is phenanthrene, and CHR is chrysene. However, the threshold of technogenic load (<0.8), that was previously established for objects in which anthracite is the main source of PAHs, requires confirmation for black soils.

Rodenticide contamination of cormorants and mergansers feeding on wild fish

Exposure of wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides from sewer baiting and bait application is poorly understood. We analyzed residues of eight anticoagulant rodenticides in liver samples of 96 great cormorants, 29 common mergansers, various fish species, and coypu, in different German regions. Results show that hepatic residues of anticoagulant rodenticides were found in almost half of the investigated cormorants and mergansers due to the uptake of contaminated fish from effluent-receiving surface waters. By contrast, exposure of coypu to rodenticides via aquatic emissions was not observed. The maximum total hepatic anticoagulant rodenticide concentration measured in waterfowl specimens was 35 ng per g based on liver wet weight. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide active ingredients brodifacoum, difenacoum, and bromadiolone were detected almost exclusively, reflecting their estimated market share in Germany and their continuing release into the aquatic compartment. Overall, our findings reveal that second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides accumulating in wild fish are transferred to piscivorous predators via the aquatic food chain.

Pesticide residues in boreal arable soils: Countrywide study of occurrence and risks

Large volumes of pesticides are applied every year to support agricultural production. The intensive use of pesticides affects soil quality and health, but soil surveys on pesticide residues are scarce, especially for northern Europe. We investigated the occurrence of 198 pesticide residues, including both banned and currently used substances in 148 field sites in Finland. Results highlight that pesticide residues are common in the agricultural soils of Finland. A least one residue was found in 82% of the soils, and of those 32% contained five or more residues. Maximum total residue concentration among the conventionally farmed soils was 3043 μg/kg, of which AMPA and glyphosate contributed the most. Pesticide residues were also found from organically farmed soils, although at 75–90% lower concentrations than in the conventionally farmed fields. Thus, despite the application rates of pesticides in Finland being generally much lower than in most parts of central and southern Europe, the total residue concentrations in the soils occurred at similar or at higher levels. We also established that AMPA and glyphosate residues in soil are significantly higher in fields with cereal dominated rotations than in grass dominated or cereal–grass rotations. However, risk analyses for individual substances indicated low ecological risk for most of the fields. Furthermore, the total ecological risk associated with the mixtures of residues was mostly low except for 21% of cereal dominated fields with medium risk. The results showed that the presence of mixtures of pesticide residues in soils is a rule rather than an exception also in boreal soils. In highly chemicalized modern agriculture, the follow-up of the residues of currently used pesticides in national and international soil monitoring programs is imperative to maintain soil quality and support sustainable environment policies.

Monitoring microbial safety and evaluation of removal efficiency from drinking water in Ahvaz, Iran

The availability of potable water sources is vital worldwide. Due to the potential for microbial contamination, developing nations focus more research on the existence of microorganisms that are indicators in water than they do on chemical presence. This study was done in order to assess the microbial level of drinking water in Ahvaz city. In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, the measure the microbial tests, two culture mediums, MacConkey broth, and green lactose broth, were used for possible and confirmatory culture respectively. Bioindicators measured in drinking water included fecal coliform and total coliform. Not only the residual chlorine concentration was also measured, but its relationship with bioindicators was also calculated by Spearman's correlation test. Result of this study showed that, the maximum total coliform concentration reported is between 2021 and 2022 (1600 MPN/100 ml). Based on result of this study the average concentration of fecal coliform in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 were 11.88, 10.66, 7.78, and 6.11 MPN/100 ml respectively. The average annual concentration of total coliform and fecal coliform in four years was 28.95 and 9.32 MPN/100 ml, respectively. According result of this study, the Karun River, Ahvaz's main drinking water source, is contaminated by surface water runoff, old facilities, and unfiltered discharge of different wastewater kinds from factories, farms, and communities in Khuzestan.

Effect of spraying air freshener on particulate and volatile organic compounds in vehicles

People in these days spend approximately 6 % of their time in a means of transport. Air fresheners are frequently used in vehicles to mask odors; however, they can cause adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation and autonomic dysfunction. This study aimed to identify the effects of air fresheners on the concentrations of particulate and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different vehicle cabins. Scanning mobility and optical particle sizers were used for the particle measurements. VOCs (e.g., BTEX and d-limonene) were collected using a Tenax TA. The products were sprayed for less than a minute. The study assessed three spray products (all trigger types), vehicle size (small, medium, and large), cabin temperature (10 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C), and in-vehicle ventilation mode (all-off, recirculation, and external inflow modes). The particle concentration increased rapidly during the 1-min spraying of the products. The proportion of nanoparticles in the front seat (67.2 % ± 2.2 %) was 11.1 % ± 2.2 % lower than that in the rear seat (75.6 % ± 2.1 %). The spray product and vehicle size did not significantly affect the particle or VOC concentrations. With an increase in the temperature of the front seat, the proportion of nanoparticles increased by 25.3 % ± 3.2 %. Moreover, the maximum total VOC concentrations (front seat: 364.3 μg/m3; back seat: 241.3 μg/m3) were observed at 20 °C. Under in-vehicle ventilation, recirculation effectively reduced the overall particle concentration within the cabin; however, the generated VOCs circulated. The external inflow proved effective in cabin air purification by reducing the total VOC concentration to 56.0–57.2 % compared with other ventilation modes. These findings provide substantial insight into the persistence of particles and the dynamics of their dispersion, thereby enabling informed decision-making for particle-related risk management.

Bioprospecting of endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Anisomeles indica L. for their diverse role in agricultural and industrial sectors

Endophytes are microorganisms that inhabit various plant parts and cause no damage to the host plants. During the last few years, a number of novel endophytic fungi have been isolated and identified from medicinal plants and were found to be utilized as bio-stimulants and bio fertilizers. In lieu of this, the present study aims to isolate and identify endophytic fungi associated with the leaves of Anisomeles indica L. an important medicinal plant of the Terai-Duars region of West Bengal. A total of ten endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of A. indica and five were identified using ITS1/ITS4 sequencing based on their ability for plant growth promotion, secondary metabolite production, and extracellular enzyme production. Endophytic fungal isolates were identified as Colletotrichum yulongense Ai1, Colletotrichum cobbittiense Ai2, Colletotrichum alienum Ai2.1, Colletotrichum cobbittiense Ai3, and Fusarium equiseti. Five isolates tested positive for their plant growth promotion potential, while isolates Ai4. Ai1, Ai2, and Ai2.1 showed significant production of secondary metabolites viz. alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, etc. Isolate Ai2 showed maximum total phenolic concentration (25.98 mg g−1), while isolate Ai4 showed maximum total flavonoid concentration (20.10 mg g−1). Significant results were observed for the production of extracellular enzymes such as cellulases, amylases, laccases, lipases, etc. The isolates significantly influenced the seed germination percentage of tomato seedlings and augmented their growth and development under in vitro assay. The present work comprehensively tested these isolates and ascertained their huge application for the commercial utilization of these isolates both in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Critical role of multiple antibiotics on the denitrification rate in groundwater: Field investigative proof

The impact of antibiotics on denitrification has emerged as a significant topic; however, there is a dearth of mechanistic understanding regarding the effects of multiple antibiotics at the ng/L level on denitrification in groundwater. This study conducted five field samplings between March 2019 and July 2021 at two representative monitoring wells. The investigation utilized metagenomic sequencing to unveil the antibiotic mechanisms influencing denitrification. Results revealed the detection of 16 out of 64 antibiotics, with a maximum detection frequency and total concentration of 100 % and 187 ng/L, respectively. Additionally, both nitrate and total antibiotic concentrations exhibited a gradual decrease along the groundwater flow direction. Metagenomic evidence indicated that denitrification served as the dominant biogeochemical process controlling nitrate attenuation in groundwater. However, the denitrification capacity experienced significant inhibition in the presence of multiple antibiotics at the ng/L level. This inhibition was attributed to decreases in the relative abundance of dominant denitrifying bacteria (Candidatus_Scalindua, Herminiimonas and unclassified_p_Planctomycetes) and denitrifying functional genes (narGH, nirKS and norB), signifying the pressure exerted by antibiotics on denitrifying bacteria. The variation in antibiotic concentration (∆Cantibiotics) indicated a change in antibiotic pressure on denitrifying bacteria. A larger ∆Cantibiotics corresponded to a greater rebound in the relative abundance of denitrifying functional genes, resulting in a faster denitrification rate (Kdenitrification). Field observations further demonstrated a positive correlation between Kdenitrification and ∆Cantibiotics. Comparatively, a higher Kdenitrification observed at higher ∆Cantibiotics was primarily due to the enrichment of more nondominant denitrifying bacteria carrying key denitrifying functional genes. In conclusion, this study underscores that multiple antibiotics at the ng/L level in groundwater inhibited denitrification, and the degree of inhibition was closely related to ∆Cantibiotics.

The Cocrystal of Ubiquinol: Improved Stability and Bioavailability.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exists in two forms, an oxidized form and a reduced form. Ubiquinol is the fully reduced form of CoQ10. Compared to the oxidized form, ubiquinol has a much higher biological absorption and better therapeutic effect. However, ubiquinol has an important stability problem which hampers its storage and formulation. It can be easily transformed into its oxidized form-ubiquinone-even at low temperature. In this work, we designed, synthesized, and characterized a new cocrystal of ubiquinol with vitamin B3 nicotinamide (UQ-NC). Compared to the marketed ubiquinol form, the cocrystal exhibited an excellent stability, improved dissolution properties, and higher bioavailability. The cocrystal remained stable for a long period, even when stored under stressed conditions. In the dissolution experiments, the cocrystal generated 12.6 (in SIF) and 38.3 (in SGF) times greater maximum ubiquinol concentrations above that of the marketed form. In addition, in the PK studies, compared to the marketed form, the cocrystal exhibited a 2.2 times greater maximum total coenzyme Q10 concentration and a 4.5 times greater AUC than that of the marketed form.

Salting-out assisted liquid–liquid extraction combined with LC–MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of seven organic UV filters in environmental water samples: method development and application

Organic UV filters (OUVFs), the active ingredient in sunscreens, are of environmental concern due to reported ecotoxicological effects in aquatic biota. Determining the environmental concentrations of these chemicals is essential for understanding their fate and potential environmental risk. Salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) coupled with liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was developed for simultaneous extraction, separation, and quantification of seven OUVFs (2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, butyl-methoxy-dibenzoyl methane, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, and oxybenzone). Method detection limits (MDLs) ranged from 11 to 45 ng/L and practical quantification limits (PQLs) from 33 to 135 ng/L. Method trueness, evaluated in terms of recovery, was 69–127%. Inter-day and intra-day variability was < 6% RSD. The coefficients of determination were > 0.97. The method was applied to river and seawater samples collected at 19 sites in and near Port Phillip Bay, Australia, and temporal variation in OUVF concentrations was studied at two sites. Concentrations of OUVF were detected at 10 sites; concentrations of individual OUVFs were 51–7968 ng/L, and the maximum total OUVF concentration detected at a site was 8431 ng/L. Recreational activity and water residence time at the site contributed to OUVF’s environmental presence and persistence. The benefits of the SALLE-LC–MS/MS method include its simple operation, good selectivity, precision over a wide linear range, and that obtained extracts can be directly injected into the LC–MS/MS, overall making it an attractive method for the determination of these OUVFs in environmental water matrices. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of OUVFs in Port Phillip Bay, Australia.

Role of trisaccharides in larval secretion of Lycaeides argyrognomon butterfly on ant attendance

Several myrmecophilous insects participate in symbiotic relationships with ants that receive sugar-rich food rewards. For instance, certain aphid species secrete honeydew containing high concentration of melezitose, which acts as a potent feeding-stimulant and attractant for ants. Lycaenid butterfly larvae possess dorsal nectary glands that secrete sugar-rich droplets for tending ants. However, the roles of sugar components in ant foraging and larva-tending activities are unknown. Lycaeides (Plebejus) argyrognomon are larvae that are frequently and facultatively attended by various ant species, including Formica japonica, on the host plant Indigofera pseudotinctoria. The larval secretions of this insect contained small amounts of trisaccharides, melezitose and maltotriose, which were not detected in the host plant’s flower nectar, and larval secretions of two sympatric and myrmecophilous lycaenids, Zizeeria maha and Everes argiades. Melezitose and maltotriose, along with sucrose, were preferred by the worker ants. Of the four sugar mixture samples that mimicked I. pseudotinctoria floral nectar and the larval secretions of three lycaenids, respectively, the L. argyrognomon mimic was the most preferred by F. japonica ants. Moreover, the removal of trisaccharides from this mimic significantly reduced its stimulatory activity to ant feedings. These results indicated that the sugar composition of L. argyrognomon larval secretions is suited to the feeding preference of F. japonica ants, and that the trisaccharide components play a key role in increasing their preference. However, only half of the ants responded to the L. argyrognomon mimic even at the concentration corresponding to the maximum total sugar concentration in the collected larval secretions. The fact that the secretions of all L. argyrognomon larvae did not have sufficient sugar levels to stimulate ant feedings suggests that the production of sugar-rich secretions and trisaccharide components is metabolically costly for the larvae and that components other than sugars may be involved in ant attendance.

Synthesis of TMP esters as a biolubricant from canola oil via a two‐step transesterification–transesterification process

AbstractTrimethylolpropane esters were synthesized from canola oil by a two‐step transesterification–transesterification process. In the first step, canola oil is reacted with ethanol to produce canola oil ethyl ester, while in the second step, canola oil trimethylolpropane ester was obtained by reacting the canola oil ethyl ester and trimethylolpropane using K2CO3 as a catalyst. In the first step, under the optimal reaction conditions (70°C, 2 h, ethanol‐to‐canola oil molar ratio of 10:1, and 0.25 wt.% catalyst loading), canola oil ethyl ester was successfully synthesized with a yield of 95.7 wt.%. In the second step, the final product with the maximum total concentration of canola oil trimethylolpropane ester (82%) and the maximum conversion of canola oil ethyl ester (85%) was obtained at 130°C for 3 h with a canola oil ethyl ester to trimethylolpropane molar ratio of 3.1:1, and 1 wt.% loading of K2CO3 catalyst. The produced polyol esters can be a promising biolubricant with excellent lubricant characteristics, quenching performance, biodegradability, and rheological/tribological properties.

Rugulopteryx okamurae: Assessment of its potential as a source of monosaccharides for obtaining bio-products

Beach-cast seaweed of the invasive brown macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae was used in this study as raw material to obtain fermentable sugars, which can be converted into high added-value products. The dietary fibre composition of this macroalgae was determined and compared to other brown and red macroalgae, showing one of the highest proportions of dietary fibre (27.3 %) and cellulose (13.6 %). Therefore, the enzymatic hydrolysis of R. okamurae could lead to obtaining hydrolysates with a high concentration of reducing sugars. The main hydrolysis variables (biomass loading, enzyme dose and stirring rates) and the operation mode (fed-batch versus batch) were evaluated to maximize the sugar concentration. Thus, a maximum total reducing sugar concentration of 13.7 g/L was obtained at the optimum conditions: biomass loading of 10 % (w/v), 50 FPU/g biomass, 250 rpm and operating in batch mode. In addition, a kinetic model has been developed to describe the enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass. The model, unlike first-order kinetics, includes a specific term considering the enzyme diffusion through the solid biomass. The proposed kinetic model leads to better fitting of experimental data than the first-order model, especially for long incubation times.

Identification Coliform Bacteria In Student Drinking Water In The Al-Mu'aawanah Boarding School, District Rajadesa, Ciamis District

Background &amp; Objective: Drinking water is a very important human need. Drinking water that is suitable for consumption must meet established standards, among others, according to the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No.492/Menkes/IV/2010. This study aims to determine the presence or absence of coliform bacteria in the drinking water of students using the MPN method. Methods: This type of research is descriptive. The sampling was carried out at the Al-Mu'aawanah Islamic boarding school. The results showed that the samples of drinking water for male and female students for microbiological parameters showed that the samples were positive for coliform bacteria. The sample for female students was 22/100 mL, and the sample for male students was 2/100 mL. Based on Permenkes No.472/Menkes/IV/2010, the maximum total concentration of coliform bacteria is 0/100 mL, which means that it is not in accordance with the standards of Permenkes No.472/Menkes/IV/2010, and the growth of faecal coliform bacteria was found in EMB media in both samples. namely the metallic green Escherichia coli bacteria, which indicates that the sample does not meet the microbiological requirements of drinking water.

Enzymatic hydrolysate of water hyacinth with NaOH pretreatment for biobutanol production via ABE fermentation by Clostridium beijerinckii JCM 8026

Water hyacinth (WH; Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive and free-floating aquatic plant that is rapidly spreading over the world causing various environmental problems. The utilization of WH as a feedstock for biofuel production is a challenging solution to overcome the environmental problem as well as address the energy shortage. Due to the complex structure of lignocellulosic materials, pretreatment is an inevitable step to maximize the sugar yield before being used as a substrate in fermentation. The aim of this study was to investigate the utilization of WH for biobutanol production via acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation by Clostridium beijerinckii JCM 8026. The WH was pretreated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at various concentrations [0, 2, and 4% (w/v)], reaction times (30, 60, and 90 min), and temperatures (80, 100, and 120 °C). The pretreatment results were optimized using response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken design and Minitab software analysis. The maximum total sugar concentration (21.05 g/L) following cellulose digestion was obtained after a 2% (w/v) NaOH for 90 min at 100 °C. This hydrolysate slurry gave a subsequent butanol concentration, yield, and productivity of 2.09 g/L, 0.15 g/g, and 0.012 g/L/h, respectively, following C. beijerinckii JCM 8026 fermentation. To help understand the effect of the pretreatments, changes in the pretreated samples were observed by surface area analyses, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis.

Chromatographic Assessment of the Concentration of Phenolic Compounds in Wild Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Extracts Obtained under Various Extraction Conditions

Results of a study of water and water–alcohol extracts of wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) depending on the conditions of their extraction by different methods are discussed. The test samples are wild chamomile samples collected in various regions of Russia. Phenolic components in their native forms were extracted from medicinal raw materials using infusion, maceration, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and subcritical extraction, and by the pharmacopoeial method. Concentrations of individual components and total phenolic compounds in wild chamomile were determined by chromatographic methods. The HPLC determination of phenolic compounds with diode-array and mass spectrometric detection was carried out using gradient elution with a mixture of acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid glycosides, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, dicaffeoylquinic and chicoric acid, apigenin-7-glucoside, and apigenin were identified in water and water–alcohol extracts of wild chamomile. The dependence of the concentration of phenolic compounds on the geographical place of the growth of plant raw materials was studied based on value of this parameter in extracts of wild chamomile samples from different territories. The maximum total concentration of phenolic compounds (10.1 mg/g) was found in the extract of chamomile from FarmaTsvet (Krasnogorsk, Moscow oblast).

Environmental and human health risks of potentially harmful elements in mining-impacted soils: A case study of the Angouran Zn–Pb Mine, Iran

The soil pollution status, levels of exposure, and potential ecological and health risks to workers and residents by potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the Angouran mining area (Iran), the biggest Zn–Pb mine in the Middle East, were studied. To this aim, topsoil (0–5 cm) samples (n = 63) from different land-uses were analyzed for their total PHEs concentrations. Mine worker's blood analysis and in vitro digestion extractions were applied in conjunction with human health risk assessment (HHRA) to assess the potential health impacts by exposure to PHEs. The maximum PHEs total concentrations were found in the soils near the waste rock dumps. HHRA indicated that ingestion of soils may induce a non-carcinogenic risk due to As and Pb (for both age groups of children and adults), while dermal contact for children may induce the same type of risk due to Cd, and Pb. The carcinogenic risks (CRs) of As, Cd, Cr, and Ni through ingestion route were above the acceptable value of 1 × 10−4, and children may face greater health risks. The average blood Zn, Pb, and Cd levels in the mine workers largely exceeded the safe concentration for adults, while 30% of the workers were tested positive for As in blood. In vitro digestion extractions indicated that the highest bioaccessible contents of As, Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn were found for the industrial-residential and mine soils in the area, while those of Cr and Cu were observed in the agricultural use soils. This study illustrates that a combination of techniques, including geochemical analysis, in vitro bioaccessibility extractions, HHRA, and blood analysis, is a workable integrated approach for evaluating pollution and health risks in mining districts.

Microbial plankton responses to perfluoroalkyl acids and their alternatives in the aquatic environment

Perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) pollution of freshwaters has attracted a great deal of attention and poses a challenge to the restoration of river ecosystems. However, detailed studies on the impact of PFAAs and their alternatives on microbial plankton communities are lacking, and few studies have examined the adaptability of those communities to PFAAs. In this study, water samples were obtained from water bodies in the vicinity of the largest perfluorinated industrial park in Asia for comparative analysis. The spatial distribution of 19 PFAAs and 4 alternatives as well as their effect on microbial community structure were investigated through field sampling. The maximum total concentration of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) at an industrial wastewater treatment plant was 2423.48 ng/L. The primary components included perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 43.15%, 1045.82 ng/L), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA, 27.10%, 656.70 ng/L) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA, 20.13%, 487.85 ng/L). The maximum total concentration of PFAA alternatives was 48.59 ng/L, with hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) accounting for 97.43%. The microbial community was mainly composed of Proteobacteria , Actinobacteriota , Bacteroidota , and Cyanobacteria . While Verrucomicrobiota tolerated PFAAs, significant effects on microbial community structure were determined for PFCAs and PFSAs, albeit with clear differences. Short-chain PFAAs had a similar impact on the microbial community as the restricted long-chain PFAAs. Thus, our study demonstrated the potentially negative impact of PFAAs on the microbial plankton community in the natural environment and the combined effect of poor water quality. The result provides new directions for investigations of PFAA pollution in freshwater environments. • Significant effects on microbial community structure were determined for PFCAs and PFSAs with clear differences. • Verrucomicrobiota tolerated PFAAs. • Short-chain PFAAs had similar impacts on the microbial community as the restricted long-chain PFAAs. • The ecological risk has not improved when short-chain PFAAs are extensively used.

Relative bioavailability of crushed tebipenem administered through a nasogastric tube with and without enteral feeding.

Tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide is an orally bioavailable carbapenem prodrug of the active agent tebipenem with broad-spectrum activity against drug-resistant Enterobacterales. This study aimed to evaluate the relative bioavailability of crushed tebipenem tablets administered via nasogastric tube (NGT) with or without concomitant enteral feeds. This Phase 1, open label study randomized 12 healthy subjects to receive a crushed tebipenem tablet via NGT (n = 6) or via NGT with concomitant Osmolite® enteral feeds (n = 6) on Study Day 1, followed by oral administration of tebipenem whole tablet (reference formulation) on Study Day 2. Tebipenem plasma concentrations were measured by LC with mass spectrometry. Bioequivalence was determined using pharmacokinetic parameters derived through non-compartmental analyses. Mean ± SD tebipenem pharmacokinetic parameters in plasma for subjects who received a crushed tablet via NGT (relative to whole tablet) and a crushed tablet with enteral feeds (relative to whole tablet) were as follows: maximum total plasma concentration (Cmax), 11.1 ± 3.9 (12 ± 3.4) and 10.2 ± 1.9 (10 ± 4) mg/L; area under the curve (AUC0-8), 17.5 ± 3.5 (17.9 ± 2.3) and 15 ± 4.3 (13.4 ± 5.3) mg•h/L. Using the 90% CI criteria, Cmaxand AUC0-8 values for tebipenem were found to be bioequivalent following alternative methods of administration compared with oral dosing of the whole tablet. The three methods of administration were well tolerated. Results demonstrate that tebipenem maintained bioequivalence when crushed and administered via NGT with and without accompanying enteral feeds in healthy subjects, relative to whole tablet oral administration. Data therefore support alternative methods of tebipenem administration depending on patient condition.