Average Concentration Research Articles

Evaluation of agricultural non-point source pollution using an in-situ and automated photochemical flow analysis system

Off-line leachate collection from agricultural landscapes cannot guarantee precise evaluation of agricultural non-point source (ANPS) due to geospatial variations, time, and transportation from the field to the laboratory. Implementing an in-situ nitrogen and phosphorous monitoring system with a robust photochemical flow analysis is imperative for precision agriculture, enabling real-time intervention to minimize non-point source pollution and overcome the limitations posed by conventional analysis in laboratory. A reliable, robust and in-situ approach was proposed to monitor nitrogen and phosphorous for determining ANPS pollution. In this study, a home-made porous ceramic probe and the frequency domain reflectometer (FDR) based water content sensors were strategically placed at different soil depths to facilitate the collection of leachates. These solutions were subsequently analyzed by in-situ photochemical flow analysis monitoring system built across the field to estimate the concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen. After applying both natural and artificial irrigation to the agricultural landscape, at least 10 mL of soil leachates was consistently collected using the porous ceramic probe within 20 min, regardless of the depth of the soil layers when the volumetric soil water contents are greater than 19%. The experimental results showed that under different weather conditions and irrigation conditions, the soil water content of 50 cm and 90 cm below the soil surface was 19.58% and 26.08%, respectively. The average concentrations of NH4+-N, NO3−-N, PO43− are 0.584 mg/L, 15.7 mg/L, 0.844 mg/L, and 0.562 mg/L, 16.828 mg/L and 0.878 mg/L at depths of 50 cm and 90 cm below the soil surface, respectively. Moreover, the comparison with conventional laboratory spectroscopic analysis confirmed R2 values of 0.9951, 0.9943, 0.9947 average concentration ranges of NH4+-N, NO3−-N, and PO43−, showcasing the accuracy and reliability of robust photochemical flow analysis in-situ monitoring system. The suggested monitoring system can be helpful in the assessment of soil nutrition for precision agriculture.

Exposure assessment of metal(loids) in indoor air and biomonitoring in six urban residential areas in Iran

Exposure to metal(loid)s can cause adverse health effects. This study evaluated the concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, and lead in particulate matter <10 μm (PM10) and in the urine of 100 participants from urban residential areas in Iran. A total of 100 residential buildings (one adult from each household) in six cities across Iran were recruited for this study. The levels of metal(loid)s in PM10 and the urine of participants were measured using acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average (±SE) PM10 concentration in the buildings was 51.7 ± 3.46 μg/m3. Aluminum and cadmium had the highest and lowest concentrations among the metal(loid)s, averaging 3.74 ± 1.26 μg/m3 and 0.01 ± 0.001 μg/m3, respectively. In 85 % of the samples, the concentration of metal(loid)s in indoor air exceeded WHO air quality standards. Cadmium and lead had the highest and lowest numbers of indoor air samples exceeding the recommended standards, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the concentration of metal(loid)s in urine samples and indoor PM10 levels, as well as the wealth index of participants. There was also a significant direct relationship between the concentrations of nickel, arsenic, lead, and mercury in urine and the age of participants. Factors such as building location, type of cooling systems, use of printers at home, and natural ventilation influenced the concentration and types of metal(loid)s in the indoor air.

Chemical Speciation, Contamination, Human Health Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Soils Composted with Swine Manure

ABSTRACT Heavy metal accumulation in the swine manure composting vegetable soil continues to attract attention for the reason that heavy metals are often added to animal feeds as growth promoters. The seven heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) concentration and chemical speciation in soil samples from 15 swine manure composting vegetable fields of Jiangxi Province were analyzed. The results showed that the average concentration of Cr, Ni Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb was 48.46 ± 5.58 mg/kg, 29.06 ± 1.80 mg/kg, 48.16 ± 9.69 mg/kg, 142.32 ± 38.71 mg/kg, 10.62 ± 2.76 mg/kg, 0.13 ± 0.04 mg/kg, and 15.75 ± 2.36 mg/kg, respectively. The average concentration of Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd was 1.12, 1.89, 1.77, and 1.17 times greater than their background values, whereas the average concentration of Cr, As, and Pb was lower than their background values. The chemical speciation analysis indicated that these heavy metals were dominated by residual fractions and have low mobility and bioavailability. The Geo-accumulation index (I geo) indicated that the soils were unpolluted with Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb, while unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cu and Zn. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index suggested that the soils were lightly polluted with heavy metals. They posed a considerable potential ecological risk to the soils. Based on the risk assessment code (RAC), these heavy metals exhibited no to medium risks. There was little non-carcinogenic risk and acceptable carcinogenic risk to humans from the heavy metals. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd originated from the use of a large quantity of swine manure; Pb and As mainly derived from atmospheric deposition; Cr was mainly from natural sources.

The bacterial community drive the humification and greenhouse gas emissions during plant residues composting under different aeration rates

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of different aeration intensities on organic matter (OM) degradation, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as well as humification during plant residue composting. Three intermittent aeration intensities of 0.084 (T low), 0.19 (T medium) and 0.34 (T high) L min−1kg−1 DM with 30 min on/30 min off were conducted on a lab-scale composting experiment. Results showed that OM mineralization in T high was more evident than T low and T medium, resulting in the highest humic acid content. Humic acid content in T medium and T high was 15.7% and 18.5% higher than that in T low. The average O2 concentration was 4.9%, 9.5% and 13.6% for T low, T medium and T high. Compared with T medium and T high, T low reduced CO2 and N2O emissions by 18.3%–39.6% and 72.4%–63.9%, but the CH4 emission was highest in T low. But the total GHG emission was the lowest in T high. Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size analysis showed that the core bacteria within T low mainly belonged to Anaerolineaceae, which was significantly negatively correlated to the emission of CH4. Thermostaphylospora, Unclassified_Vicinamibacteraceae and Sulfurifustis were identified as core bacteria in T medium and T high, and these genus were significantly postively correlated to CO2 and N2O emissions. Redundancy analysis showed that total orgnic carbon, O2 and electrical conductivity were the key factors affecting the evolution of bacterial community.

Aerosol soluble proteins in Asian dust in southwestern Japan

Aerosol proteins, as core biological components of bioaerosols, are garnering increasing attention due to their environmental significance, including their roles in atmospheric processes and associated health risks. However, observational data on the proteins are very limited, leaving their distribution and variation in the atmosphere poorly understood. To investigate the long-distance transport of proteins with Asian dust in the Northern Hemisphere middle latitude westerlies to remote downwind areas, we quantified the soluble proteins in aerosol particles, referred to as aerosol soluble proteins (ASPs), collected in the coastal city of Kumamoto, Japan, during the spring of 2023, when three dust events occurred. The concentration of ASPs ranged from 0.22 to 1.68 μg m−3, with an average concentration of 0.73 ± 0.36 μg m−3 under dust conditions and 0.31 ± 0.05 μg m−3 under non-dust conditions. During the dust periods, the largest concentration of ASPs (1.68 μg m−3) coincided with the peak concentration of suspended particulate matter, and the concentration strongly correlated with the mass concentration of particles larger than 2.5 μm, indicating a close dependence of ASPs on dust particles. Primary estimations indicated a dry deposition flux of ASPs at approximately 1.10 ± 0.87 mg m−2 d−1 under the dust conditions. These results prove that Asian dust efficiently transports proteins, facilitating their dispersion in the atmosphere.

Characteristics and Sources of Organic Aerosol in PM2.5 at Yangbajing in Tibetan Plateau

The climate and environment of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are sensitive to human activities. As a key component highly influencing global climate and environment, organic aerosol over the TP is investigated in this study, especially in organic composition and its sources. This study aims to explore the composition characteristics, seasonal variation, and potential sources of organic aerosol including two episodes through one-year sampling at the Yangbajing (YBJ) site in the TP. A total of 120 primary and secondary organic species as well as organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were measured in PM2.5. The annual average concentrations of OC, EC, and organic species were 3.12 ± 3.73 μgC/m3, 0.28 ± 0.18 μgC/m3 and 104 ± 36.6 ng/m3, respectively. High ratio of OC to EC (OC/EC) and low ratio of fatty acids to n-alkanes were found for aerosol in the TP. The OC/EC ratio was 11.8 ± 10.2 on average at the YBJ site and strongly correlated with levoglucosan, a tracer for biomass burning, but not so with typical secondary species, indicating that the high ratio of OC/EC over the TP was more influenced by biomass burning than secondary formation. The ratio of fatty acids to n-alkanes at YBJ was 1.39 ± 0.29 on average, lower than those reported over urban areas (3.13 ± 1.49), probably owing to less residential cooking activities. Seasonally, the non-monsoon season had significant increases in primary organic aerosol (POA) tracers, among which biomass burning tracers had a higher increase percentage than other specific tracers. On the contrary, the levels of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) tracers, especially isoprene- and monoterpene-derived SOA tracers were enhanced in the monsoon season (summer time), largely resulting from high emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds. Two episodes characterized with much higher concentrations of organic species (1215 and 688 ng/m3) were observed in this study. One was characterized by significant enhancement of POA tracers with the air masses originated from South Asia, and the other showed large increases in SOA and POA tracers with the air masses transported across multiple regions. This study could help to better understand the influence of human activities on atmospheric organic aerosol in remote regions and how POA and SOA vary with seasons and in different episodes.

Quantifying and normalizing the combined phytotoxicity of mixed-valence chromium in soil integrated by toxicity equivalence

When Cr(VI) and Cr(III) coexist, the reasonable assessment of the combined toxicity of chromium in soil and its ecological risk is still not well resolved. In the present study, exogenous mixed concentration combinations were set up to determine the interaction and combined toxicity of Cr(VI) and Cr(III), which were quantified as measured total and resin extractable forms for dose-response experiments with barley root elongation. The concept of toxicity equivalence "α" (the ratio of toxicity intensity coefficient between Cr(VI) and Cr(III), which can be expressed as the relative toxic strength of Cr(VI) to Cr(III)) was proposed for the toxicity assessment of mixed-valence chromium in soil. The results showed that the dose-response relationship was determined more precisely by the extended independent action model (e-IA) than traditional models (e.g., concentration addition model), and the mutual antagonism for resin extractable form (Resin-Cr) was stronger than the measured total form (T-Cr). The values of toxicity equivalence (α) between coexisting Cr(VI) and Cr(III) as Resin-Cr and T-Cr were 0.74 and 160, respectively, which indicated Resin-Cr(III) had relatively stronger toxicity than Resin-Cr(VI), while T-Cr(III) was much less than T-Cr(VI). The α values between Cr(VI) and Cr(III) decreased with their more active forms (decreased to about 0.5% of the original), even as total concentration and activity in solutions, making a dialectical view of the toxicity of both in different forms necessary. Finally, the log-logistic models were developed, enabling mixed-valence Cr toxicity to be assessed from a unilateral perspective using the Cr(III) equivalence concentration (Cr(III)-eq). This work provided innovative ideas for ecological threshold studies for mixed-valence metals in soils.

Analisis Status Kualitas Air di Sungai Porong yang Tercemar oleh Deterjen terhadap Respon Hematologi Ikan Java Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus)

The Porong River is one of the rivers that faces high anthropogenic impacts, such as surfactant waste from detergents. The hematology of Javanese carp (Barbonymus gonionotus) serves as a sentinel organism that can be used as a biomarker for the waters of the Porong River. The aim of this study is to analyze the water quality status of the Porong River polluted with surfactants using the STORET method, as well as its impact on the hematology of Javanese carp using regression and correlation analysis. The research employed a descriptive survey method. The results of the study indicated that the Porong River was categorized as moderately polluted. The average highest surfactant concentration reached 7.2 mg/L, leading to an increase in TSS to 107.95 mg/L and a decrease in DO to 1.80 mg/L. Surfactants exhibited a negative correlation with erythrocytes (91.2%), hematocrit (47.7%), and hemoglobin (60.6%), indicating that the higher the surfactant concentration, the lower the number of erythrocytes, hematocrit levels, and hemoglobin levels in Javanese carp. Conversely, there was a positive correlation between surfactants and leukocytes (56.7%) and blood glucose (66.7%), suggesting that the higher the surfactant concentration, the higher the number of leukocytes and blood glucose levels in Javanese carp.

Aqueous extract of Chuan Xiong Rhizoma enhances inhibitory effect of temozolomide against brain metastasis of melanoma in mice

To investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Chuan Xiong Rhizoma (CR) on brain metastasis of melanoma B16F10 cells in mice. C57BL/6J mouse models of brain metastasis of melanoma were established by ultrasound-guided intraventricular injection of Luc-labeled B16F10 cells, and brain tumor growth was monitored by in vivo imaging. The mouse models were then randomized for daily gavage of saline or aqueous extract of CR (equivalent crude drug concentration of 1 mg/g). Behavioral tests were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of CR in the tumor-bearing mice, and the changes in proteins associated with blood-brain barrier integrity, neuronal cell proliferation and apoptosis, and microglial cell apoptosis and activation were observed using immunofluorescence assay. The efficacy of CR combined with temozolomide (25 mg/kg) against brain metastases of B16F10 cells was observed by in vivo imaging. CR-treated mouse models did not show obvious progression of brain metastases and had a reduced rate of body weight loss and lowered protein expressions of ZO-1, claudin-5, occludin, P-gp, TNF-α, AQP4 and PDGFRβ. In the behavioral tests, the CR-treated mice showed prolonged stay on the wooden stick with a shortened time of sticky stick removal. Immunofluorescence assay showed increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of neuronal cells and microglia in CR-treated mice. CR treatment significantly increased the levels of CD86, CD206, IL-4 and IL-10 and decreased the levels of CD163 and IL-1β in the microenvironment of brain metastases. The mice receiving combined treatments with CR and temozolomide showed significantly lower intensity of fluorescent signals in the brain than those treated with temozolomide alone. CR does not promote brain metastasis of melanoma while inducing opening of the blood-brain barrier, and its combined use with TMZ results in enhanced inhibition against brain metastasis of melanoma B16F10 cells in mice.

Dose–response effects of two nicotine salt formulations on electronic cigarette appeal and sensory attributes

ObjectivesVarious organic acids are used to create nicotine salt formulations, which may improve the appeal and sensory experience of vaping electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). This clinical experiment examined the effects of...

Spatial distribution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in drinking water in Nikshahr and Iranshahr cities of Iran

ABSTRACT The presence of high concentrations of certain heavy metals (HMs) in drinking water poses a serious threat to the health of consumers. This work was done to investigate the concentration of heavy metals such as Arsenic (As) cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cobalt (Co) in the water resources of two cities of Iranshahr and Nikshahr in the south of Sistan and Baluchistan province. For this aim, 24 samples of drinking water sources were collected and the concentration of heavy metals was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of samples of these networks showed that the average concentration of Pb (11.25 μg/L), Hg (10.33 μg/L), As (10.62 μg/L) and Cd (3.45 μg/L) far exceeds the standard of the World Health Organisation. The average concentration of heavy metals in the drinking water of Iranshahr and Nikshahr is respectively Fe>Pb>As>Hg>Ni>Cr>Co>Cd and Fe>Pb>As> Ni > Cr >Co>Cd> Hg. Potential sources of pollution in this study are attributed to infiltration of industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, which is a significant threat to groundwater quality. The calculated hazard quotients (HQ(values for non-carcinogenic risk show that this value is less than 1 in most metals, but the hazard index)HI) in children is greater than 1, and non-carcinogenic risk is evident. HI was obtained for children 5.4 and adults 2.6. However, the risk of carcinogenics in children and adults is equal to 2.66 E-05 and1.3E–6, respectively, and the increase in the risk of cancer in children is higher due to the consumption of drinking water. Therefore, it is necessary to protect water sources, water treatment and monitor more water distribution networks based on the water safety plan.

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.

Petrographic and geochemical study of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks in the western Anti-Atlas belt, Morocco: Facies, weathering, provenance and economic exploitation

Detrital and volcanic-detrital rocks from the Ifni Buttonhole and Lakhssas Plateau were analyzed to determine their provenance, compositional maturity, and alteration source. Geochemically, the sediments were classified as arkoses, lithic arenites, grauwackes, sandstones, lithic arenites, and Fe-rich sands, indicating low compositional and mineralogical maturity. A high average SiO2 concentration and low Al2O3 were consistent with a low abundance of shale and clay components. The geochemical signatures of the detrital and volcano-detrital (RDVD) rocks indicate that they have undergone a moderate to low degree of chemical alteration. The CIA study also suggests that the granitic, granodioritic rocks represent the source provenance which, during weathering and transport, supplied the detritus to the supra-crustal units. The major trace element data suggest that these rocks are largely derived from felsic igneous rocks, namely granitoids, with a minor contribution from intermediate sources. The carbonate rocks do not represent a wide variety of facies: dolomitic limestone, calcareous limestone, and calcaro-dolomitic chert. Calcitic and dolomitic samples show a linear increase in SiO2, regardless of their CaO/LOI ratio values, which remain relatively constant. The highest SiO2 contents are observed in the calc-dolomitic chert. Geochemical analysis of RDVD from the Ifni buttonhole determined their origin, maturity, and alteration. Major oxides decreased with higher silica content, indicating quartz control. Samples, formed under semi-arid conditions, show maturity under stable deposition. They suggest a felsic, recycled source, with moderate alteration and zircon enrichment during recycling. In the study area, limestones and dolomites serve as materials applicable in the building sector, suitable for all types of concrete. The Taliwine Formation harbors Lower Cambrian dolomites and limestones, ideal for mosaic aggregates. Described as variable in color, compact, homogeneous, very hard, and resistant to alteration, the plutonic rocks form prominent peaks. They exhibit both subalkaline characteristics in granitoids and an alkaline trend in dolerite dykes. Most samples display minimal alteration, indicating the reliability of their major element compositions for geochemical analyses. These granitoids constitute valuable deposits for ornamental and building rock purposes.

Studies on the association of malondialdehyde as a biomarker for oxidative stress and degree of malignancy in dogs with mammary adenocarcinomas.

Mammary adenocarcinomas are one of the most common tumour diseases in bitches. The relationship between oxidative stress and the degree of malignancy of the tumour has not been sufficiently researched in veterinary medicine. The main objective was to investigate the potential role of MDA as a practice-relevant biomarker for the assessment of systemic oxidative stress and to determine whether this parameter can indicate the malignancy grade of a mammary adenocarcinoma. In the present pilot study, MDA plasma concentrations were analysed in 55 bitches with (n = 28) and without (n027) malignant adenocarcinomas of the mammary gland using two different measurement methods and the relationship to tumour size was investigated. The mean MDA concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was 289ng/mL (range 365-634ng/mL) in dogs with grade 1 adenocarcinoma (n = 13), 288.5ng/mL (range 85-752ng/mL) in dogs with grade 2 adenocarcinoma (n = 10), 332ng/mL (range 239-947ng/mL) in dogs with grade 3 (n = 5) adenocarcinoma and 293ng/mL (range 175-549ng/mL) in dogs without a mammary tumour (n = 27). When MDA was measured by HPLC, the average MDA concentration in the study group (n = 11) was 0.24µmol/L (range 0.16-0.37) and that of the control group (n = 15) was 0.27µmol/L (range 0.16-1.62). Thus, there were no significant differences between the study group with malignant adenocarcinomas and the control group in both examination methods (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the MDA concentrations and the approximate volume of the mammary tumour. The results highlight the challenges of providing a prognosis for the malignancy of a mammary adenocarcinoma based on MDA concentrations in plasma using ELISA or HPLC. As a result, histopathological examination remains the gold standard for diagnosing and differentiating adenocarcinomas of the mammary gland.

Effect of burner structural parameters on combustion characteristics and NOx emission of natural gas

The low-nitrogen combustion of natural gas has always been a crucial topic in environmental protection. Currently, small and medium-sized industries use straight-through pipelines as their burner nozzles. This design results in poor heat diffusion capacity after mixed combustion and a long time of temperature diffusion, leading to low combustion efficiency and high NOx emissions. To address this issue, a new type of natural gas low-nitrogen burner with a multi-port diffusion nozzle was developed. The burner’s structure was optimized through a combined approach of experiment and numerical simulation. The optimal structural parameters for the burner are a 40° swirl angle and 8 swirl blades, as indicated by the numerical simulation research results. The designed multi-port diffusion nozzle is matched with the appropriate swirl angle and number of blades to promote natural gas diffusion, forming an annular space region flames and a stable flame shape with a height of 0.64 m. After optimization, the average concentration of NOx at the outlet of the combustion chamber decreased from 61.5 ppm to 20.81 ppm. A natural gas low-nitrogen combustion experimental system was designed and constructed based on simulation results. The experimental results were analyzed in terms of flame structure characteristics, temperature distribution, and NOx emissions. The results indicate that the trend in temperature change is consistent with the simulation process. The NOx concentration at the outlet of the combustion chamber was measured by the flue gas analyzer to be 34.1 ppm, which was 5.3 ppm lower than the NOx concentration calculated by numerical simulation. The new burner exhibited better flame stability and a 12.6 % reduction in NOx emissions compared with a traditional straight-through pipeline burner of the same size. The designed natural gas low-nitrogen burner appears to be a suitable device for reducing NOx emissions in small and medium-sized industries.

Population Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Safety Properties of Trametinib in Dogs With Cancer: A Phase I Dose Escalating Clinical Trial.

MAPK has been reported as a key oncogenic pathway for canine histiocytic sarcoma, which can be pharmacologically targeted with trametinib, a small inhibitor of MEK1/2. Preliminary data showed promising antitumor activity in in vitro and in vivo models and represented a proof of concept to translate the findings from bench to bedside. In this phase I, dose escalating study using a 3 + 3 cohort design, trametinib was evaluated in 18 dogs with cancer. Adverse events were graded according to VCOG-CTCAE v2. Blood samples and tumour biopsies were collected for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment. Trametinib was well tolerated with a maximum tolerated dose of 0.5 mg/m2/day, PO. Dose-limiting toxicities included systemic hypertension, proteinuria, lethargy and elevated ALP, and were all Grade 3. The drug exposures increased more than linearly with dose since the elimination of trametinib was saturable. At a dose of 500 μg Q24h (0.5 mg/m2/day in a 30 kg dog), approximately 70% of dogs had an average steady-state concentration of 10 ng/mL, achieved after approximately 2 weeks. This threshold was associated with clinical efficacy in humans. Target engagement was not observed in biospecimens collected on Days 0 and 7. In conclusion, trametinib was considered safe in dogs with cancer, and the dose of 0.5 mg/m2/day was the recommended dose for phase II studies.

Effects of Time-Dependent Adenosine Triphosphate Consumption Caused by Neuron Firing on Adenosine Triphosphate Concentrations in Synaptic Boutons Containing and Lacking a Stationary Mitochondrion.

The precise mechanism behind the supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to approximately half of the presynaptic release sites in axons that lack a stationary mitochondrion is not fully understood. This paper presents a mathematical model designed to simulate the transient ATP concentration in presynaptic en passant boutons. The model is utilized to investigate how the ATP concentration responds to increased ATP demand during neuronal firing in boutons with a stationary mitochondrion and those without one. The analysis suggests that neuron firing may cause oscillations in the ATP concentrations, with peak-to-peak amplitudes ranging from 0.06% to 5% of their average values. However, this does not deplete boutons lacking a mitochondrion of ATP; for physiologically relevant values of model parameters, their concentration remains approximately 3.75 times higher than the minimum concentration required for synaptic activity. The variance in average ATP concentrations between boutons containing a stationary mitochondrion and those lacking one ranges from 0.3% to 0.8%, contingent on the distance between the boutons. The model indicates that diffusion-driven ATP transport is rapid enough to adequately supply ATP molecules to boutons lacking a stationary mitochondrion.

Impact of Feeding Systems on Performance, Blood Parameters, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Gene Expressions of Lambs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding systems on the growth performance of Santa Inês x Dorper lambs, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and gene expression. Thirty lambs at an initial body weight of 22.6 ± 2.59 kg were randomly assigned to one of three feed systems: a grazing system with 1.2% body weight concentrate supplementation (GS); a feedlot system with 28% forage and 72% concentrate (FFC); or feedlot with 85% whole corn grain and 15% pellets (FHG). The lambs were slaughtered after 60 days of experiment. Average daily gain, glucose, and insulin concentration were higher for lambs on FHC than lambs on a GS feeding system. The fatty acid profile in the meat of the lambs fed GS showed a higher proportion of c9t11-C18:2, C20:5, C22:5, and C22:6 compared with FFC and FHC (p &lt; 0.05). Meat tenderness was lower for lambs under FFC treatment compared with GS and FHG. FHG treatment provides better performance and higher deposition of lipid content in meat compared with GS and FHG. The expression of the genes SCD-1, SREBP1-c, and EVOL6 was greater in lambs undergoing GS and FHC treatments compared with FFC. Results of this research showed a reduced performance of grazing lambs compared with the feedlot system; however, it enhanced the fatty acid profile with increased levels of polyunsaturated acids and reduced n6/n3 ratio.

Study of mineralogy and distribution of rare earth elements in coal block of Eastern Coalfield, India

ABSTRACT Coal by-products are continuing to be explored as secondary resources for extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). Nevertheless, the knowledge of their geological abundance is still scarce compared to the high global demand. The present investigation aims to study the distribution of REEs in coal samples acquired from Eastern coalfield, India. A total of 27 samples collected from two boreholes (RGCF-1and RGCF-2) were thoroughly analyzed. The average REE concentration in RGCF-1 was 724 ppm, while for RGCF-2, it was 658 ppm with a distribution pattern of Ce>La>Nd>Y>Pr>Sc>Sm>Gd>Dy>Yb>Er>Eu>Ho>Tb>Tm>Lu. Quartz, feldspar, sanidine, magnetite, hematite, anatase/titanate and illite were deduced to be the major mineral phases in these coal ash samples prepared at 815°C. In RGCF-1, REEs were associated with magnetite, whereas in RGCF-2, they were primarily with aluminosilicate and titanate minerals. The overall concentration of critical REEs varied from 122.5 to 387.8 ppm with an outlook co-efficient (C outl) of 0.58–1.26, indicative of the suitability of the chosen coal block for future exploration. Such an exploration-based investigation on abundance of REEs in the Indian subcontinent coupled with the knowledge of their mineralogical association is beneficial in not only understanding their enrichment but also coining a suitable extraction strategy for these valuables.

Solvatochromism in Mixtures of Hydrogen Bond Acceptor (HBA) Solvents with Water.

The UV/Vis absorption energies νmax of Reichardt's dye B30 with respect to ET(30) and 4-nitroaniline (NA) are investigated as a function of the solvent composition Nav,z. in co-solvent/water mixtures. Nav,z. is the average molar concentration of the solvent mixture at a given solvent fraction z. The z can be the mole, the volume or the mass fraction. The co-solvents considered were acetonitrile, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, piperidine and 2-(diethylamino)-ethanol. Acetone and acetonitrile can be expected to slightly enhance the water structure at low co-solvent concentrations. This interpretation is supported by the analysis of the refractive index as a function of the solvent composition. In general, it can be stated that the structural complexity of the binary solvent mixtures is mainly responsible for the evolution of the absorption energies ET(30) or νmax(NA) as a function of the mixture composition. In particular, the endothermic solvation of NA in co-solvent/water mixtures and its effect on the νmax(NA) is highlighted.