Organic Samples Research Articles

Selective Gas-Phase Depletion of Chemical Contaminants in Dissolved Organic Matter Increases Compositional Coverage by FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry.

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry of dissolved organic matter (DOM) extracted from environmental samples provides molecular speciation that enables visualization of compositional trends in the fate and cycling of biogenic and anthropogenic organics. Often, chemical contamination is introduced during field sampling (i.e., remote locations, cannot use glass). Further, preconcentration of DOM by solid-phase extraction often results in chemical contamination. When chemical noise is a dominant fraction of the ion signal, mass spectral performance is degraded by reduction of the ion trap analyte accumulation capacity and enhanced ion cloud dephasing during ICR detection. We have developed gas-phase ion depletion of unwanted chemical contaminants during ion injection into the linear RF ion trap of the hybrid linear ion trap 21 T FT-ICR mass spectrometer that improves detection of analytes by removing unwanted chemical noise. We demonstrate improvements in signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, and the number of observed analytes in dissolved organic matter samples that results in a 40-100% increase in the number of identified analytes. In many cases, the number of peaks observed per nominal mass more than doubles over select m/z regions. This gas-phase "clean-up" can salvage precious samples challenged by sampling location, sample volume, or collection protocols that cannot be avoided and maximizes the compositional information obtained. Further, this approach is generalizable and extendable to any hybrid linear ion trap instrument platform (e.g., LTQ-Orbitrap or linear ion trap-TOF). We highlight the power of gas-phase depletion with electrospray ionization, but this method is also applicable to other ionization modes.

Development and validation of highly sensitive multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of classical swine fever virus genome

Classical swine fever (CSF) remains a challenge for pig farming industrial lover the world despite the measures taken. The last CS case in the Russian Federation was reported in 2020, however, the threat of the disease emerging still persists. A set of anti-epidemic measures including mainly preventive vaccination and annual diagnostic monitoring using molecular-genetic and serological methods is required for CSF virus introduction prevention and rapid eradication of potential disease out breaks. Therefore, areal-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using an internal control sample has been developed. Therefore, areal time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using an internal control sample has been developed. Modified primers (locked nucleic acids containing conformationally blocked nucleosides) providing a higher affinity to the DNA matrix and physico-chemical stability and a FAM-labeled TaqMan probe were selected for 5’-untranslatedregion of the genome. The following validation parameters were defined: accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity. For comparative analysis of the developed as say sensitivity, swabs, samples of organs and tissues collected from pigs experimentally infected with an epizootic strain of the classical swine fever virus (spleen, kidney, liver, blood, lymph nodes, rectal and oral smears), animal-contaminated feed and virus-containing material with known virus titres were also tested in parallel with coded test systems No. x1 andx2. The developed assay was shown to have 100% diagnostic sensitivity and detection limit of 0,23 lgCCID50/cm3. Therewith, there sults of analysis of test systems No. x1, x2 based on above parameters were lower that could give rise to false positive real-time RT-PCR results and incorrect diagnosis. Thus, described assay can be used for extensive monitoring of classical swine fever in the Russian Federation

Quantifying Phospholipids in Organic Samples Using a Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HILIC-ICP-HRMS) Method.

In this study, a novel method using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma high-resolution mass spectrometry (ICP-HRMS) was introduced for the quantification of phospholipids in oil samples. The method employed a bridged ethyl hybrid (BEH) stationary phase HILIC column with a tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water mobile phase, enhancing the solubility and detection of phospholipids. During the study, a gradient/matrix effect on ICP-HRMS sensitivity was observed and successfully compensated for experimentally, ensuring reliable quantification results. This approach has proven effective for a wide range of different oil samples including vegetable oils, animal fats, and phospholipid supplements. Notably, this method allowed the direct quantification of phospholipids in oil samples, bypassing the need for prior sample preparation methods, such as solid phase extraction (SPE), thereby streamlining the analytical process. The precision, accuracy, and reduced need for extensive sample preparation offered by this method mark a significant advancement in lipids analysis. Its robustness and broad applicability have substantial implications for industries such as food and renewable energy production, where both efficient and accurate lipid identification and quantification are crucial.

Oropouche Virus (OROV) in Pregnancy: An Emerging Cause of Placental and Fetal Infection Associated with Stillbirth and Microcephaly following Vertical Transmission.

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging arbovirus endemic in Latin America and the Caribbean that causes Oropouche fever, a febrile illness that clinically resembles some other arboviral infections. It is currently spreading through Brazil and surrounding countries, where, from 1 January to 1 August 2024, more than 8000 cases have been identified in Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, and Peru and for the first time in Cuba. Travelers with Oropouche fever have been identified in the United States and Europe. A significant occurrence during this epidemic has been the report of pregnant women infected with OROV who have had miscarriages and stillborn fetuses with placental, umbilical blood and fetal somatic organ samples that were RT-PCR positive for OROV and negative for other arboviruses. In addition, there have been four cases of newborn infants having microcephaly, in which the cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for IgM antibodies to OROV and negative for other arboviruses. This communication examines the biology, epidemiology, and clinical features of OROV, summarizes the 2023-2024 Oropouche virus epidemic, and describes the reported cases of vertical transmission and congenital infection, fetal death, and microcephaly in pregnant women with Oropouche fever, addresses experimental animal infections and potential placental pathology findings of OROV, and reviews other bunyavirus agents that can cause vertical transmission. Recommendations are made for pregnant women travelling to the regions affected by the epidemic.

Study of Liposomes Containing Extract from the Leaves of Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March in Animals Submitted to a Mutagenic Model Induced by Cyclophosphamide.

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an alkylating agent used as a chemotherapy agent in the treatment of cancer, but it has immunosuppressive effects. Protium heptaphyllum (P. heptaphyllum) is a plant rich in triterpenes and flavonoids, with some bioactive and therapeutic properties presented in the literature. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the chemoprotective potential of P. heptaphyllum extract inserted into liposomes against oxidative damage chemically induced by CPA. Male Swiss mice received 1.5 mg/kg of P. heptaphyllum liposomes as a pre-treatment for 14 consecutive days (via gavage) and 100 mg/kg of CPA in a single dose (via intraperitoneal) on the 15th day. After the experimental period, blood and organ samples were collected for histopathological and biochemical analyses, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ascorbic acid (ASA), carbonyl protein, cytokine measurement, and micronucleus testing. The results showed that liposomes containing P. heptaphyllum extract have an antimutagenic effect against damage induced to DNA by CPA, and that they also protect against oxidative stress, as verified by the increase in the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx. The improvement in alkaline phosphatase and creatinine markers suggests a beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys, respectively. However, the depletion of GSH in the liver and brain suggests the use of antioxidants for the metabolism of molecules generated in these tissues. In general, these data show good prospects for the use of P. heptaphyllum liposomes as a cancer chemoprotective agent, as well as possible antioxidant action, conceivably attributed to the flavonoids present in the plant extract.

Investigation of the effects of melatonin application on storage in plums (Prunus domestica L.) grown under organic and conventional conditions

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of melatonin applications on postharvest quality changes of organic and conventionally grown plum fruit. Melatonin was applied in 0, 50, and 100 µmol L− 1 for organic and conventional samples. The fruits were stored at + 2.0 °C and 90% relative humidity for 28 days. During the storage period, the color, weight loss, firmness, Soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), pH, total antioxidant content, and total phenolics were evaluated at 7-day intervals. While no effect of melatonin applications on weight loss of organically grown plums was observed, it was determined that weight loss decreased as the dose of melatonin increased in conventionally grown plums. The lowest weight loss during storage was determined in conventionally grown plums treated with 100 µmolL− 1 melatonin. It was observed that the firmness values decreased as the storage period increased in both cultivation methods. The firmness decreased as the dose of melatonin application increased in organically grown plums, while the firmness increased as the dose of melatonin application increased in conventional cultivation. Melatonin application did not positively affect SSC, pH, and color values. However, it was determined that the mean TA values decreased as the dose of melatonin increased in both cultivation methods. When the total phenol content of organic and conventional plums was examined, it was determined that melatonin application decreased the number of phenolic compounds. The highest phenolic content was determined in the control samples. The total amount of antioxidants was 1.71 µmol TE g− 1 on the 28th day in the highest (100 µmol L− 1) melatonin-treated conventionally grown plums.

Experimental study of wear and rolling contact fatigue in railway wheel steels coupled with various brake block materials: Insights from innovative small-scale testing

This study presents a comprehensive analysis using an innovative testing method of two wheel steels paired with cast iron and organic composite brake block materials. By conducting tests under consistent conditions and varying in duration, the study examines temperature profiles, friction coefficients, surface characteristics, weight loss, and microstructural changes in wheel samples, emphasizing the distinct behaviour of these materials in braking applications and the damage evolution over time. The results demonstrate that organic composite brake samples outperform those in cast iron, showcasing smoother wheel sample surfaces and stable friction coefficients. Weight loss analysis reveals the environmental benefits of organic composite brakes, emitting fewer particulates than cast iron counterparts. Microstructural examinations uncover the formation of a Thermal White Etching Layer (T-WEL) on wheel samples tested with cast iron samples, leading to cracks and material detachment. Conversely, extended use of organic composite samples led to a "thermal fuse effect", impacting their efficiency and suggesting the need of careful temperature management in sustained braking scenarios. Despite significant differences in wheel steels, the study underscores the critical role of brake material in braking improvements. The findings not only enhance the scientific understanding of brake material behaviour but also introduce an innovative, cost-effective, and fast 4-contact machine testing method.

Soil water repellency and its importance for the climate-smart sustainable management of fen peatland soils in Central Poland

The paper aims to assess potential soil water repellency (SWR) in the surface layers of long-term agricultural fen soils. Furthermore, we attempt to enhance our understanding of the links between selected soil properties (e.g., secondary transformation, total organic carbon (TOC) content) and SWR in differently used (grasslands and arable lands) fen soils in the temperate climate zone. The study was conducted in the Grójec Valley, Central Poland. The soil samples for laboratory analyses were collected in June 2022 from 64 sampling points – 56 grassland and 8 arable sites. We found that secondary soil transformation (mursh forming process) was significantly positively correlated with SWR – determined by MED (molarity of ethanol droplet) and WDPT (water drop penetration time) methods (r = 0.42 and r = 0.40, p < 0.05) only in the organic samples (i.e., mursh). The significant positive correlation between SWR and TOC content (r = 0.73 (MED) and r = 0.74 (WDPT), p < 0.05) indicates that, as well as organic matter depletion, there was a decrease in the water repellency of the studied soils. Our results indicate that study fen sites should be rewetted, and that the implementation of the paludiculture must take place in the near future. At a minimum, further arable cultivation of organic soils should be avoided, as they are the most vulnerable to secondary transformation and exhibit high SWR values. Furthermore, in the case of crop production on post-organic soils, it is recommended that the conservation tillage method is applied to prevent further depletion of soil organic matter content.

Hydrocarbons, Hydrogen, and Organic Acids Generation by Ball Milling and Batch Incubation of Sedimentary Rocks

Pulverized rock samples are widely used in laboratory experiments, e.g., to assess microbial or abiotic processes in batch incubation tests. However, it is unclear if ball-milled samples accurately reflect in-situ conditions and if observed processes are affected by by-products artificially generated during the sample preparation procedure. As such, this study examined the effects of dry ball milling on the release of gases, which include C1-C4 hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), and low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) from different sedimentary rocks. The experiments involved pulverization using a gas-tight zirconium oxide planetary ball mill followed by wet and dry batch incubation and thermal desorption up to 200 o C. During milling, all sedimentary rocks, except a low organic carbon sandstone sample, yielded methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), H2, CO2, and unsaturated hydrocarbons, e.g., ethene (C2H4). Sandstones only yielded H2, CH4, and CO2. Stable carbon isotope signatures of these products are similar to thermogenic gases. The gases were also detected in subsequent wet incubation experiments (after gases from milling had been removed). Additionally, formate, acetate, and citrate, were detected in all samples except for sandstone. Pyruvate, malate, and succinate were also detected in some samples. Thermal desorption products of powdered limestone, shale, and pyrite concretion samples included organic acids, such as acetate and formate, which were higher in milled samples than in crushed particles (∼1 mm). The original geological thermal maturity of the studied sedimentary rock samples was low (below “oil window”) and, thus, considerably below “gas window”, suggesting that most of the detected gases were generated during ball milling. H2 generated during ball milling may be derived from the reduction of water from fluid inclusion or phyllosilicates, involving the formation of reactive mineral surfaces or radicals. Notably, the concentrations of gaseous hydrocarbons derived from milling are relatively high and comparable to “wet” gases. At the same time, these data indicate that substantial amounts of gases and LWMOAs might be artificially generated during laboratory batch experiments with milled samples. Hence, ball milled rock samples must be used with caution if assessing (bio-)geochemical processes for natural environments.

Dielectric properties of Pouteria sapota compounds in terahertz frequency range

The analysis and a mathematical approximation of the dielectric properties of Pouteria sapota (Mamey) pulp compounds in the Terahertz (THz) range are presented. Since THz electromagnetic waves show a high sensitivity to detect water content when interacting with organic materials, this technique was used to determine the effective dielectric function (EDF) of a wet and a dry sample from the THz spectrum data. By fitting the EDF to the Landau-Lifshitz-Looyenga (LLL) dielectric mixture equation, the theoretical dielectric functions of each pulp compounds were approximated. The approach proposed here not only considered dry matter and water content in the Pouteria sapota pulp, as has been reported in the literature for organic samples, but also included the contribution of the volatile components (VC) that allowed a better adjustment to the experimental results. The water and VC content increase the value of the real and imaginary part of the calculated EDF of the wet sample. The use of the non-destructive THz spectroscopy technique allows determining the dielectric properties of fruits that have been dehydrated. Therefore, the methodology proposed here can be used as a method of in situ and ex situ quality control in the agri-food industry.

In vivo study: black cumin extract (Nigella sativa) on antral follicle diameter and granulosa cell layer thickness as an effort to prevent infertility

Background: Infertility is a health problem that affects approximately 10-15% of couples trying to achieve pregnancy worldwide. Various studies have shown that Nigella sativa (N. Sativa) has many health benefits, including reproductive health. However, studies examining the effectiveness of N. Sativa in preventing folliculogenesis disorders have never been reported.Purpose: This study aims to determine the benefits of administering N. Sativa in preventing folliculogenesis disorders as measured by the diameter of the antral follicles and the thickness of the granulosa cell layer.Methods: This research design uses an experiment with a randomized posttest-only controlled group design approach. There were 27 experimental animals (mice) divided into three groups, namely the negative control group (9 animals) and the positive control group (9 animals), as well as the treatment group (9 animals). The positive control group was exposed to two cigarettes of cigarette smoke per day. The treatment group was exposed to cigarette smoke and N. Sativa 300 mg/KgBW/day for 28 days. After that, the mice were sacrificed to take their ovaries. Then, the ovarian organ samples were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and examined for the diameter of the antral follicles and the thickness of the granulosa cell layer in the antral follicles with photo slides at 400x magnification in 5 fields of view, statistical analysis using the Independent T-test.Results: There were significant differences in antral follicle diameter and granulosa cell thickness in mice exposed to cigarette smoke and N. Sativa. Administration of N. Sativa extract can increase granulosa cell thickness through estrogenic function. Administration of N. Sativa extract showed estrogenic activity by increasing serum estradiol levels. N. Sativa heterotrophic activity cannot be separated from the flavonoid and phenolic compounds contained in N. Sativa, which have been proven to have high estrogenic activity.Conclusion: N. Sativa extract is efficacious in improving the diameter of antral follicles and the thickness of granulosa cells caused by exposure to cigarettes.

Temporal Variation and Industry-Specific Differences of the Use of Volatile Organic Compounds from 2018 to 2023 and Their Health Risks in a Typical Industrially Concentrated Area in South China.

The risk of occupational exposure to organic solvents varies across industries due to factors such as processing materials, ventilation conditions, and exposure duration. Given the dynamic nature of organic solvent use and occupational exposures, continuous monitoring and analysis are essential for identifying high-risk hazards and developing targeted prevention strategies. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the use of organic solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different industries in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China, from 2018 to 2023, to understand their temporal variation and industry-specific differences and to identify high-risk occupational hazards. This study includes 1335 organic solvent samples, used by 414 different industry enterprises, and 1554 air samples. The result shows that the usage of organic solvents in various industries decreased with the outbreak of the pandemic and, conversely, increased as the situation improved. The most frequently detected volatile components in organic solvents were alkanes, followed by aromatic hydrocarbons. The ratios of the detection frequency of VOCs to the total number of detected categories increased year by year after 2020, indicating a tendency towards reduction and concentration of the types of organic solvents used in industrial production. Among the 8 high-risk VOCs, toluene (22.5%), n-hexane (22.0%), xylene (16.1%), and ethylbenzene (15.3%) have relatively high detection rates, suggesting that they need to be focused on in occupational health. Through air samples, the results show that trichloroethylene and xylene pose a high risk to human health (HQ > 1). We recommend that industry should strengthen monitoring of these two VOCs.

A Microbial Phenomics Approach to Determine Metabolic Signatures to Enhance Seabream Sparus aurata Traceability, Differentiating between Wild-Caught and Farmed.

The need for efficient and simplified techniques for seafood traceability is growing. This study proposes the Biolog EcoPlate assay as an innovative method for assessing wild and farmed Sparus aurata traceability, offering advantages over other molecular techniques in terms of technical simplicity. The Biolog EcoPlate assay, known for its high-throughput capabilities in microbial ecology, was utilized to evaluate the functional diversity of microbial communities from various organs of S. aurata (seabream) from the Mediterranean area. Samples were taken from the anterior and posterior gut, cloaca swabs and gills to distinguish between farmed and wild-caught individuals. The analysis focused on color development in OmniLog Units for specific carbon sources at 48 h. Gills provided the most accurate clusterization of sample origin. The assay monitored the development of color for carbon sources such as α-cyclodextrin, D-cellobiose, glycogen, α-D-lactose, L-threonine and L-phenylalanine. A mock experiment using principal component analysis (PCA) successfully identified the origin of a blind sample. Shannon and Simpson indexes were used to statistically assess the diversity, reflecting the clusterization of different organ samples; Conclusions: The Biolog EcoPlate assay proves to be a quick, cost-effective method for discriminate S. aurata traceability (wild vs. farmed), demonstrating reliable reproducibility and effective differentiation between farmed and wild-caught seabream.

Nanofiltration membranes in asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation for improved organic matter size fractionation

Size fractionation of organic matter (OM) by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (FFFF) with ultrafiltration (UF) is limited by solute loss and peak resolution, particularly for low molecular weight fractions (<10 kDa). Nanofiltration (NF) with a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of ≤1 kDa can achieve significant OM retention and may improve OM fractionation. NF membranes with MWCOs ranging from 0.3 to 3 kDa were used to evaluate the retention and fractionation of nine OMs in the humic, polyphenol, biopolymer, and low molecular weight organic classes in stirred cell NF and FFFF. Membranes with an MWCO of 0.2–0.3 kDa (with a pure water permeability of 5–16 L.m−2.h−1.bar−1) with low OM interaction exhibited high peak recovery and resolution and hence improved OM fractionation. Loose NF (MWCO 3 kDa) exhibited a poor peak recovery because of a high OM loss due to both adhesion and permeation, particularly at high ionic strengths (>10 mM). A mixture of nine types of OM and natural organic matter samples from rivers, swamps and lakes achieved good fractionation with a 0.3 kDa (NF270) membrane at low ionic strength. The performance of NF for the analysis of OM and colloids in the smallest size range (≤1 kDa MW) could be further improved by optimizing the salt composition of the mobile phase and by overcoming the pressure limitations of FFFF channels.

Rapid, non-contact identification of organic solvents: Monolithic GaN chips incorporating PDMS/PS photonic crystals

The prompt identification of organic solvents is essential in many practical scenarios. This work introduces a compact optical device for rapid, non-contact detection of organic solvents. The fabrication of the GaN chip employs a monolithic integration approach, enabling the simultaneous formation of on-chip components responsible for light emission and light detection. The self-assembled polystyrene (PS) spheres embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer as photonic crystals can effectively induce distinct optical changes when exposed to organic solvents. By analyzing the magnitude and recovery time of the photocurrent signals, up to seven types of organic samples can be distinguished. Different from traditional optical sensing systems, the proposed chip-level integration strategy eliminates the need for external assembly of optical components, resulting in an ultracompact millimeter-sized sensing unit. The developed device also offers features of simplicity of use and a short measurement time of less than 10 s, making it a feasible solution for quick detection in emergency scenarios.

Analysis of Mutational Burden of Mitochondrial Genome in Cells of Different Human Organs and Tissues.

Cells of different human organs and tissues contain different numbers of mitochondria. In these organelles, there are different copies of the mitochondrial genome, which is characteristic of a certain organ or tissue. The aim of the investigation was to analyze the results of scientific works dedicated to the analysis of heteroplasmy levels of mitochondrial genome mutations in a number of organs and tissues. Based on literature data, the level of heteroplasmy of mitochondrial genome mutations was analyzed in organs such as the liver, lungs, muscles, small intestine, large intestine, spleen, kidney, brain, heart, and hair. In addition, this parameter was studied in such tissues as leukocytes, buccal epithelium, and epithelial cells from urine. Significant differences in the mutational burden of the mitochondrial genome were found in various samples of organs and tissues. The highest heteroplasmy level for mtDNA mutations was in muscles; it was lower in buccal epithelium; and in human blood cells, the heteroplasmy level of mitochondrial mutations turned out to be significantly lower compared to other tissues. During the comparison of samples of patients with different diseases and healthy people, significant differences were found in the heteroplasmy level between some organs and tissues. The heteroplasmy level of mitochondrial genome mutations can significantly differ in the organs and tissues of individuals. In addition, in a number of literature sources, it is noted that there is a dependence on the mutational burden of the mitochondrial genome from the type of disease, sex, and age of a person.

Relationship between mean monthly February temperature and the level of oxidative processes in immunocompetent organs of bream of Rybinsk reservoir in different years

The intensity of oxidative processes in immunocompetent organs of immature bream Abramis brama L. with an average weight of 375±30 g and length of 290±20 cm was studied. The fish were caught with shuttle nets in the Volga Plec of the Rybinsk reservoir in different years in terms of average daily temperature conditions. After autopsy, samples of immunocompetent organs (kidney, spleen and liver) were taken from captured fish into sterile tubes. Samples were then frozen and stored in a freezer at minus 18–20 °C until processing time. In laboratory conditions, samples were thawed at room temperature immediately before analysis. For further studies, homogenate was prepared from kidney, spleen and liver tissues using a homogenizer with physiological solution in the ratio of 1:1. In the homogenates the content of lipid peroxidation products was studied by the content of malonic dialdehyde and the level of antioxidant defense by the index of inhibition of substrate oxidation. The interannual variability of the studied parameters was noted, associated with ecological and climatic conditions, in particular, with temperature. The most significant differences of the studied biochemical parameters were revealed in the year with the highest temperature conditions compared to the year with the lowest temperature. The lowest values of malonic dialdehyde and substrate oxidation constant were observed in fish in the year with the lowest average daily temperature. In warmer year intensification of lipid peroxidation processes and decrease of antioxidant defense level in the studied organs were observed. The results obtained can be used in monitoring the impact of climatic factors on the physiological and biochemical status of fish.

Post-Internet Music: Negotiating Queer Identity in the Digital Era

My paper investigates an electronic music genre that emerged in the 2010s, in conjunction with the rise of attention to identity politics on mainstream platforms. The genre does not have a definite name; however, attempts have been made by critics (see, for example, Waugh 2017) to categorise it under the umbrella term "post-internet music". Such a label encompasses different and often competing sub-genres, all of which nonetheless share an imbrication in internet discourse: these range from Hyperpop, to ‘Deconstructed Club, to ‘Conceptronica’ (Reynolds 2019). As such, the post-internet genre has three distinguishing features: a) many artists operating within it identify both themselves and their music as queer; b) on the sonic side, the genre often comprises complex sound design, loud mixes, a wide stereo field, organic drum samples, pitched-up vocals, and beats that elude conventional time-signatures, so as to sound "deconstructed"; c) the music often makes overt or subtle reference to internet culture, and the digital domain. I seek to place particular attention to the conjuncture between the genre's sonic properties and its ‘queerness’, arguing that the genre is both enabled by, but also enables, internet-mediated identity categories. In this sense, I question what it means to be queer in the contemporary neoliberal era, how this might historically differ from previous elaborations of queerness, and to what extent electronic music - a genre so entrenched in masculinist narratives of technology - can act as a vehicle for counter-normative expression.&amp;nbsp;

Ivermectin toxicokinetics in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following P-glycoprotein inhibition.

Changes to ivermectin (IVM [22,23-dihydro avermectin B1a + 22,23-dihydro avermectin B1b]) toxicokinetics (TK) with and without P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition by cyclosporin A (CsA) were examined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout were injected with 175μg/kg 3H-IVM (8.6μCi/mg IVM) with or without co-administration of 480μg/kg CsA into the caudal vasculature. Fish were sacrificed at various time points (0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 24, 48, 96, and 168h) for organ and tissue sampling (blood, liver, kidney, gill, intestines, brain [5 regions], eye, gonad, and fat) which were analyzed for IVM-derived radioactivity. The IVM concentration decreased over time in blood, liver, kidney, and gill, while concentrations in other tissues remained constant. The highest maximum IVM concentration (Cmax) was found in kidney, followed by liver; the lowest Cmax was found in eye, followed by brain and adipose tissue. The highest % of the administered dose was found in the blood 15min post-IVM administration, followed by the intestine at 60min post-IVM administration. P-gp inhibition by CsA did not significantly affect calculated TK parameters (AUC [7.33 ± 0.73 - 11.5 ± 2.5mg•h/kg], mean residence time [84.7 ± 21 - 125 ± 55h], T1/2 [58.7 ± 15 - 86.8 ± 38h], clearance rate [0.0152 ± 0.0033 - 0.0239 ± 0.0024 L/kg•h], or volume of distribution [1.91 ± 0.47 - 2.02 ± 0.33 L/kg]), but resulted in small but significant changes in the % administered dose found in blood and medulla. These results suggest that P-gp plays a limited role in overall IVM TK, and that its role in xenobiotic protection may be much less robust in fish than it is in mammals.

Do microplastics accumulate in penguin internal organs? Evidence from Svenner island, Antarctica

The prevalence of microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) in natural environments presents a formidable global environmental threat MPs can be found from the Arctic to Antarctica, including glaciers. Despite their widespread distribution, studies on MP accumulation in apex predators inhabiting Polar Regions remain limited. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination, for the first time, of MP bioaccumulation in various organs and tissue of Adélie penguins. This investigation comprehends the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), scat, internal organ (lung, trachea, spleen, and liver) and tissue (muscle) samples collected from Svenner Island, Antarctica during the 39th Indian expedition to Antarctica in 2019–2020. Our analyses revealed the presence of 34 MPs across the GIT, scat, lung, and trachea samples, with no MPs detected in muscle, spleen, or liver tissues. Blue-colored microfibers (>50 %) and MPs smaller than 1 mm (38 %) in size were prominently observed. Polymer characterization utilizing μ-FTIR spectroscopy identified low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (~63 %) as the predominant polymer type. The accumulation of MP fibers in the gastrointestinal tract and scat of Adélie penguins may originate from marine ambient media and prey organisms. Furthermore, the presence of LDPE fibers in the trachea and lungs likely occurred through inhalation and subsequent deposition of MPs originating from both local and long-range airborne sources. The identification of fibers ranging between 20 and 100 μm within the trachea suggests a plausible chance of cellular deposition of MPs. Overall our findings provide valuable insights into the organ-specific accumulation of MPs in apex predators. Adélie penguins emerge as promising environmental bio-monitoring species, offering insights into the potential trophic transfer of MPs within frigid environments.