Fractional Oxide Research Articles

Petrogenesis and tectonic significance of Late Mesozoic A-type granite from the Huangmeijian intrusion in the Luzong volcanic basin, eastern China: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry

The Late Mesozoic A-type granites are widely distributed along eastern China's Lower Yangtze River Belt (LYRB). Much attention has been paid to this region's adakitic rocks and ore deposits, whereas few studies have examined A-type granites. The largest A-type granitic pluton within the Luzong basin, the Huangmeijian (HMJ) intrusion, is composed of quartz syenite, syenogranite, syenite porphyry, and a minor quartz monzonite. Syenite porphyry in the HMJ is divided into fine-grained syenite porphyry (FSP) and coarse-grained syenite porphyry (CSP) with different grain sizes, but studies on syenite porphyry are sparse. In this study, we reported a detailed study including the in situ U–Pb age and trace-element data, whole-rock major and trace elements, apatite compositions, and Sr-Nd isotopes from the HMJ pluton, with aims to further constraints on the petrogenesis, magmatic sources, and evolution, and tectonic significance of A-type granites in the LYRB. These two syenite porphyries (FSP and CSP) in HMJ intrusion were delineated by zircon U–Pb dating with the ages of 126.4 ± 4.4 Ma and 128.9 ± 0.54 Ma respectively. They have geochemical characteristics similar to those of A-type granites, with high total-alkali (10.5–10.7 wt%), HFSEs (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 540.4–949.4 ppm), high Ga/Al ratios (10,000 × Ga/Al = 3.88–4.57), and high whole-rock zircon saturation temperatures (832–906 °C) and high oxygen fugacity, classified as A1 type granite. The slightly enriched Sr-Nd isotope composition (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70428–0.71275, εNd(t) = −3.26 to −5.86) of the HMJ apatite with high F and Cl contents, coupled with trace element features, indicating that syenite porphyry was likely originated from metasomatized mantle-derived magma. In addition, two groups of ancient inherited zircons were observed in the FSP, implying the contribution of the old crystalline basement and Paleozoic materials in the magma source. Moreover, significant hostile Eu, Sr, and Ba anomalies and depletion of Sr and Eu in apatite suggest the fractionation of plagioclase, K-feldspar, apatite, and Fe-Ti oxides are also reflected in their elemental variations. Comprehensive discriminant analysis shows that the HMJ syenite porphyries were derived from the metasomatized mantle-derived magma mixing with ancient crustal components in the Paleo-Pacific plate roll-back and intensive lithospheric extension setting, and followed by fractional crystallization.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND COMPOSITION OF LIPID COMPONENT FROM WINTER GARLIC BULBS (ALLIUM SATIVUM L.)

The lipid composition, presence of the biologically active substances and ability of lipids to the spontaneous aggregation in the water medium of the winter garlic (Allium sativum L.) was studied by TLC, UV-spectrometry with the Gauss mathematic analysis of spectra and dynamic light scattering methods It is shown that share of the more easily oxidizable fractions in the garlic phospholipids is 2.45 times greater than that for the more poorly oxidizable fractions. Mathematic analysis of the UV-spectra of the lipids solution in chloroform revealed the presence of compounds with a conjugated couple bonds and ketodienes and confirmed the literature data about absence of flavonoids. The hydrophilic biologically active compounds are found in a polar phase during extraction of lipids. Analysis of UV-spectrum of 20-hydroxyekdizone in chloroform which is detected in the garlic lipids was done. It was determined the substantial maximum absorption band shift of sterols in UV-spectra of the garlic lipids testifies to their participation with sphigolipids in the raft formation that is due to form of particles with the average diameters 160 nm and the low absolute value of ξ-potential from the garlic lipids in the water medium.

Electronic correlations enhance optical absorption in graphene oxide-modified methylammonium lead iodide perovskite

We reveal unusual optical changes accompanied by spectral weight transfer analysis in methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) as a function small fraction of graphene oxide (GO) concentrations using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Interestingly, we observe the tuneable optical properties of MAPbI3 due to the electronic correlation effect induced by GO using spectral weight transfer analysis. The increase of absorption in the MAPbI3 layer indicates a decrease in the number of holes due to the migration of these holes to the GO layer, suggesting the hole transport properties of GO. This work is the first to study the optical properties of GO combined with MAPbI3, which provides critical information that will be of great interest in the future development of high-performance PSCs, as well as how they reconcile several experimental studies that have demonstrated the positive impact of GO on charge extraction.

Matéria orgânica do solo em agregados biogênicos, intermediários e fisiogênicos sob manejo agroecológico

ABSTRACT Agroecological management can favor the improvement of soil attributes, especially soil organic matter (SOM) and soil aggregation. The objective of the study was to quantify the carbon contents of the humic and oxidizable fractions of SOM of aggregates from different origins from agroecological management systems. Five experimental areas located in the Integrated Agroecological Production System were evaluated: AFS – Agroforestry System; C-SUN – Coffee in full sun; C-SHA – Shaded coffee; AL-FLE – Cultivation in alleys of Flemingia macrophylla with green beans; and NT – No-tillage. The aggregates were separated, identified, and classified as to their origin or formation pathways into biogenic, intermediate, and physicogenic. The carbon contents of the humic fractions fulvic acid (C-FAF), humic acid (C-HAF) and humin (C-HUMF); and oxidizable fractions (F1 and F2, labile; and F3 and F4, recalcitrant) of SOM were determined. The greatest variations in the carbon values of the humic fractions were observed in the aggregates of the AFS, C-SUN and C-SHA systems. In relation to C-HUMF, the highest contents of this fraction were quantified in the biogenic and intermediate aggregates of the C-SUN, C-SHA and AL-FLE systems. The carbon contents of the oxidizable fractions of SOM showed variability between the management systems, mainly for the F1, F2 and F3 fractions in the aggregates under C-SUN and C-SHA. The C-SUN system showed a higher proportion of more humified and recalcitrant fractions of SOM when compared to the C-SHA system. The management practices maids in the agroecological systems of C-SHA, C-SUN and AFS promoted improvements in soil quality.

Insight into the Speciation of Heavy Metals in the Contaminated Soil Incubated with Corn Cob-Derived Biochar and Apatite

Soil heavy metal contamination is a severe issue. The detrimental impact of contaminated heavy metals on the ecosystem depends on the chemical form of heavy metals. Biochar produced at 400 °C (CB400) and 600 °C (CB600) from corn cob was applied to remediate Pb and Zn in contaminated soil. After a one month amendment with biochar (CB400 and CB600) and apatite (AP) with the ratio of 3%, 5%, 10%, and 3:3% and 5:5% of the weight of biochar and apatite, the untreated and treated soil were extracted using Tessier's sequence extraction procedure. The five chemical fractions of the Tessier procedure were the exchangeable fraction (F1), carbonate fraction (F2), Fe/Mn oxide fraction (F3), organic matter (F4), and residual fraction (F5). The concentration of heavy metals in the five chemical fractions was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The results showed that the total concentration of Pb and Zn in the soil was 3023.70 ± 98.60 mg kg-1 and 2034.33 ± 35.41 mg kg-1, respectively. These figures were 15.12 and 6.78 times higher than the limit standard set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA 2010), indicating the high level of contamination of Pb and Zn in the studied soil. The treated soil's pH, OC, and EC increased significantly compared to the untreated soil (p > 0.05). The chemical fraction of Pb and Zn was in the descending sequence of F2 (67%) > F5 (13%) > F1 (10%) > F3 (9%) > F4 (1%) and F2~F3 (28%) > F5 (27%) > F1 (16%) > F4 (0.4%), respectively. The amendment of BC400, BC600, and apatite significantly reduced the exchangeable fraction of Pb and Zn and increased the other stable fractions including F3, F4, and F5, especially at the rate of 10% of biochar and a combination of 5:5% of biochar and apatite. The effects of CB400 and CB600 on the reduction in the exchangeable fraction of Pb and Zn were almost the same (p > 0.05). The results showed that CB400, CB600, and the mixture of these biochars with apatite applied at 5% or 10% (w/w) could immobilize lead and zinc in soil and reduce the threat to the surrounding environment. Therefore, biochar derived from corn cob and apatite could be promising materials for immobilizing heavy metals in multiple-contaminated soil.

Effect of the normal load on the sliding wear behavior of Hadfield steels

This work studies the tribological behavior of Hadfield steel under sliding wear conditions. Wear tests were performed on Hadfield steel in the pin-on-disk configuration. The pins were manufactured from Hadfield steel, and the discs were manufactured from H-13 (600 HV). The normal load varied in 6 levels between 50 N and 500 N, and the test time and sliding speed were 0.18 m/s and 60 min, respectively. The friction force was monitored during the tests, and the mass loss was obtained afterward. Microhardness profiles were taken in the cross section. The worn surfaces and subsurface were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the mass loss increases with increasing normal load until the load reaches 100 N, but the mass loss decreases for subsequent increments until the load reaches 300 N. After increasing the normal load to 500 N, the mass loss increases again. The lowest and highest values of mass loss occur at loads of 50 N and 500 N, respectively. The peak mass loss is at a 100 N normal load, suggesting that some of the tests were conducted after the known severe–moderate wear transition. The coefficient of friction decreases monotonically with increasing normal load. Worn surface analyses show evidence of more severe wear after applying higher loads (300 N–500 N). The wear mechanisms of the higher loads are plastic deformation, abrasion, rupture, and oxidation of the oxide layer; the wear mechanisms of the lower loads are oxidation and adhesion. The area fraction of oxides on the worn surface increases with increasing normal load, justifying the reduction in the coefficient of friction. A martensitic transformation occurs in tests with normal loads between 300 N and 500 N, justifying the increase in hardness after the tests.

Land-use change affects carbon storage and lability in tropical soil of India

Soils are storehouse of organic carbon that is amenable to different degrees of degradation. But, information on the impact of land use change on carbon storage and lability in tropical soil is scarce. The present investigation aimed to study the carbon fractionation of tropical soils concerning their accumulation based on differential chemical oxidation involving potassium dichromate and sulphuric acid. The work was carried out in a tropical forest and pasture lands (located at a mean distance of 60 m from each other) in India. The readily oxidizable carbon (active carbon pool) dominated both the studied land uses (forest and pasture) more than the less oxidizable fraction (passive carbon pool). The carbon pool index and the carbon management index computed from the results of the two carbon pools favored the forest land for long-term carbon sequestration and were significantly correlated with the active carbon pool (p < 0.05). The results further showed a significant variation in the cumulative soil organic carbon stock of the forest (248.92 t/ha) and the pasture (184.21 t/ha) land (p < 0.05). Soil depth did not show any impact on the carbon fraction distribution. It can, thus be, concluded that land use change alters the stability and lability of organic carbon and its storage in tropical soils. Therefore, regular evaluation of carbon pools and subsequent carbon management can enhance the prospects of the long-term stay of carbon in the soil.

Pesticide exposure and asthma morbidity in children residing in urban, multi-family housing.

Children are potentially more susceptible to the adverse effects of pesticides due to more sensitive organ systems and lower capacity to metabolize and eliminate chemicals compared to adults. The health risks are particularly concerning children with asthma, living in low-income neighborhoods in multi-family housing because of their impaired respiratory health, and factors associated with low-income, multi-family environments. To assess the association between pesticide exposure and asthma morbidity among children 7-12 years residing in low-income, multi-family housing. The concentrations of seven urinary pesticide biomarkers: 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine, para-nitrophenol (PNP), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were measured. Children (n = 162) were followed for one year with three measures of pesticides biomarkers. Associations between individual biomarkers and asthma attack, asthma related health care utilization, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), adjusting for demographic and household factors were examined with Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression was used to examine the effect of pesticide mixture on asthma attacks and asthma-related health care utilization (HCU). In adjusted GEE models, positive non-significant associations were found between PNP and HCU (adjusted Odds Ratio(aOR):2.05 95% CI:0.76-5.52) and null associations for 3-PBA and HCU (aOR:1.07 95% CI: 0.88-1.29). Higher concentrations of PNP and 2,4-D were associated with significantly lower FeNO levels (PNP: -17.4%; 2,4-D:-19.74%). The mixture was positively associated with HCU in unadjusted (OR: 1.56 97.5% CI: 1.08-2.27) but not significant in adjusted models (aOR: 1.40 97.5% CI: .86-2.29). The non-specific pyrethroid biomarker 3-PBA at baseline contributed the greatest weight to the index (45%). There were non-significant associations between pesticide biomarkers and respiratory outcomes in children with asthma. There was a suggestive association between urinary pesticide biomarkers and HCU. Further studies with larger sample sizes could help to confirm these findings. Pesticide exposure among children in the urban environment is ubiquitous and there is a dearth of information on the impact of low-level chronic exposure in vulnerable populations. This study suggested that pesticide exposure at concentrations below the national average may not affect asthma morbidity in children. However, different biomarkers of pesticides showed different effects, but the mixture suggested increasing pesticide exposure results in asthma related HCU. The results may show that children with asthma may be at risk for negative health outcomes due to pesticides and the need to further examine this relationship.

Origin of silicic rocks of the Deccan Traps continental flood basalt province: Inferences from field observations, petrography, and geochemistry

The origin of silicic rocks (SiO2 > 65 wt%) in Continental Flood Basalt (CFB) provinces could be attributed to complex petrogenetic processes. The 65.5–66 Ma old Deccan Traps CFB contains eight sporadic but significant silicic rock exposures that are studied here in a comprehensive framework using field observations, petrography, major oxides (n = 56), and trace element chemistry. Rhyolite and granophyre, as well as subordinate felsite, ignimbrite, trachyte, pitchstone, and microgranite coexist with volcanic and plutonic mafic rocks such as basalt, basaltic andesite, and gabbro. Multiple isolated and circular/semi-circular hills and linear dykes of silicic rocks are present in the form of lavas with prominent flow folding, rheomorphic ignimbrite, and tuffs. The ‘Rheological Agpaitic Index’ (RAI) indicates that most of the silicic rocks in the Deccan Traps are effusive in nature, except for Rajpipla, Alech, Bombay, and Osham silicic rocks, which are marked by explosive volcanism. Thermodynamic-based Rhyolite-MELTS modelling suggests that the major oxide composition of Pavagadh and Barda basalt is a likely candidate for the parental melt composition of the silicic rocks of the Deccan Traps. Ba, Sr, P, Zr, and Ti anomalies are consistent with the fractionation of K-feldspar, plagioclase, apatite, zircon, and Fe-Ti oxides, respectively. Two broad REE patterns are noticed in the Deccan Traps silicic rocks: a flat pattern for Barda, Alech, and Chogat-Chamardi silicic rocks, and a steep REE pattern for Osham, Rajula, Pavagadh, Rajpipla, and Bombay silicic rocks. Trace element modelling reveals that 5–10 % partial melting of a spinel peridotite source could produce an REE pattern and abundances similar to the associated basalts. Further extensive fractional crystallization (60–90 %) of the parental mafic melt at a deeper depth (where spinel is stable) could produce the REE composition and pattern observed in most silicic rocks except for those of Barda, Alech, and Chogat-Chamardi, which require fractional crystallization of the same parental melt at a shallower depth (where spinel is not stable). The geochemical variability of Deccan Traps silicic rocks reveals an origin from a mantle-derived parental mafic melt that evolved via the assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) process to form the silicic exposures, which is typical of silicic volcanism in other global CFBs.

Prévalence de l’asthme éosinophilique dans la population asthmatique pédiatrique lors du diagnostic d’asthme léger à modéré

In children, the etiology of asthma is multifactorial and the prevalence of eosinophilic asthma remains poorly understood. AimEstimating the prevalence of eosinophilic asthma among the pediatric asthmatic population when diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma, and comparing the outcome of the exhaled fraction of nitric oxide (FeNO) and allergic skin tests to eosinophilia. MethodsSeventy children aged 5 to 18 years, consulting for the first time for asthma symptoms without treatment, were included. Each patient underwent a medical history, physical examination, allergic skin tests, lung function tests, measurement of the exhaled fraction of nitric oxide and biology with blood count and specific IgE. ResultsAn eosinophilic asthma prevalence of 37% has been found in our population. Eosinophilia ≥ 400/mm3 was correlated with FeNO ≥ 20ppm (≥ 25ppm in children ≥ 12 years old) (p<0.001) and allergic sensitization (p=0.002). Sixty-nine percent (18/26) of patients with eosinophilia ≥ 400/mm3 had FeNO ≥ 20ppm (≥ 25ppm in children ≥ 12 years old) and eighty-eight percent (23/26) had at least one allergic sensitization. Eosinophilia was significantly higher when FeNO was ≥ 20ppm (≥ 25ppm in children ≥ 12 years old) (p<0.001) and during an allergic sensitization (p=0.004). ConclusionOur study confirms the link between 3 markers of Th2-type inflammation: eosinophilia, allergic skin tests positivity and FeNO elevation, to be confirmed by larger studies.

Chemical Speciation, Bioavailability and Human Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Surface Dust from an Industrial Cluster in India

In this study, distribution of metals in different geochemical forms, their mobility and bioavailability in bulk surface dust samples of Bhiwadi industrial cluster (BIC) in Rajasthan, India, was assessed by modified Community Bureau of Reference (m-BCR) sequential extraction procedure. Potential risk of metals in surface dust to environment and human health was evaluated using Contamination factor (Cf), Mobility Factor (MF) and Risk Assessment Code (RAC), and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk. Residual fraction contained significant amount of metals as Cd(55.86%), Cr(86.05%), Fe(90.06%), Mn(69.94%), Ni(66.08%), and V(71.80%). Pb(52.43%) was present in reducible fraction, while Cu was equally distributed in reducible (27.66%) and oxidizable (28.20%) fractions. Zn was equally distributed in acid exchangeable (33.15%) and reducible (35.01%) fractions. High Cf values were observed for Zn (1.32-16.98), followed by Pb (0.38-11.23) and Cu (0.26-8.22). RAC indicated high risk of Cd, Mn, Ni and Zn to environment due to their high mobility and toxic nature. Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd showed highest mobility (potential bioavailability) in samples collected around metal casting, electroplating, and automobile part industries. Data indicated that metals can bio-available with the changes in redox conditions in environment. Ingestion was major pathway for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks followed by dermal and inhalation. Hazardous Index value (6.32) indicated higher susceptibility of children for non-carcinogenic risk as compared to adults. Carcinogenic risk of Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb was higher than acceptable levels in surface dust, suggesting a high risk of cancer to exposed population.

Progress to be made in asthma management

Progress to be made in asthma management

Periostin as an important biomarker of inflammatory phenotype T2 in Brazilian asthma patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the laboratory performance of periostin associated with a panel of biomarkers to identify the inflammatory phenotype of Brazilian asthma patients. We evaluated 103 Brazilian individuals, including 37 asthmatics and 66 nonasthmatic controls. Both groups underwent analyses for serum periostin, eosinophil levels in the peripheral blood, the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), total serum IgE, urinary leukotriene E4, and serum cytokines. Higher levels of periostin (p = 0.005), blood eosinophils (p = 0.012), FeNO (p = 0.001), total IgE (p < 0.001), and IL-6 (p ≤ 0.001) were found in the asthmatic patients than the controls. Biomarker analyses by the ROC curve showed an AUC greater than 65%. Periostin (OR: 12,550; 95% CI: 2,498-63,063) and IL-6 (OR: 7,249; 95% CI: 1,737-30,262) revealed to be suitable asthma inflammation biomarkers. Blood eosinophils, FeNO, total IgE, IL-6, TNF, and IFN-g showed correlations with clinical severity characteristics in asthmatic patients. Periostin showed higher values in T2 asthma (p = 0.006) and TNF in non-T2 asthma (p = 0.029). The panel of biomarkers proposed for the identification of the inflammatory phenotype of asthmatic patients demonstrated good performance. Periostin proved to be an important biomarker for the identification of T2 asthma.

A strategy for generating value-added aromatic monomers and lignocellulosic nanofibrils simultaneously from lignocellulosic biomass via polyoxometalate-mediated oxidative fractionation

Efficient valorization of natural biomass to valuable fuels, chemicals, or nanomaterials remains exceptionally challenging. In this study, we explored the potential of a polyoxometalate-mediated oxidative fractionation strategy at relatively mild conditions for enabling the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass to specific aromatic monomers and lignocellulosic nanofibrils (LCNFs). After one pot treatment, the lignin in lignocellulosic biomass was entirely removed and disassembled into phenolic products with a yield of 16.0–23.9 wt %, while most of the cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass remained as fibrous water-insoluble solid (WIS). Additionally, a mild disk grinding strategy was proposed to fibrillate cellulose-rich WIS to LCNFs, leading to an economically feasible method compared with using bleached pulp. The diameters of LCNFs could be tailored from 29 to 63 nm by adjusting the number of grinding pass counts. In general, this study proposes a mild valorization strategy to fractionate lignocellulosic biomass into valuable products, including well-defined aromatic monomers and LCNFs.

Speciation of metals in soils of steppe landscapes affected by mining (Southern Urals)

Speciation of ore and accompanying elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, V, Ba, Sr) in steppe soils of the Transurals (vicinity of city of Sibay, Bashkortostan) was studied with sequential extraction method. Attention was given to change of elements’ speciation in area affected by mining (Cu-Zn deposit). The results are supplemented by chemical analysis of humic acids (isolated by alkaline extraction) and granulometric fractions. It was revealed that the soils of background areas are characterized by low mobility of studied elements and a relatively uniform distribution over soil profile. Residual fraction percentage (fraction’s share in element’s total content) is the highest. Percentage of exchangeable and carbonate fractions is insignificant (Sr and Ba are exceptions). Percentage of fraction of crystalline Fe hydroxides, reduceable and oxidizable fractions varies from shares of a percent to 15%. Cd stands out for a high percentage of oxidizable fraction (up to 30% of Cd total content) and relatively low percentage of residual fraction (up to 50%). Comparison of obtained results allows us to suggest that near objects of mining industry dust enriched with Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Sb comes to the surface. This leads to shard increase of Cu, Zn, Cd content in the upper layer of chernic horizon, change of these elements’ speciation and distribution among granulometric fractions. Increase of elements content is not only due to prevailing residual fraction; Cu, Zn, Cd of oxidizable fraction, reducible fraction and Fe hydroxides fraction significantly increase. Sharp increase of oxidizable fraction percentage (largely due to sulfides) is noted.

Modeling of Sandia Flame D with the non-adiabatic chemistry tabulation approach: the effects of different laminar flames on NO X prediction.

The effects of different one-dimensional laminar flames on the prediction of nitrogen oxide (NO X ) emission in Sandia Flame D are numerically investigated using a flamelet method in the present work. In addition to the basic control variables of the mixture fraction and the reaction progress variable for chemistry tabulation in this combustion model, two additional variables of mixture fraction variance and enthalpy loss are added to the control variable space to improve prediction accuracy of the NO X pollutant. The former variable of mixture fraction variance is used for the presumed probability density function integration, and the latter takes into account the non-adiabatic effect. Two flamelet libraries are generated based on the one-dimensional unstretched premixed flame and the one-dimensional counterflow diffusion flame, respectively. An additional transport equation for the mass fraction of nitrogen oxide (NO) is solved for improving prediction accuracy. The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulation results are compared and analyzed with experimental data. The simulation results show dependence on the type of laminar flame. In the four-dimensional control variable space, the results with steady unstretched premixed flame indicate great agreement on the predictions of temperature and NO field. The computational method proposed in the present work sheds light on the high-precision combustion numerical simulation of NO X emission.

Changes in Type 2 Inflammatory Markers Induced by Dupilumab

We treated 10 cases of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) with dupilumab, an anti-IL-4/IL-13 antibody receptor drug, and examined the longitudinal changes in the levels of type 2 inflammatory markers, such as the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood eosinophil count, and serum total IgE before and after 24 weeks of dupilumab administration.

Distribution, speciation and mobility of metals in sediments of the Tianxiu hydrothermal field, Carlsberg Ridge, Northwest Indian Ocean

Tianxiu is the only ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal field that has been discovered on the slow-spreading Carlsberg Ridge (CR), northwest Indian Ocean. Sequential extraction has been performed on the surface sediments from the near-vent and far-field of Tianxiu to characterize the compositions of metalliferous sediments, the speciation of selected metals and the potential risks of metal mobility. The near-vent sediments of Tianxiu are mainly derived from hydrothermal inputs and are enriched in Fe, Zn, P, Pb, Mo and especially Cu, Mg, Co and Ni with significantly higher contents compared to metalliferous sediments formed in basalt-hosted hydrothermal systems. Most of the ore-forming elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co and Ni) and rare-earth elements (REEs) exist in the residual fraction and Fe Mn oxide fraction, followed by the carbonate fraction and organic fraction. The chondrite-normalized REE pattern in each phase is characterized by relative enrichment in light (L)REEs and positive Eu anomalies, consistent with the REE patterns of hydrothermal fluids. The far-field sediments of Tianxiu are mainly derived from background pelagic sedimentation while the sediments at some sites are influenced by a small amount of hydrothermal plume fallout. The investigated elements mainly exist in the Fe Mn oxide fraction, residual fraction and carbonate fraction. In particular, ore-forming elements Cu, Pb, Mn, Co and Ni are mostly enriched in the Fe Mn oxide fraction, which is attributed to their adsorption by hydrothermal particulates in the plumes. The potential mobility of each metal is evaluated in terms of its total content in the unstable phases, which reveals that most of the heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb) in the metalliferous sediments have high potential mobility (> 50%). • Heavy metals are particularly enriched in the near-vent sediments. • Heavy metals are mainly present in the residual fraction and Fe Mn oxide fraction. • Most of the heavy metals in the near-vent sediments have high potential mobility.

Potential Impact of Climate Change on Mineralization and Main Ions Ratio in Surface Fresh Waters (a Review)

The article deals with problem of the fresh waters salinization in view of its relevance for normal functioning of the aquatic ecosystems, development of different branches of industry and agriculture, and human health. Attention is focused on the fact that the fresh waters' salinization inevitably results in decrease of the ecosystem services scope. The main factors and anthropogenic sources of influence on total dissolved solids in the fresh waters and metamorphosis of their ion composition are considered. It is stated that climate changes potentially affect and will affect the surface waters mineralization in future owing to volume and frequency of the atmospheric precipitation, intensity of the rocks and minerals weathering, the ground feeding of the rivers, the marine water penetration into the estuaries along with reducing of the river water yield, etc. The possible impact of mineralization changes on migration of substances from bottom sediments into the water thickness, that is on the intensity of its secondary pollution, is discussed. This impact can be direct and indirect. First of all, it concerns the migration ability of metals in bottom sediments. Elevated content of Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;, Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; and Mg&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; in water intensifies migration of metals of the exchangeable fraction of bottom sediments. The indirect effect of elevated mineralization is expressed in the oxygen regime of the water bodies, which usually deteriorates in the near-bottom water layers of deep lakes and reservoirs, mouth areas of the rivers and estuaries. The dissolved oxygen deficit becomes usual, anoxic conditions are formed, which favor release of Fe(III) and Mn(IV) from oxyhydroxides or the oxide fraction of the bottom sediments. A review also considers some aspects of potential impact of the fresh waters salinization on survival of the aquatic plants and animals and biodiversity.

Soil pH restricts the ability of biochar to passivate cadmium: A meta-analysis

Soil acidification is the main cause for aggravation of soil cadmium (Cd) pollution. Biochar treatment can increase the soil pH and decrease the Cd availability in soils. However, there is limited information in literature on the comprehensive assessment of the response of Cd fractions to biochar. Therefore, in the present meta-analysis study, we evaluate the response of Cd fractions to biochar application in soils with different pH and to further examine the effect of physicochemical properties of biochar on Cd. Results from the overall analysis indicated that biochar treatment increased the soil pH by 7.0%, thereby decreasing the amount of available Cd (37.3%). In acidic soil, biochar significantly reduced the acid-soluble fraction (Acid-Cd) of Cd by 36.8%, while Oxidizable fraction of Cd (Oxid-Cd, 20.9%) and Residual fraction of Cd (Resid-Cd, 22.2%) were significantly increased. In neutral soils, only Acid-Cd was significantly reduced (33.0%) in the presence of biochar. In alkaline soils, biochar caused significant reduction in Acid-Cd of 12.4% and an increase in Oxid-Cd and Resid-Cd of 26.6% and 47.8%, respectively. Further, our findings showed that biochar with cation exchange capacity >100 cmol+/kg effectively decreased Acid-Cd (32.4%), while biochar with the percentage of hydrogen <2% was more contributory in increasing Resid-Cd (64.3%). These results demonstrate the importance of soil pH in regulating the biological effectiveness of Cd in soil and the complexation between the functional groups of biochar and Cd, and provide key information for the remediation of Cd pollution in soils with different pH by biochar.