Organic Retention Research Articles

Exploring the influence of microstructure and phospholipid type of liposomes on their interaction with lung

Liposome is a promising carrier for pulmonary drug delivery and the nano-sized liposomes have been widely investigated in the treatment of lung diseases. However, there still lack the knowledge of micron-sized liposomes for lung delivery, which have more advantages in terms of drug loading and sustained drug release capacity. The micron-sized liposomes can be classified into multilamellar liposome (MLL) and multivesicular liposome (MVL) according to their microstructure, thus, this study focused on exploring how the micron-sized liposomes with different microstructure and phospholipid composition influence their interaction with the lung. The MLL and MVL were prepared from different types of phospholipids (including soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC), egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EPC), and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC)) with geometric diameter around 5 μm, and their in vitro pulmonary cell uptake, in vivo lung retention and organ distribution were investigated. The results showed that the microstructure of liposomes didn’t affect pulmonary cellular uptake, in vivo lung retention and organ distribution. MLL and MVL prepared with the same phospholipid had similar cellular uptake in both NR8383 cells and A549 cells, and both of them possessed prolonged lung retention and limited distribution in other organs during 72 h. Notably, the phospholipid type presented remarkable influence on liposomes’ interaction with the lung. SPC-based liposomes exhibited higher cellular uptake than the DPPC-based ones in both NR8383 cells and A549 cells, also possessed a better lung retention behavior. In conclusion, this study might provide theoretical knowledge for designing micron-sized liposomes intended for lung delivery.

Biochar effects on soil nitrogen retention, leaching and yield of perennial citron daylily under three irrigation regimes

Biochar can serve as a soil amendment to immobilize soil nitrogen (N) and reduce N leaching from cropland without negative effect on crop yield. However, the interaction effect of biochar application and irrigation regimes on soil N status (N retention and N loss) and crop yield is rarely reported in the open perennial vegetable field. A two-years field trial (transplanting in first year and consecutive growth in second year) was conducted in citron daylily vegetable cropping system on a sandy brown alluvial soil. Two biochar application rates (0 and 30 t ha−1) and three irrigation regimes (CDI, conventional drip irrigation; WSDI, water-saving drip irrigation with 80% of full irrigation quota; APRDI, alternate partial root-zone drip irrigation with 80% of full irrigation quota) were included. The response of crop yield and soil N status to both biochar application and irrigation regimes varied across planting years for perennial citron daylily. After the first planting year's harvest, APRDI enhanced flower bud yield by 18–28% compared to CDI and WSDI, likely due to improved nitrate use efficiency evidenced by lower soil nitrate retention in the surface soil (0–20 cm) post-harvest. However, biochar application resulted in a reduction of yield by 27% under APRDI. Additionally, WSDI with reduced yields, decreased soil TN in the sub-surface layer (20–50 cm) with 9–19% by comparison with other two irrigation regimes, resulting in higher TN concentration in the soil solution (14–28%) in and thus an increased risk for N leaching. However, after the second harvest year, there were no variations in crop yield induced by biochar application and irrigation regimes. Irrigation regimes exhibited limited influence on soil N status, while biochar application mitigated soil nitrogen decline in the 0–50 cm layer by enhancing organic nitrogen retention capacity for nearly 16–85%. Furthermore, the lowest TN concentration in the soil solution in the sub-surface layer (20–50 cm) with biochar application under APRDI suggested a reduced risk for N leaching. We conclude that combining biochar application with the APRDI regime could help retain soil N, decrease the risk of N leaching, and enhance crop yield in total for two consecutive planting years. Therefore, this approach is recommended for sustainable N management in long-term planting of perennial crops.

Detecting and quantifying zero tillage technology adoption in Indian smallholder systems using Sentinel-2 multi-spectral imagery

Zero tillage (ZT), an important component of Conservation Agriculture, has enormous potential to curb emissions from residue burning, increase soil organic carbon and water retention, reduce land preparation costs and increase the long-term productivity and profitability of the farming system. Despite the promise of ZT, little is known about how widely it has been adopted at regional scales in smallholder systems, where management is heterogeneous. Identifying ZT diffusion patterns across space and time along with other popular tillage technologies, such as conventional tillage (CT) and shallow tillage (ST), helps to target and disseminate the most effective technologies and estimate their climate change mitigation potential. Acknowledging the complexities involved in distinguishing ZT from CT and ST in smallholder fields, this study utilized an innovative two-step change detection method leveraging early-season Sentinel-2 multi-spectral imagery. We developed and applied our model in the Indian state of Punjab over three years (2020–2022). Our method outperformed traditional binary classification models, achieving 81 % accuracy. The analysis indicated that areas under different tillage types changed over time across Punjab. Specifically, from 2020 to 2021, we found a 33 % and 4 % decrease in ZT and CT, respectively. However, a 29 % increase is observed in CT adoption. On the other hand, from 2021 to 2022, the adoption rates for ZT and CT increased by 18 % and 2 %, respectively, while ST adoption decreased by 12 %. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential use of early season Sentinel-2 imagery to map the adoption of tillage practices in smallholder systems. Our approach can provide large-scale information on technology uptake, aiding policies to implement carbon markets and the scaling up of sustainable agricultural practices in India.

Effects of mild acid pre-treatment on the co-pyrolysis behaviour of biosolids and wheat straw

Co-pyrolysis of biosolids (BS) and wheat straw (WS), as well as their treated variants, was performed in a fluidised bed reactor at 500 ℃. Under mild acid pre-treatment conditions (3% H2SO4 and 25 ℃), demineralisation was the dominating effect of pre-treatment on BS, while it was hemicellulose hydrolysis for WS. Consequently, the co-pyrolysis of raw biosolids (RBS) or treated biosolids (TBS) with raw wheat straw (RWS) or treated wheat straw (TWS) had varying effects on product distribution and product compositions. The co-pyrolysis of RBS+RWS gave the lowest bio-oil yield (36.3 wt%) and highest gas yield (23.1 wt%). In contrast, the highest bio-oil yield (45.8 wt%) and lowest gas yield (14.4 wt%) occurred during the co-pyrolysis of TBS+TWS. The degree of synergy in product distribution was strongest in TBS+RWS followed by RBS+RWS and was weakest in TBS+TWS, demonstrating the catalytic effect of inherent minerals on organic matter devolatilisation and char cracking reactions during co-pyrolysis. Biosolids pre-treatment alone performed competitively with BS co-pyrolysis alone with respect to enhancement in biochar properties producing biochar having 15–18 MJ/kg calorific value, 43–51 wt% carbon content, 0.7–1.0 fuel ratio, ⁓30% organic matter retention, and 27–41 wt% ash content. However, combining BS co-pyrolysis and pre-treatment gave the lowest reduction in biochar total heavy metal concentration. Furthermore, bio-oil compositions were influenced by pre-treatment and/or co-pyrolysis, increasing the yield (area%) of phenols to 25.4%, furans to 24.8%, anhydrosugars to 7.8%, and aromatic hydrocarbons to 20.6%. Lastly, pre-treatment alone weakened gas production while co-pyrolysis combined with pre-treatment impacted the pyrolysis gas profile, switching between light hydrocarbons and carbon oxides (CO and CO2). Overall, co-pyrolysis and pre-treatment can each be a standalone strategy for enhancing BS pyrolysis; however, their combination produced greater synergy for generating high value products.

Reconnecting a stream channel to its floodplain: implications for benthic diatoms and macroinvertebrate trophic structure

Streams systems draining upland landscapes provide valuable ecosystem services, but they are vulnerable to incision and channelization caused by anthropogenic disturbance. Restoring a degraded stream to its pre‐disturbance condition by reconnecting the channel to its historical floodplain aims to recover lost hydro‐morphological processes and functions. Seeking evidence to indicate whether that aim is met in practice, we examined diatoms and the stream macroinvertebrate trophic structures in three reaches of Whychus Creek, Oregon, United States. Two reaches were reconnected to their pre‐disturbance floodplains in 2012 and 2016. The third, control reach, was not restored and was selected to represent the degraded stream condition prior to restoration. Ordinations showed that benthic diatom species composition shifted from the control reach to the restored reaches. Compared to the control reach, reconnection decreased the percentages of diatoms with nitrogen (N)‐fixing cyanobacterial endosymbionts in the 2012 restored reach and decreased diatoms tolerant to low N conditions in both the restored reaches. δ15N values in both stream macroinvertebrates and tree leaves in the riparian zone were higher in the restored reaches. These findings suggest that floodplain reconnection may modify hydro‐morphological processes and ecosystem functions in ways that enhance organic matter retention and hyporheic exchange, resulting in increased nutrient availability, improved nutrient cycling, and greater primary productivity. More generally, our results suggest that characterizing diatom species composition and trophic interactions using stable isotopes provides the basis for identifying and evaluating the beneficial effects of stream restoration on ecosystem functions and the food‐web.

Residue Kinetics of Insecticide Pymetrozine in Rice Field Soil

Soils are the most diverse and complex ecosystem in the world. In addition to providing humanity with 98.8% of its food, soils provide a broad range of other services, from carbon storage and greenhouse gas regulation, to flood mitigation and providing support for our sprawling cities. Therefore, protection of soil health from various pollutants including pesticides is important for its future sustenance. The pesticide Pymetrozine widely used in rice fields for the control of aphids and whiteflies is also registered in India for crop protection in Paddy. This study aimed to examine how long the pesticide Pymetrozine persists and how it breaks down in different types of soil in West Bengal. This research was conducted through laboratory experiments using LC-MS/MS at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia. Applied two doses of Pymetrozine and analyzed soil samples over 30 days. Pymetrozine levels decreased by 95-97% after 15 days and fell below detectable levels after 30 days. Dissipation followed first-order kinetics, with a faster rate in new alluvial soil compared to red lateritic soil. This difference could be due to variations in soil properties, like organic carbon content and water retention.

Removing refractory organic substances from landfill leachate using a nanofiltration membrane bioreactor: Performance and mechanisms

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are typically used to dispose landfill leachate, but they are challenged by the low removal of refractory organic substances. To address this challenge, in this study, we replaced the commonly used microfiltration (MF) membranes in conventional MBRs with nanofiltration (NF) membranes, i.e., MBRNF. We operated a one-step MBRNF for 127 days and benchmarked against a conventional MBRMF in terms of membrane fouling, pollutants removal, and bulk solution properties. The results showed that the NF membrane could effectively reject refractory organic substances, leading to a longer organic retention time (ORT) and a higher concentration of refractory organic substances in the bioreactor. Consequently, the MBRNF outperformed MBRMF by 20 %–30 % in removing of refractory organic substances, mainly by the enhanced biodegradation of refractory organic substances with low molecular weight. Further investigation suggested that the enhanced biodegradation in the MBRNF could be ascribed to 1) more biomass in the bioreactor; 2) higher concentration of refractory organic substances in the bioreactor; and 3) the enrichment of dominant bacteria such as Chloroflexi. These findings highlight the potential of MBRNF in removing refractory organic substances from landfill leachate and other wastewaters with poor biodegradability.

Influence of pH on the anaerobic fluidised bed reactor performance for palm oil mill effluent treatment

The effect of pH on the performance of a pilot-scale anaerobic fluidised bed reactor (AnFBR) was studied using palm oil mill effluent (POME) as the substrate. The performance of the 2000-litre reactor at different operating conditions, such as organic loading rates and retention times was studied. This acidic agro-industrial wastewater (pH 4.0–5.0) was neutralised by adding slacked lime. It was observed that, within 12 hr of hydraulic retention time (HRT), the AnFBR removes as high as 85% of the substrate chemical oxygen demand (COD) at a loading rate of 4 kg/m3 day. High pre-treatment cost is needed to neutralise the bulk volume of wastewater that was generated from the palm oil industries. Thus, an attempt was made to study the performance of the AnFBR under pH shock load. The influent pH was increased to 9.2 and then dropped around 5.0 to intensify the effect of the pH shock load. At shock load, the reactor performance for COD removal dropped by about 25% lower than the optimum condition. The maximum and minimum COD removal rates during the short period of continuous shock load were 60% and 56.5%, respectively. The average effluent pH remained steady at around 6.1. From the analysis, it was revealed that the anaerobic fluidised bed had the buffering ability and was capable of treating POME with moderate removal efficiency at an influent pH of 5.0.

Evaluation of In Vivo Folic Acid Bioavailability in Different Mouse Strains Using Enzymatic Digestion Combined with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography.

By analyzing the folic acid content of various mouse strains through the use of in vivo studies, this study sought to determine whether folic acid bioavailability varies between hosts. In order to examine the stability of folic acid in the gastrointestinal tract, the rate at which it enters the blood, its retention in the organs, and its entry into the brain, folic acid was gavaged for 10 days into male and female mice of the following four strains: C57BL/6, BALB/c, ICR, and Kunming. Folic acid was extracted from eight groups of mice via solid phase extraction and triple enzyme extraction; the folic acid was subsequently quantified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography. In contrast to the other groups, female C57BL/6 mice exhibited substantially greater bioavailability as well as variations in organ retention and blood entry rates, as indicated by the experimental findings. This finding indicated that using female C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the bioavailability of folic acid is more effective.

Enhancing Soil Aggregation and Organic Carbon Retention in Greenhouse Vegetable Production through Reductive Soil Disinfestation with Straw and Fertiliser: A Comprehensive Study

In greenhouse vegetable production, reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) effectively mitigates soil-borne diseases, yet its impact on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) has not been adequately examined. This study investigated the distribution of soil aggregates and the organic carbon retention mechanism following intensive RSD treatment. Greenhouse experiments, including control (CK), wheat straw (RSD), and wheat straw with chemical fertilizer (RSD + NP) treatments, indicated augmentation in the formation of macro-aggregates (>2 mm and 0.25–2 mm) under RSD, particularly in the RSD + NP treatment. Silty clay particles transform into macro- and micro-aggregates. Fourier infrared spectroscopy highlighted the augmentation of carbon-containing functional groups in SOC, with aliphatic carbon accumulating in macro-aggregates and aromatic carbon in silt clay. Laboratory culture experiments employing different C/N ratios (RSD1 with wheat straw, RSD2 with kiwifruit branches) underscored the beneficial impact of low C/N ratio organic matter on coarse and fine macro-aggregate content, mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, and reduced silt clay. Low C/N ratios enhance SOC retention in large aggregates, while high ratios stabilise micro-aggregate carbon. This research underscores the severe degradation in continuous greenhouse cropping systems and emphasises RSD’s dual benefits—disease prevention and improved SOC retention. Implementing RSD requires careful consideration of organic material choices, specifically their C/N ratios, as a pivotal factor influencing SOC dynamics.

Enhancing Soil Organic Carbon Content and Water Retention Using Polyvinyl Alcohol Cross-linked with Chitosan and Pectin

Soil organic carbon is considered a candidate without a substitute to be an important indicator of soil degradation by monitoring its amount and changes over time. Organic compounds such as chitosan (CS) and pectin (PC) can increase organic matter content in soils and provide a carbon source for microbes. Organic nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by polymerization of CS and PC with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), loaded with NPK nutrients, and evaluated by transmission electron microscope as well as zeta-potential (ZP). This study aims to test the effect of organic NPs on soil organic carbon (SOC) content, available water capacity (AWC), and growth of wheat plant. Thus, a pot experiment was conducted using clay soil. The treatments were NPK at two levels, viz., 50 and 85% of the recommended doses in combination with CS/PVA and PC/PVA as nano-carrier materials, as well as control treatment (85% NPK). Results showed that the loading of organic NPs with NPK nutrients obviously increases the solution stability and the positive as well as negative charges for CS/PVA (50.30 mV) and PC/PVA (− 17.80 mV), respectively. Furthermore, the using of NPK nano-fertilizers was significant for all the studied properties. Likewise, the addition of CS/PVA loaded with NPK decreased soil ZP at a range of − 13.00 to − 16.90 mV. Besides, it shows better carbon-cycling activity by increasing SOC at a range of 9.71 to 11.68 g kg−1. The PC/PVA loaded with 50%NPK not only increases AWC with a rate of 18.23% but also sustains water-release synchronization to meet wheat plant demands.

Promoting Heritage Language: A Phenomenological Study on the Approaches Used by Cordilleran Students

Heritage languages are crucial to identity and community cohesion, but they face a threat from dominant global languages in education, media, and mobility. This threatens their transmission between generations and risks their survival and evolution. This phenomenological study aimed to investigate the approaches utilised by university students in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in one of the universities in Northern Philippines to promote their heritage languages. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively sampled participants who met specified inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis uncovered four main strategies students employ: intergenerational family transmission, interpersonal sharing and storytelling, informal peer teaching and exchange, and online dissemination. Findings reveal the vital role of families in developing heritage language proficiency through exclusive daily use and active transmission across generations. Students leverage interpersonal interactions and storytelling to affirm cultural identities and foster belonging. Peer teaching enables organic exchange and retention through translation, lessons, and collaborative projects. Interactive online platforms provide expanded reach for promoting heritage beyond local communities. Overall, promotion occurs through interconnected familial, social, educational, and virtual modes that empower students as change agents counteracting assimilation pressures. This contributes to identity formation, pluralism, and sustaining marginalised traditions often excluded from formal domains. Recommendations include an integrated approach reinforcing students' informal efforts through heritage programmes, intergenerational activities, media guidance, policy support, and community collaboration. Formal initiatives should strategically nurture familial foundations and amplify student-driven promotion spanning diverse spheres.

Effect of organic and inorganic mulching soil moisture retention : A case study of the trees area in a greenhouse

This study aimed to compare organic and inorganic soil moisture protection mulches and determine how tree growth and soil moisture dynamics change based on experimental research conducted in a greenhouse. We planted three types of trees in sandy soil with consistent regular irrigation and covered them by leaf, straw, stone, sand mulch. We tested organic and inorganic mulches with four groups of 10 replicates. The soil moisture level was measured using a TDR 150 mo del soil moisture meter. The soil moisture sensor was placed at a depth of 12 cm and recorded measurements at intervals of 7-10 days over four months. Compared to the control area, soil moisture was found to be retained by 16.4% more with sand mulch, 19.5% more with stone mulch, 33.9% more with straw mulch, and 40.3% more with leaf mulch. During the measurement period, organic mulch consisting of leaves and straw retained the most moisture and reduced the moisture loss by 20-25%. In terms of plant growth and development, trees with high organic mulch exhibited 20-30% higher growth rates than those in the control area and had trees with diameters 5-10% larger. Our study confirmed that covering the soil has advantages in reducing evaporation from the soil surface, increasing soil moisture, reducing soil compaction, and supporting plant growth and development. Implementing the soil covering to retain moisture enhances the soil property by significantly reducing the need for tree watering and contributing to water conservation. Also, our study indicated that covering materials utilized in this experimental study for soil moisture protection offer numerous advantages, as they are readily available, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective for our country. Хөрсний чийг хамгаалах органик ба органик биш хучаасны нөлөө : Хүлэмжинд модлог ургамал тариалсан талбайн жишээн дээр ХУРААНГУЙ: Хөрсний чийг хамгаалах органик ба органик биш хучаасыг харьцуулан судалж, модны өсөлт, хөрсний чийгийн динамик хэрхэн өөрчлөгдөх, үр дүнг цаашдын судалгааны ажилд ашиглах зорилготойгоор энэхүү судалгааг хийлээ. Судалгаанд TDR 150 загварын SOIL MOISTURE METER хэмжигч багажийг ашиглан хөрсний чийгийг хэмжсэн. Органик ба органик биш хучаасыг дөрвөн хувилбар 10 давталттай, гурван төрлийн модыг элсэнцэр хөрсөнд тариалж ижил хэмжээтэй усалгааг тогтмол хийж туршилтыг явуулсан. Хөрсний чийг хэмжих мэдрэгч 12 см гүнд 7-10 хоногийн давтамжтайгаар (ургамал ургалтын хугацаанд) хэмжилт хийсэн. Хөрсний чийгийг хяналтын хувилбартай харьцуулахад элсэн хучаас 16.4 %, чулуун хучаас 19.5 %, сүрлэн хучаас 33.9 %, навчин хучаас 40.3 %-иар илүү чийгээ хадгалж байна. Нийт хэмжилт хийсэн хугацаанд органик хучаас (навч, сүрэл) хамгийн их чийгийг хадгалж чийг алдагдлыг 20-25 % бууруулж байсан. Тарьцын өсөлтийн хувьд модны өндрийн үзүүлэлт органик хучаас хяналтын талбайтай харьцуулахад 20-30 %, модны диаметр 5-10 % илүү байна. Хөрсийг хучих нь хөрсний гадаргын ууршилтыг багасгах, хөрсний чийгийг нэмэгдүүлэх, хөрсний нягтралыг бууруулах, ургамлын өсөлтийг дэмжих зэрэг олон давуу талтай байгаа нь энэхүү судалгааны дүнгээр нотлогдож байна. Хөрсний чийг хамгаалах энэхүү туршилт судалгаанд ашиглагдсан хучаасны материалууд нь манай орны хувьд олдоц арвин, байгальд ээлтэй, эдийн засгийн хувьд хэмнэлттэй материал гэдгээрээ давуу тал маш их юм. Бортоготой тарьцны өнгөн хөрсийг хучиж чийгийг барьснаар хөрсний шинж чанар сайжирч модны усалгааны нормыг багасгаж ус хэмнэх ач холбогдолтой юм. Түлхүүр үгс: Хөрсний чийг, Навчин хучаас, сүрлэн хучаас, чулуун хучаас , элсэн хучаас

Evaluating the Crucial Relationships between Soil Health and Climate Change

Content of paper emphasizes the significant influence of soil health on global warming and climate stability. Soil affects the Earth's carbon cycle by acting as a source and sink of greenhouse gases. Climate is considered important a factor in soil formation, but also soils also have an impact on the climate. Therefore, soils are affected by the current climate change as well, particularly because they may release excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) as a result of changing their usage or poor management or human wrong practices. The pressure that climate change places on soil ecosystems has a significant impact on agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. For effective climate mitigation and adaptation policies to be developed, it is essential to understand these relationships. Worthwhile that the greatest soil management practices for reducing climate change focus on increasing soil organic matter content and water retention. The enormous carbon and nitrogen (N) store that is soil. acting as a possible regulator of the CO2, N2O, and CH4—the three main greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Because biota is the organic matter carrier to the soil, both in living organisms and through their decomposing remains, mature soils rich in life are frequently CO2 sinks. But heterotrophic organisms that live in soil are also OM net consumers, and they release CO2 into the atmosphere through respiration. The interactions between plants, soil organisms, and abiotic soil conditions are actually changing as a result of climate change, which has an impact on plant performance, plant diversity, and community structure. The loss of soil organic matter (OM) and its development to the atmosphere quickly became a significant effect of tillage and any other activity, agricultural or otherwise, that disturbs the natural soils since then. It is anticipated that the areas affected by salinization would increase due to climate change which affects the suitability of the soil agriculture or any other development purposes.The conclusion of the current study Carbon sequestration can reduced the green house gas emission.

Pathology and forensic science: Dignity, respect, and the dead body

AbstractThis perspective considers the forensic examination of deceased bodies via the medico‐legal autopsy. It is argued that the decisions we make about what we do with, and to, deceased bodies and body parts is, and should be, limited by the need to treat bodies with dignity and respect. The treatment of parts of bodies has been explored in bioethics, substantially due to organ retention scandals bringing this to the public and political attention. But these cases—although important—represent extremes. This perspective therefore focuses on routine death investigations and the extent to which scientific method should be limited because of the competing interests in the deceased body and its treatment. It is argued that how we treat bodies/body parts matters because they represent once‐living people with contexts, histories, and relationships. They had, and perhaps still have, value as human persons. As humans, we share complex relationships and have different views and interpretations of what our duties are to each other. Dignity and respect aid by providing baseline standards, and are reflected as such in professional codes and regulations. However, the system is imbued with sufficient discretion that it is impossible to achieve consistency of standards or practice. This means that the treatment of deceased bodies in forensic science will differ substantially depending on both context and the practitioners involved.This article is categorized under: Forensic Medicine > Medicolegal Death Investigation Systems

Effect of Irrigation Intervals, Irrigation Method and Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Wheat Performance and Water use Efficiency in Northern State of Sudan

Most soils under arid conditions have extremely low quality due to poor physical conditions, low organic matter and water retention capacity, soil fertility and consequently both low water and fertilizer use efficiencies. The present study was planned to investigate the effects of irrigation interval (II), irrigation methods (IM) and nitrogen fertilizer rates (NF) on wheat performance (yield and its components) and water use efficiency. The experiment was conducted at National Institute of Desert Studies Research Farm for two consecutive winter seasons of (2020/21) and (2021/22) in a sandy soil of North Sudan. The experiment design was complete randomized block in factorial arrangement with four replications. Factor (A) was irrigation methods with two types (furrow and basin), factor (B) was irrigation interval with three rates (7, 10, 13 days) and factor (c) was assigned to nitrogen with three rates (43, 86 and 129 Kg/fed). The results showed that irrigation methods had not significant p (≤.05) effect on wheat yield and its components and water use efficiency, irrigation interval affected significantly p (≤.05) on plant height, biomass, spike per meter square, grain yield and water use efficiency in both seasons Nitrogen fertilizer were effective highly significant p (≤.05) in improving biomass p (≤.05) and significantly p (≤.05) effect on plant height, number of spike per meter square, grain yield and water use efficiency in both seasons. Both irrigation interval and nitrogen fertilizer rates were not significant p (≤.05) effect on plant per meter. Maximum yield and high water use efficiency were obtained when irrigated every 7 days and added nitrogen fertilizer in rate of 129 Kg per fedan.

Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Recombinant Human Cyclophilin A in Mice.

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an isomerase that functions as a chaperone, housekeeping protein, and cyclosporine A (CsA) ligand. Secreted CypA is a proinflammatory factor, chemoattractant, immune regulator, and factor of antitumor immunity. Experimental data suggest clinical applications of recombinant human CypA (rhCypA) as a biotherapeutic for cancer immunotherapy, stimulation of tissue regeneration, treatment of brain pathologies, and as a supportive treatment for CsA-based therapies. The objective of this study is to analyze the pharmacokinetics of rhCypA in a mouse model. rhCypA was isotope-labeled with 125I and injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) or subcutaneously (s/c) into female mice as a single dose of 100μg per mouse, equivalent to the estimated first-in-human dose. Analysis of 125I-rhCypA biodistribution and excretion was performed by direct radiometry of the blood, viscera, and urine of mice 0.5-72h following its administration. rhCypA showed rapid and even tissue-organ distribution, with the highest tropism (fT=1.56) and accumulation (maximum concentration,Cmax=137-167μg/g) in the kidneys, its primary excretory organ. rhCypA showed the lowest tropism to the bone marrow and the brain (fT = 0.07) but the longest retention in these organs [mean retention time (MRT)=25-28h]. This study identified promising target organs for rhCypA's potential therapeutic effects. The mode of rhCypA accumulation and retention in organs could be primarily due to the expression of its receptors in them. For the first time, rhCypA was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. These rhCypA pharmacokinetic data could be extrapolated to humans as preliminary data for possible clinical trials.

СРАВНЕНИЕ РАДИАЦИОННОЙ И ХИМИЧЕСКОЙ ТОКСИЧНОСТИ СОЕДИНЕНИЙ УРАНА НА ОСНОВЕ РАСЧЕТА ПО НОВЫМ БИОКИНЕТИЧЕСКИМ МОДЕЛЯМ МКРЗ

Purpose: Harmonization and improvement of the system for regulating the internal radiation exposure of workers and the basic requirements for ensuring radiation safety, taking into account the application of new international requirements and recommendations. Material and methods: The article presents a comparison of the radiation and chemical toxicity of uranium compounds, obtained on the basis of calculating the levels of inhalation intake and committed effective dose depending on the types of compounds F, M, F/M and M/S in the AMAD range from 0.3 to 20 μm for typical isotopic compositions of natural (NU), depleted (DU), low enriched (LEU) and highly enriched (HEU) uranium, which lead to the maximum permissible concentration of uranium in the kidneys. The calculations were carried out using new ICRP biokinetic models, which give more physiologically realistic representations of uptake and retention in organs and tissues, and excretion. Results: The dynamics of uranium activity in the kidneys was calculated for constant chronic inhalation intake over a 50-year period and for acute intake. It was shown that in case of chronic intake, the rate of accumulation of uranium in the kidneys, expressed in relative units, does not depend on the AMAD in the range from 0.3 to 20 μm and slightly depends on the types of compounds F, F/M, M and M/S, which include almost all chemical compounds of uranium. In case of acute intake, there is a rapid, within 1–3 days, an increase of uranium in the kidneys to a maximum value and then a gradual decrease to a value of 20 % of the maximum value in 20–60 days, depending on the type of compound F, M, F/M, M/S and AMAD in a wide range of values from 0.3 to 20 µm. To compare the radiation and chemical toxicity of uranium, the values of the committed effective dose were calculated, which is formed after intake of uranium aerosols of the types F, M, F/M and M/S and AMADs from 0.3 to 20 µm in an amount that creates the maximum concentration of uranium in the kidneys 0.3 µg/g for chronic intake and 3 µg/g for acute intake. The values of uranium intake per year in milligrams, which form the maximum concentration of uranium in the kidneys of 0.3 µg/g, in case of constant chronic intake of uranium aerosols, as well as the values of uranium intake in milligrams, which form the maximum concentration of uranium in the kidneys of 3 μg/g after a single intake of uranium aerosols in both case of the types F, M, F/M and M/S and AMAD in the range from 0.3 to 20 µm were calculated, which are evidently independent of the considered isotopic composition of the uranium. Conclusion: It is shown that chemical toxicity prevails over radiation toxicity for the types of uranium compounds F and F/M for all considered uranium isotopic composition, except for HEU; for the type of compound M it is the same for mixtures of NU and DU, and for the type M/S radiation toxicity prevails for all considered uranium isotopic composition. In case of chronic intake at committed effective dose exposure rate of several mSv per year, workers can suffer from the chemical toxicity of uranium when working with F and F/M compounds and isotope compositions of natural (NU), depleted (DU) and low enriched (LEU) uranium already after 1–2 years of work. In case of acute intake, the chemical toxicity of uranium should be taken as a criterion for limiting exposure for compounds F and F/M, and also partially M (for uranium isotope compositions of NU, DU and LEU), which can significantly, by tens and hundreds of times, reduce the permissible limit of uranium intake.

Continuous Ultrathin Zwitterionic Covalent Organic Framework Membrane Via Surface-Initiated Polymerization Toward Superior Water Retention.

Efficient construction of proton transport channels in proton exchange membranes maintaining conductivity under varied humidity is critical for the development of fuel cells. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) hold great potential in providing precise and fast ion transport channels. However, the preparation of continuous free-standing COF membranes retaining their inherent structural advantages to realize excellent proton conduction performance is a major challenge. Herein, a zwitterionic COF material bearing positive ammonium ions and negative sulphonic acid ions is developed. Free-standing COF membrane with adjustable thickness is constructed via surface-initiated polymerization of COF monomers. The porosity, continuity, and stability of the membranes are demonstrated via the transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization. The rigidity of the COF structure avoids swelling in aqueous solution, which improves the chemical stability of the proton exchange membranes and improves the performance stability. In the higher humidity range (50-90%), the prepared zwitterionic COF membrane exhibits superior capability in retaining the conductivity compared to COF membrane merely bearing sulphonic acid group. The established strategy shows the potential for the application of zwitterionic COF in the proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Connectivity of benthic marine ciliates assemblages in sandy beaches of south Bahia (Brazil)

Sandy beaches are predominant ecosystems in the coastal zone of Brazil. In the interstitial environment, several microscopic species called microbenthos are responsible for primary production, consumption of bacteria and decomposition processes. Ciliophora is one of the most diverse phylum within the microbenthos, although its diversity and ecological aspects are still underestimated. We selected 12 beach segments in the south coast of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, to verify the diversity and connectivity between open and extensive beaches and those isolated by rocky outcrops. We found 52 morphospecies distributed in 16 families of ciliates. Statistical analysis showed higher richness in open beaches when compared to isolated ones, that could be due to their extension area, low hydrodynamics and organic matter retention. Urbanization factor, when interacting with beach categories, affect ciliates species richness. In our samples, open beaches presented a higher number of ciliate families in comparison with isolated beaches, and urbanization seemed to influence these differences. Species composition analysis showed high connectivity of ciliate assemblages between the beaches sampled, without significant diferences. The diversity profile showed that open beaches have greater diversity in comparison with isolated beaches. Urbanization profiles did not show diferences in ciliate diversity. More studies on marine benthic ciliates diversity and their ecological aspects are needed to understand their distribution patterns and assemblage connectivity.