Total Content Research Articles

A dynamical systems model for the total fission rate in Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission

Mitochondrial hyperfission in response to cellular insult is associated with reduced energy production and programmed cell death. Thus, there is a critical need to understand the molecular mechanisms coordinating and regulating the complex process of mitochondrial fission. We develop a nonlinear dynamical systems model of dynamin related protein one (Drp1)-dependent mitochondrial fission and use it to identify parameters which can regulate the total fission rate (TFR) as a function of time. The TFR defined from a nondimensionalization of the model undergoes a Hopf bifurcation with bifurcation parameter μ = k + M k - where M is the total concentration of mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) and k+ and k− are the association and dissociation rate constants between oligomers on the outer mitochondrial membrane. The variable μ can be thought of as the maximum build rate over the disassembling rate of oligomers. Though the nondimensionalization of the system results in four dimensionless parameters, we found the TFR and the cumulative total fission (TF) depend strongly on only one, μ. Interestingly, the cumulative TF does not monotonically increase as μ increases. Instead it increases with μ to a certain point and then begins to decrease as μ continues to increase. This non-monotone dependence on μ suggests interventions targeting k+, k−, or M may have a non-intuitive impact on the fission mechanism. Thus understanding the impact of regulatory parameters, such as μ, may assist future therapeutic target selection.

Effect of Dietary Concentrate-to-Forage Ratios During the Cold Season on Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality, Rumen Fermentation and Gut Microbiota of Tibetan Sheep

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary concentrate-to-forage ratios on slaughter performance, meat quality, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota and fecal microbiota in Tibetan sheep. A total of sixty male Tibetan sheep were equally allocated into three dietary groups based on concentrate-to-forage ratios, i.e., 30:70 (C30), 50:50 (C50), and 70:30 (C70). Compared with the C30 group, sheep fed the C70 diet resulted in a higher (p < 0.05) slaughter live weight (SLW), hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), eye muscle area, average daily gain (ADG), and ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration and propionate molar proportion and lower (p < 0.05) shear force and cooking loss of meat, and ruminal acetate molar proportion and acetate:propionate ratio. Sheep in the C50 group exhibited a higher (p < 0.05) SLW, HCW, ADG, and ruminal propionate molar proportion and lower (p < 0.05) shear force and cooking loss of meat, and ruminal acetate molar proportion and acetate: propionate ratio compared with the C30 group. In rumen fluid, the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio was lower (p = 0.031) in the C30 group, and that of Ruminococcus was higher (p = 0.003) in the C70 group compared with the C50 group. In feces, genus Monoglobus and UCG_002 were the most abundant in the C30 group (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of Prevotella was significantly higher in the C70 group than in other groups (p = 0.013). Correlation analysis revealed possible links between slaughter performance and meat quality and altered microbiota composition in the rumen and feces of Tibetan sheep. Overall, feeding a C70 diet resulted in superior carcass characteristics and meat quality in Tibetan sheep, thus laying a theoretical basis for the application of short-term remote feeding during the cold season.

Atmospheric new particle formation identifier using longitudinal global particle number size distribution data.

Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF) is a naturally occurring phenomenon, during which high concentrations of sub-10 nm particles are created through gas to particle conversion. The NPF is observed in multiple environments around the world. Although it has observable influence onto annual total and ultrafine particle number concentrations (PNC and UFP, respectively), only limited epidemiological studies have investigated whether these particles are associated with adverse health effects. One plausible reason for this limitation may be related to the absence of NPF identifiers available in UFP and PNC data sets. Until recently, the regional NPF events were usually identified manually from particle number size distribution contour plots. Identification of NPF across multi-annual and multiple station data sets remained a tedious task. In this work, we introduce a regional NPF identifier, created using an automated, machine learning based algorithm. The regional NPF event tag was created for 65 measurement sites globally, covering the period from 1996 to 2023. The discussed data set can be used in future studies related to regional NPF.

Stereocatalytic Effect of CeO2 for the Synthesis of trans‐3‐Penten‐2‐ol

AbstractThe transformation of biobased alkanediols over heterogeneous catalysts is a major object. Here, a series of catalysts were prepared for 2,4‐pentanediol dehydration to 3‐penten‐2‐ol. Ceria‐based catalysts had a unique property of showing high efficiency. More importantly, a stereocatalytic effect was observed for CeO2, yielding trans‐3‐penten‐2‐ol with a high selectivity. Raman, XPS, TPD, and TPR were carried out to clarify the catalyst structure, and the relationship between the catalyst structure and catalytic performance were studied. The amount of Lewis acid sites can hardly be correlated with the total concentrations of the oxygen vacancies. It was suggested that the geometry structure of the active sites played a crucial role in trans‐3‐penten‐2‐ol production. The oxygen vacancies originating from CeO2 consisted of active sites with a geometrical structure, which were different from those created by Pr doping CeO2. In addition, the Pr doping enhanced the oxygen migration, which resulted in side reactions, consequently, giving a lower selectivity to trans‐3‐penten‐2‐ol.

Soil Microbial and Metabolomic Shifts Induced by Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacterial Inoculation in Torreya grandis Seedlings

Phosphorus is crucial for plant growth and development, but excess fertilizer not absorbed by plants often binds with metal ions like iron and manganese, forming insoluble compounds that contribute to soil environmental pollution. This study investigates the impact of Burkholderia sp., a phosphate-solubilizing bacterium utilized as a biofertilizer, on the fertility of T. grandis soil, alongside the associated shifts in soil metabolites and their relationship with microbial communities after inoculation. The soil microbial community structures and metabolite profiles were analyzed via amplicon sequencing and high-resolution untargeted metabolomics. The inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria led to a significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in total phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen concentrations in the soil, with a marked increase in available phosphorus in bulk soil (p < 0.05). Moreover, the microbial community structure exhibited significant shifts, particularly in the abundance of bacterial phyla such as Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, and the fungal phylum Ascomycota. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct metabolites, including fatty acids, hormones, amino acids, and drug-related compounds. Key microbial taxa such as Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Mucoromycota, and Ascomycota indirectly contributed to soil phosphorus metabolism by influencing these differential metabolites. In conclusion, the application of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria offers an innovative approach to improving soil quality in T. grandis, promoting phosphorus utilization efficiency, and enhancing soil ecosystem health by optimizing microbial communities and metabolite compositions.

Evaluation of spermatic DNA fragmentation in smoking normospermic infertile individuals

Aim: In approximately 20% of infertile couples, the male factor is the only main cause. In recent years, it has been hypothesized that sperm DNA integrity may be a better indicator than routine semen analysis. Although the effects of smoking on male infertility have not yet been proven, smoking is considered a reasonable risk factor for infertility. In our study, we aimed to evaluate DNA damage in normospermic infertile men who smoke and do not smoke using the acridine orange method. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on semen samples from 50 male cases, 25 of whom were smokers and non-smokers, who met the infertility criteria and applied to the urology clinic of Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital. Microscopic examinations and morphological evaluations were performed in accordance with the WHO 2010 criteria. The acridine orange method was applied to evaluate DNA fragmentation and DNA fragmentations were calculated. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: In our study, in the smoking group, age was significantly associated with the duration of infertility, concentration with total motile sperm count, total sperm count with total motile sperm count, and amorphous head anomaly (p<0.01). In the non-smoking group, age and infertility were significantly associated with the duration, volume and total count, concentration and total count, total motile sperm count, and DNA fragmentation (p<0.01). However, there was no statistical difference between the smoking and non-smoking groups in terms of semen parameters and DNA fragmentation (p>0.05). Conclusion: In order to obtain more reliable results, it is thought that large-scale studies are needed in the same groups and in the general population. Keywords: sperm, infertility, DNA fragmentation, smoking

Influence of Talc in Polypropylene on Total Fluorine Measurements Used as an Indicator of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

Increasing restrictions for chemicals of concern in plastic packaging materials have created an urgent need to accurately detect and quantify these chemicals. Total fluorine measurements have been utilized to screen for highly scrutinized per and poly-fluorinated substances (PFAS) in food packaging materials. Inorganic contributions to the total fluorine signal can result in false positive signals exceeding regulatory limits. The purpose of this study is to develop a method for determining the contribution of talc inorganic filler to the total fluorine signal. The influence of talc on total fluorine measurements of plastics was evaluated by compounding talc with virgin polypropylene (PP) then measuring the total fluorine concentration using oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion ion chromatography. This study provides a framework to predict the contribution of talc in plastic samples to the total fluorine signal. A near infrared spectroscopy method was developed by employing the full width half height (FWHH) of the interstitial fluorine characteristic band of talc. The FWHH signal of the processed puck specimens was determined to be linearly increase with the measured total fluorine difference as a function of talc concentration (R2 = 0.9619). This study developed a method to predict contribution of talc fillers to the total fluorine signal of plastic samples. This method is critical for accurately determining the regulatory compliance of talc filled plastic samples for PFAS using total fluorine. Total fluorine is a common regulatory compliance technique as an indicator of PFAS. Talc is a common plastic filler that contains fluorine as a contaminant. The fluorine in talc contributes to the total fluorine signal, which can falsely elevate the total fluorine signal, potentially resulting in the lack of regulatory compliance. The developed method serves as a framework of how to identify the fluorine contribution of inorganic fillers in plastics.

Interpreting summertime hourly variation of NO2 columns with implications for geostationary satellite applications

Abstract. Accurate representation of the hourly variation in the NO2-column-to-surface relationship is essential for interpreting geostationary observations of NO2 columns. Previous research indicated inconsistencies in this hourly variation. This study employs the high-performance configuration of the GEOS-Chem model (GCHP) to analyze daytime hourly NO2 total columns and surface concentrations during summer. We use measurements from globally distributed Pandora sun photometers and aircraft observations over the United States. We correct Pandora total NO2 vertical columns for (1) hourly variations in effective temperature driven by vertically resolved contributions to the total column and (2) changes in local solar time along the Pandora line of sight. These corrections increase the total NO2 columns by 5–6 × 1014 molec. cm−2 at 09:00 and 18:00 across all sites. Fine-scale simulations from GHCP (∼12 km) reduce the normalized bias (NB) against Pandora total NO2 columns from 19 % to 10 % and against aircraft measurements from 25 % to 13 % in Maryland, Texas, and Colorado. Similar reductions are observed in NO2 columns over the eastern US (17 % to 9 %), the western US (22 % to 14 %), Europe (24 % to 15 %), and Asia (29 % to 21 %) when compared to 55 km simulations. Our analysis attributes the weaker hourly variability in the total NO2 column to (1) hourly variations in column effective temperature, (2) local solar time changes along the Pandora line of sight, and (3) differences in hourly NO2 variability from different atmospheric layers, with the lowest 500 m exhibiting greater variability, while the dominant residual column above 500 m exhibits weaker variability.

Total mercury exposure through canned tuna in water sold in Quito, Ecuador.

Mercury is a toxic trace metal found in seafood products owing to its bioaccumulative and ubiquitous nature. Seafood and fish are frequently consumed, being necessary to assess its human health risk. Accordingly, this study quantified total mercury in samples of canned tuna in water from supermarkets in the Metropolitan District of Quito in Ecuador, in order to ensure that Hg content is within the maximum limits stablished in national and international regulations. Total mercury levels were measured through cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. Three of the most consumed tuna brands in Ecuador were analyzed, coded as A, B, and C, according to the price at which they are sold in the market (A < B < C). Results indicated that mean total mercury in different tuna brands were within the permissible limits. Total mercury concentrations were 0.14 ± 0.11mg kg-1; 0.41 ± 0.42mg kg-1; and 0.25 ± 0.22mg kg-1 for brands A, B, and C, respectively. However, for brand B the potential non-carcinogenic risk of mercury for consumers exceeded the threshold limit (> 1). When considering the highest total mercury content to which Ecuadorian population is exposed through the consumption of brand A, B, and C, the recommended weekly intake for children and adults were: A: 63g and 306g; B: 12g and 57g; C: 30g and 144g, respectively.

Continuous step-wise temperature extraction improves the flavanol content of tea beverages.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide and its health benefits have been extensively studied because of its rich flavanol content. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel continuous step-wise temperature extraction process in maximising antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and flavanol concentration of different tea beverages. Continuous step-wise temperature extraction produced the highest absolute antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and concentration of major tea flavanols in Yuhua tea compared to the other tea types at all extraction points. Despite having the lowest baseline concentration of tea flavanols, Lapsang Souchong tea showed the greatest increase in catechin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate levels with the continuous step-down temperature process, by over 500% and 300%, respectively. In addition, Moonlight White tea showed the greatest percentage change in total antioxidant capacity and phenolic content at the end of the process compared to the baseline. Furthermore, the continuous step-wise temperature extraction showed a moderate increase in caffeine concentration in all the tea samples. Our findings revealed a beneficial impact of continuous step-wise temperature extraction on the antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and flavanol profile in different types of tea, which may be valuable in the production of added-value tea beverages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hydrogen-as-a-probe applied to investigate the influence of extraction and preparation methods on TDS spectra of 13CrMo4-5 samples

AbstractThermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) provides rich information on the desorbed hydrogen flow rate activated at different heat energy levels, supporting high-resolution assessment of small-scale features that are preferential trapping sites. TDS spectra are also highly sensitive to hydrogen uptake from the sample’s extraction and preparation methods, whose influence requires further evaluation. In this research, hydrogen-as-a-probe is applied to evaluate the influence of extraction, surface grinding, dwelling time, plate thickness, and sample thickness on TDS spectra of 13CrMo4-5 steel. Validation of TDS results confirms that all hydrogen present in the sample before the TDS measurement, including metallurgical hydrogen and hydrogen uptake from the studied methods, is desorbed during the first heating cycle. Results indicate that peaks 1 and 3 are negligibly influenced by the studied methods. Peak 2 and total hydrogen concentration are significantly influenced by sample extraction and surface grinding methods, which provide the main outcomes of this work. Methods based on severe solid-state distortion, like machine cutting and grit P320, present an increased total hydrogen content of 99% and 142%, respectively. Dwelling time and plate thickness have small influence on hydrogen content. Reducing the sample thickness results in less total hydrogen concentration at a rate of 5.7 at.ppm/mm.

Abstract A051: Identifying patterns of cell-free DNA associated with elevated risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in adult dogs

Abstract Background: Nonrandom patterns of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are closely associated with malignancy. We hypothesize that they are also found in the systemic microenvironment that gives rise to cancer, and that such signatures can inform a risk stratification test. To achieve this, we have initiated the Lymphoma Risk Assessment (LyRA) study, using machine learning on a training set of dogs with known health status and a test set of otherwise healthy adult pet dogs to identify cfDNA signatures that are associated with elevated risk of developing diffuse large B- cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We will validate the predictive accuracy of these signatures, including the persistence of the risk environment and the interval between risk detection and development of clinical disease. Since cfDNA is the primary input of the LyRA test, we first performed a pilot study to assess how sample characteristics affect cfDNA quality and subsequent low-pass whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. Methods: Blood samples were collected from pet dogs with the owner’s informed consent. Paired samples were collected into potassium (K3)EDTA tubes and additive-free red top tubes (n = 5 dogs) or K3EDTA tubes and Cell-free DNA BCT® Streck Tubes (n = 6 dogs). Additional serum samples (n=3) were generously provided by the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. cfDNA was isolated using the QIAamp® Circulating Nucleic Acid kit. Total cfDNA concentration was measured by PicoGreen™ and fragment distribution by Agilent High Sensitivity D500 ScreenTape® Assay, with comparisons made by starting material (plasma vs. serum) and collection tubes. Results: Serum had both higher total concentrations of cfDNA (PicoGreen™) and calibrated concentrations of long fragment cfDNA (515-658 bp Agilent traces) compared to plasma. In addition, total cfDNA concentrations increased with malignancy, following the pattern: no cancer &amp;lt; cancer &amp;lt; hematological cancer. Median fragment lengths of Agilent peaks also increased with malignancy for short (125-181 bp) and medium (340-425 bp) fragments, in both serum and plasma, but decreased for long fragments. In these pilot data the trends seen were consistent with our hypothesis and with prior studies, although due to sample size, no statistical testing was performed. Conclusions: The pilot study demonstrated that the effects of sample parameters on cfDNA quality are consistent with existing literature, validating our methods and supporting the rationale for the LyRA study. These features may prove valuable when integrated with genomic data to identify high-risk microenvironments. Recent research has shown that a majority of cfDNA in tumor patients originates from non-malignant cells and current methods often overlook potentially important patterns in this so-called 'discard cfDNA.' By focusing on these overlooked patterns, with an emphasis on risk stratification, the LyRA test could shift clinical management to a prevention-focused approach, serving as a model of testing and interception for DLBCL and other cancers in dogs, and potentially in humans. Citation Format: Lauren E Burt, Amy E Treeful, Mitzi Lewellen, Kimberly Demos-Davies, Andrea Chehadeh, Sara Pracht, Ashley J Schulte, Caitlin Feiock, Julia Medland, Davis Seelig, Kelly M Makielski, Ali Khammanivong, Antonella Borgatti, Michael S Henson, Michael Linden, Daniel Vallera, Gary R Cutter, Aaron L Sarver, Jaime F Modiano. Identifying patterns of cell-free DNA associated with elevated risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in adult dogs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A051.

Spatiotemporal distribution in chemical composition of wet atmospheric deposition in Bandung Indonesia.

Bandung, Indonesia, represents the complex interactions between climate variability, basin topography, and deposition processes. This study conducted a long-term spatiotemporal analysis, including pH distribution and pollutant accumulation monitoring, to observe the chemical composition of wet deposition in Bandung as part of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET). The results revealed that and were the predominant ions, followed by , with their distribution varying across different sites due to local emissions and atmospheric processes. The interactions between these ions, particularly the formation of secondary inorganic aerosols such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, were closely linked to the basin's localized sources and topographical features. Areas experiencing high traffic congestion were classified as acidic regions due to their low pH levels. In contrast, a rural site exhibited a basic pH due to the high concentration of ion . Variations in pH and conductivity, along with the impacts of climatic events such as El Niño and La Niña, emphasized the role of weather patterns in shaping wet deposition dynamics. Seasonal trends indicated elevated total ion concentrations during the dry season, driven by sea salt contributions, as supported by strong correlations between Na+ and and between Na+ and Mg2+. Additionally, geological materials and atmospheric reactions contributed to the strong correlations observed between soil-derived cations and acidic species. The increasing trend in and the contrasting decrease in concentrations in rural areas suggest evolving emission sources and environmental conditions.

Physicochemical Rationale of Matrix Effects Involved in the Response of Hydrogel-Embedded Luminescent Metal Biosensors

There is currently a critical need for understanding how the response and activity of whole-cell bacterial reporters positioned in a complex biological or environmental matrix are impacted by the physicochemical properties of their micro-environment. Accordingly, a comprehensive analysis of the bioluminescence response of Cd(II)-inducible PzntA-luxCDABE Escherichia coli biosensors embedded in silica-based hydrogels is reported to decipher how metal bioavailability, cell photoactivity and ensuing light bioproduction are impacted by the hydrogel environment and the associated matrix effects. The analysis includes the account of (i) Cd speciation and accumulation in the host hydrogels, in connection with their reactivity and electrostatic properties, and (ii) the reduced bioavailability of resources for the biosensors confined (deep) inside the hydrogels. The measurements of the bioluminescence response of the Cd(II) inducible-lux biosensors in both hydrogels and free-floating cell suspensions are completed by those of the constitutive rrnB P1-luxCDABE E. coli so as to probe cell metabolic activity in these two situations. The approach contributes to unraveling the connections between the electrostatic hydrogel charge, the nutrient/metal bioavailabilities and the resulting Cd-triggered bioluminescence output. Biosensors are hosted in hydrogels with thickness varying between 0 mm (the free-floating cell situation) and 1.6 mm, and are exposed to total Cd concentrations from 0 to 400 nM. The partitioning of bioavailable metals at the hydrogel/solution interface following intertwined metal speciation, diffusion and Boltzmann electrostatic accumulation is addressed by stripping chronopotentiometry. In turn, we detail how the bioluminescence maxima generated by the Cd-responsive cells under all tested Cd concentration and hydrogel thickness conditions collapse remarkably well on a single plot featuring the dependence of bioluminescence on free Cd concentration at the individual cell level. Overall, the construction of this master curve integrates the contributions of key and often overlooked processes that govern the bioavailability properties of metals in 3D matrices. Accordingly, the work opens perspectives for quantitative and mechanistic monitoring of metals by biosensors in environmental systems like biofilms or sediments.

Exploring the In Vitro Effects of Cassava Diets and Enterococcus Strains on Rumen Fermentation, Gas Production, and Cyanide Concentrations

This study examined the effects of adding CUB alongside HCN sources from fresh cassava diets on HCN reduction, gas production, and in vitro digestibility. A completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 2 × 3 + 1 factorial approach was used, where Factor A was the HCN source [fresh cassava root (FCR) or leaf (FCL)], Factor B was the HCN concentration (300 and 600 mg/kg dry matter (DM)), and Factor C was the bacterial supplement [no-CUB, E. faecium KKU-BF7 (CUB1), and E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 (CUB2)]. Statistical analysis was performed using the PROC GLM procedure in SAS. No interaction was observed among the main factors on gas kinetics and cumulative gas (p &gt; 0.05). The addition of CUB1 or CUB2 enhanced cumulative gas production compared to the no-CUB group (p = 0.04). Cyanide degradation efficiency was high when FCR was included at a high HCN level. At 12 h post-incubation, HCN degradation efficiency was higher in the CUB2 and CUB1 groups, reaching 98.44–99.07% compared to the no-CUB group. The higher HCN level increased in vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVADFD) (p = 0.01) by 7.20% compared to the low HCN level, and CUB2 further improved IVADFD. Compared to the FCL-fed group, FCR supplementation increased total VFA concentration (p = 0.03) and propionic acid (C3) concentration (p = 0.04). The addition of CUB2 further enhanced propionic acid concentration by 8.97% compared to no-CUB supplementation (p = 0.04). These results indicate that supplementing E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 at the highest HCN levels in FCR boosts HCN degradation efficiency, fiber digestibility, total VFA, and C3 concentration.

Composition of the Low Molecular Weight Metabolome of Potamogeton perfoliatus (Potamogetonaceae) as an Indicator of the Transformation of the Ecological State of the Littoral Zone

The composition and nature of changes in the low-molecular-weight metabolome (NM) of Potamogeton perfoliatus L., growing in 6 biotopes of Lake Ladoga with different types of the anthropogenic load has been analyzed. According to the research results, it was found that the total number of low molecular weight organic compounds (LMWOCs) in the P. perfoliatus NM composition is directly dependent on anthropogenic load, which is well marked by the development of cyanobacteria. The greater the intensity of pollution or eutrophication of waters, or the higher the number of cyanobacteria, the lower the total number of LMWOCs and their concentration. A strongly pronounced dependence of the total concentrations of groups of NM compounds on the anthropogenic disturbance of the biotope and the concentration of cyanobacteria was revealed. A decrease in the number, relative amount, total concentration of carboxylic acids, number and content of unsaturated fatty acids, and, at the same time, an increase in the composition and content of phenols and the total content of aldehydes and ketones depends on an increase in anthropogenic pressure. The specific composition of NM of pierced pondweed depends on its response to biotic and abiotic factors of the aquatic environment, including anthropogenic ones. The revealed features of the change in the composition of P. perfoliatus NM make it possible to use it as an integral indicator of the anthropogenic impact on the littoral biotopes of water bodies and the deterioration of their ecological state.

Chemical characterization of wheat-based waste derived from a pharmaceutical process for its potential valorization

IntroductionWe report the analysis and characterization and the preliminary biological evaluation, of both liquid and solid wastes obtained from the processing of wheat (Triticum vulgare) to produce the most iconic phytostimulin-based pharmaceutical products. The study aims to verify whether the waste can be reused in another process and not destined to its simple destructive disposal.MethodsIn this perspective, we first carried out an in-depth chemical-physical analysis of the waste together with a biocompatibility evaluation to plan the feasible final choice of waste destination. The liquid and solid waste derived from the processing of wheat extract were analyzed and characterized through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS).ResultsResults highlight that ferulic acid represent the most abundant phenolic compound for solid waste with a content of 89.782 mg/kg and dihydroferulic acid is the predominant for liquid waste (6.24 mg/L). These concentrations represent 55.87% and 84.39% of the total concentration of bioactive compounds for liquid and solid waste, respectively. The antioxidant activity registered for the solid extract was 8.598 and 7.262 mmol trolox/kg, respectively for ABTS and FRAP assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) in the liquid extract undergoes a significant percentage reduction compared to the solid waste. As regards toxicity, both liquid and solid wastes were investigated in vitro preclinical models of human skin (HaCaT cells and HDFa) after 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure. No cytotoxic effect was noted even at the highest tested concentration (100 μg/mL) at 72 h.DiscussionOverall, considering its chemo-physical features and active ingredients, we believe that this waste is highly reusable as a starting material for the development of cosmeceutical products. Thus, this study allows us to motivate the destination of the waste of the production in a recyclable raw material for additional industrial processes, thereby promoting an eco-friendly circular economy operation.

Occurrence, spatiotemporal distribution, and health risk of antibiotics in the Wuhan section of the Yangtze River, China.

The occurrence, spatiotemporal changes, and health hazard of antibiotics in source water and finished water in the Wuhan section of the Yangtze River are not well understood. In this study, 43 source water and finished water samples were collected from 11 water plants in Wuhan in August 2021 and May 2022. Fifty-one antibiotics from eight categories were measured. A total of 41 antibiotics were detected in the source water samples, and 24 in the finished water samples. The total antibiotic concentration in source water ranged from 1.68 to 437.18 ng/L, which is significantly higher than that in finished water (2.04-87.25 ng/L). Sulfonamides and lincosamides were predominant, accounting for nearly 80% of the total antibiotic concentration. Lincomycin constituted nearly 30% of the total antibiotic concentration in the source water. In August 2021, the average total antibiotic concentration in source water was 107.12 ng/L, higher than in May 2022 (63.13 ng/L). Spatially, the total antibiotic concentrations in samples collected from the Han River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, were higher than those in the main stream of the Yangtze River. Ecological risk assessment indicated that the hazard posed by most antibiotics were negligible. Lincomycin potentially posed a high health hazard, and clarithromycin and roxithromycin posed a moderate hazard to infants.

Changes in total soluble solids concentration, fruit acidity, and yeast assimilable nitrogen in response to altered leaf area to fruit weight ratio in Pinot noir

The increasing consumer demand for lower alcohol wine and the need to mitigate against a warming climate presents new challenges for winegrowers and the desire to produce grapes with lower total soluble solids (sugar) or earlier harvesting, while preserving other wine compounds and attributes, particularly for varieties intended for red wine production. We investigated how reducing vine leaf area through shoot trimming and leaf removal, applied at different severities and timings to modify the leaf area to fruit weight (LA) ratio, affects fruit composition for producing lower alcohol quality Pinot noir wine. Shoot trimming treatments (half canopy, H in 2015/16 and 2016/17, and quarter canopy, Q in 2016/17 by alternately removing leaves after trimming shoots to half) were applied shortly before veraison (V-, E-L 34), during veraison (V, E-L 35) and post-veraison (V+, E-L 36) in three different vineyard locations (Marlborough, Canterbury and Central Otago, New Zealand). Untrimmed vines served as the control. Lateral shoots were removed during treatment application, and regrowth was removed to maintain a consistent leaf area. Results showed that reducing the LA:FW ratio delayed the accumulation and concentration of total soluble solids (reduction of 1.0 to 2.7 °Brix) at harvest in all trimmed vines over both seasons. Berry weight, malic acid concentration, titratable acidity, and pH at harvest were unaffected by trimming. At target TSS levels of 18 °Brix (10 % ethanol, v/v) in the Marlborough vineyard and 20 °Brix (11 % v/v) in the Central Otago vineyard, V+ vines showed malic acid and titratable acidity levels comparable to the control. At the Canterbury vineyard, these parameters remained similar across all treatments at 16 °Brix (8.9 % v/v). Yeast-assimilable nitrogen concentration increased (188 to 411 mg/L) in early trimmed vines. At Central Otago, roots showed lower carbohydrate reserves across all trimming treatments, likely due to the high yield at the site, while at Canterbury, trimming did not result in significant differences in carbohydrate reserves, likely due to the low yield at the site. At the Marlborough vineyard, vines trimmed early and more severely had less starch in their roots, while HV+ vines maintained similar levels of starch to controls. In conclusion, halving the canopy post-veraison (HV+, LA 0.70 m²/kg as observed in Marlborough) could be considered a viable viticultural option to lower sugar accumulation, thereby reducing potential alcohol content, without affecting titratable acidity and pH. This practice offers significant potential for adapting to a warming climate and producing lower alcohol Pinot noir wines in a sustainable manner.

CTNI-51. A PHASE 0/1 STUDY OF BDTX-1535 IN RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA (GBM) PATIENTS WITH EGFR ALTERATIONS OR FUSIONS

Abstract BACKGROUND Alterations to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occur frequently in high-grade gliomas (HGG) and are critical to its pathogenesis. This Phase 0/1 study evaluates pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and clinical response to an ATP-competitive, irreversible EGFR inhibitor, BDTX-1535, in recurrent HGG patients with EGFR alterations and/or fusions. MATERIALS/METHODS Recurrent HGG patients with EGFR alterations (Arm A) or EGFR fusions (Arm B) received 5 days of BDTX-1535 at 200 mg/daily (cohort 1) or 400 mg/every other day (cohort 2) prior to planned resection at 2-4 hours following the final dose. In the Phase 0 component of the study, total and unbound drug concentrations were measured in tumor tissue (gadolinium (Gd) enhancing and non-enhancing regions), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma using validated LC-MS/MS methods. A PK ‘trigger’ was defined as unbound drug concentration above 1 nM and 4.1 nM in Gd non-enhancing tumor in patients with EGFR mutations and amplification, respectively, determined eligibility for Phase 1 therapeutic dosing. PD response was assessed by quantification of percentage of positive pEGFR, pERK and MIB-1 cells in the surgical tumor tissue compared to baseline pre-treatment tissue. RESULTS Eleven recurrent HGG patients were enrolled (Arm A, n=11; Arm B, n=0). Mean unbound concentrations of BDTX-1535 in non-enhancing tumor regions were 11.9 nM and 18.8 nM in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Eight of nine (88.9%) evaluable patients exceeded the PK threshold and qualified for Phase 1. Suppression of pEGFR and MIB1 was observed in 55% and 67% of patients, respectively. No serious adverse events related to BDTX-1535 were observed. At the time of submission, median PFS and OS have not yet been reached. CONCLUSIONS BDTX-1535 is well-tolerated in recurrent HGG patients, achieves pharmacologically relevant concentrations in non-enhancing tumor tissue, and is associated with suppression of EGFR signaling. Efficacy data accompanying this PK/PD response will be reported.