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Strontium isotopes are used for provenience and mobility studies in archaeology, ecology, and forensic studies, and rely on accurate baseline maps that are used to compare and interpret human and animal strontium ratios. Here, we present a bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr map, also called an isoscape, for southern British Columbia derived from modern plant samples’ 87Sr/86Sr ratios. We sampled 67 medium root depth plants over a 900 km transect from the southern BC coast to inland BC to capture the natural 87Sr/86Sr ratios of plants along the four major geological belts in British Columbia. Non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and pairwise Wilcox tests were used to examine whether the geological belts had statistically significant mean differences. It was found that the province could be effectively divided into east and west, with the Coastal–Intermontane and Omineca–Foreland regions having statistically different means from each other. 87Sr/86Sr ratios had statistically significant relationships with salt deposition, volcanic deposition, and mean age of the underlying lithology. Generally, 87Sr/86Sr ratios increased with distance from the coast as the atmospheric input of radiogenic strontium from marine-derived rainwater decreased and the input of radiogenic strontium isotopes from the underlying geology of the Rockies in the far east of the province increased.

Bioreporters are live natural or genetically engineered, bacteria, cyanobacteria, yeast, plant, or mammalian cells that produce signals in response to a specific environment. The generated signals could be measured and used as a sensor to detect and monitor target chemical or physical agents. The recombinant DNA technology is employed to design a bioreporter cell of choice, which mainly involves the fusion of a reporter gene with a promoter gene, activated by some environmental stimulus or set of genes to produce a variety of distinguishable signal that denotes the presence of a chemical or physical agent. The commonly used reporter genes are bioluminescent luciferase (lux or luc), green fluorescent protein, aequorin, and β-galactosidase (lacZ), which is a colorimetric signa l ling element. The bioreporters must remain viable in a range of environmental testing regimes when introduced. They can be deployed for rapid, easy, and economical detection, and in some cases, real-time to nearly real-time measurement potential, thus providing a promising aspect in the detection and removal of environmental pollutants. This review focuses on the principles, mechanisms, and performance of various bioreporters and the advancements made in applications of bioreporter in managing the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a by-product of phosphorus fertilizer that is typically stacked near production sites. Phosphogypsum contains trace elements and naturally occurring radioactive materials which may be hazardous to the surrounding environment. Phosphogypsum stack reclamation typically involves placing a soil cap and seeding grass to create a barrier for reducing environmental impacts; using woody species is uncommon. This study used three soil treatments with grass and woody species to determine whether mixing PG with soil affects soil chemical properties, and metal and radionuclide concentrations in tissue. None of the elements in soil was above Canadian guidelines for industrial land use. Aluminum, beryllium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, and vanadium were significantly higher in both study and reference sites than in pure PG; cadmium, calcium, fluoride, and strontium were significantly higher in pure PG. There was a poor correlation between soil and plant concentrations for most elements indicating trace elements were not in a bioavailable form. Trace elemental concentrations in plant tissue generally differed significantly with vegetation type but not within similar species. Trace elements and isotopes in PG were not high enough to affect plant growth. Among the isotopes, 222Ra emissions differed significantly with vegetation covers; activity of 226Ra in pure PG was above Canadian guidelines, but lower in vegetation tissue. This study suggests 15 cm soil mixed with PG can be used for PG stack revegetation when fast-growing Salix and Populus species are used in reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflavones are phenolic compounds (considered as phytoestrogens) with estrogenic and antioxidant function, which are highly beneficial for human health, especially in the aged population. However, isoflavones in foods are not bioavailable and, therefore, have low biological activity. Additionally, their transformation into bioactive compounds by microorganisms is necessary to obtain bioavailable isoflavones with beneficial effects on human health. Many lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can transform the methylated and glycosylated forms of isoflavones naturally present in foods into more bioavailable aglycones, such as daidzein, genistein and glycitein. In addition, certain LAB strains are capable of transforming isoflavone aglycones into compounds with a greater biological activity, such as dihydrodaidzein (DHD), O-desmethylangolensin (O-DMA), dihydrogenistein (DHG) and 6-hydroxy-O-desmethylangolensin (6-OH-O-DMA). Moreover, Lactococcus garviae 20-92 is able to produce equol. Another strategy in the bioconversion of isoflavones is the heterologous expression of genes from Slackia isoflavoniconvertens DSM22006, which have allowed the production of DHD, DHG, equol and 5-hydroxy-equol in high concentrations by engineered LAB strains. Accordingly, the consequences of isoflavone metabolism by LAB and its application in the development of foods enriched in bioactive isoflavones, as well as health benefits attributed to their consumption, will be addressed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed toxic metals in leaves and marine sediment samples from the black mangrove in Sepetiba Bay to measure contamination and the use of Avicennia schaueriana leaves as bioindicator of toxic metal environmental pollution. The concentrations of heavy metals, namely cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn), were determined by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). High concentrations of Mn were found in the leaves, while high concentrations of Mo and Zn were found in sediments. A. schaueriana leaves showed a tremendous capacity to absorb toxic metals, tolerating high concentration of manganese and may be used as phytoremediator for this toxic metal in impacted coastal marine environments. Herein, we reported for the first time the utilization of Avicennia schaueriana as a highly efficient accumulator for Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To compare the efficacy and safety of bioavailable turmeric extract versus paracetamol in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods In this randomized, non-inferiority, controlled clinical study, patients of knee OA were randomized to receive bioavailable turmeric extract (BCM-95®) 500 mg capsule two times daily or paracetamol 650 mg tablet three times daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale. The secondary outcome measures were WOMAC total, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC physical function scores. Responder analysis of individual patients at different levels (≥ 20%, ≥ 50%, and ≥ 70%) for WOMAC score was calculated. TNF alpha and CRP levels were evaluated and adverse events (AE) were also recorded. Results Seventy-one and seventy-three knee OA patients, respectively in bioavailable turmeric extract and paracetamol groups, completed the study. Non-inferiority (equivalence) test showed that WOMAC scores were equivalent in both the groups (p value

Isoflavones are phenolic compounds (considered as phytoestrogens) with estrogenic and antioxidant function, which are highly beneficial for human health, especially in the aged population. However, isoflavones in foods are not bioavailable and, therefore, have low biological activity. Additionally, their transformation into bioactive compounds by microorganisms is necessary to obtain bioavailable isoflavones with beneficial effects on human health. Many lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can transform the methylated and glycosylated forms of isoflavones naturally present in foods into more bioavailable aglycones, such as daidzein, genistein and glycitein. In addition, certain LAB strains are capable of transforming isoflavone aglycones into compounds with a greater biological activity, such as dihydrodaidzein (DHD), O-desmethylangolensin (O-DMA), dihydrogenistein (DHG) and 6-hydroxy-O-desmethylangolensin (6-OH-O-DMA). Moreover, Lactococcus garviae 20-92 is able to produce equol. Another strategy in the bioconversion of isoflavones is the heterologous expression of genes from Slackia isoflavoniconvertens DSM22006, which have allowed the production of DHD, DHG, equol and 5-hydroxy-equol in high concentrations by engineered LAB strains. Accordingly, the consequences of isoflavone metabolism by LAB and its application in the development of foods enriched in bioactive isoflavones, as well as health benefits attributed to their consumption, will be addressed in this work.

BACKGROUND Most countries set regulatory values for the total trace element (TE) concentrations in soil, although there is growing interest in using a risk‐based approach to evaluate the bioavailable TE using dilute salt extractants or other soil parameters, including pH and organic carbon. The present study compares the current regulatory system (based on total TEs and pH) and a risk‐based approach using 0.01 mol L–1 CaCl2 to estimate the bioavailable fraction. RESULTS: In total, 150 paired samples of Chinese flowering cabbages (Brassica parachinensis) and their growth soils were collected, and the total and extractable concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg), as well as soil pH and organic matter content, were measured. No more than 3.33% of the edible parts exceeded Chinese food safety standards, even when growing in soils exceeding the current regulatory thresholds by over 50%. The total soil Cd (1.5 mg kg−1), as well as the extractable concentrations of Cd (0.1 mg kg−1), Ni (0.03 mg kg−1) and Zn (0.1 mg kg−1), are the key factors affecting the TE concentrations in B. parachinensis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the current soil regulatory guidelines for safe production of B. parachinensis are overly strict and conservative. A risk‐based approach based on the extractable TE concentrations would provide a better indication for plant uptake of soil TEs and avoid the waste of farmlands that can still produce safe vegetables. Future research should focus on providing crop‐specific available TE concentration guidelines to promote effective utilization of farmlands. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-ferrous metal smelting emits large amounts of organic compounds into the atmosphere. Herein, 20 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs), 9 nitrated PAHs (NPAHs), 14 chlorinated PAHs (ClPAHs), and 6 alkylated PAHs (APAHs) in atmospheric samples from a typical non-ferrous metal smelting plant (NMSP) and residential areas were detected. In NMSP, benzo[ a ]pyrene, dibenz[ a,h ]anthracene, 6-nitrochrysene, 9-chlorofluorene, and 1-methylfluorene were the predominant compounds in the particulate phase, while phenanthrene constituted 57.3% in the gaseous phase. The concentration of PAHs in residential areas around NMSP was 1.8 times higher than that in the control area. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between the concentration and the distance from the NMSP. In terms of health risks, although the skin penetration coefficient of PM 2.5 is smaller than that of the gaseous phase, dermal absorption of PM 2.5 posed a greater threat to the population, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of NMSP was 1.8 × 10-4. After considering bioavailability, BILCR decreased by 1–2 orders of magnitude in different regions, and dermal absorption decreased more than inhalation intake. Nevertheless, the dermal absorption of PM 2.5 in NMSP still presents a probable carcinogenic risk. This study provides a necessary reference for the subsequent control of NMSP contamination. [Display omitted] • Bap and DahA were the main contaminations in PM 2.5 of NMSP and Phe in the gaseous phase. • The concentration was significantly negatively correlated with the distance from the NMSP. • The number of rings, functional groups, and molecular weight affect the gas/particle partitioning of the compounds. • DahA and BaP were the main carcinogenic compounds in PM 2.5 in NMSP. • After considering bioavailability, the dermal absorption pathway in NMSP still presents a probable carcinogenic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last five years have witnessed a remarkable renaissance in vitamin D research and a complete re-evaluation of its benefits to human health. Two key factors have catalyzed these changes. First, it now seems likely that localized, tissue-specific, conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) drives many of the newly recognized effects of vitamin D on human health. The second key factor concerns the ongoing discussion as to what constitutes adequate or optimal serum vitamin D (25OHD) status, with the possibility that vitamin D-deficiency is common to communities across the globe. These two concepts appear to be directly linked when low serum concentrations of 25OHD compromise intracrine generation of 1,25(OH)2D within target tissues. But, is this an over-simplification? Pro-hormone 25OHD is a lipophilic molecule that is transported in the circulation bound primarily to vitamin D binding protein (DBP). While the association between 25OHD and DBP is pivotal for renal handling of 25OHD and endocrine synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D, what is the role of DBP for extra-renal synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D? We hypothesize that binding to DBP impairs delivery of 25OHD to the vitamin D-activating enzyme 1α-hydroxylase in some target cells. Specifically, it is unbound, 'free' 25OHD that drives many of the non-classical actions of vitamin D. Levels of 'free' 25OHD are dependent on the concentration of DBP and alternative serum binding proteins such as albumin, but will also be influenced by variations in DBP binding affinity for specific vitamin D metabolites. The aim of this review will be to discuss the merits of 'free 25OHD' as an alternative marker of vitamin D status, particularly in the context of non-classical responses to vitamin D. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled '16th Vitamin D Workshop'.

Background: It has been suggested that hypovitaminosis D is associated with the development of preeclampsia. This study aimed to study the relationship between preeclampsia and various vitamin D serum biomarkers including 25-hydroxyl vitamin D [25(OH)D], vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), and bioavailable and free 25(OH)D. Methods: This prospective study was conducted with 17 patients with preeclampsia and 38 normal pregnant women as the control group. Total serum 25(OH)D and VDBP concentrations were measured. The levels of bioavailable 25(OH)D and free 25(OH)D were also calculated. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs4588 and rs7041) of the GC gene encoding VDBP were analyzed. Results: VDBP was significantly increased in the preeclampsia group compared to the normal pregnancy group (454.2 vs. 403.4 ng/mL; p = 0.036). When the preeclampsia patients were analyzed by dividing them into early-onset and late-onset, there was no significant difference in the serum vitamin D biomarkers levels. Also, when preeclampsia patients were classified into three subgroups of 7 days from diagnosis to delivery, free 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly increased in the 2–7 days subgroup compared to the other subgroups (3.5 vs. 6.6 vs. 3.1 pg/mL; p = 0.032). The GC genotype and allele frequency showed no statistically significant different distribution between the preeclampsia and normal pregnancy groups. Conclusions: In the present study, the serum VDBP levels were significantly higher in the patients with preeclampsia than in the normal pregnancy group. Thus, among various serum vitamin D biomarkers, increased VDBP could be associated with the onset and pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

El-Hammam canal, East El-Alamein City, is one of the national sustainable projects for facing food shortage in Egypt. The current work was conducted to evaluate the water–soil–plant system quality concerning potential toxic elements (PTEs) in this area. Surface water, soil and fruit samples were collected and analyzed for their content of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb. The studied soils are sandy calcareous alkaline soil with low organic matter content. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated that most soils were of very high PERI owing to the elevated Cd and to less extent As and Ni. Unfortunately, most of the recorded Cd and Pb appeared in the bioavailable fraction. The studied water samples contained acceptable levels of ions for irrigation, except Cd, Cu and Ni. Both apple and peach contained acceptable concentrations of PTEs, except peach that contains an elevated level of As. It was observed that the concentration of PTEs in peach was higher than the apple. The bio-concentration factor values of PTEs in apple and peach indicated that fruits were excluders of the PTEs. The study area contains critical loads of the studied PTEs, especially As, Cr and Ni, which mostly attributed to the plant uptake of PTEs. The uptake of plants (harvested part) of these toxic elements can be cause of many health problems. Pesticide sprays may be the source of these elements leaching on plant surfaces. Finally, the study area content of PTEs can be attributed to the polluted irrigation water and agrochemical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice plant is efficient in arsenic (As) accumulation due to enhanced soil As release under flooded condition and its effective As uptake. Therefore, rice plant can be used to remove bioavailable As from paddy soil. In this study, the depleting dynamics of soil As with rice growth was mapped two-dimensionally with the zirconium-oxide diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. Further, the key biochemistry promoting soil As bioavailability was studied to better understand the underlying processes. Results revealed that the average DGT-As encompassing the root zone decreased steeply from 331 in the seedling stage to 136 in the heading & flowering stage and further to 118 μg l−1 at harvest, which was 26% lower than that of the control at 160 μg l−1. During this process, rhizosphere porewater As developed a dynamic profile similar to Fe and dissolved organic carbon, with the diversity of arrA gene peaking at heading & flowering stage. The data support soil As release from microbial reduction of Fe hydroxides fueled by root exudation as carbon source. Arsenic was mainly accumulated in the roots, accounting for up to 95% of total As in rice plants. Removal of rice roots resulted in ~19% lower DGT-As in post-harvest soil compared to without removing the roots. As a result, a sharp decline in As accumulation in rice plants was obtained in the second planting after removing one crop of rice roots. The results highlight that rice, as a paddy-adapted plant, is effective in As uptake in the roots, and thereby removing rice roots efficiently depletes bioavailable As from paddy soils.

The high background value of cadmium (Cd) in the Panax notoginseng planting soil is the main reason for the Cd content in P. notoginseng exceeding the limit standards. The main goal of this study was to reveal the mechanism by which potassium (K) reduces Cd accumulation in P. notoginseng from the perspective of the influences of soil microbial communities on soil pH, total organic matter (TOM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of different types and amounts of applied K on the Cd content in P. notoginseng, and on the soil pH, TOM, CEC, and bioavailable Cd (bio-Cd) content in soil. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of K2SO4 fertilizer on the microbial community, and its correlations with the soil pH, TOM and CEC were analyzed. A moderate application of K2SO4 (0.6 g⋅kg–1) was found to be the most optimal treatment for the reduction of Cd in the pot experiments. The field experiments proved that K fertilizer (K2SO4) alleviated the decreases in pH, TOM and CEC, and reduced the content of bio-Cd in the soil. The application of K fertilizer inhibited the growth of Acidobacteria, but the abundances of Mortierellomycota, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were promoted. The relative abundances of Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria in the soil bacteria exhibited significant negative and positive correlations with pH and CEC, respectively. In contrast, the relative abundance of Mortierellomycota was found to be positively correlated with the pH, TOM and CEC. The bio-Cd content was also found to be positively correlated with the relative abundance of Acidobacteriia but negatively correlated with the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Mortierellomycota. The application of K fertilizer inhibited the abundance of Acidobacteria, which alleviated the acidification of the soil pH and CEC, and promoted increase in the abundances of Mortierellomycota, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which ultimately increased the soil TOM and CEC. Soil microorganisms were found to mitigated decreases in the soil pH, TOM, and CEC and reduced the bio-Cd content in the soil, which significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in P. notoginseng.

Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of bioavailable turmeric extract versus paracetamol in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: In this randomized, non-inferiority, controlled clinical study, patients of knee OA were randomized to receive bioavailable turmeric extract (BCM-95®) 500 mg capsule two times daily or paracetamol 650 mg tablet three times daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale. The secondary outcome measures were WOMAC total, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC physical function scores. Responder analysis of individual patients at different levels (≥ 20%, ≥ 50%, and ≥ 70%) for WOMAC score was calculated. TNF alpha and CRP levels were evaluated and adverse events (AE) were also recorded.Results: Seventy-one and seventy-three knee OA patients, respectively in bioavailable turmeric extract and paracetamol groups, completed the study. Non-inferiority (equivalence) test showed that WOMAC scores were equivalent in both the groups (p value < 0.05) in all the domains within the equivalence limit defined by effect size (Cohen's d) of 0.5 whereas CRP and TNF-α were better reduced with turmeric extract than paracetamol. After 6 weeks of treatment, WOMAC total score, pain, stiffness, and function scores got a significant improvement of 23.59, 32.09, 28.5, and 20.25% respectively with turmeric extract. In the turmeric extract group, 18% of patients got more than 50% improvement and 3% of patients got more than 70% improvement in WOMAC pain and function/stiffness score and none of the patients in the paracetamol group met the criteria. CRP and TNF-α got significantly reduced (37.21 and 74.81% respectively) in the turmeric extract group. Adverse events reported were mild and comparatively less in the turmeric extract group (5.48%) than in the paracetamol group (12.68%).Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that bioavailable turmeric extract is as effective as paracetamol in reducing pain and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and found to be safe and more effective in reducing CRP and TNF-α.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry - India CTRI/2017/02/007962 . Registered on 27 February 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high background value of cadmium (Cd) in the Panax notoginseng planting soil is the main reason for the Cd content in P. notoginseng exceeding the limit standards. The main goal of this study was to reveal the mechanism by which potassium (K) reduces Cd accumulation in P. notoginseng from the perspective of the influences of soil microbial communities on soil pH, total organic matter (TOM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of different types and amounts of applied K on the Cd content in P. notoginseng , and on the soil pH, TOM, CEC, and bioavailable Cd (bio-Cd) content in soil. Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of K2SO4 fertilizer on the microbial community, and its correlations with the soil pH, TOM and CEC were analyzed. A moderate application of K2SO4 (0.6 g⋅kg–1) was found to be the most optimal treatment for the reduction of Cd in the pot experiments. The field experiments proved that K fertilizer (K2SO4) alleviated the decreases in pH, TOM and CEC, and reduced the content of bio-Cd in the soil. The application of K fertilizer inhibited the growth of Acidobacteria, but the abundances of Mortierellomycota, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were promoted. The relative abundances of Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria in the soil bacteria exhibited significant negative and positive correlations with pH and CEC, respectively. In contrast, the relative abundance of Mortierellomycota was found to be positively correlated with the pH, TOM and CEC. The bio-Cd content was also found to be positively correlated with the relative abundance of Acidobacteriia but negatively correlated with the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Mortierellomycota. The application of K fertilizer inhibited the abundance of Acidobacteria, which alleviated the acidification of the soil pH and CEC, and promoted increase in the abundances of Mortierellomycota, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which ultimately increased the soil TOM and CEC. Soil microorganisms were found to mitigated decreases in the soil pH, TOM, and CEC and reduced the bio-Cd content in the soil, which significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in P. notoginseng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the bioavailable oxytetracycline (OTC) contents of soils, a new high-efficiency and economical pretreatment method was established using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with high affinity and specific selectivity for OTC synthesized by bulk polymerization. For comparison, an Oasis HLB solid phase extraction (SPE) method was used to measure the total extractable OTC content of soils. The resulting OTC recoveries from the spiked soil solutions using the MIP method ranged from 80.78±.26% to 93.75 ± 6.79%, with an average of 86.00 ± 2.13%, and a relative standard deviation of 2.48% (n= 5), when OTC concentrations in spiked soil solutions varied from 0.5 to 100.0 μg L−1. When OTC contents in spiked soils varied from 1.0 to 500.0 μg kg−1 and soils were aged for three weeks, OTC recoveries from spiked soils with the Oasis HLB SPE method ranged from 78.16 ± 3.72% to 96.67 ± 1.62% (n= 3), while those with the MIP method ranged from 57.43 ± 3.48% to 76.34 ± 1.30% (n= 3). Analyses of OTC contents in five soil samples indicated that bioavailable OTC contents were only 1.35%–5.87% of the total soil OTC contents. Data from the new method were more valuable than the Oasis HLB SPE method on OTC pollution intensity assessment, potential ecological, and environmental risks evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) formula fertilization on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in P. notoginseng. Field investigations as well as formulated N and K fertilizers application experiments were conducted. Field investigations showed that Cd accumulation decreased PNS content in the main roots of P. notoginseng, while PNS content was promoted by soil available potassium (AK) and K in the main roots. The Cd content in P. notoginseng and the bioavailable Cd content in the soil decreased with the increasing of total K (TK) and AK in the soil. The increase of soil pH, total organic matter (TOM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) values can reduce the bioavailable Cd content in soil, thus reducing the Cd accumulation in P. notoginseng. Under current fertilization in P. notoginseng cultivation, decreased N fertilization can alleviate the deterioration of soil physical and chemical properties. Under identical N fertilization, increasing K fertilization promoted the PNS accumulation (0.3–38.3%), also improved soil physical and chemical properties. Formulated N and K fertilizers application (1:2) experiments showed that reducing application of N and increasing K fertilization could reduce the bioavailable Cd content in soil, and the Cd content also decreased by 0.5–69.6% in P. notoginseng. Abbreviation: PNS: P. notoginseng saponins; F(EXC): Exchangeable fraction; F(Carb): Bound to carbonates fraction; F(Fe-MnOX): Bound to iron and manganese oxides fraction; F(OM): Bound to organic matter fraction; F(RES): Residual fraction; AK: Available potassium; TK: Total potassium; CEC: Cation exchange capacity; TOM: Total organic matter [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-Cysteine-glutathione mixed disulfide (CySSG), a prodrug of glutathione (GSH), was found to be orally bioavailable in mice, and protected mice against a toxic dose of acetaminophen. If oral bioavailability can also be demonstrated in humans, a wide range of applicability for CySSG can be envisioned.

Diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT) allows in situ determination of labile metal in water, soils, and sediments. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of a new proposal of DGT to measure Cu2+ and Cd2+ in aqueous solution using chitosan films as binding agent. These films were prepared and characterized (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope, and elemental analysis). The maximum adsorption rates onto chitosan films at initial concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg L−1 for Cu2+ and Cd2+ were 97%, 98% and 60%, 62%, respectively. Effects of main DGT parameters were evaluated and the results obtained suggest that the pH between 4.0 and 6.0 and ionic strength from 0.0008 to 0.1 mol L−1 presented the best ranges for the application of DGT–Chitosan. The results suggest that chitosan films prepared in this work can be an effective binding agent for DGT technique in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalously cold conditions in the tropical Pacific, related to a strong La Niña event, affected numerous countries in 2010. Several areas in Colombia were severely impacted, including agricultural fields in La Mojana floodplain that were completely flooded for almost 2 years. This study assesses the effects of flooding on the levels, spatial distribution, and sources of trace metals in 222 agricultural topsoils of this floodplain. Our results show that mean concentrations of Cu 48.4 mg kg−1 (11–103 mg kg−1), Zn 79.2 mg kg−1 (6–207 mg kg−1), Ni 58.1 mg kg−1 (17–101 mg kg−1), Pb 3.2 mg kg−1 (0.13–14 mg kg−1), Cd 0.56 mg kg−1 (0.05–1.4 mg kg−1), Mn 411 mg kg−1 (55–1,277 mg kg−1), and Hg 0.10 mg kg−1 (0.05–0.22 mg kg−1) were higher than the world's averages. Topsoils revealed different degrees of pollution depending on the metal, of which Pb was the most problematic element, with 82% of the soil samples classified as heavily contaminated. Principal component analysis suggests that soil contamination was primarily derived from poor agricultural practices and contaminated river overflows from upstream mining areas. Our results show that an extreme flood event might increase the bioavailability of metals (especially Pb) for crops in most (66%) of the agricultural soils, posing a potential threat to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) signalling has been implicated in driving a number of cellular phenotypes including endothelial cell angiogenesis and tumour cell motility. Novel ERK5 inhibitors were identified using high throughput screening, with a series of pyrrole-2-carboxamides substituted at the 4-position with an aroyl group being found to exhibit IC 50 values in the micromolar range, but having no selectivity against p38α MAP kinase. Truncation of the N -substituent marginally enhanced potency (∼3-fold) against ERK5, but importantly attenuated inhibition of p38α. Systematic variation of the substituents on the aroyl group led to the selective inhibitor 4-(2-bromo-6-fluorobenzoyl)- N -(pyridin-3-yl)-1 H -pyrrole-2-carboxamide (IC 50 0.82 μM for ERK5; IC 50 > 120 μM for p38α). The crystal structure (PDB 5O7I) of this compound in complex with ERK5 has been solved. This compound was orally bioavailable and inhibited bFGF-driven Matrigel plug angiogenesis and tumour xenograft growth. The selective ERK5 inhibitor described herein provides a lead for further development into a tool compound for more extensive studies seeking to examine the role of ERK5 signalling in cancer and other diseases. An HTS hit was optimized to give a sub-micromolar ERK5 inhibitor, selective over p38α and BRD4, suitable for use as an in vivo tool compound. Image 1 • A sub-micromolar ERK5 inhibitor with selectivity over p38α and BRD4 was developed. • The binding mode was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. • In vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetics confirmed the inhibitor was orally bioavailable. • The inhibitor suppressed tumour xenograft growth and bFGF-driven Matrigel plug angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The current work focuses on the lack of data on elemental species and their bioavailability in commonly used medicinal plants from Kenya by application of a combined approach of sequential filtration and enzymatic extraction. • The results allow classification into elements with preferably high or low molecular weight species which is likely to influence their metabolism. The comparison of aqueous and enzymatic extraction provides complementary data on element availability after oral uptake of the medicinal plants. • The proposed approach allows a fast screening and overview of elemental speciation in medicinal plants as a basis for targeted identification of therapeutically relevant elemental species in future studies. The concept can be transferred to other wildlife plants and agricultural products. This work presents results for the profiling of eight essential elements (Co, Cu, Ni, V, Mo, Mn, Zn and Cr) in aqueous and enzymatic extracts of eight anti-diabetic medicinal plants, used by Traditional Medicine Practitioners from Nyamira County, Kenya determined by ICP-MS. The plants used in the study were Solanum indicum , Plectranthus barbatus , Ultrica dioica , Bidens pilosa , Solanum mauense , Clerodendrum myricoides , Carissa edulis and Aloe vera. A sequential filtration procedure was applied to fractionate the elemental contents of the obtained aqueous extracts into molecular size fractions. The results indicate that the low molecular size species (<3 kDa) were predominant for Mo, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn and Cu, while the moderately large species (10 kDa–0.45 μm) of V were predominant in most of the medicinal plant extracts. In addition enzymatic extraction was compared to aqueous extraction to study the effect of the gastric and intestinal conditions on the release of selected elements from the plants. The amount of the elements extracted by the gastric phase enzymes was higher than the amount extracted by the intestinal phase enzymes. In general, the determined elemental amounts of enzymatic extractions were higher than those of corresponding water extractions for 70% of the elements studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A pot experiment was carried out in which aged polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contaminated soil was amended with biochar, and three phases: earthworms, turnips and polyethylene (PE) passive samplers, were added simultaneously in order to investigate changes in bioavailability of PCB following biochar amendment. Two biochars were used: one made from rice husk in Indonesia using local techniques and the other made from mixed wood shavings using more advanced technology. The biochars were amended at 1 and 4% doses. The overall accumulation of PCBs to the phases followed the order: earthworm lipid > PE > turnip. The rice husk biochar reduced PCB accumulation to a greater degree than the mixed wood biochar for all phases, however there was no effect of dose for either biochar. Earthworm uptake was reduced between 52% and 91% for rice husk biochar and by 19% to 63% for mix wood biochar. Turnip uptake was not significantly reduced by biochar amendment. Phase to soil accumulation factors (PSAF) were around 0.5 for turnips, approximately 5 for PE and exceeded 100 for earthworms. This study demonstrates that both biochars can be a sustainable alternative for in situ soil remediation and that PE can be used as tool to simulate the uptake in earthworms and thus remediation effectiveness. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Two different biochars amended to PCB contaminated soil at 1% and 4% doses. • Pot experiment carried out with polyethylene passive samplers, earthworms and turnips. • A difference in the reduction of uptake of PCBs was seen with biochar type, but not dose. • Earthworms accumulated 19 times more PCBs than polyethylene and uptake was well correlated. • Lack of correlation between uptake of PCBs polyethylene and turnip [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different fractions of Ni, Zn, Cu and Pb were determined in metal-spiked forest soils derived from four parent materials using three extractants (H2O, CaCl2 and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)). It is important to determine how parent materials and soil properties affect the retention of these metals in order to predict their behavior and act accordingly in the event of accidental spillage, for example. The extraction of fractions was not sequential (before carrying out the extractions, the soil samples were divided into three parts), so the CaCl2 fraction also included the H2O one, and the DTPA fraction contained the other two. With the results, we developed models to predict the extraction of each fraction employing the physicochemical characteristics of the soil (e.g., pH, organic matter content and texture values) and the amount of metal added. The objective of this work was to determine how the properties of the soil would influence the fractioning of the metals considered, and through these characteristics create models to predict the behavior of each metal fraction. We found correlations between the different fractions of Ni and Zn, suggesting that there are soil properties that condition the retention of both metals. Pb and Cu showed different behavior than Zn or Ni, since the proportions extracted by H2O and CaCl2 were much lower. Regarding the DTPA fraction, unlike the case of Ni or Zn, the extraction of Cu and Pb was more homogeneous; they did not show great variation in different soils, even when considering the results of extraction in limestone soils. This may be due to the fact that the soil properties do not exert an important effect on their availability, or these two metals are considerably sensitive to the effect of pH, and no differences were observed because the extraction of the DTPA fraction was conducted with a buffered solution. For each fraction of metal used, we obtained a model with R2 always greater than 0.65. Considering these results, we can conclude that it is possible to predict Zn, Ni, Cu and Pb availability in soils developed on different parent materials. This can be achieved by identifying some basic soil characteristics and applying the developed equations.

This study aims to analyze multi-metals in marine sediment to provide the relative nature of metal concentrations. Sediment samples were collected in representative coasts of natural and more developing zones. The Sequential Extraction method was used to treat four metal associated hosts determined using the ICP-OES. Geo-accumulation index, Enrichment Factor and Principal Component analysis were used to evaluate. The metal concentrations varied and most of them appeared to show a gradual decrease from east, west to the isle coasts. The coastal environment has been recognized to contain non-residual associated metals suggesting the influence of anthropogenic metal input. These bioavailable fractions also show gradual decrease from the East coast to West and Isle coast. The environmental assessment reveals that most of these areas were categorized as unpolluted and concentration of some elements west and isle coast are relatively close to those of nature sediment. • Ni, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cr were found in North Sumatra coastal sediments. • Environment assessment indicates that sediments in west and island coasts were unpolluted and have near-nature metal concentrations. • East Coast sediments had more mobile (non-residual or bioavailable) metals than West and Isle Coast sediments. • No significant correlations between metals in the immobile (residual) fraction with depth and grain size suggest that metals are associated with natural characteristics. • The North Sumatra Coastal Sediments could represent Indonesia's coastal metal baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Eutrophication of freshwater ecosystems and harmful algal blooms (HABs) are an ongoing concern affecting water quality in the Great Lakes watershed of North America. Despite binational management efforts, Lake Erie has been at the center of dissolved reactive phosphate driven eutrophication research due to its repeated cycles of algae blooms. We investigated the Detroit River, the largest source of water entering Lake Erie, with the objectives to (1) characterize Detroit River phosphate levels within water and sediment, and (2) use multiple chemical and isotopic tracers to identify nutrient sources in the Detroit River. Riverine water and sediment samples were collected at 23 locations across 8 transects of the Detroit River. The bulk δ 15N values from sediments were enriched compared the δ 15N values of nitrate from water samples, consistent with biogeochemical cycling in the sediment. Principle component analysis of multiple chemical tracers from water samples found spatial variation consistent with multiple sources including synthetic and manure-derived fertilizers and wastewater effluent. The concentrations of phosphate dissolved in water were within regulatory guidelines; however, sediments had elevated concentrations of both water- and acid-extractable phosphate. Sediment-sequestered legacy phosphorus historically deposited in the Detroit River may be transported into Lake Erie and, if mobilized into the water column, be an unrecognized internal-load that contributes to algal bloom events. Globally, freshwater ecosystems are impacted by numerous non-point source phosphorus inputs contributing to eutrophication and the use of multiple tracer approaches will increase our ability to effectively manage aquatic ecosystems. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Chemical tracers can identify point and non-point sources of nutrients, including phosphorous. • Water quality parameters in Detroit River derive from urban runoff and/or fertilizer. • Legacy mineralized P stored in sediments may impact future water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine whey proteins are highly valued dairy ingredients. This is primarily due to their amino acid content, digestibility, bioactivities and their processing characteristics. One of the reported bioactivities of whey proteins is antioxidant activity. Numerous dietary intervention trials with humans and animals indicate that consumption of whey products can modulate redox biomarkers to reduce oxidative stress. This bioactivity has in part been assigned to whey peptides using a range of biochemical or cellular assays in vitro. Superimposing whey peptide sequences from gastrointestinal samples, with whey peptides proven to be antioxidant in vitro, allows us to propose peptides from whey likely to exhibit antioxidant activity in the diet. However, whey proteins themselves are targets of oxidation during processing particularly when exposed to high thermal loads and/or extensive processing (e.g. infant formula manufacture). Oxidative damage of whey proteins can be selective with regard to the residues that are modified and are associated with the degree of protein unfolding, with α-Lactalbumin more susceptible than β-Lactoglobulin. Such oxidative damage may have adverse effects on human health. This review summarises how whey proteins can modulate cellular redox pathways and conversely how whey proteins can be oxidised during processing. Given the extensive processing steps that whey proteins are often subjected to, we conclude that oxidation during processing is likely to compromise the positive health attributes associated with whey proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is absorbed and bio-accumulated by cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) trees, resulting in unacceptably elevated levels in cocoa beans, necessitating measures to reduce its uptake from soils. A field experiment, lasting 18 months, was carried out to assess the effectiveness of liming on pH, bioavailability of Cd in soils and its uptake in cacao tissues. The treatments were: (a) control (untreated) and (b) lime-treated trees. Results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the soil pH (lime treated) and a natural fluctuation in pH for the control. For the lime-treated trees, bioavailable Cd levels generally stabilized with no significant change (P > 0.05) compared to the significant (P < 0.05) increase showed by control trees. The Cd levels in the leaves of both treatments decreased, however, the rate of decline in leaf Cd concentrations for lime-treated trees (-0.1378) was 3x faster than control (-0.0497) trees demonstrating the effectiveness of liming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is one of the major sources of arsenic (As) exposure in humans. The objectives of this study were to determine the bioaccessible concentration of As in rice grain sold in Bangkok and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with rice consumption. Polished (n = 32) and husked (n = 17) jasmine rice were collected from local markets. In vitro digestion was performed to determine the bioaccessible As concentrations, which were used for probabilistic health risk assessments in different age groups of the population. Approximately 43.0% and 44.4% of the total As in the grain of polished and husked rice, respectively, was in the form of bioaccessible As. Significantly higher bioaccessible As concentrations were found in husked rice than in polished rice (1.5–3.8 times greater). The concentrations of bioaccessible As in polished and husked rice were lower than the Codex standard for As in rice. The average daily dose of As via rice consumption is equivalent to the daily ingestion of 2 L of water containing approximately 3.2–7.2 μg L −1 of As. Approximately 0.2%–13.7% and 10.7%–55.3% of the population may experience non-carcinogenic effects from polished and husked rice consumption, respectively. Approximately 1%–11.6% of children and 74.1%–99.8% of adults were at risk of cancer. The maximum cancer probabilities were 3 children and 6 adults in 10,000 individuals. The probabilistic risk results indicated that children and adults were at risk of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects from both types of rice consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethylene oxide (EO) gas is commonly used to sterilize medical devices. Bioavailable residual EO, however, presents a significant toxicity risk to patients. Residual EO is assessed using international standards describing extraction conditions for different medical device applications. We examine a series of polymers and explore different extraction conditions to determine residual EO. Materials were sterilized with EO and exhaustively extracted in water, in one of three organic solvents, or in air using thermal desorption. The EO exhaustively extracted varies significantly and is dictated by two factors: the EO that permeates the material during sterilization; and the effectiveness of the extraction protocol in flushing residual EO from the material. Extracted EO is maximized by a close matches between Hildebrand solubility parameters δpolymer, δEO, and δsolvent. There remain complexities to resolve, however, because maximized EO uptake and detection are accompanied by great variability. These observations may inform protocols for material selection, sterilization, and EO extraction. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2455–2463, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Preliminary evidence suggests that sex steroid hormones, such as danazol (a synthetic sex steroid hormone), may be involved in enhancing telomerase activity. Elucidating underlying mechanisms of telomerase activity may further therapeutic options for individuals with telomeropathies and potentially avert certain age‐related conditions. Therefore, we conducted a cross‐sectional study to investigate the relationship between circulating sex steroid hormones and SHBG with leukocyte telomere length among 499 males in NHANES (1999–2002 surveys). Sample‐weighted linear regression analyses were conducted to assess age‐adjusted and multivariable‐adjusted estimates of associations. Estimates were rescaled to represent telomere length change in base pairs per half the value of the interquartile range of the independent variable. Estradiol and free estradiol were significantly inversely associated with leukocyte telomere length (βcontinuous per §IQR = −61, p = 0.04; free estradiol βcontinuous per §IQR = −67, p = 0.03). Testosterone, free testosterone, androstanediol glucuronide, and SHBG were not associated with leukocyte telomere length. The inverse association seen in this study indicates that a danazol‐induced hypoestrogenic state could partly underlie the previously observed association between danazol therapy and increased leukocyte telomere length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, one of the largest estuaries in the Gulf Coast of USA was investigated for Cu forms and fractionations. Both the water and sediment samples in subsegments of the Lake Pontchartrain basin were collected and Cu forms in dissolved phase and sediment phase were analyzed. The BCR sequential extraction procedure was used to extract Cu in exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable and residual fractions in sediments. The results showed that the residual fraction of Cu was a major contributor in Tangipahoa River and I-10 Bridge sediments, while the residual and oxidizable fractions in the case of oil refinery sediments. Cu partitioning in Lake Pontchartrain basin water showed the decreasing trend of inert > labile > organic in both spring and summer. The release of Cu from the sediments into the water column was greater in summer as compared to spring and vice versa. Lower temperature helps in the adsorption of Cu on the surface of sediments in early spring due to low disturbance and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the degree and rate of absorption of orally administered dose of Ca, Mg and Fe in oil and water dispersion mineral prescriptions in comparison with mineral raw material mixing powder, plasma and liver Ca, Mg and Fe concentrations and pharmacokinetic profiles of plasma and liver Ca, Mg and Fe concentration-time were observed after administration of oil and water dispersion mineral prescriptions and mineral raw material powder. Ca, Mg and Fe contents in plasms and liver homogenate were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The time course of plasma Ca concentrations indicates that AUC and Cmax of plasma Ca following oil dispersion prescription could be the most great compared with water dispersion prescription and raw material mixing powder, suggesting that Ca in oil dispersion prescription is more bioavailable from gastrointestinal tract than that in water dispersion prescription and raw material mixing powder and absorption rate of Ca in Oil dispersion prescription is more rapid than that in Water dispersion prescription and Raw material mixing powder. The time to reach peak of plasma Mg after administration of Oil dispersion prescription is less than that after administration of Water Dispersion prescription and Raw Material Mixing Powder suggesting that absorption rate of Mg in Oil dispersion prescription may be more rapid compared with other two prescriptions. The liver Ca, Mg and Fe levels in early time period following administration of these three prescriptions increase rapidly, and then decrease, suggesting that Ca, Mg and Fe absorbed in these three prescriptions are contributed to liver tissue at the beginning and then rc-contributed in body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycosidases have great relevance in polyphenols, since their bioavailability is enhanced by these enzymatic activities. Glycosylated phenolic compounds are deglycosylated either in tissues or by the colonic microbiota. Lactobacillus plantarum is a widespread lactic acid bacteria commonly found in many fermented food products and in the gastrointestinal tract, some strains of which are employed as probiotics. The presence of glycosidase activities was assayed in L. plantarum strains isolated from different origins. The analyzed strains presented hydrolytic activity against α- and β-d-glucopyranoside and β-d-galactopyranoside. The latter activity could be related to the presence of a β-galactosidase encoding-gene present in all the L. plantarum strains analyzed. Glycosylated food phenolics, such as quercetin glucoside, phloridzin, esculin, salicin, and daidzin were deglycosylated by cell cultures or by cell extracts from L. plantarum CECT 748T as demonstrated by HPLC analysis. In this study was clearly demonstrated for the first time that the deglycosylation of specific aryl glycosides by L. plantarum was associated with an increase in their antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and SOD methods. Therefore, in addition to the improvement of their bioavailability, the presence of glycosidase activities on L. plantarum strains increases the antioxidant activity of glycosylated phenolic compounds.

Recent evidence supports the role of menthol, a TRPM8 agonist, in enhanced energy expenditure, thermogenesis and BAT-like activity in classical WAT depots in a TRPM8 dependent and independent manner. The present study was designed to analyse whether oral and topical administration of menthol is bioavailable at subcutaneous adipose tissue and is sufficient to directlyinduce desired energy expenditure effects. GC-FID was performed to study menthol bioavailability in serum and subcutaneous white adipose tissue following oral and topical administration. Further, 3T3L1 adipocytes were treated with bioavailable menthol doses and different parameters (lipid accumulation, “browning/brite” and energy expenditure gene expression, metal analysis, mitochondrial complex’s gene expression) were studied. No difference was observed in serum levels but significant difference was seen in the menthol concentration on subcutaneous adipose tissues after oral and topical application. Menthol administration at bioavailable doses significantly increased “browning/brite” and energy expenditure phenotype, enhanced mitochondrial activity related gene expression, increased metal concentration during adipogenesis but did not alter the lipid accumulation as well as acute experiments were performed with lower dose of menthol on mature adipocytes In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that bioavailable menthol after single oral and topical administration is sufficient to induce “brite” phenotype in subcutaneous adipose tissue However, critical dose characterization for its clinical utility is required.

Whey proteins are highly valued food ingredients. This study examines the health benefits to muscle cells of six individual whey peptides known to cross the intestinal barrier. Results indicate that peptides KVPQ, NLPPL, VAGT, VGIN and PVPQ protect undifferentiated C2C12 myoblasts from free radical damage.

Laboratory studies were conducted and modeled to evaluate whether refractory organic nitrogen in tertiary-treated wastewater effluent could become bioavailable by conversion to mineral forms. Multiday incubations of effluent collected from the Branford and New Haven, Connecticut, waste water treatment plants (WWTP) revealed low but steady conversion of organic nitrogen to nitrate (NO ). In Branford, the principal form of organic nitrogen was dissolved, and in New Haven it was particulate. Modeling suggested that in both the cases conversion to NO from organic forms occurred at several per cent per day, and appeared to happen via the intermediary NH . The results suggest that organic nitrogen may be an important source of bioavailable N, contributing to the problem of hypoxia in Long Island Sound and other estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using effects-directed analysis, we investigated associations previously observed between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and embryotoxicity in field-deployed low-density polyethylene (LDPE). We conducted effects-directed analysis using a zebrafish embryo assay and iterative fractionation of extracts of LDPE that were deployed in the Portland Harbor superfund megasite, Oregon (USA). Whole extracts induced toxicity including mortality, edema, and notochord distortion at 20% effect concentration (EC20) values of approximately 100, 100, and 10 mg LDPE/mL, respectively. Through fractionation, we determined that PAHs at concentrations similar to previous research did not contribute markedly to toxicity. We also eliminated pesticides, phthalates, musks, and other substances identified in toxic fractions by testing surrogate mixtures. We identified free fatty acids as lethal components of LDPE extracts and confirmed their toxicity with authentic standards. We found chromatographic evidence that dithiocarbamates are responsible for notochord and other sublethal effects, although exact matches were not obtained. Fatty acids and dithiocarbamates were previously unrecorded components of LDPE extracts and likely contribute to the toxicity of the whole mixture. The present study demonstrates the success of effects-directed analysis in nontargeted hazard identification using the zebrafish embryo test as a self-contained battery of bioassays that allows identification of multiple chemicals with different modes of action. This is the first effects-directed analysis to combine LDPE and zebrafish, approaches that are widely applicable to identifying developmental hazards in the bioavailable fraction of hydrophobic organic compounds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2290-2298. © 2017 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of biochar amended dewatered fresh sewage sludge (DFSS)-wheat straw co-composting on nutrients transformation and end products quality was investigated. This is the first study to examine the biochar applied compost quality with different kg ha −1 TKN on Brassica rapa L. growth. Seven mixtures were composted over 8-weeks period in 130-L reactor using the same DFSS with different concentration of biochar (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 12% and 18% on dry weight basis) and without additive added treatment served as control. The results indicated that compost with 8–12% biochar became more humified within 35 days of composting, and the compost maturity parameters also showed that this could be much more feasible approach to increased water-soluble nutrients including NO 3 , DOC, DON, PO 4 3− , K + and Na + , but bioavailability of Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb content reduced as compared to control. Finally, results showed that 8–12% biochar was recommended for DFSS composting and 150 kg ha −1 TKN of compost dosages for organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]