Applying Chemometrics to Determine Dispersion of Mine Tailing-Affected Sediments from Submarine Tailing Disposal in Bøkfjorden,Northern Norway

Mine tailing management is one of the largest environmental issues related to mining operation. This study uses chemometrics to assess the dispersion of iron mine tailing-affected sediments in Bøkfjorden, Northern Norway. Metal concentrations (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and physico-chemical sediment characteristics (conductivity, organic matter, sulphate, chloride, grain size, CaCO₃, pH) were analysed in seven sediment cores collected in a transect out of the fjord along with two reference cores. Results of hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis allowed to distinguish between mine tailing-affected and non-affected sediments. Non-affected sediments were especially characterised by high levels of organic matter whilst mine tailing-affected sediments varied significantly in sediment characteristics depending on location in the fjord. Crucial parameters to reveal mine tailing-affected sediments varied between the target metal Fe along with metals of Cd and Mn, albeit less significant. Variations in mine tailing-affected sediment characteristics could be attributed to other anthropogenic activities in the fjord. Despite potential disturbances, chemometrics made it possible to identify dispersion of mine tailing-affected sediments to cover the inner and middle parts of the fjord. The study demonstrates the advantage of applying chemometrics on complex fjord systems, which in this case was used to distinguish mine tailing-affected sediments from areas with elevated levels of metals not necessarily related to the mine.     

Ion Equilibrium in the Soil Solution in Long-term Fertilization Experiment on Sandy Soil

In the conditions of long-term experiment carried out in the experimental field of Warsaw Agricultural University - SGGW at _ yczyn, ion concentration in the soil solution were examined as well as the relationships shaped between ions in the soil solution due to long-term diversified mineral and organic fertilization. Soil solution was obtained by the vacuum method and the concentration of particular ions in the soil solution was determined by the ICP method. Mineral and organic fertilization and liming significantly affected chemical composition of the soil solution and the relationships between particular ions in the soil solution. The lowest concentration of ions in the soil solution was observed in the control plots (not fertilized). Mineral and organic fertilization as well as liming caused the increase of ion concentration in the soil solution. In the plots with mineral fertilization alone K + and NH + 4 ions predominated in the cation structure in the soil solution. In the case of liming the share of Ca 2+ ions increased. Independently from the system of fertilization used, CI m and HCO m 3 ions predominated in the anion structure. The application of organic fertilization affected to the highest degree the concentration of aluminium ion in the soil solution significantly limiting the share of this ion in the cation structure.     

Synthesis and insect antifeedant activity of precocene derivatives with lactone moiety

Starting from precocenes I and II, four of their derivatives with a lactone moiety were obtained. The compounds have been assessed as antifeedants against several diverse insect species including the storage pests the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv., larvae and adults), the granary weevil beetle (Sitophilus granarius L., adults), and the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Ev., larvae) and against the herbivorous pest insects Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, adults and larvae) and aphids (Myzus persicae Sulz.). Precocenes, especially precocene II, showed a very strong antifeedant effect against all storage pests and aphids. The introduction of a lactone moiety caused a decrease in antifeedant activity against these species. Both precocenes were moderately active against L. decemlineata adults. The best antifeedants to this species were precocene derivatives, especially iodolactones. The introduction of iodine into a molecule had a great effect on the antifeedant activity of those compounds.     

Molecular evolution of tomato black ring virus and de novo generation of a new type of defective RNAs during long-term passaging in different hosts

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) is a worldwide-distributed RNA virus infecting a wide range of different host plants, including crop species, trees, shrubs, and weeds. Here, we investigated the molecular evolution of TBRV and its adaptability to different plant species. The TBRV-Pi isolate was used to generate five independent evolution lineages serially passaged in either quinoa, tobacco, or tomato plants. After 15 passages, the genetic variability present in all the lineages was characterized for the movement (MP) and coat (CP) coding cistrons. We addressed two main questions: to what extent does the amount of genetic variability in the TBRV genome depend on the host species, and are there host species-specific adaptive mutations? Overall, 201 different nucleotide substitutions emerged during the evolution experiment, with some of them appearing multiple times in different lineages; two of them (one in CP and one in MP) were unique for a particular host plant. We have shown that the degree of genetic differentiation depends on the host species in which the virus evolved, and that positive selection is operating upon certain residues, particularly in CP. Moreover, we have characterized new types of defective RNAs that arose during the TBRV-Pi evolution in tobacco. Furthermore, this is the first report of a defective RNA from the RNA2 of TBRV.     

Genetic variability and evolutionary dynamics of tomato black ring virus population

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) is an important pathogen infecting a wide range of plant species worldwide. Phylogenetic studies of TBRV have already been conducted, although limited by the use of short genomic regions or a reduced amount of isolates. In the present study, we carried out an exhaustive phylogenetic and population genetic analysis based on the coat protein gene (CP) sequence of 57 TBRV isolates originating from different host plants and European geographic regions (47 isolates from Poland, 8 from Lithuania, one from the UK, and one from Hungary). Moreover, the selective pressure acting on particular codons and coevolution of amino acid residues in the CP were analysed. The results clearly showed that the TBRV population is being shaped by recombination and both positive and purifying selection. The analyses revealed that the placement of TBRV isolates in the phylogenetic trees was nonrandom, with isolates clustering according to host plant families and geographic origin.     

Pharmacokinetic and urine profile of tramadol and its major metabolites following oral immediate release capsules administration in dogs

The aim of the present paper was to test the oral administration of oral immediate release capsules of tramadol in dogs, to asses both its pharmacokinetic properties and its urine profile. After capsules administration of tramadol (4 mg/kg), involving eight male Beagle dogs, the concentration of tramadol and its main metabolites, M1, M2 and M5, were determined in plasma and urine using an HPLC method. The plasma concentrations of tramadol and metabolites were fitted on the basis of mono- and non-compartmental models, respectively. Tramadol was detected in plasma from 5 min up to 10 h in lesser amounts than M5 and M2, detected at similar concentrations, while M1 was detected in negligible amounts. In the urine, M5 and M1 showed the highest and smallest amount, respectively; M1 and M5 resulted widely conjugate with glucuronic acid. In conclusion, after oral administration of tramadol immediate release capsules, the absorption of the active ingredient was rapid, but its rapid metabolism quickly transformed the parental drug to high levels of M5 and M2, showing an extensive elimination via the kidney. Hence, in the dog, the oral immediate release pharmaceutical formulation of tramadol would have different pharmacokinetic behaviour than in humans.     

Sulfachlorpyrazine residues depletion in turkey edible tissues

?ebkowska‐Wieruszewska, B.I., Kowalski, C.J. Sulfachlorpyrazine residues depletion in turkey edible tissues. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2885.2009.01147.x. Sulfachlorpyrazine (SCP) is currently used to treat coccidian infections in turkeys; however, there is no information available about the withdrawal period necessary for the turkey to be safe for human consumption. A high performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet‐visible light detection was adapted and validated for the determination of SCP in turkey tissues. The procedure is based on isolation of the (SCP sodium) compound from edible turkey tissues (muscles, liver, kidneys, and fat with skin) with satisfactory recovery (72.80 ± 1.40) and specificity. The residue depletion of SCP in turkeys was conducted after a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day had been administrated orally for 3 days. After treatment has been discontinued residue concentrations were detected in tissues on the 7th day. The highest SCP concentrations were measured in muscles. Based on the results presented in this study, it could be assumed that a withdrawal period of 21 days, before medicated turkeys could be slaughtered, would be sufficient to ensure consumer safety.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of Polish Arabian horses assessed through breeding and microsatellite data

Polish Arabian horses are one of the most important populations of this breed in the world. Their post‐war history can be divided into two periods, with the dominant role of state studs until 1989, and the increasing significance of private breeding in the next years. The goal of the study was to evaluate genetic diversity and structure of the population under a new breeding policy. The analyses of breeding and microsatellite data from 1996 to 2012 provide a coherent picture of the population with constant flow of horses only in one direction from state to private studs. An increase in the number of broodmares was observed, from 396 mares in 1996 to 1021 mares in 2012. The proportion of foreign sires used in Polish studs also increased, from 7.1% to 37.0%. An increasing number of alleles and progressive differentiation in mares were observed. STRUCTURE analysis indicated that the Polish horses were clearly separated from foreign horses used in Polish breeding, although only one of the 75 alleles found can be considered as typically Polish. The high heterozygosity is an important feature of the Polish population; however, the decrease of heterozygosity in state broodmares was noted. This issue needs to be studied further.     

Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen after intravenous and oral administration in fasted and fed Labrador Retriever dogs

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is used in dogs to manage fever and mild pain. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in both fed and fasted Labrador Retrievers after a single intravenous and oral administration (20 mg/kg). Six healthy dogs underwent three treatments in a randomized block study (a, n = 2; b, n = 2; c, n = 2). In phase one, group a received acetaminophen intravenously, group b and c orally after being fasted and fed, respectively. In phase two and three, groups were swapped, and the experiment was repeated. At the end of the trial, each dog received the same treatment. Acetaminophen plasma concentrations were detected using a validated HPLC‐UV method. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental model. Clearance, volume at steady state and half‐life of acetaminophen in Labrador Retrievers were 0.42 L/kg hr, 0.87 L/kg and 1.35 hr, respectively. No significant statistical differences were found between fasted and fed dogs regarding maximum plasma concentration, time at maximum concentration and bioavailability as measured by the AUC. Feeding does not significantly affect the acetaminophen oral pharmacokinetics.