Search

Water pollution by hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), poses serious concerns due to its detrimental public health effects. In this work, we report the synthesis, characterization, and sorption properties for Cr(VI) by MoS42- intercalated layered double hydroxide, CoAl-MoS4-LDH (CoAl-MoS4). Our results show that CoAl-MoS4 can effectively remove Cr(VI) ions from acidic, neutral, and basic media. At neutral medium, it exhibits a very strong affinity, Kd ∼ 1.91 × 105 mL/g, toward Cr(VI) ions. Under such conditions, this material can remove over 99% of Cr(VI) from a ∼104 ppb of Cr(VI) contaminated solutions, leaving behind residual concentration below the World Health Organization (WHO) defined limit for drinking water. Moreover, our study shows that CoAl-MoS4 is a highly-competent Cr(VI) adsorbent exhibiting a removal capacity (qm) as high as ∼231 mg/g. The CoAl-MoS4 follows pseudo-second order rate kinetics for the sorption of chromate, and the concentration dependent sorption data can be fitted well with the Langmuir sorption isotherm. Furthermore, CoAl-MoS4 is highly selective to Cr(VI) ions in the presence of various competitive ions in contaminated water systems. All these results suggest that CoAl-MoS4 is a very efficient sorbent for decontamination of hexavalent chromate from wastewater systems.

Soil labile carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are considered to be sensitive indicators of changes in soil C and N pools in response to management practices. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of corn cob biochar application on C and N management and lability. There were four treatments with four replicates established in a randomized complete block design. Composite soil samples were taken from plots without biochar (CT), from plots incorporated with 15 t biochar ha−1 (BC-15), and 30 t biochar ha−1 without or with phosphate fertilizer (BC-30 and BC-30 + P, respectively). The samples were analyzed for basal respiration (BR) and specific microbial respiration rates (qCO2), total organic C and labile C pools, and total N and labile N pools. Biochar amendment resulted in a significant increase in the carbon lability index, with the active carbon (AC) recording the highest lability index in the plots treated with 30 t ha−1 biochar. Among the nitrogen labile pools, the soils amended with biochar at an application rate of 30 t ha−1 significantly increased the nitrogen lability index only in the active nitrogen (AN). Similarly, carbon and nitrogen pool indices, as well as carbon and nitrogen management indices, were increased in the 30 t biochar ha−1 treated plots. Among the labile carbon and nitrogen fractions, the AC and AN management indices consistently accounted and predicted the management-induced qualitative and quantitative changes in TC and TN in the tropical soil ecosystem amended with biochar.

Deforestation for conventional farming has affected soil quality (SQ) worldwide. The goal of our study was to evaluate the impact of land use change, from forest to subsistence farming, on SQ in Benin. Composite soils from forest, horticultural, agricultural, fallow, and degraded lands were collected to analyze for chemical and physical properties. Using inductive additive approach and principal component analysis (PCA), generalized (SQIg) and minimum dataset SQ (SQIMDS) indices were calculated. Results showed that upon conversion of forest, total organic carbon (TOC) decreased by more than 2 folds in fallow and degraded soils. A similar impact was observed on total nitrogen (TN). Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation (BS) were significantly higher under horticulture than in degraded lands. In contrast, carbon protection capacity (CPC) was significantly higher by 12-41% in forest soils compared to the lowest in degraded soils. Among the land uses, aggregate stability index (ASI) was, by far, the lowest (3.2%) in degraded soils and highest (7.5%) in horticulture soils. Soils under fallow and degraded lands had SQIg decreased by 5 to 16%, when compared with forest, indicating a significant SQ degradation. In contrast, SQIg under horticulture increased by 5%, suggesting a similar or even an improvement in SQ comparable to the forest. The PCA-based SQIMDS significantly and positively accounted for 70% of the variability in SQIg with a non-significant biasness (6 ± 3.8% at p

The 14th edition of the Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (14th WRIB) was held virtually on June 15-29, 2020 with an attendance of over 1000 representatives from pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, and regulatory agencies worldwide. The 14th WRIB included three Main Workshops, seven Specialized Workshops that together spanned 11 days in order to allow exhaustive and thorough coverage of all major issues in bioanalysis, biomarkers, immunogenicity, gene therapy and vaccine. Moreover, a comprehensive vaccine assays track; an enhanced cytometry track and updated Industry/Regulators consensus on BMV of biotherapeutics by LCMS were special features in 2020. As in previous years, this year's WRIB continued to gather a wide diversity of international industry opinion leaders and regulatory authority experts working on both small and large molecules to facilitate sharing and discussions focused on improving quality, increasing regulatory compliance and achieving scientific excellence on bioanalytical issues. This 2020 White Paper encompasses recommendations emerging from the extensive discussions held during the workshop, and is aimed to provide the Global Bioanalytical Community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to enable advances in scientific excellence, improved quality and better regulatory compliance. Due to its length, the 2020 edition of this comprehensive White Paper has been divided into three parts for editorial reasons. This publication covers the recommendations on (Part 2A) BAV, PK LBA, Flow Cytometry Validation and Cytometry Innovation and (Part 2B) Regulatory Input. Part 1 (Innovation in Small Molecules, Hybrid LBA/LCMS & Regulated Bioanalysis), Part 3 (Vaccine, Gene/Cell Therapy, NAb Harmonization and Immunogenicity) are published in volume 13 of Bioanalysis, issues 4, and 6 (2021), respectively.

Gene therapy, cell therapy and vaccine research have led to an increased use of qPCR/ddPCR in bioanalytical laboratories. CROs are progressively undertaking the development and validation of qPCR and ddPCR assays. Currently, however, there is limited regulatory guidance for the use of qPCR and a complete lack of any regulatory guidelines for the use of the newer ddPCR to support regulated bioanalysis. Hence, the Global CRO Council in Bioanalysis (GCC) has issued this White Paper to provide; 1) a consensus on the different validation parameters required to support qPCR/ddPCR assays; 2) a harmonized approach to their validation and 3) a consistent development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all the bioanalytical laboratories using these techniques.

Integration of flue gas desulfurized gypsum (FGD-gypsum) with cover crops is expected to improve soil quality (SQ). Our objectives were to evaluate the impact of FGD-gypsum and rye on SQ and the co...

Determining how soil-crop management practices affect phosphorus partition and lability in soil may further our understanding of the soil P cycle. The objective of the work was to assessed the long...

Development of state-of-the-art assays for sensitive and specific detection of disease biomarkers has received significant interest for early detection and prevention of various diseases. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are two examples of proteins and nucleic acid detection assays respectively, which have been widely used for the sensitive detection of target analytes in biological fluids. Recently, immuno-PCR has emerged as a sensitive detection method, where high specificity of sandwich ELISA assays is combined with high sensitivity of PCR for trace detection of biomarkers. However, inherent disadvantages of immuno-PCR assays limit their application as rapid and sensitive detection method in clinical settings. With advances in nanomaterials, nanoparticles-based immunoassays have been widely used to improve the sensitivity and simplicity of traditional immunoassays. Owing to facile synthesis, surface functionalization, and superior optical and electronic properties, gold nanoparticles have been at the forefront of sensing and detection technologies and have been extensively studied to improve the efficacies of immunoassays. This review provides a brief history of immuno-PCR assays and specifically focuses on the role of gold nanoparticles to improve the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA, PCR and immuno-PCR assays.

Worldwide demand for gold has accelerated unregulated, small-scale artisanal gold mining (AGM) activities, which are responsible for widespread environmental pollution in Ghana. This study was cond...

The Meghna River is one of the most important rivers in Bangladesh, one of the three rivers, the Ganges delta, and the largest delta in the world in the Bay of Bengal. The water quality of Meghna has become a matter of concern due to serious levels of pollution. The present study was conducted to assess the surface water quality of upstream of the Meghna River using physic-chemical parameters in summer and winter season at five different points. Water quality was evaluated by laboratory analysis considering a total of six water quality parameters, pH, DO, BOD, COD, salinity and TDS and water samples were collected from five stations. The study indicates that some parameters exceed the permissible limit for drinking purpose, it may cause potential threat to the human, but the water of this river is not immediate threat to human or ecosystem.

Gene therapy, cell therapy and vaccine research have led to an increased need to perform cellular immunity testing in a regulated environment to ensure the safety and efficacy of these treatments. The most common method for the measurement of cellular immunity has been Enzyme-Linked Immunospot assays. However, there is a lack of regulatory guidance available discussing the recommendations for developing and validating these types of assays. Hence, the Global CRO Council has issued this white paper to provide a consensus on the different validation parameters required to support Enzyme-Linked Immunospot assays and a harmonized and consistent approach to Enzyme-Linked Immunospot validation among contract research organizations.

Rice is a staple crop for 3.5 billion people in the world. To meet the challenges of the rice production for food security and demand due to population increase, yield improvement due to a rice variety’s genetic characteristics is imperative. Two studies presented in this paper were undertaken at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, to assess genetic gains for yield in rice varieties bred over the past 50 years. These studies are called as “Era” studies as the varieties used for trials were released during long and distinct periods. Due to the differences in time periods of studies, varieties and locations, the studies were treated separately so as to not to compromise the data analyses. The studies demonstrated that IRRI developed varieties have achieved genetic gains and levels of genetic gains were dependent on correction or otherwise for maturities. In Study 1, the highest level of genetic gain was 0.70% at about a 23 kg ha-1 annual yield increase when not corrected for maturity followed by a genetic gain of 0.62% when corrected for maturity. In Study 2, the highest level of genetic gain was 0.74% at about a 19 kg ha-1 annual yield increase when corrected for maturity followed by 0.66% genetic gain when not corrected for maturity. Implications for breeding programs are discussed, however, the studies were not intended to compare genetic gains achieved through different breeding methods nor to compare genetic gains achieved using plot trials versus realized genetic gains for crops grown under farmers’ management.

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are well-documented for their size and surface chemistry-dependent electronic and optical properties that are extensively utilized to develop highly sensitive immunoassays. GNP-based immuno-polymerase chain reaction (immuno-PCR) is especially interesting due to the facile loading of biomolecules on the surface of GNP probes and has been utilized to develop analyte-specific assays. In this study, the role of size and surface chemistry of GNPs is explored in detail to develop a highly sensitive and reproducible immuno-PCR assay for specific detection of biotinylated analytes. Our results indicate that smaller-sized gold nanoparticles outperform the larger ones in terms of their sensitivity in immuno-PCR assay and show superior loading of proteins and oligonucleotides on the surface of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the role of different macromolecular stabilizers (such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and PEGylated BSA) was compared to optimize the loading of biomolecules and to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of GNP probes. mPEG-BSA-functionalized GNP probes of 15 nm were found to be highly sensitive at low concentrations of analytes and significantly (~ 30 fold) improve the limit of detection of analytes in comparison with ELISA assay.

Purpose: Humic substances, which are integral components of total organic carbon (TOC), influence soil quality. The study aimed to investigate whether humic and non-humic fractions exhibit early, consistent, and measurable changes and affect TOC sensitivity and storage in a tropical sandy loam soils amended with corn cob biochar. Materials and methods: There were four treatments with four replicates established in a randomized complete block design. Composite soil samples were taken from plots without biochar (CT), from plots incorporated with 15 t biochar ha−1 (BC-15), and 30 t biochar ha−1 without or with phosphate fertilizer (BC-30 and BC-30+P). The TOC, and humin, humic acid (HA), and fulvic acid (HA) fractions of soil organic carbon were determined for each treatment. The optical densities (400–700 nm) were measured on the soil-free extracts by spectrophotometry; the densities measured at 465 and 665 nm were used to calculate the E465/E665 ratios. Results and discussion: The BC-30 and BC-30+P plots recorded the highest TOC, humin, humic acid (HA), and fulvic acid (FA) contents with respect to the lowest in the CT. The total exchangeable carbon stratification was significantly higher in all the biochar-treated plots relative to the CT. Spectral analysis showed higher values of E465/E665 (5.02 and 5.15) in the CT and BC-15-treated soils, respectively, compared with the BC-30 and BC-30+P-amended soils with E465/E665 ratios of 2.76 and 2.98, respectively. Conclusions: Corn cob biochar applied to a tropical sandy loam: • increased the concentrations of HA and FA and led to increased stratification of TOC, with a stronger effect on HA compared with FA; • significantly lowered E465/E665 at the high biochar application rate of 30 t ha−1, implying the dominance of high molecular weight humic acid-like substances, and increased degree of aromaticity of the TOC.

The 2019 13th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (WRIB) took place in New Orleans, LA on 1–5 April 2019 with an attendance of over 1000 representatives from pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations and regulatory agencies worldwide. WRIB was once again a 5-day, week-long event – a full immersion week of bioanalysis, biomarkers, immunogenicity and gene therapy. As usual, it was specifically designed to facilitate sharing, reviewing, discussing and agreeing on approaches to address the most current issues of interest including both small- and large-molecule bioanalysis involving LCMS, hybrid LBA/LCMS, LBA cell-based/flow cytometry assays and qPCR approaches. This 2019 White Paper encompasses recommendations emerging from the extensive discussions held during the workshop, and is aimed to provide the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to enable advances in scientific excellence, improved quality and better regulatory compliance. Due to its length, the 2019 edition of this comprehensive White Paper has been divided into three parts for editorial reasons. This publication (Part 2) covers the recommendations on the 2018 FDA BMV guidance, 2019 ICH M10 BMV draft guideline and regulatory agencies' input on bioanalysis, biomarkers, immunogenicity and gene therapy. Part 1 (Innovation in small molecules and oligonucleotides and mass spectrometry method development strategies for large molecules bioanalysis) and Part 3 (New insights in biomarker assay validation, current and effective strategies for critical reagent management, flow cytometry validation in drug discovery and development and CLSI H62, interpretation of the 2019 FDA immunogenicity guidance and gene therapy bioanalytical challenges) are published in volume 10 of Bioanalysis, issues 22 and 24 (2019), respectively.

Our objective was to evaluate the impact of land use change, from natural forest to tillage-based systems, on the distribution of P pools and their stratification in soils under both no-till (NT) and conventionally tilled (CT) corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max) with and without cover crops, CT alfalfa (Medicago sativa), chicken and dairy manure, organic, and adjacent natural deciduous forest ecosystems (control). Results showed that residual P (RP) accounted for 68.7% followed by 13.3% calcium- and magnesium-bound P (CaMgP), 9.6% particulate organic P (POP), 8% iron- and aluminum-bound P (FeAlP), 0.3% soluble reactive P (SRP), and 0.1% exchangeable P (EP) of the total P. While the concentration of all P pools increased, the POP decreased at 0–10 cm depth under both CT and NT compared to the forest. The SRP increased threefold under NT, 2.6-fold under CT, sevenfold under alfalfa, and more than fourfold under organic, chicken and dairy manure systems. In contrast, the POP decreased by 63 to 73% under CT and 41 to 58% under NT. Likewise, the POP decreased under CT dairy and chicken manure, alfalfa, and organic systems. A similar tillage and cover crop impact on SRP and POP was observed at 10–20 cm depth. All P pools except POP have shown various degrees of stratification. An integration of cover crops under NT reduced the SRP stratification (by 41%), when compared to NT alone. Our results suggested that the SRP concentration and stratification in all agricultural systems are prone to edge-of-field loss either by drainage under NT or surface runoff under CT.

The 13th Global CRO Council (GCC) closed forum for bioanalysis was held in New Orleans, LA, USA on 5 April 2019. This GCC meeting was organized to discuss the contents of the 2019 ICH M10 Bioanalytical Method Validation Draft Guideline published in February 2019 and consolidate the feedback of the GCC members. While ICH M10 will cover requirements for reference standards, one of the biggest challenges facing the CRO community is the lack of consistency and completeness of Certificates of Analysis for reference standards used in regulated bioanalysis. Similar challenges exist with critical reagents (e.g., capture and detection antibodies) used for assays supporting biologics. The recommendations provided in this publication are the minimum requirements for the content that GCC members believe should be included in Certificates of Analysis for reference standards obtained from commercial vendors, sponsors and compendial suppliers, for use in regulated bioanalytical studies. In addition, recommendations for internal standards, metabolites and critical reagents are discussed.

Nitrogen (N) is the prime nutrient for crop production and carbon-based functions associated with soil quality. The objective of our study (2012 to 2019) was to evaluate the impact of variable rates of N fertilization on soil organic carbon (C) pools and their stocks, stratification, and lability in subtropical wheat (Triticum aestivum)—mungbean (Vigna radiata)—rice (Oryza sativa L) agroecosystems. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCB) with N fertilization at 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140% of the recommended rates of wheat (100 kg/ha), mungbean (20 kg/ha), and rice (80 kg/ha), respectively. Composite soils were collected at 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths from each replicated plot and analyzed for microbial biomass (MBC), basal respiration (BR), total organic C (TOC), particulate organic C (POC), permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), carbon lability indices, and stratification. N fertilization (120 and 140%) significantly increased the POC at both depths; however, the effect was more pronounced in the surface layer. Moreover, N fertilization (at 120% and 140%) significantly increased the TOC and labile C pools when compared to the control (100%) and the lower rates (60 and 80%). N fertilization significantly increased MBC, C pool (CPI), lability (CLI), and management indices (CMI), indicating improved and efficient soil biological activities in such systems. The MBC and POC stocks were significantly higher with higher rates of N fertilization (120% and 140%) than the control. Likewise, higher rates of N fertilization significantly increased the stocks of labile C pools. Equally, the stratification values for POC, MBC, and POXC show evidence of improved soil quality because of optimum N fertilization (120–140%) to maintain and/or improve soil quality under rice-based systems in subtropical climates.

Soil physical properties play an important role in determining soil's suitability for agricultural uses. The purpose of our study was to characterize spatio-temporal variations in moisture content (θm), bulk density (ρb), aggregate stability (AS) and penetration resistance (PR) of different textured soils under similar management and climatic conditions. A 25 × 25 m area was monitored in each of the 3 fields with Daphan clay (Haplustert), Ciftlik loam (Fluvaquent), and Ciftlik sandy loam (Ustorthent) from September 2014 to August 2015. Each area was divided into 5 × 5 m cells. Undisturbed soils from 0 to 10 cm depth at 36 intersection points were collected monthly, and processed and analyzed. Results showed that spatio-temporal changes in soil properties were strongly affected by natural freezing-thawing and wetting-drying processes. While the θm increased with rainfall and/or snow melts through September–January, the θm decreased onwards February. The θm ranged between 11.50 and 56.34% for the Daphan clay, 7.26 and 41.92% for the Ciftlik loam, and 2.52 and 33.83% for the Ciftlik sandy loam, with highest variabilities in January and November, and the lowest variabilities in July and August. The decrease in θm was closely and linearly associated (r = −0.94⁎⁎) with ρb and vice versa. However, the temporal variation in AS was primarily due to θm and its effects on freezing-thawing and swelling/shrinking during wetting-drying cycles. While the lowest AS was measured in February, the highest AS was observed in July for the Daphan clay, and August for the Ciftlik loam and Ciftlik sandy loam, respectively. The AS linearly and inversely related to θm (r = −0.66⁎⁎). Likewise, the PR decreased linearly with an increase in θm, and vice versa. While the θm linearly decreased the PR (r = −0.45⁎⁎), the ρb increased PR (r = 0.45⁎⁎). Results suggested that spatio-temporal variations in core soil physical properties could provide useful information for site-specific precision agricultural management practices to improve soil quality.

No USA president in history has received as much opposition as Donald Trump has from all three components of the Establishment, namely the financial establishment, the political establishment and the corporate media establishment. The election of Donald Trump to the office of presidency is marked with dozens of historical first events that are anything but lackluster, yet a bleak picture of Fascism has been painted to describe Trump. This is an extraordinary piece of disinformation, as no modern president has been more consistent in plainly saying what he will do regarding US military and geopolitical goals, both outside and in office. This, even though his stated position is clearly opposite to the wishes of the dominant cabal, supported by both parties, and to US foreign policy since WWII. USA history is not very long, but Trump presidency and his inaugural speech marked a historic starting point for this 'democracy'. Every sentence of Donald J. Trump's inaugural speech was a departure from diplomacy. Knowing what diplomacy actually means, it's a great step toward transparency. It is the best thing that happened in US political history. It is no surprise the Media established completely flipped, the political establishment gasped, and the financial establishment started to conspire a different strategy (George Soros declaring he wants Trump presidency to fail). In the mean time, the typically apolitical science and technology establishment declared Trump completely unfit for the office that he has just been elected to. Trump’s inaugural speech that contained phrases like, "It's time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget, that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots", was in sharp contrast to how Abraham Lincoln viewed America, when he said, "I, as much as any other man, stand in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race… I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the white and the black races." Trump’s embrace of humanity and righteousness was reminiscent of Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon at the pilgrimage, where he said over 1400 years, "An Arab is no better than a non-Arab, and a non-Arab is no better than an Arab; a red man is no better than a black man and a black man is no better than a red man – except if it is in terms of piety." Yet, Trump took oath of office swearing on the bible used by Abraham Lincoln. In this two-part paper, the key research question answered is what Trump presidency stands for. In answering this question, the first part deconstructs some of the dominant theories of Fascism. Then, a delinearized history is constructed in order to understand how democracy, as applied in USA, has an inevitable outcome of achieving the same goals as a Fascist regime. The concept of religious extremism, including “Islamic terrorism” or “radical Islam” is also discussed with relevance to ‘war on terror’. The history of US presidency then shows that the office of presidency is used as a tool to advance a Fascist agenda, albeit being packaged as USA exceptionalism. The ground is set for part 2 that analyses the rise of Trump and the demise of DNC integrity, followed by deconstruction of various allegations against Trump.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is routinely used as a surrogate endpoint for the development of investigational drugs in clinical trials. GFR and staging of chronic kidney disease are typically assessed by measuring the concentration of endogenous serum biomarkers such as albumin and creatinine. However, creatinine is subject to high biological variability, and levels of creatinine do not rise until nearly 50% of kidney function is damaged, leading to inaccurate chronic kidney disease staging and false negatives. A newer biomarker for GFR, cystatin C, has been shown to be subject to less biological interference and more sensitive to early declines in kidney function. Cystatin C has also been shown to outperform creatinine as an indicator of true GFR and to add information about the occurrence of acute kidney injury. Comparison studies of cystatin C and creatinine continue to demonstrate its increased accuracy and sensitivity for changes in true GFR. While challenges remain for use of cystatin C, international agencies and working groups continue to validate cystatin C as a biomarker and accompanying GFR estimating equations for diagnostic and drug development use. In this review, we summarize these comparison studies, regulatory and industry guidelines, and clinical trial case studies for use of cystatin C in drug development.