Species composition and ecological structure of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) communities as biological indicators of the agro-environmental sustainability.

Intensification of crop cultivation can have detrimental environmental consequences that however can be prevented by monitoring of the specific biological indicators sensitive to changes in the ambient environment. In this study the impact of crop type (spring wheat and corn) and cultivation intensity on the community of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the forest-steppe of Western Siberia was investigated. A total of 39 species from 15 genera were collected. Ground beetles' community was characterized by a high evenness of species distribution across the agroecosystems. The average Jaccard's similarity index for species presence/absence was 65%, and for abundance it was 54%. The significant difference in the distribution of predatory and mixophytophages ground beetles in wheat crops (U test, P < 0.05) can be justified by the constant suppression of the weed component and the use of insecticides that lead to the dominance of the predators. Fauna of wheat crops was more diverse than that in corn (Margalef index, U test, P < 0.05). No significant differences in biological diversity indexes, except for the Simpson dominance index (U test, P < 0.05, wheat), were found in ground beetle communities in crops at different levels of intensification. A certain differentiation of predatory species was caused by the selective occurrence of the litter-soil species, especially abundant in the row-crop. The specificity of the ground beetle community of corn crops may have been caused by repeated inter-row tillage, which influenced the increase in porosity and topsoil relief and contributed to the creation of favorable microclimatic conditions. In general, the applied level of agrotechnological intensification had no significant effect on the species composition and ecological structure of beetle communities in agrolandscapes. The use of bioindicators made it possible to assess the environmental sustainability of the agricultural environment and also creates the prerequisites for the development of ecologically directed correction of agrotechnological operations in agroecosystem management.

Systemic Biomarkers and Liver Morphology in Rats during Chronic Low-Dose Toxicant Administration against the Background of Vitamin Deficiency.

Liver morphology, intensity of apoptosis, and activity of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes were studied in a chronic model experiment in rats receiving a mixture of 6 pesticides against the background of life-long diets with adequate and insufficient supply of water-soluble vitamins. The dose of each pesticide in the mixture did not exceed the acceptable daily intake (1 ADI). It was found that chronic exposure to low doses of anthropogenic toxicants in combination with permanent vitamin deficiency provokes a number of liver changes, such as increased apoptosis activity, cytochrome P450 system depletion, steatosis, and inflammatory infiltration, which is a potential health risk factor.

Polyphenols of Perilla frutescens of the family Lamiaceae identified by tandem mass spectrometry.

Perilla frutescens is mainly cultivated as an oilseed crop. Perilla seeds contain 40-53 % of oil, 28 % of protein. The growing season is 100-150 days. In Russia, perilla is grown in the Far East, where the yield is 0.8-1.2 t/ha. Perilla of different geographical origin has its own special, sharply different features that characterize two geographical groups: Japanese and Korean-Chinese. These groups differ from each other in the length of the growing season, the height of plants, the color of the stem, the surface and the size of the leaves, the shape of the bush, the shape and size of the inflorescences, the size of the cups, the size and color of the seeds. P. frutescens contains a large number of polyphenolic compounds that are biologically active components. The purpose of this research was a metabolomic study of extracts from leaves of P. frutescens obtained from the collection of Federal Research Center the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, grown on the fields of the Far East Experiment Station - Branch of Federal Research Center (Primorsky Krai, Russia). To identify target analytes in extracts, HPLC was used in combination with an ion trap. Preliminary results showed the presence of 23 biologically active compounds corresponding to P. frutescens. In addition to the reported metabolites, a number of metabolites were newly annotated in P. frutescens. There were hydroxycoumarin Umbelliferone; triterpene Squalene; omega-3 fatty acid Stearidonic [Moroctic] acid; higher-molecular-weight carboxylic acid: Tetracosenoic acid and Salvianic acid C; lignan Syringaresinol and cyclobutane lignan Sagerinic acid, etc. A wide range of biologically active compounds opens up rich opportunities for the creation of new drugs and dietary supplements based on extracts of perilla of the family Lamiaceae, subfamily Lamioideae, tribe Satureji and subtribe Perillinae.

Landscape REE anomalies and the cause of geophagy in wild animals at kudurs (mineral salt licks) in the Sikhote-Alin (Primorsky Krai, Russia).

To test the "rare earth" hypothesis of geophagy, geological and hydrogeochemical studies unparalleled anywhere in the world were carried out at kudurs (salt licks) in two districts in the Primorsky Krai, Russia. The mineral and chemical compositions of geophagic earth consumed by animals, the chemical composition of surface waters and vegetation, and the chemical composition of biological tissues of red deer (Cervus elaphus) were studied in this research. It was found that ultra-fresh surface and fontinal waters in the studied areas contain anomalously high concentrations of rare earth elements (REE), the sums of which exceeded the average values in the Primorsky Krai and worldwide by tenfold, and more. The presence of landscape REE anomalies is confirmed by elevated concentrations of these elements in vegetation. Using electron microscopy, it was determined that the sources of REE in landscape components are rocks containing secondary, readily soluble, REE minerals (hydrophosphates and fluorocarbonates). The study of the chemical composition of animal tissues showed the presence of significant concentrations of heavy REE (HREE) in the blood and brain, which indirectly indicates a high probability of animals developing stress reactions against the background REE-elementosis. Eaten earthy substances in both areas are represented by mixtures of smectite clays and zeolites with high ion-exchange properties. In the digestive tract of animals, such sorbents actively interact with the biological electrolyte, saturating it with sodium ions and absorbing HREE. The main meaning of geophagy is regulation of the concentration and proportion of REE in the body. Sometimes it manifests itself in intake of significant amounts of Na.

Effects of coal microparticles on marine organisms: A review.

Coal dust is a source of pollution not only for atmospheric air but also for the marine environment. In places of storage and handling of coal near water bodies, visible pollution of the water area can be observed. Coal, despite its natural origin, can be referred to as anthropogenic sources of pollution. If coal microparticles enter the marine environment, it may cause both physical and toxic effects on organisms. The purpose of this review is to assess the stage of knowledge of the impact of coal particles on marine organisms, to identify the main factors affecting them, and to define advanced research directions. The results presented in the review have shown that coal dust in seawater is generally not an inert substance for marine organisms, and there is a need for further study of the impact of coal dust particles on marine ecosystems.

A study of kudurs used by wild animals located on the water sources high in REE content in the Caucasus Nature Reserve.

One of the theories explaining the reasons for geophagy, which was proposed earlier by the authors of the article, consists in the assumption that animals need rare-earth elements (REE). In order to test this hypothesis, we studied the chemical composition of spring waters in the territory of the Caucasus Nature Reserve at three kudurs along the Achipsta River, as well as at the Mamaevsky kudur (southwestern slope of the Pshekish mountain). At the Mamaevsky kudur, we also studied the chemical composition of earth consumed by animals, and the species, age and gender composition, seasonal and daily activity of ungulate animals-visitors of the kudur. It was determined that the most active visitors of the Mamaevsky kudur were European bison (Bison bonasus) with one activity peak during the rut, in July. The frequency of visits to the kudur by red deer (Cervus elaphus) was 4 times lower with the highest peak activity in April and a lower peak in August. Only in one of four water sources at the Mamaevsky kudur there was an elevated concentration of Na (by 7 times). In the other three the concentration was comparable to the local river water. The waters of two "sodium-free" springs had increased concentrations of REE (by 5-8 times). Geophagic earths near the Mamaevsky springs are decomposition products of siltstone and sandstone shale rocks of the Jurassic age consisting of clay minerals (illite mixed with smectite, and chlorites)-from 42 to 45%, and quartz and feldspar (in total up to 50%) mixed with Fe and Ca carbonates. The chemical composition of acid extracts (0.1 N HCl, pH = 1.0) from consumed earth showed the highest extractability of Ca and Fe. In trace elements, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, V, light lanthanides, and Y are most actively extracted. Na is extracted at 0.03-0.1 g/kg. The sodium bicarbonate spring water consumed by animals at kudurs on the Achipsta River had Na contents 70-300 times, and REE contents 25-40 times higher than that in the river water. The revealed facts do not contradict the hypothesis that the desire for geophagy in animals in the Caucasus (in addition to the long-known "urge" for Na) can be also related to the properties of lanthanides group elements exchange in the body.

Complex study of air pollution in electroplating workshop.

A comprehensive analysis of the state of air inside an industrial workshop with electroplating production was carried out. The data of quantitative distribution of suspended particles by size fractions (PM0.3, PM0.5, PM1, PM3, PM5, PM10) are presented for 15 main processes of electroplating. Morphometric and chemical composition of the surface of particles were studied. We observed particles of rounded shape, various agglomerates with complex geometric shapes, acute-angular particles, which when inhaled pose a maximum threat to human health. Chemical analysis of these particles showed an absolute predominance of oxides of non-ferrous metals, the percentage of which varied depending on the type of electroplating bath. The content of highly hazardous substances of the 1st (Zn, Pb, and Cd) and the 2nd (Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Mo) hazard classes in each sample was recorded.

Toxicity bioassay of waste cooking oil-based biodiesel on marine microalgae.

The world biodiesel production is increasing at a rapid rate. Despite its perceived safety for the environment, more detailed toxicity studies are mandatory, especially in the field of aquatic toxicology. While considerable attention has been paid to biodiesel combustion emissions, the toxicity of biodiesel in the aquatic environment has been poorly understood. In our study, we used an algae culture growth-inhibition test (OECD 201) for the comparison of the toxicity of B100 (pure biodiesel), produced by methanol transesterification of waste cooking oil (yellow grease), B0 (petroleum diesel fuel) and B20 (diesel-biodiesel blended of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel fuel by volume). Two marine diatoms Attheya ussuriensis and Chaetoceros muelleri, the red algae Porphyridium purpureum and Raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo were employed as the aquatic test organisms. A sample of biodiesel from waste cooking oil without dilution with petroleum diesel (B100) showed the highest level of toxicity for the microalgae A. ussuriensis, C. muelleri and H. akashiwo, compared to hexane, methanol, petroleum diesel (B0) and diluted sample (B20). The acute EC50 in the growth-inhibition test (96 h exposure) of B100 for the four species was in the range of 3.75-23.95 g/L whereas the chronic toxicity EC50 (7d exposure) was in the range of 0.42-16.09 g/L.

Morphological and chemical composition of particulate matter in buses exhaust.

This research article investigates the particulate matter originated from the exhaust emissions of 20 bus models, within the territory of Vladivostok, Russian Federation. The majority of evaluated buses (17 out of 20) had emissions of large particles with sizes greater than 400 µm, which account for more than 80% of all measured particles. The analysis of the elemental composition showed that the exhaust emissions contained Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, with the concentration of Zn prevailing in all samples by two to three orders of magnitude higher than the concentrations of the other elements.

Characterization of fume particles generated during arc welding with various covered electrodes.

Arc welding operations are considered to be risky procedures by generating hazardous welding fume for human health. This study focuses on the key characteristics, as well as dispersion models, of welding fumes within a work zone. Commercial and widely used types of electrodes with various types of covering (rutile, basic, acidic and rutile-cellulose) were used in a series of experiments on arc welding operations, under 100 and 150 amps of electric current. According to the results of this study, maximum levels of pollution with particles of PM10 fraction occur in the workspace during arc welding operations. Disregarding the types of electrodes used, the 3D models of dispersion of the РМ10 particles at the floor plane exhibit corrugated morphologies while also demonstrate high concentrations of the РМ10 particles at distances 0-3 m and 4-5 m from the emission source. The morphology of these particles is represented by solid and hollow spheres, 'nucleus-shell' structures, perforated spheres, sharp-edged plates, agglomerates of the tree-like (coral) shape. At last the bifractional mechanism of fume particle formation for this type of electrodes is also shown and described. In this article results are reported, which demonstrate the hazards of the arc welding process for human health. The results of the characterization of WFs reported improve our understanding of risks that these operations pose to human health and may strengthen the need for their control and mitigation.

Effects of carbon and silicon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers on marine microalgae Heterosigma akashiwo.

The effect of carbon and silicon nanotubes (CNTs and SiNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) to microscopic marine algae Heterosigma akashiwo was studied, using algal growth inhibition for 3 days (acute effect) and 7 days (chronic effect) as toxicity endpoints. The criterion of the toxic effect was the statistically significant reduction of the number of algal cells in the exposed samples compared to the control. Samples did not demonstrate toxic effects at doses 1 mg/l and 10 mg/l. CNTs and SiNTs samples at 100 mg/l exhibited both acute and chronic toxic effects. We assume that the main cause of cell death in these samples was related to the mechanical damage of cell integrity. CNFs at concentrations of 100 mg/l did not inhibit algal growth, but cells with irregular shapes were observed, which were not observed after exposure to CNTs and SiNTs. Nickel impurities present in CNFs samples are presumably the main cause of observed cell deformations.

Morphologic and chemical composition of particulate matter in motorcycle engine exhaust.

Despite the fact that environmental pollution due to motorcycle exhaust gases reports a great increase, motorcycle production exhibits a great increase through the last years. Countries of Asia and Africa are reported to be the major regions where two-wheeled vehicles are a major transportation mode, with tens of millions of units sold per year. Motorcycle exhaust particles are considered to be the major contributor to environmental pollution due to their airborne dispersion, containing great amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aims at reporting an objective analysis of the main sources of the ambient air pollution as also particle size distribution and chemical composition analysis of particulate matter originated from the exhausts of two-wheeled vehicles used in the territory of Vladivostok, Russia. Various types of two-wheeled vehicles were examined (motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and wet bikes) using different types of engine and fuel system. Experimental results showed that there was no clear relation to the particle size distribution with the engine displacement of motorcycle and the number of strokes and the fuel system. Instead, there were reported two clear assumptions. The first one is that regarding to the motorcycle brand, a few samples did not exhibit a great percentage of PM10 fraction. The second one is that more modern vehicles, that have a harmful gas afterburning system, are usually the source of an increased percentage of PM10 emitted particles. At last, it should be mentioned that the laser particle size analysis method is capable of determining the particle sizes after their agglomeration whereas the optical morphometry method allows to determine the real particle size of emissions. In conclusion, it can be pointed out that the agglomeration of particles can lead to the reduction in the toxicity of particles emissions originated from two wheeled-vehicles.

Simulating real-life exposures to uncover possible risks to human health: A proposed consensus for a novel methodological approach.

In real life, consumers are exposed to complex mixtures of chemicals via food, water and commercial products consumption. Since risk assessment usually focuses on individual compounds, the current regulatory approach doesn't assess the overall risk of chemicals present in a mixture. This study will evaluate the cumulative toxicity of mixtures of different classes of pesticides and mixtures of different classes of pesticides together with food additives (FAs) and common consumer product chemicals using realistic doses after long-term exposure. Groups of Sprague Dawley (CD-SD) rats (20 males and 20 females) will be treated with mixtures of pesticides or mixtures of pesticides together with FAs and common consumer product chemicals in 0.0, 0.25 × acceptable daily intake (ADI)/tolerable daily intake (TDI), ADI/TDI and 5 × ADI/TDI doses for 104 weeks. All animals will be examined every day for signs of morbidity and mortality. Clinical chemistry hematological parameters, serum hormone levels, biomarkers of oxidative stress, cardiotoxicity, genotoxicity, urinalysis and echocardiographic tests will be assessed periodically at 6 month intervals. At 3-month intervals, ophthalmological examination, test for sensory reactivity to different types of stimuli, together with assessment of learning abilities and memory performance of the adult and ageing animals will be conducted. After 24 months, animals will be necropsied, and internal organs will be histopathologically examined. If the hypothesis of an increased risk or a new hazard not currently identified from cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals was observed, this will provide further information to public authorities and research communities supporting the need of replacing current single-compound risk assessment by a more robust cumulative risk assessment paradigm.

Biochemical Content of Cambium of Abies nephrolepis Eaten by Bears on the Far East of Russia.

The peculiarity of bears behavior of stripping of bark is typical for all species. We have described the damage to trees, by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and brown bear (U. arctos) in Primorsky Krai and by brown bears on the Sakhalin Island during 1998-2015. In this study, we studied the damaged bark of the tree only in cases where it was clear that part of the cambium was eaten by bears. Cambium of species Abies nephrolepis is the most preferred for bear consumption in Primorsky Krai. We distinguished very large seasonal fluctuations in the amount of its consumption. The greatest interest of bears in this kind of food is in the summer time. We have analyzed the composition of the cambium of A. nephrolepis. These results suggest that the important purpose of the use of this kind of food is to restore and maintain the normal functioning of the intestines.

The impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with different amount of metallic impurities on immunometabolic parameters in healthy volunteers.

The impact of two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (12-14 nm) with different content of metallic impurities (purified and unpurified nanotubes) on peroxidation processes, the status of immune cells in healthy volunteers and gene expression combined to pathway analysis was studied in vitro. From the study it was shown that the main mechanism of action for both types of MWCNTs is induction of oxidative stress, the intensity of which is directly related to the amount of metallic impurities. Unpurified MWCNTs produced twice as high levels of oxidation than the purified CNTs inducing thus more intense mitochondrial dysfunction. All the above were also verified by gene expression analysis of 2 different human cellular cultures (lung epithelium and keratinoma cells) and the respective pathway analysis; modulation of genes activating the NFkB pathway is associated to inflammatory responses. This may cause a perturbation in the IL-6 signaling pathway in order to regulate inflammatory processes and compensate for apoptotic changes. A plausible hypothesis for the immunological effects observed in vivo, are considered as the result of the synergistic effect of systemic (mediated by cells of the routes of exposure) and local inflammation (blood cells).

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes increase anxiety levels in rats and reduce exploratory activity in the open field test.

The results of the first study on the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the exploratory activity and the emotional state in laboratory rats assessed by the open field test are reported. During three or ten days, rats received 8-10 nm MWNTs added to their food at a dose of 500 mg/kg. It was demonstrated that, in the group of rats which were fed with MWNTs, the integrated anxiety level index began to increase as early as the third day of the experiment; on the tenth day, it appeared to be twice increased. It was also demonstrated that MWNTs decreased the integrated exploratory activity index nearly twofold on the third day and nearly fourfold on the tenth day.

[The morphofunctional state of the polypous tissue under conditions of radiofrequency-wave and laser interstitial thermal therapy].

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the morphofunctional state of the polypous tissue under conditions of radiofrequency-wave (from 15 to 40 W) and laser interstitial (from 1 to 10 W) thermal therapy. It was shown that both techniques exerted no influence on the structure and physiology of epithelial glands, regardless of the regime chosen for their application. The therapeutic effect was achieved due to the influence of radiation on the loose connective tissue leading to the modification of its structure and the reduction of the volume of the polypous tissue. Laser interstitial thermal therapy at 3-7 W was found to be the most efficacious and injurious regime. In contrast, laser radiation over 7 W and radiofrequency-wave treatment (15-40 W) proved the most traumatic regimes. They cause coagulation and tissue necrosis at the sites of their direct application; these effects were strongly dependent on the radiation power.

[Analysis of ambient air suspensions in Karakan coalfield in Kouzbass].

The article covers results of studies concerning nano- and microparticles in atmospheric suspensions in snow collected in 11 points of Karakan coal extraction cluster (Kouzbass) in winter of 2011-2012. As a reference, a sample was taken on territory of Kouzbass botanical garden of Human Ecology Institute with RASc Siberian Division. All the points studied appeared to be polluted with technogenous suspensions--that proves high ecologic load on atmosphere over all territory of Kouzbass coalfield. Particles found in snow could be placed in decrement order: coal (up to 80%), natural minerals (mostly aluminosilicate and quartz) (up to 10%), vegetable detrital matter, unidentifiable technogenic particles, metals and their compounds (mostly Fe, Ba and Ti). Some areas appeared to frequently present microparticles containing rare-earth metals (rare-earth phosphates and alumophosphates prevail).

Reaction of dermal structures to subcutaneous injection of gold nanoparticles to CBA mice.

The reactions of dermal structures to subcutaneous injections of gold nanoparticles were studied in CBA mice. Routes of the nanoparticles migration after injection and the mechanisms of their effects on the adjacent tissues were studied. Injected nanoparticles were phagocytosed by macrophages; some of them migrated to lymphoid follicles of the lymph node, while others migrated into blood vessels, where the particles were released from the macrophage cytoplasm into circulating blood. The endothelium was destroyed as a result of the toxic activity of macrophages loaded with nanoparticles. Two mechanisms of angiogenesis inhibition and death of blood vessels in tissues after injection of nanoparticles were distinguished. One mechanism consisted in deactivation of macrophages producing vascular endothelium growth factor inducing the formation of endothelium in the growing blood vessels, but not in direct inhibition of this factor. The other mechanism was realized through direct death of the endothelium in migration of macrophages through the vascular wall.

Effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes received orally during 6 days on the gastrointestinal tract.

The effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on epitheliocytes of different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract and urothelium of different compartments of the renal nephron were studied in CBA mice. The nanotubes affected mouse gastrointestinal mucosa and renal urothelium. The cell reaction in the macula densa of the renal distal tubules and the immune system reaction to oral nanotubes were detected. A possible effect of nanotubes administered orally on the renal filtration function was hypothesized.