In situ immobilisation of toxic metals in soil using Maifan stone and illite/smectite clay.

PubMed

Ou, Jieyong; Li, Hong; Yan, Zengguang; Zhou, Youya; Bai, Liping; Zhang, Chaoyan; Wang, Xuedong; Chen, Guikui

2018-03-15

Clay minerals have been proposed as amendments for remediating metal-contaminated soils owing to their abundant reserves, high performance, simplicity of use and low cost. Two novel clay minerals, Maifan stone and illite/smectite clay, were examined in the in situ immobilisation of soil metals. The application of 0.5% Maifan stone or illite/smectite clay to field soils significantly decreased the fractions of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb. Furthermore, reductions of 35.4% and 7.0% in the DTPA-extractable fraction of Cd were obtained with the Maifan stone and illite/smectite clay treatments, respectively, which also significantly reduced the uptake of Cd, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb in the edible parts of Brassica rapa subspecies pekinensis, Brassica campestris and Spinacia oleracea. Quantitatively, the Maifan stone treatment reduced the metal uptake in B. rapa ssp. Pekinensis, B. campestris and S. oleracea from 11.6% to 62.2%, 4.6% to 41.8% and 11.3% to 58.2%, respectively, whereas illite/smectite clay produced reductions of 8.5% to 62.8% and 4.2% to 37.6% in the metal uptake in B. rapa ssp. Pekinensis and B. campestris, respectively. Therefore, both Maifan stone and illite/smectite clay are promising amendments for contaminated soil remediation.

Evaluating cadmium bioavailability in contaminated rice paddy soils and assessing potential for contaminant immobilisation with biochar.

PubMed

Kosolsaksakul, Peerapat; Oliver, Ian W; Graham, Margaret C

2018-06-01

Cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils from the Mae Sot district in northwest Thailand, a region in which rice Cd concentrations often exceed health limits (0.4 mg/kg) set by the World Health Organisation, were examined for isotopically exchangeable Cd (Cd E values using a 111 Cd spike) to determine how this rates as a predictor of rice grain Cd in comparison with soil total Cd and solution extractable Cd (using the commonly applied BCR scheme and, in an attempt to distinguish carbonate bound forms, the Tessier soil sequential extraction scheme reagents). Step 1 of the BCR scheme (0.11 M CH 3 COOH) and step 1 of the Tessier scheme (1M MgCl 2 ) showed the highest R 2 values in regressions with rice Cd (91% and 90%, respectively), but all predictors were strongly linked to rice Cd (p < 0.001) and could be used for prediction purposes. One soil, of the six tested, was an exception to this, where all predictors over-estimated grain Cd by a factor of 2.5-5.7, suggesting that rice grain Cd had been restricted here by the differing flooding regime and subsequent changes to redox conditions. E values and Tessier step 1 extractions were closely related, indicating that these measurements access similar pools of soil Cd. Separately, the isotopic exchangeability (representing bioavailability) of Cd was also assessed in two soils amended with rice husk and miscanthus biochars (0, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20% w/w) in order to assess the utility of the biochars as a soil amendment for immobilising Cd in situ. One soil showed significant reductions in Cd E value at 5% rice husk biochar addition and at 15% miscanthus biochar addition however, based on the E value-rice grain Cd regression relationship previously established, the E values in the amended soils still predicted for a rice Cd concentration above the health limit. In the second soil, neither of the biochars successfully reduced the Cd E value. This indicates that further work is needed to customise biochar properties to suit specific soil and contaminant situations if they are to be used successfully for remediation of metal contaminated soils. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cadmium induced pathophysiology: prophylactic role of edible jute (Corchorus olitorius) leaves with special emphasis on oxidative stress and mitochondrial involvement.

PubMed

Dewanjee, Saikat; Gangopadhyay, Moumita; Sahu, Ranabir; Karmakar, Sarmila

2013-10-01

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves (AECO) against CdCl₂ intoxication. In vitro bioassay on isolated mice hepatocytes confirmed dose dependent cytoprotective effect of AECO. The CdCl₂ (30 μM) exhibited a significantly increased levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation along with the reduction of antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione levels in hepatocytes. AECO (200 and 400 μg/ml) + CdCl₂ (30 μM) could significantly restore the aforementioned oxidation parameters in hepatocytes. Beside this, AECO could significantly reduce Cd-induced increase in Bad/Bcl-2 ratio and the over-expression of NF-κB, caspase 3 and caspase 9. In in vivo assay, CdCl₂ (4 mg/kg body weight, for 6 days) treated rats exhibited a significantly increased intracellular Cd accumulation, oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in the organs. In addition, the haematological parameters were significantly altered in the CdCl₂ treated rats. Simultaneous administration of AECO (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight), could significantly restore the biochemical, antioxidant and haematological parameters near to the normal status. Histological studies of the organs supported the protective role of jute leaves. Presence of substantial quantity of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in extract may be responsible for overall protective effect. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bromelain treatment reduces CD25 expression on activated CD4+ T cells in vitro✩

PubMed Central

Secor, Eric R.; Singh, Anurag; Guernsey, Linda A.; McNamara, Jeff T.; Zhan, Lijun; Maulik, Nilanjana; Thrall, Roger S.

2009-01-01

Bromelain (Br), an extract from pineapple stem with cysteine protease activity, exerts anti-inflammatory effects in a number of inflammatory models. We have previously shown that Br treatment decreased activated CD4+ T cells and has a therapeutic role in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic airway disease. The current study was designed to determine the effect of Br on CD4+ T cell activation, specifically the expression of CD25 in vitro. CD25 is up regulated upon T cell activation, found as a soluble fraction (sCD25) and is a therapeutic target in inflammation, autoimmunity and allergy. Br treatment of anti-CD3 stimulated CD4+ T cells reduced CD25 expression in a dose and time dependent manner. This reduction of CD25 was dependent on the proteolytic action of Br as the addition of E64 (a cysteine protease inhibitor) abrogated this response. The concentration of sCD25 was increased in supernatants of Br treated activated CD4+ T cells as compared to control cells, suggesting that Br proteolytically cleaved cell-surface CD25. This novel mechanism of action identifies how Br may exert its therapeutic benefits in inflammatory conditions. PMID:19162239

Oocyst-Derived Extract of Toxoplasma Gondii Serves as Potent Immunomodulator in a Mouse Model of Birch Pollen Allergy.

PubMed

Wagner, Angelika; Schabussova, Irma; Drinic, Mirjana; Akgün, Johnnie; Loupal, Gerhard; Kundi, Michael; Joachim, Anja; Wiedermann, Ursula

2016-01-01

Previously, we have shown that oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts prevented type I allergy in mice. Here we investigated whether the application of a T. gondii oocyst lysate antigen (OLA) could also reduce allergy development. BALB/c mice were immunised twice with OLA followed by sensitisation with the major birch pollen (BP) allergen Bet v 1 and an aerosol challenge with BP extract. First, we tested OLA in vitro. Stimulation of splenocytes and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) with OLA led to the production of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines such as IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10. Moreover, BMDC exposed to OLA upregulated the maturation markers CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHCII. Furthermore, OLA was recognised by TLR2-transfected human embryonic kidney cells. Immunisation of mice with OLA induced high levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies in sera along with increased production of IFN-γ and IL-10 in Toxoplasma-antigen restimulated splenocytes. OLA reduced allergic airway inflammation as manifested by significant reduction of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar fluids, decreased cellular infiltrates and mucus production in the lungs. Accordingly, Bet v 1-specific IgE was decreased in OLA-pretreated mice. The reduced allergic immune responses were accompanied by increased numbers of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T cells in spleens as well as by increased numbers of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in lungs when compared to sensitised controls suggesting that these two cell populations might be involved in the suppression of the allergic immune responses. Our data demonstrate that pretreatment with the oocyst extract can exert anti-allergic effects comparable to T. gondii infection. Thus, the immunomodulatory properties of the parasite extract indicate that this extract and in the future defined molecules thereof might serve as immunomodulatory adjuvants in allergy treatment and prophylaxis.

Enhanced Mucosal Antibody Production and Protection against Respiratory Infections Following an Orally Administered Bacterial Extract

PubMed Central

Pasquali, Christian; Salami, Olawale; Taneja, Manisha; Gollwitzer, Eva S.; Trompette, Aurelien; Pattaroni, Céline; Yadava, Koshika; Bauer, Jacques; Marsland, Benjamin J.

2014-01-01

Secondary bacterial infections following influenza infection are a pressing problem facing respiratory medicine. Although antibiotic treatment has been highly successful over recent decades, fatalities due to secondary bacterial infections remain one of the leading causes of death associated with influenza. We have assessed whether administration of a bacterial extract alone is sufficient to potentiate immune responses and protect against primary infection with influenza, and secondary infections with either Streptococcus pneumoniae or Klebsiella pneumoniae in mice. We show that oral administration with the bacterial extract, OM-85, leads to a maturation of dendritic cells and B-cells characterized by increases in MHC II, CD86, and CD40, and a reduction in ICOSL. Improved immune responsiveness against influenza virus reduced the threshold of susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, and thus protected the mice. The protection was associated with enhanced polyclonal B-cell activation and release of antibodies that were effective at neutralizing the virus. Taken together, these data show that oral administration of bacterial extracts provides sufficient mucosal immune stimulation to protect mice against a respiratory tract viral infection and associated sequelae. PMID:25593914

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sepiolite, bentonite, and phosphate amendments on the stabilization remediation of cadmium-contaminated soils.

PubMed

Sun, Yuebing; Sun, Guohong; Xu, Yingming; Liu, Weitao; Liang, Xuefeng; Wang, Lin

2016-01-15

A pot trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sepiolite, bentonite, and phosphate on the immobilization remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils using a set of variables, namely, physiological traits, sequential extraction procedure, plant growth and Cd concentration, and soil enzymatic activities and microbial population. Results showed that superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities in the leaves of Oryza sativa L. and catalase activities in soils were stimulated after applying the amendments. However, soluble protein contents in leaves and urease and invertase activities in soils were reduced from 7.1% to 31.7%, 1.0%-23.3%, and 21.1%-62.5%, respectively, compared with the control. Results of the sequence extraction procedures revealed that the exchangeable fraction of Cd in soils was mostly converted into carbonated-associated forms. The water soluble plus exchangeable fraction (SE) of Cd in soil decreased when treated with single and compound materials of sepiolite, bentonite and phosphate, which resulted in 13.2%-69.2% reduction compared with that of CK (control test). The amendments led to decreased Cd concentrations in roots, stems, leaves, brown rice, and rice hull by 16.2%-54.5%, 16.6%-42.8%, 19.6%-59.6%, 5.0%-68.2%, and 6.2%-20.4%, respectively. Higher bacterial and actinomycete amount indicated that remediation measures improved soil environmental quality. Composite amendments could be more efficiently used for the stabilization remediation of Cd contaminated soils with low Cd uptake and translocation in the plants and available contents of Cd in soil. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improvements in Cd stable isotope analysis achieved through use of liquid-liquid extraction to remove organic residues from Cd separates obtained by extraction chromatography.

PubMed

Murphy, Katy; Rehkämper, Mark; Kreissig, Katharina; Coles, Barry; van de Flierdt, Tina

2016-01-23

Organic compounds released from resins that are commonly employed for trace element separations are known to have a detrimental impact on the quality of isotopic analyses by MC-ICP-MS. A recent study highlighted that such effects can be particularly problematic for Cd stable isotope measurements (M. Gault-Ringold and C. H. Stirling, J. Anal. At. Spectrom. , 2012, 27 , 449-459). In this case, the final stage of sample purification commonly applies extraction chromatography with Eichrom TRU resin, which employs particles coated with octylphenyl- N , N -di-isobutyl carbamoylphosphine oxide (CMPO) dissolved in tri- n -butyl phosphate (TBP). During chromatography, it appears that some of these compounds are eluted alongside Cd and cannot be removed by evaporation due to their high boiling points. When aliquots of the zero-ε reference material were processed through the purification procedure, refluxed in concentrated HNO 3 and analyzed at minimum dilution (in 1 ml 0.1 M HNO 3 ), they yielded Cd isotopic compositions (ε 114/110 Cd = 4.6 ± 3.4, 2SD, n = 4) that differed significantly from the expected value, despite the use of a double spike technique to correct for instrumental mass fractionation. This result was accompanied by a 35% reduction in instrumental sensitivity for Cd. With increasing dilution of the organic resin residue, both of these effects are reduced and they are insignificant when the eluted Cd is dissolved in ≥3 ml 0.1 M HNO 3 . Our results, furthermore, indicate that the isotopic artefacts are most likely related to anomalous mass bias behavior. Previous studies have shown that perchloric acid can be effective at avoiding such effects (Gault-Ringold and Stirling, 2012; K. C. Crocket, M. Lambelet, T. van de Flierdt, M. Rehkämper and L. F. Robinson, Chem. Geol. , 2014, 374-375 , 128-140), presumably by oxidizing the resin-derived organics, but there are numerous disadvantages to its use. Here we show that liquid-liquid extraction with n -heptane removes the organic compounds, dramatically improving quality of the Cd isotope data for samples that are analyzed at or close to minimum dilution factors. This technique is quick, simple and may be of use prior to analysis of other isotope systems where similar resins are employed.

Effect of phenolic extracts from different extra-virgin olive oil varieties on osteoblast-like cells.

PubMed

Melguizo-Rodríguez, Lucía; Ramos-Torrecillas, Javier; Manzano-Moreno, Francisco Javier; Illescas-Montes, Rebeca; Rivas, Ana; Ruiz, Concepción; De Luna-Bertos, Elvira; García-Martínez, Olga

2018-01-01

The reported incidence of osteoporosis is lower in countries in which the Mediterranean diet predominates, and this apparent relationship may be mediated by the phenolic compounds present in olive oil. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of phenolic extracts from different varieties of extra-virgin olive oil (Picual, Arbequina, Picudo, and Hojiblanca) on the differentiation, antigenic expression, and phagocytic capacity of osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. At 24 h of treatment a significant increase in phosphatase alkaline activity and significant reductions in CD54, CD80, and HLA-DR expression and in phagocytic activity were observed in comparison to untreated controls. The in vitro study performed has demonstrated that phenolic compounds from different extra virgin olive oil varieties can modulate different parameters related to osteoblast differentiation and function.

Binding strength-associated toxicity reduction by birnessite and hydroxyapatite in Pb and Cd contaminated sediments.

PubMed

Lee, Seungbae; An, Jinsung; Kim, Young-Jin; Nam, Kyoungphile

2011-02-28

In situ stabilization of sediment-bound heavy metals has been proposed as an alternative to ex situ treatment due to the concerns on ecosystem disturbance and remediation cost. The present study was conducted to test the performance of birnessite, hydroxyapatite, and zeolite as stabilizing agents for Pb and Cd in sediment. The heavy metal binding capacity and strength of the stabilizing agents were determined by analyzing Langmuir model parameters. The three agents showed the similar binding capacity (i.e., maximum monolayer sorption constant, K(a)) ranging from 1.13 to 3.62×10(5) mg/kg for Pb and 1.07 to 1.33×10(5) mg/kg for Cd. In contrast, binding strength (i.e., binding energy constant, b) of birnessite and hydroxyapatite was about one order higher than that of zeolite. This is further supported by five-step sequential extraction data: more than 99 and 70% of freshly spiked Pb and Cd were present as not-readily extractable fractions in birnessite and hydroxyapatite, respectively while the fractions were 17.9 and 14.1% in zeolite. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test was also conducted to verify the effectiveness of the heavy metal-stabilizing ability of birnessite and hydroxyapatite. Birnessite successfully retained both Pb and Cd against the leaching solution, satisfying the TCLP extract concentration limits (i.e., 5 and 1 mg/L, respectively). However, hydroxyapatite released about 223.7 mg/L of Cd into the solution, which greatly exceeded the limit. The toxicity test with Hyalella azteca showed that their survival rate increased by 92.5-100% when birnessite or hydroxyapatite was added to Pb- or Cd-spiked sediment as a stabilizing agent. Our data demonstrate the potential use of birnessite and hydroxyapatite as an effective in situ remediation means for heavy metal-contaminated sediment with minimal risk to the aquatic ecosystem. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Field evaluation of intensive compost application on Cd fractionation and phytoavailability in a mining-contaminated soil.

PubMed

Li, Ming; Mohamed, Ibrahim; Raleve, David; Chen, Wenli; Huang, Qiaoyun

2016-10-01

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of chicken manure compost on the fractionation of cadmium (Cd), soil biological properties and Cd uptake by wheat in a soil affected by mining activities in Hubei province, China. Compost was applied at five levels (0, 27, 54, 108, 216 t ha(-1)), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was chosen as an indicator plant. Results showed that the application of compost increased soil pH and the content of total phosphorus and organic matter. Soil biological properties such as microbial biomass carbon, invertase, protease, urease and catalase activities were significantly enhanced by 0.24-3.47 times after compost application. Sequential extraction indicated that compost amendments decreased the acid-extractable Cd by 8.2-37.6 %, while increased the reducible and oxidisable Cd by 9.2-39.5 and 8.2-60.4 %, respectively. The addition of 27-54 t ha(-1) compost reduced Cd content in wheat stems and seeds by 69.6-75.0 % and 10.3-18.4 %, respectively. However, only 25.5-26.5 % reductions in Cd content in wheat stems were observed in 108-216 t ha(-1) compost amendments, and no significant decrease was detected for seeds. This study suggests that although compost is a suitable organic amendment to improve soil fertility and biological activities, the addition of compost should be moderated by an appropriate rate to optimize the use of compost for the reclamation of metal-contaminated soils at field scale.

Prevention of experimental diabetes by Uncaria tomentosa extract: Th2 polarization, regulatory T cell preservation or both?

PubMed

Domingues, Alexandre; Sartori, Alexandrina; Golim, Marjorie Assis; Valente, Ligia Maria Marino; da Rosa, Larissa Camargo; Ishikawa, Larissa Lumi Watanabe; Siani, Antonio Carlos; Viero, Rosa Marlene

2011-09-01

Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC (Rubiaceae) is a species native to the Amazon rainforest and surrounding tropical areas that is endowed with immunomodulatory properties and widely used around the world. In this study we investigated the immunomodulatory potential of Uncaria tomentosa (UT) aqueous-ethanol extract on the progression of immune-mediated diabetes. C57BL/6 male mice were injected with MLDS (40 mg/kg) and orally treated with UT at 10-400mg/kg during 21 days. Control groups received MLDS alone or the respective dilution vehicle. Pancreatic mononuclear infiltrate and β-cell insulin content were analyzed by HE and immunohistochemical staining, respectively, and measured by digital morphometry. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping and cytokine production were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Treating the animals with 50-400mg/kg of UT caused a significant reduction in the glycemic levels, as well as in the incidence of diabetes. The morphometric analysis of insulitis revealed a clear protective effect. Animals treated with UT at 400mg/kg presented a higher number of intact islets and a significant inhibition of destructive insulitis. Furthermore, a significant protection against the loss of insulin-secreting presented β-cells was achieved, as observed by a careful immunohistochemical evaluation. The phenotypic analysis indicated that the groups treated with higher doses (100-400mg/kg) presented CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell values similar to those observed in healthy animals. These same higher doses also increased the number of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cells. Moreover, the extract modulated the production of Th1 and Th2, with increased levels of IL-4 and IL-5. The extract was effective to prevent the progression of immune-mediated diabetes by distinct pathways. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polyaspartate extraction of cadmium ions from contaminated soil: Evaluation and optimization using central composite design.

PubMed

Mu'azu, Nuhu Dalhat; Haladu, Shamsuddeen A; Jarrah, Nabeel; Zubair, Mukarram; Essa, Mohammad H; Ali, Shaikh A

2018-01-15

The occurrences of heavy metal contaminated sites and soils and the need for devising environmentally friendly solutions have become global issues of serious concern. In this study, polyaspartate (a highly biodegradable agent) was synthesized using L-Aspartic acid via a new modified thermal procedure and employed for extraction of cadmium ions (Cd) from contaminated soil. Response surface methodology approach using 3 5 full faced centered central composite design was employed for modeling, evaluating and optimizing the influence of polyaspartate concentration (36-145mM), polyaspartate/soil ratio (5-25), initial heavy metal concentration (100-500mg/kg), initial pH (3-6) and extraction time (6-24h) on Cd ions extracted into the polyaspartate solution and its residual concentration in the treated soil. The Cd extraction efficacy obtained reached up to 98.8%. Increase in Cd extraction efficiency was associated with increase in the polyaspartate and Cd concentration coupled with lower polyaspertate/soil ratio and initial pH. Under the optimal conditions characterized with minimal utilization of the polyaspartate and high Cd ions removal, the extractible Cd in the polyaspartate solution reached up to 84.4mg/L which yielded 85% Cd extraction efficacy. This study demonstrates the suitability of using polyaspartate as an effective environmentally friendly chelating agent for Cd extraction from contaminated soils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Mobility, Bioavailability and Toxicity of Pb and Cd in Contaminated Soil Using TCLP, BCR and Earthworms

PubMed Central

Kede, Maria Luiza F. M.; Correia, Fabio V.; Conceição, Paulo F.; Salles Junior, Sidney F.; Marques, Marcia; Moreira, Josino C.; Pérez, Daniel V.

2014-01-01

The objective of the present study was to investigate the reduction of mobility, availability and toxicity found in soil contaminated with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from Santo Amaro Municipality, Bahia, Brazil using two combined methods, commonly tested separately according to the literature: metal mobilization with phosphates and phytoextraction. The strategy applied was the treatment with two sources of phosphates (separately and mixed) followed by phytoremediation with vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.)). The treatments applied (in triplicates) were: T1—potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4); T2—reactive natural phosphate fertilizer (NRP) and; T3—a mixture 1:1 of KH2PO4 and NRP. After this step, untreated and treated soils were planted with vetiver grass. The extraction procedures and assays applied to contaminated soil before and after the treatments included metal mobility test (TCLP); sequential extraction with BCR method; toxicity assays with Eisenia andrei. The soil-to-plant transfer factors (TF) for Pb and Cd were estimated in all cases. All treatments with phosphates followed by phytoremediation reduced the mobility and availability of Pb and Cd, being KH2PO4 (T1) plus phytoremediation the most effective one. Soil toxicity however, remained high after all treatments. PMID:25386955

Enhanced reductive de-chlorination of a solvent contaminated aquifer through addition and apparent fermentation of cyclodextrin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanford, William James; Pecoraro, Michael Philip; Heinrichs, Rebecca; Boving, Thomas Bernhard

2018-01-01

In a field study, aqueous cyclodextrin (CD) was investigated for its ability to extract chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOC), such as trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), and dichloroethene (DCE) through in-situ flushing of a sandy aquifer. After cessation of aquifer flushing, a plume of CD was left. Changes in CD, cVOC, and inorganic terminal electron acceptors (TEAs) (DO, nitrate, sulfate, iron) were monitored in four rounds of wellwater sampling (20, 210, 342, and 425 days after cessation of active pumping). Post-CD flushing VOC levels rebounded (850% for TCE, 190% for TCA, and 53% for DCE) between the first two sampling rounds, apparently due to rate-limited desorption from aquifer media and dissolution from remaining NAPL. However, substantial reduction in the mass of TCE (6.3 to 0.11 mol: 98%) and TCA (2.8 to 0.73 mol: 74%) in groundwater was observed between 210 and 425 days. DCE should primarily be produced from the degradation of TCE and is expected to subsequently degrade to chloroethene. Since DCE levels decreased only slightly (0.23 to 0.17 mol: 26%), its degradation rate should be similar to that produced from the decaying TCE. Cyclodextrin was monitored starting from day 210. The mass of residual CD (as measured by Total Organic Carbon) decreased from 150 mol (day 210) to 66 (day 425) (56% decrease). The naturally anaerobic zone within the aquifer where residual CD mass decreased coincided with a loss of other major potential TEAs: nitrate (97% loss), sulfate (31%) and iron (31%). In other studies, TCE and 1,1,1-TCA have been found to be more energetically favorable TEAs than sulfate and iron and their degradation via reductive dechlorination has been found to be enhanced by the fermentation of carbohydrates. Such processes can explain these observations, but more investigation is needed to evaluate whether residual levels of CD can facilitate the anaerobic degradation of chlorinated VOCs.

Bromelain exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic airway disease ☆

PubMed Central

Secor, Eric R.; Carson, William F.; Cloutier, Michelle M.; Guernsey, Linda A.; Schramm, Craig M.; Wu, Carol A.; Thrall, Roger S.

2008-01-01

Objective Bromelain, a clinically used pineapple extract and natural product, has reported anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of bromelain treatment in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of allergic airway disease (AAD). Methods To establish AAD, mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal (i.p.) OVA/alum and challenged with daily OVA aerosols. Mice were treated i.p. with either saline, 2 or 6 mg/kg bromelain, twice daily for four consecutive days. Bronchoalveolar lavage leukocytes and cytokines, lung histology, airway hyperresponsiveness, and lymphocyte populations via flow cytometry were compared between groups. Results Bromelain treatment of AAD mice resulted in reduced total BAL leukocytes, eosinophils, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, and IL-13. Conclusion Bromelain attenuated development of AAD while altering CD4+ to CD8+ T lymphocyte populations. The reduction in AAD outcomes suggests that bromelain may have similar effects in the treatment of human asthma and hypersensitivity disorders. PMID:16337164

Ovipositional responses of the pulse beetle, Bruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) to extracts and compounds of Capparis decidua.

PubMed

Upadhyay, Ravi K; Rohatgi, Leena; Chaubey, Mukesh K; Jain, Subhash C

2006-12-27

Extracts of Capparis decidua stems and flowers showed insecticidal and oviposition inhibitory activities against Bruchus chinensis. The LC50 values of these extracts were found to increase with the increase in the polarity of the extract at different exposure periods. For instance, after 96 h, the LC50 values were found to be 3.619, 7.319, and 10.151 microg for CD1, CD2, and CD3, respectively. Extract CD7 was effective only at higher doses. The toxicity was found to be dose- and time-dependent. The females laid lesser number of eggs, when exposed to sublethal doses of different extracts and pure compounds, as compared to control. The maximum oviposition deterrence index was found for extract CD1 followed in decreasing order by CD2, CD3, and CD7. From extract CD1, two compounds were isolated and characterized as triacontanol (C1) and 2-carboxy-1,1-dimethylpyrrolidine (C2). When the females were exposed to sublethal doses of these compounds, they laid lesser number of eggs as compared to the control. C2 was found to have a slightly greater oviposition inhibition effect than C1. From fraction CD7, one novel compound labeled as CDF1 has been isolated and identified as 6-(1-hydroxy-non-3-enyl)tetrahydropyran-2-one. CDF1 has also shown insecticidal and oviposition inhibitory activities against B. chinensis at low concentrations.

Extraction of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Epicatechin Gallate from Tea Leaves Using β-Cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Cui, Lu; Liu, Yuxuan; Liu, Ting; Yuan, Yahong; Yue, Tianli; Cai, Rui; Wang, Zhouli

2017-02-01

Use of organic solvents to extract phenolic compounds from plants may result in environmental pollution and cause health problems in persons. Replacing organic extraction solvents by green extracting agents without affecting the extraction yield is one of the most pressing problems to be solved. The aim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to recover phenolic compounds from tea leaves. The extract obtained using the ethanol/water mixture presented the highest total phenolic content, followed by those obtained using β-CD solution and water. HPLC analysis of the extracts showed that the addition of β-CD to the extracting agent had a selective effect on the extraction of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG). The extraction yield of EGCG and ECG using 15 g/L β-CD were higher than that obtained using water and 50% ethanol. Molecular docking results indicated that the molecules of EGCG and ECG were more inclined to interact with β-CD than epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and gallocatechin. The impact of β-CD concentration, temperature, and time on EGCG and ECG extraction from tea leaves was investigated and the maximum amount of EGCG (118.7 mg/g) and ECG (54.6 mg/g) were achieved when extracted with 25 g/L aqueous β-CD solution at 60 °C for 60 min. The present study indicates that aqueous β-CD can be used as an alternative to organic solvents to recover EGCG and ECG from tea leaves. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Improvements in Cd stable isotope analysis achieved through use of liquid–liquid extraction to remove organic residues from Cd separates obtained by extraction chromatography† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5ja00115c Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Rehkämper, Mark; Kreissig, Katharina; Coles, Barry; van de Flierdt, Tina

2016-01-01

Organic compounds released from resins that are commonly employed for trace element separations are known to have a detrimental impact on the quality of isotopic analyses by MC-ICP-MS. A recent study highlighted that such effects can be particularly problematic for Cd stable isotope measurements (M. Gault-Ringold and C. H. Stirling, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2012, 27, 449–459). In this case, the final stage of sample purification commonly applies extraction chromatography with Eichrom TRU resin, which employs particles coated with octylphenyl-N,N-di-isobutyl carbamoylphosphine oxide (CMPO) dissolved in tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP). During chromatography, it appears that some of these compounds are eluted alongside Cd and cannot be removed by evaporation due to their high boiling points. When aliquots of the zero-ε reference material were processed through the purification procedure, refluxed in concentrated HNO3 and analyzed at minimum dilution (in 1 ml 0.1 M HNO3), they yielded Cd isotopic compositions (ε114/110Cd = 4.6 ± 3.4, 2SD, n = 4) that differed significantly from the expected value, despite the use of a double spike technique to correct for instrumental mass fractionation. This result was accompanied by a 35% reduction in instrumental sensitivity for Cd. With increasing dilution of the organic resin residue, both of these effects are reduced and they are insignificant when the eluted Cd is dissolved in ≥3 ml 0.1 M HNO3. Our results, furthermore, indicate that the isotopic artefacts are most likely related to anomalous mass bias behavior. Previous studies have shown that perchloric acid can be effective at avoiding such effects (Gault-Ringold and Stirling, 2012; K. C. Crocket, M. Lambelet, T. van de Flierdt, M. Rehkämper and L. F. Robinson, Chem. Geol., 2014, 374–375, 128–140), presumably by oxidizing the resin-derived organics, but there are numerous disadvantages to its use. Here we show that liquid–liquid extraction with n-heptane removes the organic compounds, dramatically improving quality of the Cd isotope data for samples that are analyzed at or close to minimum dilution factors. This technique is quick, simple and may be of use prior to analysis of other isotope systems where similar resins are employed. PMID:27284213

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves cardiac hypertrophy and short-term memory deficits in a Williams-Beuren syndrome mouse model

PubMed Central

Bosch-Morató, Mònica; Guivernau, Biuse; Albericio, Guillermo; Muñoz, Francisco J.; Pérez-Jurado, Luis A.

2018-01-01

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous deletion of 26–28 genes at chromosome band 7q11.23. The complete deletion (CD) mouse model mimics the most common deletion found in WBS patients and recapitulates most neurologic features of the disorder along with some cardiovascular manifestations leading to significant cardiac hypertrophy with increased cardiomyocytes’ size. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin found in green tea, has been associated with potential health benefits, both on cognition and cardiovascular phenotypes, through several mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the effects of green tea extracts on WBS-related phenotypes through a phase I clinical trial in mice. After feeding CD animals with green tea extracts dissolved in the drinking water, starting at three different time periods (prenatal, youth and adulthood), a set of behavioral tests and several anatomical, histological and molecular analyses were performed. Treatment resulted to be effective in the reduction of cardiac hypertrophy and was also able to ameliorate short-term memory deficits of CD mice. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG might have a therapeutic and/or preventive role in the management of WBS. PMID:29554110

Remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil by extraction with para-sulphonato-thiacalix[4]arene, a novel supramolecular receptor.

PubMed

Li, Yushuang; Hu, Xiaojun; Song, Xueying; Sun, Tieheng

2012-08-01

Batch extractions were conducted to evaluate the performance of para-sulphonato-thiacalix[4]arene (STC[4]A), a novel supramolecular receptor, for removing cadmium (Cd) from soil. The extraction mechanism was investigated by determination of the conditional stability constants (log K) of the STC[4]A-Cd complex. The influences of various variables were examined, including pH, contact time, and extractant concentration. The Cd extraction efficiency increased with increasing pH, reaching the maximum at pH 11 and then declining at higher pH values. This pH dependence was explained by the variation in the log K value of the STC[4]A-Cd complex along with pH change. When the STC[4]A dose was increased to an STC[4]A:Cd molar ratio of 2.5:1, Cd was exhaustively removed (up to 96.8%). The comparison experiment revealed that the Cd extraction performance of STC[4]A was almost equivalent to that of EDTA and significantly better than that of natural organic acids. STC[4]A extraction could efficiently prevent co-dissolution of soil minerals. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of basophil-activating capacity of grass pollen allergens, allergoids and hypoallergenic recombinant derivatives by flow cytometry using anti-CD203c.

PubMed

Kahlert, H; Cromwell, O; Fiebig, H

2003-09-01

The assessment of the basophil-activating potential is an important aspect in the development of improved preparations for specific immunotherapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of CD203c expression as a measure of basophil activation to compare allergoids with original allergen extracts, and recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives with recombinant wild-type and natural allergens. Heparinized whole blood samples from grass pollen allergic subjects were stimulated with grass pollen allergens and allergen derivatives followed by labelling of the basophils with PE-conjugated anti-CD203c. After lysis of the erythrocytes and fixation, the basophils were detected by flow cytometry. In some experiments, histamine release was determined simultaneously. Grass pollen allergoids revealed a 10-10 000-fold reduction of basophil-activating capacity measured by CD203c expression. The deletion mutant DM4 of rPhl p 5b showed stronger hypoallergenic characteristics in a range of 50-10 000-fold reduction, whereas a combination mutant of rPhl p 5b and Phl p 6 revealed less hypoallergenic features. Histamine release experiments led to a similar outcome as CD203c measurement. The measurement of CD203c expression on basophils by flow cytometry provides a rapid and sensitive method for the estimation of the allergic or hypoallergenic features of allergen preparations. The results demonstrated the hypoallergenicity of grass pollen allergoids and of the rPhl p 5b variant DM4, which may be a candidate in future preparations for specific immunotherapy.

Biosynthesis of CdS nanoparticles in banana peel extract.

PubMed

Zhou, Guang Ju; Li, Shuo Hao; Zhang, Yu Cang; Fu, Yun Zhi

2014-06-01

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by using banana peel extract as a convenient, non-toxic, eco-friendly 'green' capping agent. Cadmium nitrate and sodium sulfide are main reagents. A variety of CdS NPs are prepared through changing reaction conditions (banana extracts, the amount of banana peel extract, solution pH, concentration and reactive temperature). The prepared CdS colloid displays strong fluorescence spectrum. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates the successful formation of CdS NPs. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrogram indicates the involvement of carboxyl, amine and hydroxyl groups in the formation of CdS NPs. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) result reveals that the average size of the NPs is around 1.48 nm.

Modified natural diatomite and its enhanced immobilization of lead, copper and cadmium in simulated contaminated soils.

PubMed

Ye, Xinxin; Kang, Shenghong; Wang, Huimin; Li, Hongying; Zhang, Yunxia; Wang, Guozhong; Zhao, Huijun

2015-05-30

Natural diatomite was modified through facile acid treatment and ultrasonication, which increased its electronegativity, and the pore volume and surface area achieved to 0.211 cm(3) g(-1) and 76.9 m(2) g(-1), respectively. Modified diatomite was investigated to immobilize the potential toxic elements (PTEs) of Pb, Cu and Cd in simulated contaminated soil comparing to natural diatomite. When incubated with contaminated soils at rates of 2.5% and 5.0% by weight for 90 days, modified diatomite was more effective in immobilizing Pb, Cu and Cd than natural diatomite. After treated with 5.0% modified diatomite for 90 days, the contaminated soils showed 69.7%, 49.7% and 23.7% reductions in Pb, Cu and Cd concentrations after 0.01 M CaCl2 extraction, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Cu and Cd were reduced by 66.7%, 47.2% and 33.1% in the leaching procedure, respectively. The surface complexation played an important role in the immobilization of PTEs in soils. The decreased extractable metal content of soil was accompanied by improved microbial activity which significantly increased (P<0.05) in 5.0% modified diatomite-amended soils. These results suggested that modified diatomite with micro/nanostructured characteristics increased the immobilization of PTEs in contaminated soil and had great potential as green and low-cost amendments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, and α-glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Corchorus depressus

PubMed Central

Afzal, Samina; Chaudhry, Bashir Ahmad; Ahmad, Ashfaq; Uzair, Muhammad; Afzal, Khurram

2017-01-01

Background: Corchorus depressus (Cd) commonly known as Boa-phalee belonging to the family Tiliaceae having 50 genera and 450 species. Cd is not among the studied medicinal agent despite its potential in ethnopharmacology. Objectives: The present study investigated antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Cd. The dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of the Cd were evaluated for biological activities such as antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of AChE, BChE, and α-glucosidase. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring free radical scavenging potential of Cd using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Enzyme inhibition activities were done by measuring optical density. Results: The methanol extract of roots of Cd showed potential free radical scavenging activity 99% at concentration 16.1 μg/ml. AChE was inhibited by aerial part of dichloromethane fraction by 46.07% ± 0.45% while dichloromethane extracts of roots of Cd possessed significant activity against BChE with 86% inhibition compared with standard drug Eserine at concentration 0.5 mg/ml. The dichloromethane extract of roots of Cd showed 79% inhibition against α-glucosidase enzyme activity with IC50 62.8 ± 1.5 μg/ml. Conclusion: These findings suggest Cd as useful therapeutic option as antioxidant and inhibition of AChE, BChE, and α-glucosidase activities. SUMMARY The aerial parts and roots of Corchorus depressus (Cd) were extracted in dichloromethane and methanolThe extract of roots of Cd showed free radical scavenging activity 99% at concentration 16.1 mg/ml, Ach inhibition by aerial parts of dichloromethane fraction by 46.07%, and 79% inhibition against a-glucosidase enzyme activity with IC50 62.8 ± 1.5 mg/mlThe dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of Cd exhibited antioxidant inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and a-glucosidase activities. Abbreviations used: DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, Cd: Corchorus depressus, AChE: Acetylcholinesterase, BChE: Butyrylcholinesterase, AD: Alzheimer's disease. PMID:29200727

Metal separation from mixed types of batteries using selective precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction techniques.

PubMed

Provazi, Kellie; Campos, Beatriz Amaral; Espinosa, Denise Crocce Romano; Tenório, Jorge Alberto Soares

2011-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to study metal separation from a sample composed of a mixture of the main types of spent household batteries, using a hydrometallurgical route, comparing selective precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction separation techniques. The preparation of the solution consisted of: grinding the waste of mixed batteries, reduction and volatile metals elimination using electric furnace and acid leaching. From this solution two different routes were studied: selective precipitation with sodium hydroxide and liquid-liquid extraction using Cyanex 272 [bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphoric acid] as extracting agent. The best results were obtained from liquid-liquid extraction in which Zn had a 99% extraction rate at pH 2.5. More than 95% Fe was extracted at pH 7.0, the same pH at which more than 90% Ce was extracted. About 88% Mn, Cr and Co was extracted at this pH. At pH 3.0, more than 85% Ni was extracted, and at pH 3.5 more than 80% of Cd and La was extracted. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimation of Cadmium uptake by tobacco plants from laboratory leaching tests.

PubMed

Marković, Jelena P; Jović, Mihajlo D; Smičiklas, Ivana D; Šljivić-Ivanović, Marija Z; Smiljanić, Slavko N; Onjia, Antonije E; Popović, Aleksandar R

2018-03-21

The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of cadmium (Cd) concentration in the soil on its uptake by tobacco plants, and to compare the ability of diverse extraction procedures for determining Cd bioavailability and predicting soil-to-plant transfer and Cd plant concentrations. The pseudo-total digestion procedure, modified Tessier sequential extraction and six standard single-extraction tests for estimation of metal mobility and bioavailability were used for the leaching of Cd from a native soil, as well as samples artificially contaminated over a wide range of Cd concentrations. The results of various leaching tests were compared between each other, as well as with the amounts of Cd taken up by tobacco plants in pot experiments. In the native soil sample, most of the Cd was found in fractions not readily available under natural conditions, but with increasing pollution level, Cd amounts in readily available forms increased. With increasing concentrations of Cd in the soil, the quantity of pollutant taken up in tobacco also increased, while the transfer factor (TF) decreased. Linear and non-linear empirical models were developed for predicting the uptake of Cd by tobacco plants based on the results of selected leaching tests. The non-linear equations for ISO 14870 (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid extraction - DTPA), ISO/TS 21268-2 (CaCl 2 leaching procedure), US EPA 1311 (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure - TCLP) single step extractions, and the sum of the first two fractions of the sequential extraction, exhibited the best correlation with the experimentally determined concentrations of Cd in plants over the entire range of pollutant concentrations. This approach can improve and facilitate the assessment of human exposure to Cd by tobacco smoking, but may also have wider applicability in predicting soil-to-plant transfer.

Liquid-liquid extraction of Cd(II) from pure and Ni/Cd acidic chloride media using Cyanex 921: a selective treatment of hazardous leachate of spent Ni-Cd batteries.

PubMed

Choi, Seon-Young; Nguyen, Viet Tu; Lee, Jae-Chun; Kang, Ho; Pandey, B D

2014-08-15

The present paper is focused on solvent extraction of hazardous Cd(II) from acidic chloride media by Cyanex 921, a new extractant mixed with 10% (v/v) TBP in xylene. The optimum conditions for extraction and stripping of Cd(II) were investigated with an aqueous feed of 0.1 mol/L Cd(II) in 2.0 mol/L HCl. McCabe-Thiele diagram was in good agreement with the simulation studies, showing the quantitative extraction (99.9%) of Cd(II) within two counter-current stages utilizing 0.30 mol/L Cyanex 921 at O/A ratio of 3/2 in 10 min. Stoichiometry of the complexes extracted was determined and confirmed by numerical treatment and graphical method, revealing the formation of HCdCl3 · 2L and HCdCl3 · 4L for Cyanex 921(L) concentration in the range 0.03-0.1 mol/L and 0.1-1.0 mol/L, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters for the extraction of cadmium were also determined. The stripping efficiency of cadmium from the loaded organic with 0.10 mol/L HCl was 99.6% in a three-stage counter-current process at an O/A ratio of 2/3. Cyanex 921 was successfully applied for the separation of Cd(II) from Ni(II) in the simulated leach liquor of spent Ni-Cd batteries. The study demonstrates the applicability of the present hydrometallurgical approach for the treatment of hazardous waste, the spent Ni-Cd batteries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of eggshell waste for the immobilization of cadmium and lead in a contaminated soil.

PubMed

Ok, Yong Sik; Lee, Sang Soo; Jeon, Weon-Tai; Oh, Sang-Eun; Usman, Adel R A; Moon, Deok Hyun

2011-01-01

Liming materials have been used to immobilize heavy metals in contaminated soils. However, no studies have evaluated the use of eggshell waste as a source of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to immobilize both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of eggshell waste on the immobilization of Cd and Pb and to determine the metal availability following various single extraction techniques. Incubation experiments were conducted by mixing 0-5% powdered eggshell waste and curing the soil (1,246 mg Pb kg⁻¹ soil and 17 mg Cd kg⁻¹ soil) for 30 days. Five extractants, 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂), 1 M CaCl₂, 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl), 0.43 M acetic acid (CH₃COOH), and 0.05 M ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were used to determine the extractability of Cd and Pb following treatments with CaCO₃ and eggshell waste. Generally, the extractability of Cd and Pb in the soils decreased in response to treatments with CaCO₃ and eggshell waste, regardless of extractant. Using CaCl₂ extraction, the lowest Cd concentration was achieved upon both CaCO₃ and eggshell waste treatments, while the lowest Pb concentration was observed using HCl extraction. The highest amount of immobilized Cd and Pb was extracted by CH₃COOH or EDTA in soils treated with CaCO₃ and eggshell waste, indicating that remobilization of Cd and Pb may occur under acidic conditions. Based on the findings obtained, eggshell waste can be used as an alternative to CaCO₃ for the immobilization of heavy metals in soils.

[Effect of phosphor on accumulation and chemical forms of cadmium, and physiological characterization in different varieties of Capsicum annuum L].

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao-Jing; Liu, Ji-Zhen; Xu, Wei-Hong; Chen, Gui-Qing; Wang, Hui-Xian; Zhang, Hai-Bo; Han, Gui-Qi; Zeng, Hong-Jun; Lan, Chun-Tao; Xiong, Zhi-Ting; Wei, Song-Qing

2011-04-01

Pot experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of different Phosphor (P) levels (0, 0.3% and 0.5%) on the plant growth, activities of antioxidant enzymes, accumulation and chemical forms of cadmium (Cd) in Capsicum annuum L. when exposed to Cd (10 mg x kg(-1)). The results showed that dry weights of leaf, fruit, roots and total dry weights of plant, and concentration and accumulation of Cd significantly differed between two varieties of Capsicum annuum L. Dry weights of fruit and total plant of Chaotianjiao increased by P (0.3% and 0.5%), while that of Yanjiao425 was inhibited. Activities of catalase (CAT) were increased at first, and then reduced in the presence of P; Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) of Chaotianjiao increased with increasing levels of P, but activities of SOD and POD of Yanjiao425 decreased with increasing levels of P. Chemical forms of Cd in fruit of Capsicum annuum L. were in order of F(NaCl) > F(HAC) > F(E) > Fr > F(HC) > F(W). The total extractable Cd, ethanol-extractable Cd, hydrochloric acid-extractable Cd and residual Cd in fruit of Ynajiao425 obviously decreased in the presence of P compared to the control, while the total extractable Cd, water-extractable Cd, acetic acid-extractable Cd and residual Cd in fruit of Chaotianjiao increased. Cadmium accumulations of Capsicum annuum L. were in order of roots > stew > leaf > fruit. Cadmium accumulations in fruit and plant of Yanjiao425 were decreased by 47.7% and 58.5% , 5.5% and 13. 1% in the presence of 0.3% and 0.5% P when exposed to Cd, and Cd accumulations in fruit and plant of Chaotianjiao were decreased by 23.6% in the presence of 0.3% P.

Onion and garlic extracts as potential antidotes for cadmium-induced biochemical alterations in prostate glands of rats.

PubMed

Ola-Mudathir, F K; Suru, S M

2015-11-01

Cadmium (Cd) has been implicated in increased prostate gland malignancy risk in both wildlife and humans. This study examines the chemoprotective roles of onion and garlic extracts on Cd-induced biochemical alterations in the prostate glands of rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups: control group received double distilled water; Cd group received Cd alone (1.5 mg/100 g bwt per day); extract-treated groups were pre-treated with varied doses of onion and/or garlic extract (0.5 ml and 1.0 ml/100 g bwt per day) for 1 week and then co-treated with Cd (1.5 mg/100 g bwt per day) for additional 3 weeks. Oxidant/antioxidant status and acid phosphatase (ACPtotal and ACPprostatic ) activity were examined in prostate glands. Cd intoxication caused a marked (P < 0.001) increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels, whereas glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were markedly (P < 0.001) decreased. We also observed significant (P < 0.001) decrease in ACPtotal and ACPprostatic activities in prostate glands and a concomitant significant (P < 0.001) increase in the plasma. However, treatment of Cd-intoxicated rats with onion and/or garlic extract significantly minimised these alterations. The onion extract offered a dose-dependent protection. Our findings suggest a chemoprotective capability for onion and garlic extracts against Cd-induced biochemical alteration in the prostate glands. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The use of municipal sewage sludge for the stabilization of soil contaminated by mining activities.

PubMed

Theodoratos, P; Moirou, A; Xenidis, A; Paspaliaris, I

2000-10-02

The ability of municipal sewage sludge to immobilize Pb, Zn and Cd contained in contaminated soil originating from a former mining area in Lavrion, Greece was investigated. The soil was cured with sewage sludge in various proportions. The stabilization was evaluated primarily by applying chemical tests and complemented by the performance of additional biological tests. Application of the U.S. EPA Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) on the stabilized mixtures proved that Pb, Zn and Cd solubility was reduced by 84%, 64% and 76%, respectively, at 15% w/w sludge addition, while a 10% w/w addition was sufficient to reduce Pb solubility below the U.S. EPA TCLP regulatory limit. The results of the extraction using EDTA solution showed the same trend, resulting in 26%, 36% and 53% reduction in the Pb, Zn and Cd extractable fractions, respectively. Speciation analysis of the treated soils revealed a significant decrease in the mobile fractions of heavy metals, which was attributed to their retention in sewage sludge by adsorption and organic complexation mechanisms. For the assessment of possible phytotoxicity, experiments including growing dwarf beans in the treated soil was carried out. It was found that sewage sludge addition had a positive effect on plant growth. Furthermore, the Pb and Zn uptake of plant leaves and roots was reduced, while Cd uptake was unaffected by the sludge treatment. The results of this study support the hypothesis that municipal sewage sludge is a potential effective stabilizing agent for contaminated soil containing Pb, Zn and Cd.

Bio-nano complexes of ZVFeNPs/Fe-s-M13 and Cd (II)/Cd-s-M13 accelerate Cd (II) reduction by FeNPs through dual dispersing and separate deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shuai; Nakano, Kazuhiko; Yu, Huimin; Shen, Zhongyao

2014-03-01

Reduction of Cd (II) in liquor by solid zero valent Fe nanoparticles (ZVFeNPs) is a liquid-solid biphasic reaction in which the reduction efficiency was often lowered by either aggregation of ZVFeNPs or coating of the generated ZVCd. In light of the filamentous nanostructure of bacteriophage M13 with ˜2700 copies of pVIII protein in delicate distribution at the coat, a novel dual dispersing reduction route was designed by introducing two different kinds of M13 with Fe-binding specificity (Fe-s-M13) and Cd-binding specificity (Cd-s-M13) to disperse ZVFeNPs and Cd (II) ions, respectively. The Fe-s-M13 was used for synthesis of the ZVFeNPs/Fe-s-M13 complex, where ZVFeNPs were uniformly dispersed into small nanoparticles (5-10 nm) on Fe-s-M13. The engineered Cd-s-M13, constructed by genetic recombination of pVIII through inserting the gene of a biopanned 7-mer Cd-specific peptide (SCPICPG) into the N-terminus of pVIII gene, was used for Cd (II) dispersion before reduction. The dispersed complex of Cd(II)/Cd-s-M13 was rapidly reduced by complex of ZVFeNPs/Fe-s-M13. Kinetics results showed that the initial reduction rate and final reduction ratio of Cd (II) increased by 35.7% and 16.4%, respectively, through dispersion of ZVFeNPs by Fe-s-M13; they improved again by 53.6% and 37.0%, respectively, through further dispersion of Cd (II) by Cd-s-M13. TEM and EDS results revealed that the acceleration effect of the dual dispersing reduction was arising from uniform dispersion of the small ZVFeNPs and separate deposition of the reduced ZVCd on the two different M13 phages.

LBSapSal-vaccinated dogs exhibit increased circulating T-lymphocyte subsets (CD4+ and CD8+) as well as a reduction of parasitism after challenge with Leishmania infantum plus salivary gland of Lutzomyia longipalpis

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The development of a protective vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is an alternative approach for interrupting the domestic cycle of Leishmania infantum. Given the importance of sand fly salivary proteins as potent immunogens obligatorily co-deposited during transmission of Leishmania parasites, their inclusion in an anti-Leishmania vaccine has been investigated in the last few decades. In this context, we previously immunized dogs with a vaccine composed of L. braziliensis antigens plus saponin as the adjuvant and sand fly salivary gland extract (LBSapSal vaccine). This vaccine elicited an increase in both anti-saliva and anti-Leishmania IgG isotypes, higher counts of specific circulating CD8+ T cells, and high NO production. Methods We investigated the immunogenicity and protective effect of LBSapSal vaccination after intradermal challenge with 1 × 107 late-log-phase L. infantum promastigotes in the presence of sand fly saliva of Lutzomyia longipalpis. The dogs were followed for up to 885 days after challenge. Results The LBSapSal vaccine presents extensive antigenic diversity with persistent humoral and cellular immune responses, indicating resistance against CVL is triggered by high levels of total IgG and its subtypes (IgG1 and IgG2); expansion of circulating CD5+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocytes and is Leishmania-specific; and reduction of splenic parasite load. Conclusions These results encourage further study of vaccine strategies addressing Leishmania antigens in combination with proteins present in the saliva of the vector. PMID:24507702

Subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium in the edible seaweed, Porphyra yezoensis.

PubMed

Zhao, Yanfang; Wu, Jifa; Shang, Derong; Ning, Jinsong; Zhai, Yuxiu; Sheng, Xiaofeng; Ding, Haiyan

2015-02-01

The subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd were investigated in the edible seaweed, Porphyra yezoensis. The seaweed was exposed to different Cd concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0mgl(-1)) for up to 96h. In both the controls (no Cd added) and treatment groups, 41.2-79.2% of Cd was localised in the cell wall, and the proportion of Cd in the cell wall increased with increasing concentrations of Cd and exposure time. In the control groups, 74.8% of Cd was extracted by 1M NaCl, followed by 2% acetic acid, HAC (18.9%). In the treatment groups, most Cd was extracted by 2% HAC. The proportion of Cd extracted by 2% HAC increased with exposure to increasing concentrations of Cd and over time. Cell wall deposition and forming of precipitates with phosphate may be a key strategy to reduce Cd toxicity in P. yezoensis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cadmium accumulation characteristics of F1 hybrids by reciprocal hybridizing of Solanum nigrum in two climate-ecology regions.

PubMed

Lin, Lijin; He, Jing; Wang, Xun; Wang, Jin; Lv, Xiulan; Liao, Ming'an; Wang, Zhihui; Tang, Yi; Liang, Dong; Xia, Hui; Lai, Yunsong

2016-09-01

Different ecotypes of crop hybridization can produce heterosis effects and have wide applications in plant breeding. In this study, seedlings of cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum were collected from two different climate-ecology regions of the western Sichuan Basin, China, to carry out reciprocal hybridizing and to study the Cd accumulation characteristics of F1 hybrids of S. nigrum. In the two pot experiments (high and low soil Cd concentration), the biomass and Cd extraction of reciprocal hybridizing F1 hybrids were higher than those of the parents, but the Cd content in different organs was lower than those of the parents. These results indicate that the biomass and Cd extraction of F1 hybrids show over-parent heterosis, and the Cd content shows hybrid weakness. In the field experiment, the variety of the biomass, Cd content, and Cd extraction of reciprocal hybridizing F1 hybrids were the same as the pot experiments, and the Cd extraction by shoots of reciprocal hybridizing F1 hybrids increased by 17.20 and 23.08 %, relative to the two higher parents. Therefore, the reciprocal hybridizing S. nigrum of different climate-ecology regions could be efficiently used to improve the phytoremediation ability of S. nigrum to Cd-contaminated soil.

Spatial variability of soil total and DTPA-extractable cadmium caused by long-term application of phosphate fertilizers, crop rotation, and soil characteristics.

PubMed

Jafarnejadi, A R; Sayyad, Gh; Homaee, M; Davamei, A H

2013-05-01

Increasing cadmium (Cd) accumulation in agricultural soils is undesirable due to its hazardous influences on human health. Thus, having more information on spatial variability of Cd and factors effective to increase its content on the cultivated soils is very important. Phosphate fertilizers are main contamination source of cadmium (Cd) in cultivated soils. Also, crop rotation is a critical management practice which can alter soil Cd content. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term consumption of the phosphate fertilizers, crop rotations, and soil characteristics on spatial variability of two soil Cd species (i.e., total and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable) in agricultural soils. The study was conducted in wheat farms of Khuzestan Province, Iran. Long-term (27-year period (1980 to 2006)) data including the rate and the type of phosphate fertilizers application, the respective area, and the rotation type of different regions were used. Afterwards, soil Cd content (total or DTPA extractable) and its spatial variability in study area (400,000 ha) were determined by sampling from soils of 255 fields. The results showed that the consumption rate of di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer have been varied enormously in the period study. The application rate of phosphorus fertilizers was very high in some subregions with have extensive agricultural activities (more than 95 kg/ha). The average and maximum contents of total Cd in the study region were obtained as 1.47 and 2.19 mg/kg and DTPA-extractable Cd as 0.084 and 0.35 mg/kg, respectively. The spatial variability of Cd indicated that total and DTPA-extractable Cd contents were over 0.8 and 0.1 mg/kg in 95 and 25 % of samples, respectively. The spherical model enjoys the best fitting and lowest error rate to appraise the Cd content. Comparing the phosphate fertilizer consumption rate with spatial variability of the soil cadmium (both total and DTPA extractable) revealed the high correlation between the consumption rate of P fertilizers and soil Cd content. Rotation type was likely the main effective factor on variations of the soil DTPA-extractable Cd contents in some parts (eastern part of study region) and could explain some Cd variation. Total Cd concentrations had significant correlation with the total neutralizing value (p < 0.01), available P (p < 0.01), cation exchange capacity (p < 0.05), and organic carbon (p < 0.05) variables. The DTPA-extractable Cd had significant correlation with OC (p < 0.01), pH, and clay content (p < 0.05). Therefore, consumption rate of the phosphate fertilizers and crop rotation are important factors on solubility and hence spatial variability of Cd content in agricultural soils.

Optimization of β-cyclodextrin-based flavonol extraction from apple pomace using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Parmar, Indu; Sharma, Sowmya; Rupasinghe, H P Vasantha

2015-04-01

The present study investigated five cyclodextrins (CDs) for the extraction of flavonols from apple pomace powder and optimized β-CD based extraction of total flavonols using response surface methodology. A 2(3) central composite design with β-CD concentration (0-5 g 100 mL(-1)), extraction temperature (20-72 °C), extraction time (6-48 h) and second-order quadratic model for the total flavonol yield (mg 100 g(-1) DM) was selected to generate the response surface curves. The optimal conditions obtained were: β-CD concentration, 2.8 g 100 mL(-1); extraction temperature, 45 °C and extraction time, 25.6 h that predicted the extraction of 166.6 mg total flavonols 100 g(-1) DM. The predicted amount was comparable to the experimental amount of 151.5 mg total flavonols 100 g(-1) DM obtained from optimal β-CD based parameters, thereby giving a low absolute error and adequacy of fitted model. In addition, the results from optimized extraction conditions showed values similar to those obtained through previously established solvent based sonication assisted flavonol extraction procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to optimize aqueous β-CD based flavonol extraction which presents an environmentally safe method for value-addition to under-utilized bio resources.

Recovery of zinc and cadmium from spent batteries using Cyphos IL 102 via solvent extraction route and synthesis of Zn and Cd oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Singh, Rashmi; Mahandra, Harshit; Gupta, Bina

2017-09-01

The overall aim of this study is to separate and recover zinc and cadmium from spent batteries. For this purpose Cyphos IL 102 diluted in toluene was employed for the extraction and recovery of Zn and Cd from Zn-C and Ni-Cd batteries leach liquor. The influence of extractant concentration for the leach liquors of Zn-C (0.01-0.05mol/L) and Ni-Cd (0.04-0.20mol/L) batteries has been investigated. Composition of the leach liquor obtained from Zn-C/Ni-Cd spent batteries is Zn - 2.18g/L, Mn - 4.59g/L, Fe - 4.0×10 -3 g/L, Ni - 0.2×10 -3 g/L/Cd - 4.28g/L, Ni - 0.896×10 -1 g/L, Fe - 0.148g/L, Co - 3.77×10 -3 g/L, respectively. Two stage counter current extraction at A/O 1:1 and 3:2 with 0.04mol/L and 0.2mol/L Cyphos IL 102 for Zn and Cd, respectively provide more than 99.0% extraction of both the metal ions with almost negligible extraction of associated metal ions. A stripping efficiency of around 99.0% for Zn and Cd was obtained at O/A 1:1 using 1.0mol/L HNO 3 in two and three counter current stages, respectively. ZnO and CdO were also synthesized using the loaded organic phase and characterized using XRD, FE-SEM and EDX techniques. XRD peaks of ZnO and CdO correspond to zincite and monteponite, respectively. The average particle size was ∼27.0nm and ∼37.0nm for ZnO and CdO, respectively. The EDX analysis of ZnO and CdO shows almost 1:1 atomic percentage. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis elicits shoot proteome changes that are modified during cadmium stress alleviation in Medicago truncatula

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which engage a mutualistic symbiosis with the roots of most plant species, have received much attention for their ability to alleviate heavy metal stress in plants, including cadmium (Cd). While the molecular bases of Cd tolerance displayed by mycorrhizal plants have been extensively analysed in roots, very little is known regarding the mechanisms by which legume aboveground organs can escape metal toxicity upon AM symbiosis. As a model system to address this question, we used Glomus irregulare-colonised Medicago truncatula plants, which were previously shown to accumulate and tolerate heavy metal in their shoots when grown in a substrate spiked with 2 mg Cd kg-1. Results The measurement of three indicators for metal phytoextraction showed that shoots of mycorrhizal M. truncatula plants have a capacity for extracting Cd that is not related to an increase in root-to-shoot translocation rate, but to a high level of allocation plasticity. When analysing the photosynthetic performance in metal-treated mycorrhizal plants relative to those only Cd-supplied, it turned out that the presence of G. irregulare partially alleviated the negative effects of Cd on photosynthesis. To test the mechanisms by which shoots of Cd-treated mycorrhizal plants avoid metal toxicity, we performed a 2-DE/MALDI/TOF-based comparative proteomic analysis of the M. truncatula shoot responses upon mycorrhization and Cd exposure. Whereas the metal-responsive shoot proteins currently identified in non-mycorrhizal M. truncatula indicated that Cd impaired CO2 assimilation, the mycorrhiza-responsive shoot proteome was characterised by an increase in photosynthesis-related proteins coupled to a reduction in glugoneogenesis/glycolysis and antioxidant processes. By contrast, Cd was found to trigger the opposite response coupled the up-accumulation of molecular chaperones in shoot of mycorrhizal plants relative to those metal-free. Conclusion Besides drawing a first picture of shoot proteome modifications upon AM symbiosis and/or heavy metal stress in legume plants, the current work argues for allocation plasticity as the main driving force for Cd extraction in aboveground tissues of M. truncatula upon mycorrhization. Additionally, according to the retrieved proteomic data, we propose that shoots of mycorrhizal legume plants escape Cd toxicity through a metabolic shift implying the glycolysis-mediated mobilization of defence mechanisms at the expense of the photosynthesis-dependent symbiotic sucrose sink. PMID:21545723

Anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia princeps in antigen-stimulated T cells and regulatory T cells.

PubMed

Chang, Sung Ho; Jung, Eun Jung; Park, Youn Hee; Lim, Dong Gyun; Ko, Na Young; Choi, Wahn Soo; Her, Erk; Kim, Soo Hyun; Choi, Kang Duk; Bae, Jae Ho; Kim, Sun Hee; Kang, Chi Dug; Han, Duck Jong; Kim, Song Cheol

2009-08-01

The aim was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia princeps extract on the activity of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and antigen-expanded regulatory T cells. CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells were activated with coated anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 and cultured in the presence or absence of various concentrations of A. princeps extract. The cultures were pulsed on Day 6 with [(3)H]thymidine and, after harvesting the cells, [(3)H]thymidine incorporation was measured. For analysis of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma secreted from CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells, culture supernatants were collected on Days 2 and 6. For the analysis of interleukin-10 secreted from the CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and expanded regulatory T cells, supernatants were collected after 2 and 7 days, respectively. Cytokine levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Potential medicinal components of the A. princeps extract were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A. princeps (30 microg/ml) effectively suppressed proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells that were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 without causing cytotoxicity in spleen cells incubated under conditions lacking antigen stimulation. A. princeps inhibited production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma in anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Also, the extract slightly increased production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in these cells. In regulatory T cells expanded by anti-CD3/CD28, A. princeps increased production of interleukin-10 and Foxp3. The results suggest that A. princeps may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation rejection by inhibiting proliferation of inflammatory T cells, suppressing inflammatory processes in antigen-stimulated CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and increasing activity of expanded regulatory T cells.

Mangifera indica L. extract protects T cells from activation-induced cell death.

PubMed

Hernández, Patricia; Delgado, Rene; Walczak, Henning

2006-09-01

The aqueous stem bark extract of Mangifera indica L. (Vimang) has been reported to have antioxidant properties. AIDS is characterized by up-regulation of CD95 ligand (CD95L) expression and enhancement of activation-induced cell death (AICD). Recent studies demonstrate oxidative signals combined with simultaneous calcium (Ca(2+)) influx into the cytosol are required for induction of CD95L expression. In this study we show that M. indica extract attenuated anti-CD3-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular free Ca(2+) and consequently, downregulates CD95L mRNA expression and CD95-mediated AICD. In addition, TCR triggering caused an elevation in the antioxidant enzyme manganous superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and the increase in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, both effects being prevented by M. indica extract. We provide a number of evidences regarding how M. indica extract enhance T-cell survival by inhibiting AICD, a finding associated with a decrease in oxidative stress generated through the TCR signaling pathway in activated T cells.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cordia dichotoma fruit extract and its enhanced antibacterial, anti-biofilm and photo catalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bharathi, Devaraj; Vasantharaj, Seerangaraj; Bhuvaneshwari, V.

2018-05-01

The present study describes the antibacterial, anti-biofilm and photo catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Cordia dichotoma fruits (Cd-AgNPs) for the first time. The phyto-synthesized Cd-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). FE-SEM and TEM observation showed that the average size of 2–60 nm with spherical shape of Cd-AgNPs and the presence of phyto-compounds which are responsible for capping and reduction were studied by FT-IR. XRD studies revealed the face-centered cubic structure of Cd-AgNPs. The synthesized Cd-AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, assayed using agar well diffusion method. Phyto-synthesized Cd-AgNPs exhibited more than 90% inhibition of biofilm activity formed by S. aureus and E. coli. Furthermore, photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet (CV) under UV light irradiation using Cd-AgNPs was performed. Synthesized Cd-AgNPs exhibited ∼85% degradation activity for CV. Collectively, our findings suggest that C.dichotoma is a green source for the eco-friendly synthesis of Cd-AgNPs, which further can be used as a novel biocidal agent against bacterial pathogens and a potent photo catalytic agent.

[Transfer characteristics of cadmium in soil-vegetable-insect food chain].

PubMed

Ding, Ping; Zhuang, Ping; Li, Zhi-An; Xia, Han-Ping; Tai, Yi-Ping; Lu, Huan-Ping

2012-11-01

Taking two kinds of vegetables (Brassica rapa and Amaranthus mangostanus) and one insect species (Prodenia litura) as test materials, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the transfer characteristics of cadmium (Cd) in soil-vegetable-insect food chain and the distribution patters of different Cd chemical forms in the organs of the two vegetables. With the increasing concentration of applied Cd in soil, the biomass of the two vegetables decreased significantly, while the Cd concentration in the vegetables had a significant increase. The Cd concentration in the vegetable organs decreased in the order of stem > root > leaf for A. mangostanus, and of stem > leaf > root for B. rapa. The Cd concentration in P. litura larvae also increased with the increasing concentration of Cd in soil, and the maximum Cd concentration in the P. litura larvae on B. rapa and A. mangostanus was 36.7 and 46.3 mg x kg(-1), respectively. In the feces of the larvae on B. rapa and A. mangostanus, the Cd concentration was up to 190 and 229.8 mg x kg(-1), respectively, suggesting that the most part of Cd absorbed by P. litura larvae was excreted out of their bodies via feces. In the organs of the two vegetables, NaCl-extractable Cd was the dominant Cd form (> 70%), followed by d-H2O- and ethanol-extractable Cd, while the HAc-extractable Cd (insoluble cadmium phosphate), HCl-extractable Cd (insoluble cadmium oxalate), and residual Cd only had a very low concentration. Such a present pattern of different Cd forms in vegetable organs could be conducive to the Cd transfer in the food chain. P. litura could ease Cd poison by excreting large amount of absorbed Cd via feces, and effectively restrict the transfer of Cd to next trophic level. Since B. rapa and A. mangostanus could accumulate large amount of Cd in their biomass, the two vegetables were suggested not to be planted in highly Cd-contaminated soil.

Bioavailability of Cadmium in Inexpensive Jewelry

PubMed Central

Miller, Jennifer; Guinn, Daphne; Pearson, Janna

2011-01-01

Objectives: We evaluated the bioavailability of Cd in 86 components of 57 jewelry items found to contain high levels of Cd (> 10,000 ppm) by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), using extractions that simulate mouthing or swallowing of jewelry items. Methods: We screened jewelry for Cd content by XRF. Bioavailability was measured in two ways. Items were placed in saline solution at 37°C for 6 hr to simulate exposures from mouthing of jewelry items. Items were placed in dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) at 37°C for 6–96 hr, simulating the worst-case scenario of a child swallowing a jewelry item. Damaged pieces of selected samples were also extracted by both methods to determine the effect of breaching the outer plating on bioavailability. Total Cd content of all items was determined by atomic absorption. Results: The 6-hr saline extraction yielded as much as 2,200 µg Cd, and 24-hr dilute HCl extraction yielded a maximum of > 20,000 µg Cd. Leaching of Cd in dilute HCl increased linearly over 6–96 hr, indicating potential for increasing harm the longer an item remains in the stomach. Damage to jewelry by breaching the outer plating generally, but not always, increased Cd release. Bioavailability did not correlate directly with Cd content. Conclusions: These results indicate the potential for dangerous Cd exposures to children who wear, mouth, or accidentally swallow high-Cd jewelry items. PMID:21377949

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McLaughlin, M.J.; Tiller, K.G.; Beech, T.A.

Elevated Cd concentrations have been observed in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers from commercial crops in certain regions of southern Australia. Reasons for enhanced Cd uptake by tubers were investigated by a survey of commercial crops and associated soils. Eighty-nine sites were selected and paired tuber and soil samples taken. Concentration of Cd in tubers was compared to potato variety, tuber elemental composition, and chemical-physical characteristics of topsoil (0-150) and subsoil (150-300 mm). Tuber Cd concentrations were positively related to soil electrical conductivity (EC) and extractable Cl (R{sup 2} = 0.62, P < 0.001) in the topsoil, with extractable Clmore » accounting for more variation than EC. Tuber Cd concentrations were not strongly related (R{sup 2} = 0.23, P < 0.05) to potato variety alone. However, inclusion of variety and EDTA-extractable Zn with water-extractable Cl in a multivariate model resulted in a small but significant improvement in the variance accounted for by the model (R{sup 2} = 0.73, p < 0.001). Tuber Cd was unrelated to tuber concentrations of P or tuber but was positively related to concentrations of major cations in the tuber particularly Na. Soil pH, total C, EDTA-extractable Cd, or particle-size distribution were not correlated to tuber Cd concentrations, either singly or after inclusion in a multivariate model with soil Cl concentrations. As Cl is known to mobilize soil Cd and increase its phytoavailability, elevated Cd concentrations in potato tubers in southern Australia appear to be largely a result of the use of saline irrigation waters. 41 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Phytoremediation of Metal Contaminated Soil Using Willow: Exploiting Plant-Associated Bacteria to Improve Biomass Production and Metal Uptake.

PubMed

Janssen, Jolien; Weyens, Nele; Croes, Sarah; Beckers, Bram; Meiresonne, Linda; Van Peteghem, Pierre; Carleer, Robert; Vangronsveld, Jaco

2015-01-01

Short rotation coppice (SRC) of willow and poplar is proposed for economic valorization and concurrently as remediation strategy for metal contaminated land in northeast-Belgium. However, metal phytoextraction appears insufficient to effectuate rapid reduction of soil metal contents. To increase both biomass production and metal accumulation of SRC, two strategies are proposed: (i) in situ selection of the best performing clones and (ii) bioaugmentation of these clones with beneficial plant-associated bacteria. Based on field data, two experimental willow clones, a Salix viminalis and a Salix alba x alba clone, were selected. Compared to the best performing commercial clones, considerable increases in stem metal extraction were achieved (up to 74% for Cd and 91% for Zn). From the selected clones, plant-associated bacteria were isolated and identified. All strains were subsequently screened for their plant growth-promoting and metal uptake enhancing traits. Five strains were selected for a greenhouse inoculation experiment with the selected clones planted in Cd-Zn-Pb contaminated soil. Extraction potential tended to increase after inoculation of S. viminalis plants with a Rahnella sp. strain due to a significantly increased twig biomass. However, although bacterial strains showing beneficial traits in vitro were used for inoculation, increments in extraction potential were not always observed.

A comparison of reliability of soil Cd determination by standard spectrometric methods

PubMed Central

McBride, M.B.

2015-01-01

Inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is the most common method for determination of soil Cd, yet spectral and matrix interferences affect measurements at the available analytical wavelengths for this metal. This study evaluated the severity of the interference over a range of total soil Cd by comparing ICP-OES and ICP-MS measurements of Cd in acid digests. ICP-OES using the emission at 226.5 nm generally unable to quantify soil Cd at low (near-background) levels, and gave unreliable values compared to ICP-MS. Using the line at 228.nm, a marked positive bias in Cd measurement (relative to the 226.5 nm measurement) was attributable to As interference even at soil As concentrations below 10 mg/kg. This spectral interference in ICP-OES was severe in As-contaminated orchard soils, giving a false value for soil total Cd near 2 mg kg−1 when soil As was 100–150 mg kg−1. In attempting to avoid these ICP emission-specific interferences, we evaluated a method to estimate total soil Cd using 1 M HNO3 extraction followed by determination of Cd by flame atomic absorption (FAA), either with or without pre-concentration of Cd using an Aliquat-heptanone extractant. The 1 M HNO3 extracted an average of 82% of total soil Cd. The FAA method had no significant interferences, and estimated the total Cd concentrations in all soils tested with acceptable accuracy. For Cd-contaminated soils, the Aliquat-heptanone pre-concentration step was not necessary, as FAA sensitivity was adequate for quantification of extractable soil Cd and reliable estimation of total soil Cd. PMID:22031569

Minimum entropy principle-based solar cell operation without a pn-junction and a thin CdS layer to extract the holes from the emitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böer, Karl W.

2016-10-01

The solar cell does not use a pn-junction to separate electrons from holes, but uses an undoped CdS layer that is p-type inverted when attached to a p-type collector and collects the holes while rejecting the backflow of electrons and thereby prevents junction leakage. The operation of the solar cell is determined by the minimum entropy principle of the cell and its external circuit that determines the electrochemical potential, i.e., the Fermi-level of the base electrode to the operating (maximum power point) voltage. It leaves the Fermi level of the metal electrode of the CdS unchanged, since CdS does not participate in the photo-emf. All photoelectric actions are generated by the holes excited from the light that causes the shift of the quasi-Fermi levels in the generator and supports the diffusion current in operating conditions. It is responsible for the measured solar maximum power current. The open circuit voltage (Voc) can approach its theoretical limit of the band gap of the collector at 0 K and the cell increases the efficiency at AM1 to 21% for a thin-film CdS/CdTe that is given as an example here. However, a series resistance of the CdS forces a limitation of its thickness to preferably below 200 Å to avoid unnecessary reduction in efficiency or Voc. The operation of the CdS solar cell does not involve heated carriers. It is initiated by the field at the CdS/CdTe interface that exceeds 20 kV/cm that is sufficient to cause extraction of holes by the CdS that is inverted to become p-type. Here a strong doubly charged intrinsic donor can cause a negative differential conductivity that switches-on a high-field domain that is stabilized by the minimum entropy principle and permits an efficient transport of the holes from the CdTe to the base electrode. Experimental results of the band model of CdS/CdTe solar cells are given and show that the conduction bands are connected in the dark, where the electron current must be continuous, and the valence bands are connected with light where the hole currents are dominant and must be continuous through the junction. The major shifts of the bands in operating conditions are self-adjusting by a change in the junction dipole momentum.

Concentration of cadmium in cacao beans and its relationship with soil cadmium in southern Ecuador.

PubMed

Chavez, E; He, Z L; Stoffella, P J; Mylavarapu, R S; Li, Y C; Moyano, B; Baligar, V C

2015-11-15

Cadmium (Cd) content in cacao beans above a critical level (0.6 mg kg(-1)) has raised concerns in the consumption of cacao-based chocolate. Little is available regarding Cd concentration in soil and cacao in Ecuador. The aim of this study was to determine the status of Cd in both, soils and cacao plants, in southern Ecuador. Soil samples were collected from 19 farms at 0-5, 5-15, 15-30, and 30-50 cm depths, whereas plant samples were taken from four nearby trees. Total recoverable and extractable Cd were measured at the different soil depths. Total recoverable Cd ranged from 0.88 to 2.45 and 0.06 to 2.59, averaged 1.54 and 0.85 mg kg(-1), respectively in the surface and subsurface soils whereas the corresponding values for M3-extractable Cd were 0.08 to 1.27 and 0.02 to 0.33 with mean values of 0.40 and 0.10 mg kg(-1). Surface soil in all sampling sites had total recoverable Cd above the USEPA critical level for agricultural soils (0.43 mg kg(-1)), indicating that Cd pollution occurs. Since both total recoverable and M3-extractable Cd significantly decreased depth wise, anthropogenic activities are more likely the source of contamination. Cadmium in cacao tissues decreased in the order of beans>shell>leaves. Cadmium content in cacao beans ranged from 0.02 to 3.00, averaged 0.94 mg kg(-1), and 12 out of 19 sites had bean Cd content above the critical level. Bean Cd concentration was highly correlated with M3- or HCl-extractable Cd at both the 0-5 and 5-15 cm depths (r=0.80 and 0.82 for M3, and r=0.78 and 0.82 for HCl; P<0.01). These results indicate that accumulation of Cd in surface layers results in excessive Cd in cacao beans and M3- or HCl-extractable Cd are suitable methods for predicting available Cd in the studied soils. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Partition coefficient of cadmium between organic soils and bean and oat plants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siddqui, M.F.R.; Courchesne, F.; Kennedy, G.

Environmental fate models require the partition coefficient data of contaminants among two or more environmental compartments. The bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd) by bean and oat plants grown on organic soils in a controlled growth chamber was investigated to validate the plant/soil partition coefficient. Total Cd was measured in the soils and in the different parts of the plants. The mean total Cd concentrations for soil cultivated with beans and oats were 0.86 and 0.69 {micro}g/g, respectively. Selective extractants (BaCl{sub 2}, Na-pyrophosphate and HNO{sub 3}-hydroxy) were used to evaluate solid phase Cd species in the soil. In the soil cultivated withmore » bean, BaCl{sub 2} exchangeable, Na-pyrophosphate extractable and HNO{sub 3}-NH{sub 2}OH extractable Cd represented 1.2, 1.6 and 50.9% of total soil Cd, respectively. For the soil cultivated with oats, the same extractants gave values of 1.1, 1.8 and 61.9%. Cd concentration levels in bean plants followed the sequence roots > fruits = stems > leaves (p < 0.01) while the following sequence was observed for oat plants: roots > fruits > stems > leaves (p < 0.05). The partition coefficient for total Cd (Cd{sub Plant tissue}/Cd{sub Soil}) was in the range of 0.28--0.55 for bean plants and 1.03--1.86 for oat plants.« less

Remediation mechanisms for Cd-contaminated soil using natural sepiolite at the field scale.

PubMed

Yin, Xiuling; Xu, Yingming; Huang, Rong; Huang, Qingqing; Xie, Zhonglei; Cai, Yanming; Liang, Xuefeng

2017-12-13

Remediation of heavy metal polluted agricultural soil is essential for human health and ecological safety and remediation mechanisms at the microscopic level are vital for their large-scale utilization. In this study, natural sepiolite was employed as an immobilization agent for in situ field-scale remediation of Cd-contaminated paddy soil and the remediation mechanisms were investigated in terms of soil chemistry and plant physiology. Natural sepiolite had a significant immobilization effect for bioavailable Cd contents in paddy soil, and consequently could lower the Cd concentrations of brown rice, husk, straw, and roots of rice plants by 54.7-73.7%, 44.0-62.5%, 26.5-67.2%, and 36.7-46.7%, respectively. Regarding soil chemistry, natural sepiolite increased the soil pH values and shifted the zeta potentials of soil particles to be more negative, enhancing the fixation or sorption of Cd on soil particles, and resulted in the reduction of HCl and DTPA extractable Cd concentrations in paddy soil. Natural sepiolite neither enhanced nor inhibited iron plaques on the rice root surface, but did change the chemical environments of Fe and S in rice root. Natural sepiolite improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes and enhanced the total antioxidant capacity to alleviate the stress of Cd. It also promotes the synthesis of GSH and NPT to complete the detoxification. In general, the remediation mechanisms of natural sepiolite for the Cd pollutant in paddy soil could be summarized as the collective effects of soil chemistry and plant physiology.

Associations of cadmium, zinc, and lead in soils from a lead and zinc mining area as studied by single and sequential extractions.

PubMed

Anju, M; Banerjee, D K

2011-05-01

An exploratory study of the area surrounding a historical Pb-Zn mining and smelting area in Zawar, India, detected significant contamination of the terrestrial environment by heavy metals. Soils (n=87) were analyzed for pH, EC, total organic matter (TOM), Pb, Zn, Mn, and Cd levels. The statistical analysis indicated that the frequency distribution of the analyzed parameters for these soils was not normal. The median concentrations of metals in surface soils were: Pb 420.21 μ g/g, Zn 870.25 μ g/g, Mn 696.70 μ g/g, and Cd 2.09 μ g/g. Zn concentrations were significantly correlated with Cd (r=0.867), indicating that levels of Cd are dependent on Zn. However, pH, electrical conductivity and total organic matter were not correlated significantly with Cd, Pb, Zn, and Mn. To assess the potential mobility of Cd, Pb, and Zn in soils, single (EDTA) as well as sequential extraction scheme (modified BCR) were applied to representative (n=23) soil samples. The amount of Cd, Pb, and Zn extracted by EDTA and their total concentrations showed linear positive correlation, which are statistically significant (r values for Cd, Pb, and Zn being 0.901, 0.971, and 0.795, respectively, and P values being <0.001). The correlation coefficients indicate a strong relation between EDTA-extractable metal and total metal. These results appear to justify the use of 'total' metal contents as a useful preliminary indicator of areas where the risks of metal excess or deficiency are high. The EDTA extractability was maximum for Cd followed by Pb and Zn in soils from all the locations. As indicated by single extraction, the apparent mobility and potential bioavailability of metals in soils followed the order: Cd ≥ Pb > > Zn. Soil samples were sequentially extracted (modified BCR) so that solid pools of Cd, Zn, and Pb could be partitioned into four operationally defined fractions viz. acid-soluble, reducible, oxidizable, and residual. Cadmium was present appreciably (39.41%) in the acid-soluble fraction and zinc was predominantly associated (32.42%) with residual fraction. Pb (66.86%) and Zn (30.44%) were present mainly in the reducible fraction. Assuming that the mobility and bioavailability are related to solubility of geochemical forms of metals and decrease in the order of extraction, the apparent mobility and potential metal bioavailability for these contaminated soil samples is Cd > Zn > Pb.

Critical role of the lipid rafts in caprine herpesvirus type 1 infection in vitro.

PubMed

Pratelli, Annamaria; Colao, Valeriana

2016-01-04

The fusion machinery for herpesvirus entry in the host cells involves the interactions of viral glycoproteins with cellular receptors, although additional viral and cellular domains are required. Extensive areas of the plasma membrane surface consist of lipid rafts organized into cholesterol-rich microdomains involved in signal transduction, protein sorting, membrane transport and in many processes of viruses infection. Because of the extraction of cholesterol leads to disorganization of lipid microdomains and to dissociation of proteins bound to the lipid rafts, we investigated the effect of cholesterol depletion by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) on caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV.1) in three important phases of virus infection such as binding, entry and post-entry. MβCD treatment did not prejudice virus binding to cells, while a dose-dependent reduction of the virus yield was observed at the virus entry stage, and 30 mM MβCD reduced infectivity evidently. Treatment of MDBK after virus entry revealed a moderate inhibitory effect suggesting that cholesterol is mainly required during virus entry rather than during the post-entry stage. Alteration of the envelope lipid composition affected virus entry and a noticeable reduction in virus infectivity was detected in the presence of 15 mM MβCD. Considering that the recognition of a host cell receptor is a crucial step in the start-up phase of infection, these data are essential for the study of CpHV.1 pathogenesis. To date virus receptors for CpHV.1 have not yet been identified and further investigations are required to state that MβCD treatment affects the expression of the viral receptors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-inflammatory intestinal activity of Combretum duarteanum Cambess. in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis model

PubMed Central

de Morais Lima, Gedson Rodrigues; Machado, Flavia Danniele Frota; Périco, Larissa Lucena; de Faria, Felipe Meira; Luiz-Ferreira, Anderson; Souza Brito, Alba Regina Monteiro; Pellizzon, Cláudia Helena; Hiruma-Lima, Clélia Akiko; Tavares, Josean Fechine; Barbosa Filho, José Maria; Batista, Leônia Maria

2017-01-01

AIM To evaluate the anti-inflammatory intestinal effect of the ethanolic extract (EtOHE) and hexane phase (HexP) obtained from the leaves of Combretum duarteanum (Cd). METHODS Inflammatory bowel disease was induced using trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid in acute and relapsed ulcerative colitis in rat models. Damage scores, and biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS Both Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP caused significant reductions in macroscopic lesion scores and ulcerative lesion areas. The vegetable samples inhibited myeloperoxidase increase, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 also increased in animals treated with the tested plant samples. The anti-inflammatory intestinal effect is related to decreased expression of cyclooxygenase-2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and an increase in superoxide dismutase. CONCLUSION The data indicate anti-inflammatory intestinal activity. The effects may also involve participation of the antioxidant system and principal cytokines relating to inflammatory bowel disease. PMID:28293082

Probing metabolic stability of CdSe nanoparticles: alkaline extraction of free cadmium from liver and kidney samples of rats exposed to CdSe nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Arslan, Zikri; Ates, Mehmet; McDuffy, Wanaki; Agachan, M. Sabri; Farah, Ibrahim O.; Yu, W. William; Bednar, Anthony J.

2011-01-01

Cadmium selenide nanoparticles (CdSe NPs) exhibit novel optoelectronic properties for potential biomedical applications. However, their metabolic stability is not fully understood because of the difficulties in measurement of free Cd from biological tissues of exposed individuals. In this study, alkaline dissolution with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is demonstrated for selective determination of free Cd and intact NPs from liver and kidney samples of animals that were exposed to thiol-capped CdSe NPs. Aqueous suspensions of CdSe NPs (3.2 nm) were used to optimize the conditions for extracting free Cd without affecting NPs. Nanoparticles were found to aggregate when heated in TMAH without releasing any significant Cd to solution. Performance of the method in discriminating free Cd and intact NPs were verified by Dogfish Liver (DOLT-4) certified reference material. The samples from the animals were digested in 4 mL TMAH at 70 °C to extract free Cd followed by analysis of aqueous phase by ICP-MS. Both liver and kidney contained significant levels of free Cd. Total Cd was higher in the liver, while kidney accumulated mostly free Cd such that up to 47.9% of total Cd in the kidney was free Cd when NPs were exposed to UV-light before injection. PMID:21700388

Synergetic effects of DA-6/GA₃ with EDTA on plant growth, extraction and detoxification of Cd by Lolium perenne.

PubMed

He, Shanying; Wu, Qiuling; He, Zhenli

2014-12-01

Research is needed to improve efficiency of phytoextraction of heavy metals from contaminated soils. A pot experiment was carried out to study the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) (diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (C18H33NO8, DA-6) and gibberellic acid 3 (C19H22O6, GA3)) and/or EDTA on Cd extraction, subcellular distribution and chemical forms in Lolium perenne. The addition of EDTA or PGRs significantly enhanced Cd extraction efficiency (P<0.05), with the decreasing order of: 1 μM DA-6>10 μM DA-6>10 μM GA3>2.5 mmol kg(-1) EDTA>other treatments of PGR alone. PGRs+EDTA resulted in a further increase in Cd extraction efficiency, with EDTA+1 μM DA-6 being the most efficient. At the subcellular level, about 44-57% of Cd was soluble fraction, 18-44% in cell walls, and 12-25% in cellular organelles fraction. Chemical speciation analysis showed that 40-54% of Cd was NaCl extractable, 7-23% HAc extractable, followed by other fractions. EDTA increased the proportions of Cd in soluble and cellular organelles fraction, as well as the metal migration in shoot; therefore, the toxicity to plant increased and plant growth was inhibited. Conversely, PGRs fixed more Cd in cell walls and reduced Cd migration in shoot; thus, metal toxicity was reduced. In addition, PGRs promoted plant biomass growth significantly (P<0.05), with 1 μM DA-6 being the most effective. A combination of DA-6/GA3 with EDTA can alleviate the adverse effect of EDTA on plant growth, and the treatment of EDTA+1 μM DA-6 appears to be optimal for improving the remediation efficiency of L. perenne for Cd contaminated soil. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of iridoid-anthocyanin extract of Cornus mas L. on hematological parameters, population and proliferation of lymphocytes during experimental infection of mice with Trichinella spiralis.

PubMed

Piekarska, Jolanta; Szczypka, Marianna; Kucharska, Alicja Z; Gorczykowski, Michał

2018-05-01

The influence of iridoid-anthocyanin aqueous extract of cornelian cherry fruits (CM) on hematological parameters, lymphocyte subsets and proliferation during Trichinella spiralis infection in mice was investigated. CM (100 mg/kg) was administered orally to T. spiralis-infected mice six times within a period encompassing three days prior to the infection and three days after the infection (dai). CM increased the percentage of CD3 + , CD4 + cells and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio and decreased total count of CD8 + and CD19 + splenocytes (5 th dai). An increase in total count of CD4 + , CD3 + , CD19 + splenocytes was observed (21 st dai). CM elevated the percentage of CD4 + cells (7 th dai) and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio (21 st dai) in MLN. CM increased (14 th dai) and then reduced (21 st dai) the percentage of CD8 + MLN lymphocytes and decreased total count of MLN CD8 + cells (21 st dai) and B cells (14 th dai). An activation of lymphocyte proliferation in spleen and simultaneous decrease in MLN on 5 th dai was observed. An increase in red blood cells parameters (5 th dai) and in leukocyte count (7 th dai) was found. A rise in platelet count was noticed both on 5 th and 7 th dai. Moreover, the number of adult T. spiralis on 5 th dai in mice receiving CM extract was lower than in the control mice. These results suggested that iridoid-anthocyanin aqueous extract of CM stimulated murine immune response during T. spiralis infection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Immunomodulatory and antiparasitic effects of garlic extract on Eimeria vermiformis-infected mice.

PubMed

Khalil, Atef Mohammed; Yasuda, Masahiro; Farid, Ayman Samir; Desouky, Mohamed Ibrahim; Mohi-Eldin, Mouchira Mohammed; Haridy, Mohie; Horii, Yoichiro

2015-07-01

We investigated the immunomodulatory and parasiticidal effects of garlic extract on coccidiosis caused by Eimeria vermiformis infection in male ICR mice. One group received garlic extract daily until the end of the experiment by the oral route from 10 days prior to oral infection with 300 sporulated E. vermiformis oocysts (infected-garlic(+)). The other group served as a control positive with E. vermiformis infection alone (infected-garlic(-)). In the infected-garlic(+) group, garlic extract treatment induced a significant reduction in fecal oocyst output when compared with the infected-garlic(-) group. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analysis for inflammatory cytokines in ileal tissues showed that the garlic extract treatment impaired intracellular development of E. vermiformis during the early stages by increasing the number of intraepithelial CD8(+) T cells and decreasing IL-10 expression. This induced cell cytotoxicity which was reflected by a decrease in oocyst numbers in the intestinal villi and the feces, indicating anticoccidial effects of the garlic extract. However, further studies to explore the precise mechanism of the observed effects of garlic treatment during Eimeria infection are needed to verify our results.

The effect of municipal sludge compost on the mobility and bioavailability of Cd in a sierozem-wheat system in an arid region northwest of China.

PubMed

Liu, Zheng; Yang, Yang; Bai, Ying; Huang, Yu; Nan, Zhongren; Zhao, Chuanyan; Ma, Jianmin; Wang, Houcheng

2016-10-01

The effect of sewage sludge on the mobility and the bioavailability of trace metals in plant-soil systems have aroused wide interested and been widely explored. Based on a wheat-cultivating experiment, the effect of municipal sludge compost (MSC) on the mobility and bioavailability of Cd in a soil-wheat system was studied. With the application of MSC, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in the soil increased significantly, while concentrations of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd) were below the China's minimum thresholds. The application of MSC could improve wheat growth. The application of MSC at the rate of 0.5 % had no significant effect on the chemical fraction distribution of Cd in soil. In two soil treatments, Cd mainly existed in the labile chemical fractions (exchangeable chemical fraction (EXCF) and carbonate chemical fraction (CABF)). However, the application of MSC could reduce accumulation of Cd by wheat. Cd contents in each part of the MSC-applied wheat were significantly less than that of non-MSC-applied wheat. In the tested soils, the extractable concentrations decreased in the order: EDTA > MgCl 2 ≈ NH 4 OAc > DTPA. There were no significant differences between soil treatments in the amounts of extractable Cd when the extraction was done under neutral conditions, although significant differences were observed when the extraction was done under alkaline conditions. In this study, the DTPA extraction procedure provided a good indication of Cd bioavailability. Our results suggest that, in the short term at least, amending soils with MSC may benefit crop dry matter production while not increasing the risk of human exposure to Cd through consumption of wheat grown on MSC-amended soils.

A dynamic model for assessing the effects of management strategies on the reduction of construction and demolition waste.

PubMed

Yuan, Hongping; Chini, Abdol R; Lu, Yujie; Shen, Liyin

2012-03-01

During the past few decades, construction and demolition (C&D) waste has received increasing attention from construction practitioners and researchers worldwide. A plethora of research regarding C&D waste management has been published in various academic journals. However, it has been determined that existing studies with respect to C&D waste reduction are mainly carried out from a static perspective, without considering the dynamic and interdependent nature of the whole waste reduction system. This might lead to misunderstanding about the actual effect of implementing any waste reduction strategies. Therefore, this research proposes a model that can serve as a decision support tool for projecting C&D waste reduction in line with the waste management situation of a given construction project, and more importantly, as a platform for simulating effects of various management strategies on C&D waste reduction. The research is conducted using system dynamics methodology, which is a systematic approach that deals with the complexity - interrelationships and dynamics - of any social, economic and managerial system. The dynamic model integrates major variables that affect C&D waste reduction. In this paper, seven causal loop diagrams that can deepen understanding about the feedback relationships underlying C&D waste reduction system are firstly presented. Then a stock-flow diagram is formulated by using software for system dynamics modeling. Finally, a case study is used to illustrate the validation and application of the proposed model. Results of the case study not only built confidence in the model so that it can be used for quantitative analysis, but also assessed and compared the effect of three designed policy scenarios on C&D waste reduction. One major contribution of this study is the development of a dynamic model for evaluating C&D waste reduction strategies under various scenarios, so that best management strategies could be identified before being implemented in practice. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical fractionation of heavy metals in urban soils of Guangzhou, China.

PubMed

Lu, Ying; Zhu, Feng; Chen, Jie; Gan, Haihua; Guo, Yanbiao

2007-11-01

Knowledge of the total concentration of heavy metals is not enough to fully assess the environmental impact of urban soils. For this reason, the determination of metal speciation is important to evaluate their environment and the mobilization capacity. Sequential extraction technique proposed by the former European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) was used to speciate Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in urban soils from Guangzhou into four operationally defined fractions: HOAc extractable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual. The Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn were predominantly located in the residual fraction, Pb in the reducible fraction, and Cd and Mn within the HOAc extractable fraction. The order of Cd in each fraction was generally HOAc extractable > reducible > residual > oxidizable; Cu and Fe were residual > reducible > oxidizable > HOAc extractable; Mn was HOAc extractable > residual > reducible > oxidizable; Ni and Zn were residual > reducible > HOAc extractable > oxidizable; and Pb was reducible > residual > oxidizable > HOAc extractable. Cadmium was identified as being the most mobile of the elements, followed by Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Fe. Iron-Mn oxides can play an important role in binding Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and in decreasing their proportion associated with the residual fraction in the soils. With total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Mn increase, these metals more easily release and may produce more negative effects on the urban environment.

The Impact on Allergy-Related Cells of a Birch Pollen Allergoid, with and without Monophosphoryl Lipid A, in Comparison with the Native Equivalent.

PubMed

Worm, Margitta; Ernst, Dennis; Kraller, Markus; Babina, Magda

2017-01-01

The clinical efficacy and safety of allergoid immunotherapy have been demonstrated in clinical trials. However, simultaneous monitoring of the immunological changes by allergoids versus allergens in the cells of the same individual has not been extensively performed, and the impact of concurrent Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligation has not been specified. Three types of birch allergen were utilized: glutaraldehyde-treated allergoid (extract A), the same allergoid plus monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), i.e., TLR4 ligand (extract A*), and native allergen (extract B). Antigen-specific responses after the in vitro stimulation of blood cells with the extracts were assessed by studying costimulatory receptors on the B cell surface by flow cytometry, cytokine responses by ELISA, and CD63 and CD203c upregulation (basophil activation test) in allergic versus nonallergic subjects. HLA-DR selectively increased upon allergen or allergoid treatment in the allergic group only. The extract types elicited similar cytokine responses, with IL-6 and IL-10 production detected only in certain atopic subjects. The allergoids revealed a strong reduction (100- to <10,000-fold) in basophil activation versus native allergen. Reactivity was undetectable in the basophils from nonallergic subjects. The allergenicity of the allergoid employed was sharply reduced when compared to the native allergen, while its immunogenicity was largely retained, especially in the presence of MPL. We also provide further evidence that allergic and nonallergic individuals show preexisting differences in their immune repertoires. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Fate of Cd during microbial Fe(III) mineral reduction by a novel and Cd-tolerant Geobacter species.

PubMed

Muehe, E Marie; Obst, Martin; Hitchcock, Adam; Tyliszczak, Tolek; Behrens, Sebastian; Schröder, Christian; Byrne, James M; Michel, F Marc; Krämer, Ute; Kappler, Andreas

2013-12-17

Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides affect the mobility of contaminants in the environment by providing reactive surfaces for sorption. This includes the toxic metal cadmium (Cd), which prevails in agricultural soils and is taken up by crops. Fe(III)-reducing bacteria can mobilize such contaminants by Fe(III) mineral dissolution or immobilize them by sorption to or coprecipitation with secondary Fe minerals. To date, not much is known about the fate of Fe(III) mineral-associated Cd during microbial Fe(III) reduction. Here, we describe the isolation of a new Geobacter sp. strain Cd1 from a Cd-contaminated field site, where the strain accounts for 10(4) cells g(-1) dry soil. Strain Cd1 reduces the poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxyhydroxide ferrihydrite in the presence of at least up to 112 mg Cd L(-1). During initial microbial reduction of Cd-loaded ferrihydrite, sorbed Cd was mobilized. However, during continuous microbial Fe(III) reduction, Cd was immobilized by sorption to and/or coprecipitation within newly formed secondary minerals that contained Ca, Fe, and carbonate, implying the formation of an otavite-siderite-calcite (CdCO3-FeCO3-CaCO3) mixed mineral phase. Our data shows that microbially mediated turnover of Fe minerals affects the mobility of Cd in soils, potentially altering the dynamics of Cd uptake into food or phyto-remediating plants.

CD39/NTPDase-1 expression and activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are differentially regulated by leaf extracts from Rubus caesius and Rubus idaeus.

PubMed

Dudzinska, Dominika; Luzak, Boguslawa; Boncler, Magdalena; Rywaniak, Joanna; Sosnowska, Dorota; Podsedek, Anna; Watala, Cezary

2014-09-01

Many experimental studies have demonstrated the favorable biological activities of plants belonging to the genus Rubus, but little is known of the role of Rubus leaf extracts in the modulation of the surface membrane expression and activity of endothelial apyrase. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 1-15 μg/ml Rubus extracts on CD39 expression and enzymatic activity, and on the activation (ICAM-1 expression) and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The polyphenolic contents and antioxidative capacities of extracts from dewberry (R. caesius L.) and raspberry (R. idaeus L.) leaves were also investigated. The techniques applied were flow cytometry (endothelial surface membrane expression of ICAM-1 and CD39), malachite green assay (CD39 activity), HPLC-DAD (quantitative analysis of polyphenolic extract), ABTS, DPPH and FRAP spectrometric assays (antioxidant capacity), and the MTT test (cell viability). Significantly increased CD39 expressions and significantly decreased ATPDase activities were found in the cells treated with 15 μg/ml of either extract compared to the results for the controls. Neither of the extracts affected cell proliferation, but both significantly augmented endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression. The overall antioxidant capacities of the examined extracts remained relatively high and corresponded well to the determined total polyphenol contents. Overall, the results indicate that under in vitro conditions dewberry and raspberry leaf extracts have unfavorable impact on endothelial cells.

Simultaneous ultrasound-assisted water extraction and β-cyclodextrin encapsulation of polyphenols from Mangifera indica stem bark in counteracting TNFα-induced endothelial dysfunction.

PubMed

Mura, Marzia; Palmieri, Daniela; Garella, Davide; Di Stilo, Antonella; Perego, Patrizia; Cravotto, Giancarlo; Palombo, Domenico

2015-01-01

This study proposes an alternative technique to prevent heat degradation induced by classic procedures of bioactive compound extraction, comparing classical maceration/decoction in hot water of polyphenols from Mango (Mangifera indica L.) (MI) with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in a water solution of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at room temperature and testing their biological activity on TNFα-induced endothelial dysfunction. Both extracts counteracted TNFα effects on EAhy926 cells, down-modulating interleukin-6, interleukin-8, cyclooxygenase-2 and intracellular adhesion molecule-1, while increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels. β-CD extract showed higher efficacy in improving endothelial function. These effects were abolished after pre-treatment with the oestrogen receptor inhibitor ICI1182,780. Moreover, the β-CD extract induced Akt activation and completely abolished the TNFα-induced p38MAPK phosphorylation. UAE and β-CD encapsulation provide an efficient extraction protocol that increases polyphenol bioavailability. Polyphenols from MI play a protective role on endothelial cells and may be further considered as oestrogen-like molecules with vascular protective properties.

Selectivity of photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction modulated with electron transfer from size-tunable quantized energy states of CdSe nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyunjin; Kim, Whi Dong; Lee, Kangha; Lee, Seokwon; Kang, Gil-Seong; Joh, Han-Ik; Lee, Doh C.

2018-01-01

We investigate the product selectivity of CO2 reduction using NiO photocathodes decorated with CdSe quantum dots (QDs) of varying size in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Size-tunable and quantized energy states of conduction band in CdSe QDs enable systematic control of electron transfer kinetics from CdSe QDs to NiO. It turns out that different size of CdSe QDs results in variation in product selectivity for CO2 reduction. The energy gap between conduction band edge and redox potential of each reduction product (e.g., CO and CH4) correlates with their production rate. The size dependence of the electron transfer rate estimated from the energy gap is in agreement with the selectivity of CO2 reduction products for all reduction products but CO. The deviation in the case of CO is attributed to sequential conversion of CO into CH4 with CO adsorbed on electrode surface. Based on a premise that the CdSe QDs would exhibit similar surface configuration regardless of QD size, it is concluded that the electron transfer kinetics proves to alter the selectivity of CO2 reduction.

A three-year experiment confirms continuous immobilization of cadmium and lead in contaminated paddy field with biochar amendment.

PubMed

Bian, Rongjun; Joseph, Stephen; Cui, Liqiang; Pan, Genxing; Li, Lianqing; Liu, Xiaoyu; Zhang, Afeng; Rutlidge, Helen; Wong, Singwei; Chia, Chee; Marjo, Chris; Gong, Bin; Munroe, Paul; Donne, Scott

2014-05-15

Heavy metal contamination in croplands has been a serious concern because of its high health risk through soil-food chain transfer. A field experiment was conducted in 2010-2012 in a contaminated rice paddy in southern China to determine if bioavailability of soil Cd and Pb could be reduced while grain yield was sustained over 3 years after a single soil amendment of wheat straw biochar. Contaminated biochar particles were separated from the biochar amended soil and microscopically analyzed to help determine where, and how, metals were immobilized with biochar. Biochar soil amendment (BSA) consistently and significantly increased soil pH, total organic carbon and decreased soil extractable Cd and Pb over the 3 year period. While rice plant tissues' Cd content was significantly reduced, depending on biochar application rate, reduction in plant Pb concentration was found only in root tissue. Analysis of the fresh and contaminated biochar particles indicated that Cd and Pb had probably been bonded with the mineral phases of Al, Fe and P on and around and inside the contaminated biochar particle. Immobilization of the Pb and Cd also occurred to cation exchange on the porous carbon structure. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Regulation of SIRT 1 mediated NAD dependent deacetylation: A novel role for the multifunctional enzyme CD38

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aksoy, Pinar; Escande, Carlos; Seccion Biologia Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Republica, Igua 4225, Montevideo

2006-10-13

The SIRT 1 enzyme is a NAD dependent deacetylase implicated in ageing, cell protection, and energy metabolism in mammalian cells. How the endogenous activity of SIRT 1 is modulated is not known. The enzyme CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme capable of synthesis of the second messenger, cADPR, NAADP, and ADPR. However, the major enzymatic activity of CD38 is the hydrolysis of NAD. Of particular interest is the fact that CD38 is present on the inner nuclear membrane. Here, we investigate the modulation of the SIRT 1 activity by CD38. We propose that by modulating availability of NAD to the SIRT1more » enzyme, CD38 may regulate SIRT1 enzymatic activity. We observed that in CD38 knockout mice, tissue levels of NAD are significantly increased. We also observed that incubation of purified recombinant SIRT1 enzyme with CD38 or nuclear extracts of wild-type mice led to a significant inhibition of its activity. In contrast, incubation of SIRT1 with cellular extract from CD38 knockout mice was without effect. Furthermore, the endogenous activity of SIRT1 was several time higher in nuclear extracts from CD38 knockout mice when compared to wild-type nuclear extracts. Finally, the in vivo deacetylation of the SIRT1 substrate P53 is increased in CD38 knockout mice tissue. Our data support the novel concept that nuclear CD38 is a major regulator of cellular/nuclear NAD level, and SIRT1 activity. These findings have strong implications for understanding the basic mechanisms that modulate intracellular NAD levels, energy homeostasis, as well as ageing and cellular protection modulated by the SIRT enzymes.« less

Effects of Arctium lappa on Cadmium-Induced Damage to the Testis and Epididymis of Adult Wistar Rats.

PubMed

Predes, Fabricia de Souza; Diamante, M A S; Foglio, M A; Dolder, H

2016-10-01

The protective role of Arctium lappa (AL) on the testes of rats acutely exposed to cadmium (Cd) was tested. The rats were randomly divided into a control group (C-group) and three major experimental groups, which were further subdivided into minor groups (n = 6) according to the experimental period (7 or 56 days). The C-group was subdivided into C-7 and C-56 [receiving a single saline solution, intraperitoneal (i.p.), on the first day]; the AL-group, AL-7, and AL-56, received AL extract (300 mg/kg/daily); the Cd group, Cd-7 and Cd-56, received a single i.p. dose of CdCl2 (1.2 mg/kg body weight (BW)) on the first day; the CdAL group, CdAL-7 and CdAL-56, received the same Cd dose, followed by AL extract. Water or AL extract was administered daily by gavage. After either 7 or 56 days, the testis and accessory glands were removed after whole-body perfusion. Exposure to Cd and CdAL decreased the weight of the testis and epididymis, the gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubular (ST) diameter, and ST volumetric proportion, and increased the volumetric proportion of interstitium after 56 days. In the epididymis caput, the tubular volumetric proportion decreased along with an increase of interstitial volumetric proportion and epithelium height after 56 days. The alterations observed were less severe only after 7 days. A progressive testicular damage resulted mainly in tubules lined only by Sertoli cells. The sperm number and cell debris decreased in the epididymis. We demonstrated that the testicular damage induced by single acute i.p. exposure to Cd occurred despite the daily oral intake of AL extract.

Effect of a combination of extract from several plants on cell-mediated and humoral immunity of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Kormosh, N; Laktionov, K; Antoshechkina, M

2006-05-01

The influence of a plant preparation AdMax (Nulab Inc., Clearwater, FL, USA) on immunity in ovarian cancer patients was studied. The preparation is a combination of dried ethanol/water extracts from roots of Leuzea carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus and fruits of Schizandra chinensis. Twenty eight patients with stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer were treated once with 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin and 600 mg/m(2) cyclophosphamide. Peripheral blood was collected 4 weeks after the chemotherapy. Subclasses of T, B and NK lymphocytes were tested for in the blood samples: CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD11B, CD16, CD20, CD25, CD38, CD45RA, CD50, CD71 and CD95. Immunoglobulin G, A and M concentrations were also determined. Changes were observed in the following T cell subclasses: CD3, CD4, CD5 and CD8. In patients who took AdMax (270 mg a day) for 4 weeks following the chemotherapy, the mean numbers of the four T cell subclasses were increased in comparison with the mean numbers of the T cell subclasses in patients who did not take AdMax. In patients who took AdMax, the mean amounts of IgG and IgM were also increased. The obtained results suggest that the combination of extracts from adaptogenic plants may boost the suppressed immunity in ovarian cancer patients who are subject to chemotherapy. Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A selective electromembrane extraction of uranium (VI) prior to its fluorometric determination in water.

PubMed

Davarani, Saied Saeed Hosseiny; Moazami, Hamid Reza; Keshtkar, Ali Reza; Banitaba, Mohammad Hossein; Nojavan, Saeed

2013-06-14

A novel method for the selective electromembrane extraction (EME) of U(6+) prior to fluorometric determination has been proposed. The effect of extraction conditions including supported liquid membrane (SLM) composition, extraction time and extraction voltage were investigated. An SLM composition of 1% di-2-ethyl hexyl phosphonic acid in nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) showed good selectivity, recovery and enrichment factor. The best performance was achieved at an extraction potential of 80 volts and an extraction time of 14 minutes Under the optimized conditions, a linear range from 1 to 1000 ng mL(-1) and LOD of 0.1 ng mL(-1) were obtained for the determination of U(6+). The EME method showed good performance in sample cleanup and the reduction of the interfering effects of Mn(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Cl(-) and PO4(3-) ions during fluorometric determination of uranium in real water samples. The recoveries above 54% and enrichment factors above 64.7 were obtained by the proposed method for real sample analysis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temperature-controlled ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted microextraction for preconcentration of trace quantity of cadmium and nickel by using organic ligand in artificial saliva extract of smokeless tobacco products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arain, Sadaf Sadia; Kazi, Tasneem Gul; Arain, Asma Jabeen; Afridi, Hassan Imran; Baig, Jameel Ahmed; Brahman, Kapil Dev; Naeemullah; Arain, Salma Aslam

2015-03-01

A new approach was developed for the preconcentration of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in artificial saliva extract of dry snuff (brown and black) products using temperature-controlled ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (TIL-UDLLμE) followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The Cd and Ni were complexed with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC), extracted in ionic liquid drops, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4MIM][PF6]. The multivariate strategy was applied to estimate the optimum values of experimental variables influence the % recovery of analytes by TIL-UDLLμE method. At optimum experimental conditions, the limit of detection (3s) were 0.05 and 0.14 μg L-1 while relative standard deviations (% RSD) were 3.97 and 3.55 for Cd and Ni respectively. After extraction, the enhancement factors (EF) were 87 and 79 for Cd and Ni, respectively. The RSD for six replicates of 10 μg L-1 Cd and Ni were 3.97% and 3.55% respectively. To validate the proposed method, certified reference material (CRM) of Virginia tobacco leaves was analyzed, and the determined values of Cd and Ni were in good agreement with the certified values. The concentration of Cd and Ni in artificial saliva extracts corresponds to 39-52% and 21-32%, respectively, of the total contents of both elements in dry brown and black snuff products.

Interactions of Cd and Cu in anaerobic estuarine sediments. 1: Partitioning in geochemical fractions of sediments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rule, J.H.; Alden, R.W. III

1996-04-01

Partitioning of Cd and Cu between geochemical fractions of an anaerobic estuarine sediment was determined after equilibrating fine-sandy sediment with different combinations of added Cd (0, 2.5, 5 mg/kg) and Cu(0, 12.5, 25 mg/kg). Sediments were placed in aquaria with 20 ppt seawater where bioassay test organisms were exposed for 14 d. At the start and conclusion of the experimental period, sediments were sequentially extracted to determine the elemental content of the exchangeable (EP), easily reducible (ERP), organic- sulfide (OSP), moderately reducible (MRP), and acid extractable (AEP) phases. Partitioning of the metals in both the native and treated sediments was,more » for Cd: OSP {much_gt} ERP > AEP > EP (MRP was below detection) and for Cu: OSP {much_gt} AEP > ERP > MRP > EP. Cadmium extracted in all phases and Cu in the EP, RP, and OSP were proportional to the respective treatments. The EP-Cd, ERP-Cd, and OSP-Cd were affected by the Cu treatment and significant interactions occurred between Cd and Cu for the EP-Cd, ERP-Cd, OSP-Cd, EP-Cu, and ERP-Cu. Increasing levels of applied Cd and Cu resulted in greater amounts of EP-Cd and ERP-Cd, fractions that are the most bioavailable and the most readily available for desorption into the water column. A significant conclusion is that the input of nontoxic metals may affect the geochemical phase distribution, potential bioavailability, and toxicity of native sediment metals.« less

Construction of an all-solid-state artificial Z-scheme system consisting of Bi2WO6/Au/CdS nanostructure for photocatalytic CO2 reduction into renewable hydrocarbon fuel.

PubMed

Wang, Meng; Han, Qiutong; Li, Liang; Tang, Lanqin; Li, Haijin; Zhou, Yong; Zou, Zhigang

2017-07-07

An all-solid-state Bi 2 WO 6 /Au/CdS Z-scheme system was constructed for the photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 into methane in the presence of water vapor. This Z-scheme consists of ultrathin Bi 2 WO 6 nanoplates and CdS nanoparticles as photocatalysts, and a Au nanoparticle as a solid electron mediator offering a high speed charge transfer channel and leading to more efficient spatial separation of electron-hole pairs. The photo-generated electrons from the conduction band (CB) of Bi 2 WO 6 transfer to the Au, and then release to the valence band (VB) of CdS to recombine with the holes of CdS. It allows the electrons remaining in the CB of CdS and holes in the VB of Bi 2 WO 6 to possess strong reduction and oxidation powers, respectively, leading the Bi 2 WO 6 /Au/CdS to exhibit high photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 , relative to bare Bi 2 WO 6 , Bi 2 WO 6 /Au, and Bi 2 WO 6 /CdS. The depressed hole density on CdS also enhances the stability of the CdS against photocorrosion.

Humoral and cellular immune response of mice challenged with Yersinia pestis antigenic preparations.

PubMed

Leal, Elida A; Moreira, Josimar D; Nunes, Fernanda F; Souza, Larissa R; Martins, Janaina M; Toledo, Vicente P C; Almeida, Alzira M P; Guimarães, Tania M P

The plague, which is an infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis, still threatens many populations in several countries. The worldwide increase in human plague cases and the potential use of the bacteria as a biological weapon reinforce the need to study the immunity that is induced by potential vaccine candidates. To determine the immunogenicity of antigenic preparations based on the F1 protein and the total extract from Y. pestis, we assessed the role of these antigens in inducing an immune response. The immunogenicity of antigenic preparations based on the Y. pestis (YP) total extract and the Y. pestis fraction 1 capsular antigen protein (F1) was determined in Swiss-Webster mice immunized with 40μg or 20μg for each preparation. Immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry. Animals immunized with the YP total extract did not elicit detectable anti-F1 antibodies (Ab) in the hemaglutination/inhibition (HA/HI) test. Animals immunized with 40μg or 20μg of the F1 protein produced anti-F1 Abs, with titres ranging from 1/16 to 1/8132. The average of CD3 + -CD4 + and CD3 + -CD8 + T cells did not differ significantly between the groups. Neither YP total extract nor F1 protein induced a significant expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in CD4 + T lymphocytes. In addition, F1 failed to induce IFN-γ expression in CD8 + T cells, unlike the YP total extract. The results showed that F1 protein is not an immunogenic T cell antigen, although the YP total extract (40μg dose) favoured CD8 + T cell-mediated cellular immunity. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Cd Mobility in Anoxic Fe-Mineral-Rich Environments - Potential Use of Fe(III)-Reducing Bacteria in Soil Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muehe, E. M.; Adaktylou, I. J.; Obst, M.; Schröder, C.; Behrens, S.; Hitchcock, A. P.; Tylsizczak, T.; Michel, F. M.; Krämer, U.; Kappler, A.

2014-12-01

Agricultural soils are increasingly burdened with heavy metals such as Cd from industrial sources and impure fertilizers. Metal contaminants enter the food chain via plant uptake from soil and negatively affect human and environmental health. New remediation approaches are needed to lower soil metal contents. To apply these remediation techniques successfully, it is necessary to understand how soil microbes and minerals interact with toxic metals. Here we show that microbial Fe(III) reduction initially mobilizes Cd before its immobilization under anoxic conditions. To study how microbial Fe(III) reduction influences Cd mobility, we isolated a new Cd-tolerant, Fe(III)-reducing Geobacter sp. from a heavily Cd-contaminated soil. In lab experiments, this Geobacter strain first mobilized Cd from Cd-loaded Fe(III) hydroxides followed by precipitation of Cd-bearing mineral phases. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the original and newly formed Cd-containing Fe(II) and Fe(III) mineral phases, including Cd-Fe-carbonates, Fe-phosphates and Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides, were identified and characterized. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, Cd was mapped in the Fe(II) mineral aggregates formed during microbial Fe(III) reduction. Microbial Fe(III) reduction mobilizes Cd prior to its precipitation in Cd-bearing mineral phases. The mobilized Cd could be taken up by phytoremediating plants, resulting in a net removal of Cd from contaminated sites. Alternatively, Cd precipitation could reduce Cd bioavailability in the environment, causing less toxic effects to crops and soil microbiota. However, the stability and thus bioavailability of these newly formed Fe-Cd mineral phases needs to be assessed thoroughly. Whether phytoremediation or immobilization of Cd in a mineral with reduced Cd bioavailability are feasible mechanisms to reduce toxic effects of Cd in the environment remains to be determined.

Hydrometallurgical route to recover nickel, cobalt and cadmium from spent Ni-Cd batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, Aline; Afonso, Julio Carlos; Bourdot Dutra, Achilles Junqueira

2012-12-01

In this work a hydrometallurgical route to recover nickel, cobalt and cadmium after leaching spent Ni-Cd batteries with hydrochloric acid was investigated. Co(II) and Cd(II) were both recovered by solvent extraction. Cd(II) was first extracted (99.7 wt.%) with pure tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP), in the original leachate acidity (5.1 mol L-1), in two stages at 25 °C with an aqueous/organic (A/O) phase ratio = 1 v/v. The Co(II) present in the raffinate (free acidity 4.1 mol L-1) was extracted with Alamine 336 or Alamine 304 (10 vol.% in kerosene) at 25 °C with an A/O ratio = 1 in two stages. 97.5 wt.% of Co(II) was extracted using Alamine 336 while only 90.4 wt.% was extracted in the case of Alamine 304. Ni(II) was isolated from the raffinate as oxalate after addition of ammonium oxalate at pH 2.

Geochemical Transformation of Cadmium (Cd) from Creek to Paddy Fields in W Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosolsaksakul, Peerapat; Graham, Margaret; Farmer, John

2013-04-01

Extensive Cd contamination of paddy soils in Tak Province, western Thailand, a consequence of Zn mining activities, was first established in 2005 and medical studies showed that the health of local communities was being impaired. Mae Tao, Tak Province, comprising many paddy fields and irrigation canals, has been selected for this study of the geochemical transformation of Cd from the contamination source in the mountainous region to the east of the study site through the community irrigation system to the paddy soils. The aim of this research is to (i) investigate the geochemical transformation of Cd as it is transported from the main irrigation creek through the canals and to the paddy fields, (ii) assess the availability of Cd to rice plants, which may be affected by both chemical and physical factors, and (iii) trial some practical treatments to minimise Cd concentrations in rice grains. Soils, irrigation canal sediments and water samples were collected during the dry season and at the onset of the rainy season. Rice samples were collected at harvesting time and samples of soil fertiliser were also obtained. Water samples were filtered, ultrafiltered and analysed by ICP-MS whilst sub-samples of dried, ground soils and sediments were first subjected to micro-wave assisted acid digestion (modified US EPA method 3052). XRD and SEM-EDX methods were used for mineralogical characterisation and selective chemical extractions have assisted in the characterisation of solid phase Cd associations. Soil Cd concentrations were in the range 2.5-87.6 µg g-1, with higher values being obtained for fields furthest from the main creek. Although current irrigation water Cd inputs are low (mean 1.9 μg L-1; flood period), high loads of suspended particles still contribute additional Cd (4.2-9.8 µg L-1) to the paddy fields. For bioavailability assessment by a 3-step BCR sequential extraction, 70-90% Cd was in the exchangeable; HOAc-extractable fraction. That indicated that most of the Cd was in water soluble, exchangeable and carbonate-bound forms. For the fields with highest Cd concentration, SEM-EDX analysis identified two forms of Cd, i.e. Cd-Clay and Cd-CaCO3, in good agreement with the sequential extraction data. The predominance of easily extractable forms in the paddy field soils suggests that Cd may be readily absorbed by the rice plants. After harvesting, the Cd concentration in rice grains ranged from 0.05-4.0 µg g-1 and the concentration trends across the group of 18 fields matched well with the soil Cd data. Rice from nine out of the 18 fields contained Cd at greater than the safe level of 0.4 µg g-1.

Effect of thermal processing on T cell reactivity of shellfish allergens - Discordance with IgE reactivity.

PubMed

Abramovitch, Jodie B; Lopata, Andreas L; O'Hehir, Robyn E; Rolland, Jennifer M

2017-01-01

Crustacean allergy is a major cause of food-induced anaphylaxis. We showed previously that heating increases IgE reactivity of crustacean allergens. Here we investigate the effects of thermal processing of crustacean extracts on cellular immune reactivity. Raw and cooked black tiger prawn, banana prawn, mud crab and blue swimmer crab extracts were prepared and IgE reactivity assessed by ELISA. Mass spectrometry revealed a mix of several allergens in the raw mud crab extract but predominant heat-stable tropomyosin in the cooked extract. PBMC from crustacean-allergic and non-atopic control subjects were cultured with the crab and prawn extracts and proliferation of lymphocyte subsets was analysed by CFSE labelling and flow cytometry. Effector responses were assessed by intracellular IL-4 and IFN-γ, and regulatory T (CD4+CD25+CD127loFoxp3+) cell proportions in cultures were also compared by flow cytometry. For each crustacean species, the cooked extract had greater IgE reactivity than the raw (mud crab p<0.05, other species p<0.01). In contrast, there was a trend for lower PBMC proliferative responses to cooked compared with raw extracts. In crustacean-stimulated PBMC cultures, dividing CD4+ and CD56+ lymphocytes showed higher IL-4+/IFN-γ+ ratios for crustacean-allergic subjects than for non-atopics (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between raw and cooked extracts. The percentage IL-4+ of dividing CD4+ cells correlated with total and allergen-specific IgE levels (prawns p<0.01, crabs p<0.05). Regulatory T cell proportions were lower in cultures stimulated with cooked compared with raw extracts (mud crab p<0.001, banana prawn p<0.05). In conclusion, cooking did not substantially alter overall T cell proliferative or cytokine reactivity of crustacean extracts, but decreased induction of Tregs. In contrast, IgE reactivity of cooked extracts was increased markedly. These novel findings have important implications for improved diagnostics, managing crustacean allergy and development of future therapeutics. Assessment of individual allergen T cell reactivity is required.

Effects of Mulching Tolerant Plant Straw on Soil Surface on Growth and Cadmium Accumulation of Galinsoga parviflora

PubMed Central

Lin, Lijin; Liao, Ming’an; Ren, Yajun; Luo, Li; Zhang, Xiao; Yang, Daiyu; He, Jing

2014-01-01

Pot and field experiments were conducted to study the effects of mulching with straw of cadmium (Cd) tolerant plants (Ranunculus sieboldii, Mazus japonicus, Clinopodium confine and Plantago asiatica) on growth and Cd accumulation of Galinsoga parviflora in Cd-contaminated soil. In the pot experiment, mulching with M. japonicus straw increased the root biomass, stem biomass, leaf biomass, shoot biomass, plant height and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase) of G. parviflora compared with the control, whereas mulching with straws of R. sieboldii, C. confine and P. asiatica decreased these parameters. Straws of the four Cd-tolerant plants increased the Cd content in roots of G. parviflora compared with the control. However, only straws of M. japonicus and P. asiatica increased the Cd content in shoots of G. parviflora, reduced the soil pH, and increased the soil exchangeable Cd concentration. Straw of M. japonicus increased the amount of Cd extraction in stems, leaves and shoots of G. parviflora by 21.11%, 29.43% and 24.22%, respectively, compared with the control, whereas straws of the other three Cd-tolerant plants decreased these parameters. In the field experiment, the M. japonicus straw also increased shoot biomass, Cd content in shoots, and amount of Cd extraction in shoots of G. parviflora compared with the control. Therefore, straw of M. japonicus can be used to improve the Cd extraction ability of G. parviflora from Cd-contaminated soil. PMID:25490210

Cadmium and zinc in soil solution extracts following the application of phosphate fertilizers.

PubMed

Lambert, Raphaël; Grant, Cynthia; Sauvé, Sébastien

2007-06-01

This study investigated the solubility of cadmium and zinc in soils after the application of phosphate fertilizers containing those two metals. The solubility of cadmium and zinc was assessed by measuring their concentration in soil water extracts. Three monoammonium phosphate fertilizers containing various amounts of metals were applied on cultivated fields for 3 years at three different rates. In order to investigate the effects of long-term applications of fertilizers on the solubility of Cd and Zn, a similar design was used to apply contaminated fertilizers to soils in a laboratory experiment using a single fertilizer addition equivalent to 15 years of application. Phosphate fertilizers increased the concentration of Cd in soil extracts compared to control in 87% and 80% of the treatments in field and laboratory experiments respectively. Both increasing the rate of application and using fertilizer containing more Cd lead to higher Cd concentrations in extracts for the field and the laboratory experiments. The addition of the equivalent of 15 years of fertilizer application in the laboratory results in higher Cd concentration in extracts compared to the field experiment. For Zn, the fertilizer treatments enhanced the metal solution concentration in 83% of field treatments, but no significant correlations could be found between Zn inputs and its concentration in solution. In the laboratory, fertilizer additions increase the Zn concentrations in 53% of the treatments and decrease it in most of the other treatments. The decrease in Zn concentrations in the laboratory trial is attributed to the higher phosphate concentrations in the soil solution; which is presumed to have contributed to the precipitation of Zn-phosphates. For both trials, the metal concentrations in soil extracts cannot be related to the Zn concentration in the fertilizer or the rate of application. The high Zn to Cd ratio is presumably responsible for the Cd increase in the soil extracts due to competitive displacement by Zn. Finally, the observed acidification of soils with fertilizer application will also contribute to metal solubilisation.

Heavy metals distribution in soils surrounding an abandoned mine in NW Madrid (Spain) and their transference to wild flora.

PubMed

Moreno-Jiménez, Eduardo; Peñalosa, Jesús M; Manzano, Rebeca; Carpena-Ruiz, Ramón O; Gamarra, Roberto; Esteban, Elvira

2009-03-15

The present work concerns the distribution and mobility of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Cd) in the surrounding soils of a mine site and their transfer to wild flora. Thus, soils and plants were sampled from a mining valley in NW Madrid (Spain), and total and extractable heavy metals were analysed. Soils affected by mining activities presented total Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations above toxic thresholds. The percentage of extractable element was highest for Cd and lowest for Cu. A highly significant correlation was observed between the total and extractable concentrations of metals in soils, indicating that, among the factors studied, total metals concentration is the most relevant for heavy metals extractability in these soils. (NH(4))(2)SO(4)-extractable metal concentrations in soils are correlated better with metal concentrations in several plant species than total metals in soils, and thus can be used as a suitable and robust method for the estimation of the phytoavailable fraction present in soils. Twenty-five vascular plant species (3 ferns and 22 flowering plants) were analysed, in order to identify exceptional characteristics that would be interesting for soil phytoremediation and/or reclamation. High Cd and Zn concentrations have been found in the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum (Cd), Salix atrocinerea (Cd, Zn) and Digitalis thapsi (Cd, Zn). The present paper is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of the metal accumulation ability of the two latter plant species. The phytoremediation ability of S. atrocinerea for Cd and Zn was estimated, obtaining intervals of time that could be considered suitable for the phytoextraction of polluted soils.

CORRELATION OF THE PARTITIONING OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER FRACTIONS WITH THE DESORPTION OF CD, CU, NI, PB AND ZN FROM 18 DUTCH SOILS

EPA Science Inventory

Eighteen Dutch soils were extracted in aqueous solutions at varying pH. Extracts were analyzed for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn by ICP-AES. Extract dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was also concentrated onto a macroreticular resin and fractionation into three operationally defined fract...

Cadmium Alters the Concentration of Fatty Acids in THP-1 Macrophages.

PubMed

Olszowski, Tomasz; Gutowska, Izabela; Baranowska-Bosiacka, Irena; Łukomska, Agnieszka; Drozd, Arleta; Chlubek, Dariusz

2018-03-01

Fatty acid composition of human immune cells influences their function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of known toxicant and immunomodulator, cadmium, at low concentrations on levels of selected fatty acids (FAs) in THP-1 macrophages. The differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into macrophages was achieved by administration of phorbol myristate acetate. Macrophages were incubated with various cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ) solutions for 48 h at final concentrations of 5 nM, 20 nM, 200 nM, and 2 μM CdCl 2 . Fatty acids were extracted from samples according to the Folch method. The fatty acid levels were determined using gas chromatography. The following fatty acids were analyzed: long-chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs) palmitic acid and stearic acid, very long-chain saturated fatty acid (VLSFA) arachidic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and vaccenic acid, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Treatment of macrophages with very low concentrations of cadmium (5-200 nM) resulted in significant reduction in the levels of arachidic, palmitoleic, oleic, vaccenic, and linoleic acids and significant increase in arachidonic acid levels (following exposure to 5 nM Cd), without significant reduction of palmitic and stearic acid levels. Treatment of macrophages with the highest tested cadmium concentration (2 μM) produced significant reduction in the levels of all examined FAs: SFAs, VLSFA, MUFAs, and PUFAs. In conclusion, cadmium at tested concentrations caused significant alterations in THP-1 macrophage fatty acid levels, disrupting their composition, which might dysregulate fatty acid/lipid metabolism thus affecting macrophage behavior and inflammatory state.

CD-REST: a system for extracting chemical-induced disease relation in literature.

PubMed

Xu, Jun; Wu, Yonghui; Zhang, Yaoyun; Wang, Jingqi; Lee, Hee-Jin; Xu, Hua

2016-01-01

Mining chemical-induced disease relations embedded in the vast biomedical literature could facilitate a wide range of computational biomedical applications, such as pharmacovigilance. The BioCreative V organized a Chemical Disease Relation (CDR) Track regarding chemical-induced disease relation extraction from biomedical literature in 2015. We participated in all subtasks of this challenge. In this article, we present our participation system Chemical Disease Relation Extraction SysTem (CD-REST), an end-to-end system for extracting chemical-induced disease relations in biomedical literature. CD-REST consists of two main components: (1) a chemical and disease named entity recognition and normalization module, which employs the Conditional Random Fields algorithm for entity recognition and a Vector Space Model-based approach for normalization; and (2) a relation extraction module that classifies both sentence-level and document-level candidate drug-disease pairs by support vector machines. Our system achieved the best performance on the chemical-induced disease relation extraction subtask in the BioCreative V CDR Track, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed machine learning-based approaches for automatic extraction of chemical-induced disease relations in biomedical literature. The CD-REST system provides web services using HTTP POST request. The web services can be accessed fromhttp://clinicalnlptool.com/cdr The online CD-REST demonstration system is available athttp://clinicalnlptool.com/cdr/cdr.html. Database URL:http://clinicalnlptool.com/cdr;http://clinicalnlptool.com/cdr/cdr.html. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

Contour metrology using critical dimension atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orji, Ndubuisi G.; Dixson, Ronald G.; Vladár, András E.; Ming, Bin; Postek, Michael T.

2012-03-01

The critical dimension atomic force microscope (CD-AFM), which is used as a reference instrument in lithography metrology, has been proposed as a complementary instrument for contour measurement and verification. Although data from CD-AFM is inherently three dimensional, the planar two-dimensional data required for contour metrology is not easily extracted from the top-down CD-AFM data. This is largely due to the limitations of the CD-AFM method for controlling the tip position and scanning. We describe scanning techniques and profile extraction methods to obtain contours from CD-AFM data. We also describe how we validated our technique, and explain some of its limitations. Potential sources of error for this approach are described, and a rigorous uncertainty model is presented. Our objective is to show which data acquisition and analysis methods could yield optimum contour information while preserving some of the strengths of CD-AFM metrology. We present comparison of contours extracted using our technique to those obtained from the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the helium ion microscope (HIM).

Resting and Activated Natural Tregs Decrease in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Yazdani, Mohammadreza; Khosropanah, Shahdad; Hosseini, Ahmad; Doroudchi, Mehrnoosh

2016-12-01

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting large and medium arteries. CD4+ T cells are known to play a role in the progression of the disease. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ natural Treg (nTreg) cells seem to have a protective role in the disease and their reduction in acute coronary syndrome is recently shown. To investigate the frequency of nTreg subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with atherosclerosis. Confirmation of atherosclerosis was done by angiography and 15 ml heparinized blood was obtained from each of the 13 non-diabetic patients and 13 non-diabetic, non-smoker individuals with normal/insignificant coronary artery disease confirmed by angiography. Lipid profiles of the patients and controls were measured at the time of sampling. Mononuclear cells were used for both RNA extraction and immunophenotyping by real-time PCR and flowcytometry techniques, respectively. In natural Treg subsets, the frequency of CD4+CD45RO-CD25+Foxp3lo T-cells (resting nTregs) was greater in controls than patients (p=0.02). The frequency of CD4+CD45RO+CD25hiFoxp3hi T-cells (activated nTregs) was significantly higher in controls compared with patients (p=0.02). However, the frequency of CD4+CD25+CD45RO+Foxp3- T-cells (effector/memory T-cell) increased in patients compared with controls (p=0.01). Both the MFI and gene expression of Foxp3 were higher in control group than in patients (p=0.015 and p=0.017, respectively). Moreover, the TGF-β gene expression showed a decrease in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients compared with controls (p=0.03). Decrease in both subsets of resting and activated nTregs along with a decrease in the expression of Foxp3 and TGF-β genes in patients with atherosclerosis suggests phenotypic changes in these subsets, which may as well be correlated with a more inflammatory profile in their lymphocytes.

Protective Effect of Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Extract against Cadmium Impact on the Biomechanical Properties of the Femur: A Study in a Rat Model of Low and Moderate Lifetime Women Exposure to This Heavy Metal

PubMed Central

Brzóska, Małgorzata M.; Roszczenko, Alicja; Rogalska, Joanna; Gałażyn-Sidorczuk, Małgorzata; Mężyńska, Magdalena

2017-01-01

The hypothesis that the consumption of Aronia melanocarpa berries (chokeberries) extract, recently reported by us to improve bone metabolism in female rats at low-level and moderate chronic exposure to cadmium (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet for up to 24 months), may increase the bone resistance to fracture was investigated. Biomechanical properties of the neck (bending test with vertical head loading) and diaphysis (three-point bending test) of the femur of rats administered 0.1% aqueous chokeberry extract (65.74% of polyphenols) or/and Cd in the diet (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg) for 3, 10, 17, and 24 months were evaluated. Moreover, procollagen I was assayed in the bone tissue. The low-level and moderate exposure to Cd decreased the procollagen I concentration in the bone tissue and weakened the biomechanical properties of the femoral neck and diaphysis. Chokeberry extract administration under the exposure to Cd improved the bone collagen biosynthesis and femur biomechanical properties. The results allow for the conclusion that the consumption of chokeberry products under exposure to Cd may improve the bone biomechanical properties and protect from fracture. This study provides support for Aronia melanocarpa berries being a promising natural agent for skeletal protection under low-level and moderate chronic exposure to Cd. PMID:28587093

Protective Effect of Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Extract against Cadmium Impact on the Biomechanical Properties of the Femur: A Study in a Rat Model of Low and Moderate Lifetime Women Exposure to This Heavy Metal.

PubMed

Brzóska, Małgorzata M; Roszczenko, Alicja; Rogalska, Joanna; Gałażyn-Sidorczuk, Małgorzata; Mężyńska, Magdalena

2017-05-25

The hypothesis that the consumption of Aronia melanocarpa berries (chokeberries) extract, recently reported by us to improve bone metabolism in female rats at low-level and moderate chronic exposure to cadmium (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet for up to 24 months), may increase the bone resistance to fracture was investigated. Biomechanical properties of the neck (bending test with vertical head loading) and diaphysis (three-point bending test) of the femur of rats administered 0.1% aqueous chokeberry extract (65.74% of polyphenols) or/and Cd in the diet (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg) for 3, 10, 17, and 24 months were evaluated. Moreover, procollagen I was assayed in the bone tissue. The low-level and moderate exposure to Cd decreased the procollagen I concentration in the bone tissue and weakened the biomechanical properties of the femoral neck and diaphysis. Chokeberry extract administration under the exposure to Cd improved the bone collagen biosynthesis and femur biomechanical properties. The results allow for the conclusion that the consumption of chokeberry products under exposure to Cd may improve the bone biomechanical properties and protect from fracture. This study provides support for Aronia melanocarpa berries being a promising natural agent for skeletal protection under low-level and moderate chronic exposure to Cd.

Evaluation of soil amendments as a remediation alternative for cadmium-contaminated soils under cacao plantations.

PubMed

Chavez, E; He, Z L; Stoffella, P J; Mylavarapu, R; Li, Y; Baligar, V C

2016-09-01

Elevated plant-available cadmium (Cd) in soils results in contamination to cacao (Theobroma cacao L) beans. Effectiveness of vermicompost and zeolite in reducing available Cd in three cacao-growing soils was studied under laboratory conditions. Sorption-desorption experiments were conducted in soils and amendments. Cadmium was added at 0 or 5 mg kg(-1) (spiked), then, amendments were incorporated at 0, 0.5, or 2 %. Amended soils were incubated at room temperature for 28 days. Plant-available Cd was determined using 0.01 M CaCl2 (WSE) and Mehlich 3 (M3) extraction procedures in subsamples taken from individual bags at six time intervals. Soils and amendments displayed different sorption characteristics and a better fit was attained with Freundlich model (R (2) > 0.82). Amendments were ineffective in reducing extractable Cd in non-spiked soils. In Cd-spiked soils, vermicompost at 2 % significantly reduced WSE-Cd (P < 0.01) from 3.36, 0.54, and 0.38 mg kg(-1) to values lower that instrument's detection in all the three soils and significantly diminished M3-extractable Cd (P < 0.05) from 4.62 to 4.11 mg kg(-1) in only one soil. Vermicompost at 0.5 % significantly decreased WSE-Cd (P < 0.01) from 3.04 and 0.31 to 1.69 and 0.20 mg kg(-1), respectively, in two soils with low sorption capacity for Cd. In contrast, zeolite failed to reduce WSE- or M3-extractable Cd in all studied soils. A negative correlation occurred between soil pH and WSE-Cd (r > -0.89, P < 0.01). The decrease in WSE-Cd appears to be associated with the increase in pH of the vermicompost-amended soils.

Enhanced antioxidant effect of trans-resveratrol: potential of binary systems with polyethylene glycol and cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Moyano-Mendez, Josè Ramon; Fabbrocini, Gabriella; De Stefano, Daniela; Mazzella, Caterina; Mayol, Laura; Scognamiglio, Immacolata; Carnuccio, Rosa; Ayala, Fabio; La Rotonda, Maria Immacolata; De Rosa, Giuseppe

2014-10-01

Trans-resveratrol, a polyphenol extracted from Vitis vinifera, has different beneficial effects following its administration on the skin. Here the potential use of binary systems to enhance in vitro and in vivo activity of trans-resveratrol was investigated. Thus the aqueous solubility of trans-resveratrol was investigated in the presence of growing concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or β-cyclodextrin (βCD) as solubilizing excipients. Then, the solid dispersion of trans-resveratrol with PEG or inclusion complexes trans-resveratrol/βCD were prepared and characterised by different methods. Cytotoxicity and inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following H2O2 challenge in the presence of trans-resveratrol, alone or associated to the excipients, was evaluated on human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. Both the trans-resveratrol-containing binary systems induced significant reduction of H2O2-induced ROS production, especially in the case of βCD that was selected for the following phase of the study. Thus, the effect of a cream containing trans-resveratrol, alone or associated to βCD, on different skin parameters such as corneometry, colorimetry and elastometry, was evaluated on human volunteers. All patients showed a visible improvement of clinical conditions with a remarkable decrease of aging signs, but this effect was higher of the hemi face treated with the βCD-containing formulation versus formulation containing trans-resveratrol alone.

Evaluation of adsorption capacities of humic acids extracted from Algerian soil on polyaniline for application to remove pollutants such as Cd(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) and characterization with cavity microelectrode.

PubMed

Terbouche, Achour; Ramdane-Terbouche, Chafia Ait; Hauchard, Didier; Djebbar, Safia

2011-01-01

The adsorption capacities of new humic acids isolated from Yakouren forest (YHA) and Sahara (Tamenrasset: THA) soils (Algeria) and commercial humic acid (PFHA) on polyaniline emeraldine base (PEB) were studied at pH 6.6. Also the adsorption of heavy metals such as Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ on humic acid-polyaniline systems (HA-PEB) was investigated at the same conditions. HA-PEB compounds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectrometry and cavity microelectrode. In addition, batch adsorption and cavity microelectrode were used in the adsorption study of Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ on HA-PEB. To develop biocaptors of polluting metals using a cavity microelectrode modified by HA-PEB systems, the adsorption kinetic and adsorption capacity were investigated. The SEM analysis showed that the presence of humic acid affected the PEB surface and caused the formation of a granular morphology. The maximum adsorption capacities (q(max)) of PFHA, THA and YHA determined by adsorption isotherms were 91.31, 132.1 and 151.0 mg/g, respectively. Batch adsorption results showed that q(max) of Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ on HA-PEB followed the order: THA-PEB > YHA-PEB > PFHA-PEB. The voltammograms obtained with HA-PEB modified cavity microelectrode showed the appearance of new redox couples reflecting the adsorption of HA on PEB. Metal-humic acid-polyaniline voltammograms were characterized by appearance of oxidation-reduction couples or reduction wave corresponding to metal. Finally, the result may be exploited to develop a biocaptor based on the cavity microelectrode amended by THA-PEB and YHA-PEB.

Influence of early diagenesis on the vertical distribution of metal forms in sediments of Bohai Bay, China.

PubMed

Lu, Xueqiang; Zhang, Yan; Liu, Honglei; Xing, Meinan; Shao, Xiaolong; Zhao, Feng; Li, Xiaojuan; Liu, Qiongqiong; Yu, Dan; Yuan, Xuezhu; Yuan, Min

2014-11-15

The influence of early diagenesis on the vertical distribution of metal forms in the sediments of Bohai Bay was discussed in this paper. The results showed that the concentrations were: Al > Fe ≈ Ca > Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. In vertical distribution, the forms of Cr and Pb were stable from the top to the bottom. However, the exchangeable forms and acid-extracted forms of Cd, Cu and Zn presented an obvious declining trend. The metals would be transformed to more stable forms during the early-diagenesis process. Further analysis found that early diagenesis can change the sedimentary environment, affecting pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), total dissolved solid (TDS) and the structure of organic matter (OM), all main factors influencing metal forms in the sediments of Bohai Bay. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of bamboo and rice straw biochars on the mobility and redistribution of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in contaminated soil.

PubMed

Lu, Kouping; Yang, Xing; Gielen, Gerty; Bolan, Nanthi; Ok, Yong Sik; Niazi, Nabeel Khan; Xu, Song; Yuan, Guodong; Chen, Xin; Zhang, Xiaokai; Liu, Dan; Song, Zhaoliang; Liu, Xingyuan; Wang, Hailong

2017-01-15

Biochar has emerged as an efficient tool to affect bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Although partially understood, a carefully designed incubation experiment was performed to examine the effect of biochar on mobility and redistribution of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in a sandy loam soil collected from the surroundings of a copper smelter. Bamboo and rice straw biochars with different mesh sizes (<0.25 mm and <1 mm), were applied at three rates (0, 1, and 5% w/w). Heavy metal concentrations in pore water were determined after extraction with 0.01 M CaCl 2 . Phytoavailable metals were extracted using DTPA/TEA (pH 7.3). The European Union Bureau of Reference (EUBCR) sequential extraction procedure was adopted to determine metal partitioning and redistribution of heavy metals. Results showed that CaCl 2 -and DTPA-extractable Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the bamboo and rice straw biochar treated soils, especially at 5% application rate, than those in the unamended soil. Soil pH values were significantly correlated with CaCl 2 -extractable metal concentrations (p < 0.01). The EUBCR sequential extraction procedure revealed that the acid extractable fractions of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with biochar addition. Rice straw biochar was more effective than bamboo biochar in decreasing the acid extractable metal fractions, and the effect was more pronounced with increasing biochar application rate. The effect of biochar particle size on extractable metal concentrations was not consistent. The 5% rice straw biochar treatment reduced the DTPA-extractable metal concentrations in the order of Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn, and reduced the acid extractable pool of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by 11, 17, 34 and 6%, respectively, compared to the control. In the same 5% rice straw biochar treatments, the organic bound fraction increased by 37, 58, 68 and 18% for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively, compared to the control, indicating that the immobilized metals were mainly bound in the soil organic matter fraction. The results demonstrated that the rice straw biochar can effectively immobilize heavy metals, thereby reducing their mobility and bioavailability in contaminated soils. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extraction and isolation of the salidroside-type metabolite from zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance*

PubMed Central

Xing, Yan; Peng, Hong-yun; Li, Xia; Zhang, Meng-xi; Gao, Ling-ling; Yang, Xiao-e

2012-01-01

The active metabolite in the post-harvested biomass of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance from phytoextraction is of great interest in China. The current study demonstrates that a salidroside-type metabolite can be yielded from the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator S. alfredii biomass by means of sonication/ethanol extraction and macroporous resin column (AB-8 type) isolation. The concentrations of Zn and Cd in the salidroside-type metabolite were below the limitation of the national standards. PMID:23024051

CD4 cell responses to combination antiretroviral therapy in patients starting therapy at high CD4 cell counts.

PubMed

Wright, Stephen T; Carr, Andrew; Woolley, Ian; Giles, Michelle; Hoy, Jennifer; Cooper, David A; Law, Matthew G

2011-09-01

To examine CD4 cell responses to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in patients enrolled in the Australian HIV Observational Database who commenced cART at CD4 cell counts >350 cells per microliter. CD4 cell counts were modelled using random effects, repeated measurement models in 432 HIV-infected adults from Australian HIV Observational Database who commenced their first cART regimen and had a baseline CD4 count >350 cells per microliter. Using published AIDS and/or death incidence rates combined with the data summarized by time and predicted CD4 cell count, we calculated the expected reduction in risk of an event for different starting baseline CD4 strata. Mean CD4 counts increased above 500 cells per microliter in all baseline CD4 strata by 12 months (means of 596, 717, and 881 cells/μL in baseline CD4 strata 351-500, 501-650, and >650 cells/μL, respectively) and after 72 months since initiating cART, mean CD4 cell counts (by increasing baseline CD4 strata) were 689, 746, 742 cells per microliter. The expected reduction in risk of mortality for baseline CD4 counts >650 cells per microliter relative to 351-500 cells per microliter was approximately 8%, an absolute risk reduction 0.33 per 1000 treated patient-years. Patients starting cART at high CD4 cell counts (>650 cells/μL) tend to maintain this immunological level over 6 years of follow-up. Patients starting from 351 to 500 CD4 cells per microliter achieve levels of >650 cells per microliter after approximately 3 years of cART. Initiating cART with a baseline CD4 count 501-650 or >650 cells per microliter relative to 351-500 cells per microliter indicated a minimal reduction in risk of AIDS incidence and/or death.

Using isotopic dilution to assess chemical extraction of labile Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in soils.

PubMed

Garforth, J M; Bailey, E H; Tye, A M; Young, S D; Lofts, S

2016-07-01

Chemical extractants used to measure labile soil metal must ideally select for and solubilise the labile fraction, with minimal solubilisation of non-labile metal. We assessed four extractants (0.43 M HNO3, 0.43 M CH3COOH, 0.05 M Na2H2EDTA and 1 M CaCl2) against these requirements. For soils contaminated by contrasting sources, we compared isotopically exchangeable Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb (EValue, mg kg(-1)), with the concentrations of metal solubilised by the chemical extractants (MExt, mg kg(-1)). Crucially, we also determined isotopically exchangeable metal in the soil-extractant systems (EExt, mg kg(-1)). Thus 'EExt - EValue' quantifies the concentration of mobilised non-labile metal, while 'EExt - MExt' represents adsorbed labile metal in the presence of the extractant. Extraction with CaCl2 consistently underestimated EValue for Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, while providing a reasonable estimate of EValue for Cd. In contrast, extraction with HNO3 both consistently mobilised non-labile metal and overestimated the EValue. Extraction with CH3COOH appeared to provide a good estimate of EValue for Cd; however, this was the net outcome of incomplete solubilisation of labile metal, and concurrent mobilisation of non-labile metal by the extractant (MExtEValue). The Na2H2EDTA extractant mobilised some non-labile metal in three of the four soils, but consistently solubilised the entire labile fraction for all soil-metal combinations (MExt ≈ EExt). Comparison of EValue, MExt and EExt provides a rigorous means of assessing the underlying action of soil chemical extraction methods and could be used to refine long-standing soil extraction methodologies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optical biosensing of nitrite ions using cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase encapsulated in a sol-gel matrix.

PubMed

Ferretti, S; Lee, S K; MacCraith, B D; Oliva, A G; Richardson, D J; Russell, D A; Sapsford, K E; Vidal, M

2000-11-01

Nitrite is an important human health and environmental analyte. As such, the European Union (EU) has imposed a limit for nitrite in potable water of 0.1 mg l-1 (2.18 microM). In order to develop an optical biosensing system for the determination of nitrite ions in environmental waters, cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase has been extracted and purified from the bacterium Paracoccus pantotrophus. The protein has been spectroscopically characterised in solution and important kinetic parameters of nitrite reduction of the cytochrome cd1 enzyme, i.e., Km, Vmax and kcat have been determined. The influence of pH on the activity of the cytochrome cd1 has been investigated and the results suggest that this enzyme can be used for the determination of nitrite in the pH range 6-9. Biosensing experiments with the cytochrome cd1 in solution suggested that the decrease in intensity of the absorption band associated with the d1 haem (which is the nitrite binding site), at 460 nm, with increasing nitrite concentrations would enable the measurement of this analyte with the optimum limit of detection. The cytochrome cd1 has been encapsulated in a bulk sol-gel monolith with no structural changes observed and retention of enzymatic activity. The detection of nitrite ions in the range 0.075-1.250 microM was achieved, with a limit of detection of 0.075 microM. In order to increase the speed of response, a sol-gel sandwich thin film structure was formulated with the cytochrome cd1. This structure enabled the determination of nitrite concentrations within ca. 5 min. The sol-gel sandwich entrapped cytochrome cd1 enzyme was found to be stable for several months when the films were stored at 4 degrees C.

Immunosuppressive Effects of Bryoria sp. (Lichen-Forming Fungus) Extracts via Inhibition of CD8+ T-Cell Proliferation and IL-2 Production in CD4+ T Cells.

PubMed

Hwang, Yun-Ho; Lee, Sung-Ju; Kang, Kyung-Yun; Hur, Jae-Seoun; Yee, Sung-Tae

2017-06-28

Lichen-forming fungi are known to have various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammation, and anti proliferative effects. However, the immunosuppressive effects of Bryoria sp. extract (BSE) have not previously been investigated. In this study, the inhibitory activity of BSE on the proliferation of CD8 + T cells and the mixed lymphocytes reaction (MLR) was evaluated in vitro. BSE was non-toxic in spleen cells and suppressed the growth of splenocytes induced by anti-CD3. The suppressed cell population in spleen cells consisted of CD8 + T cells and their proliferation was inhibited by the treatment with BSE. This extract significantly suppressed the IL-2 associated with T cell growth and IFN-γ as the CD8 + T cell marker. Furthermore, BSE reduced the expression of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain (IL-2Rα) on CD8 + T cells and CD86 on dendritic cells by acting as antigen-presenting cells. Finally, the MLR produced by the co-culture of C57BL/6 and MMC-treated BALB/c was suppressed by BSE. IL-2, IFN-γ, and CD69 on CD8 + T cells in MLR condition were inhibited by BSE. These results indicate that BSE inhibits the MLR via the suppression of IL-2Rα expression in CD8 + T cells. BSE has the potential to be developed as an anti-immunosuppression agent for organ transplants.

Fe, Zn, and Cd stable isotopes from the eastern tropical South Pacific from GEOTRACES cruise GP16 - Methods and data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helgoe, J. M.; Townsend, E.; John, S.

2014-12-01

A new method has been developed for the rapid analysis of metal concentrations and stable isotope ratios using a prepFAST automated sample processing robot. Although concentrations and isotopes are processed separately, similar methods are used for both. Initially all seawater is acidified to pH 2. Then Nobias resin with EDTA/IDA functional groups is added to either 10mL of sample for concentrations or ~1L samples for isotopes. Fe binds to the resin at low pH, and the pH is subsequently raised to allow Zn and Cd to bind. For concentration analyses, all subsequent chemistry is automated on the prepFAST including removal of seawater, rinsing of resin, and elution of resin into acid. For isotope samples these extraction techniques are performed manually, but the subsequent purification of Fe, Zn, and Cd by anion exchange chromatography is automated using the prepFAST. With these new methods, samples from the US GEOTRACES cruise GP16, in the eastern tropical South Pacific, are being analyzed. High concentrations of dissolved Fe are observed near the continental shelf and near submarine hydrothermal vents. Interestingly, isotope data show that dissolved Fe near the continental shelf generally has a δ56Fe close to 0 ‰. This δ56 Fe signature is suggestive of a non-reductive dissolution source for Fe, as Fe(II) released by reductive dissolution is typically closer to -2 ‰. Preliminary data show nutrient-type profiles for Zn and Cd, with Zn matching Si and Cd having a similar distribution to P. An increase in dissolved Zn near hydrothermal vents suggests a possible hydrothermal zinc source to the deep ocean. Continuing analysis of isotope data will reveal more about the source and biogeochemical cycling of these three chemically and biologically important trace metals throughout the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Determination of cadmium in sediments by diluted HCI extraction and isotope dilution ICP-MS.

PubMed

Terán-Baamonde, Javier; Soto-Ferreiro, Rosa-María; Carlosena, Alatzne; Andrade, José-Manuel; Prada, Darío

2018-08-15

Isotope dilution ICP-MS is proposed to measure the mass fraction of Cd extracted by diluted HCl in marine sediments, using a fast and simple extraction procedure based on ultrasonic probe agitation. The 111 Cd isotope was added before the extraction to achieve isotope equilibration with native Cd solubilized from the sample. The parameters affecting trueness and precision of isotope ratio measurements were evaluated carefully and subsequently corrected in order to minimize errors; they were: detector dead time, spectral interferences, mass discrimination factor and optimum sample/spike ratio. The mass fraction of Cd extracted was compared with the sum of the certified contents of the three steps of the sequential extraction procedure of the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (SM&T) analysing the BCR 701 sediment to validate the method. The certified and measured values agreed, giving a measured / certified mass fraction ratio of 1.05. Further, the extraction procedure itself was studied by adding the enriched isotope after the extraction step, which allowed verifying that analyte losses occurred during this process. Two additional reference sediments with certified total cadmium contents were also analysed. The method provided very good precision (0.9%, RSD) and a low detection limit, 1.8 ng g -1 . The procedural uncertainty budget was estimated following the EURACHEM Guide by means of the 'GUM Workbench' software, obtaining a relative expanded uncertainty of 1.5%. The procedure was applied to determine the bioaccessible mass fraction of Cd in sediments from two environmentally and economically important areas of Galicia (rias of Arousa and Vigo, NW of Spain). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reducing effect of an extract of Phaseolus vulgaris on food intake in mice--focus on highly palatable foods.

PubMed

Loi, Barbara; Fantini, Noemi; Colombo, Giancarlo; Gessa, Gian Luigi; Riva, Antonella; Bombardelli, Ezio; Morazzoni, Paolo; Carai, Mauro A M

2013-03-01

Different lines of experimental evidence indicate that treatment with extracts from and derivatives of Phaseolus vulgaris reduces intake of food, including highly palatable foods and beverages, in rats. The present study was designed to extend to mice these lines of evidence. To this end, CD1 mice were treated acutely with a standardized extract of P. vulgaris and then exposed to unlimited access to regular food pellets (Experiment 1) or 1-hour limited access to three different palatable foods/beverages, such as butter cookies (Experiment 2), a condensed-milk beverage (Experiment 3), and a chocolate-flavored beverage (Experiment 4). Treatment with P. vulgaris extract resulted in a significant reduction in the intake of regular food pellets, that was still evident 24h later, as well as of the three palatable nourishments. Together, these results (a) extend to mice several previous findings on the capacity of P. vulgaris extracts to suppress food intake in rats, (b) suggest that P. vulgaris extracts may interfere with the central mechanisms regulating appetite, food intake, palatability, and/or the rewarding and hedonic properties of food, and (c) P. vulgaris extracts may represent a potentially effective therapy for overeating, obesity, and food craving. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

West African Sorghum bicolor Leaf Sheaths Have Anti-Inflammatory and Immune-Modulating Properties In Vitro

PubMed Central

Benson, Kathleen F.; Beaman, Joni L.; Ou, Boxin; Okubena, Ademola; Okubena, Olajuwon

2013-01-01

Abstract The impact of chronic inflammatory conditions on immune function is substantial, and the simultaneous application of anti-inflammatory and immune modulating modalities has potential for reducing inflammation-induced immune suppression. Sorghum-based foods, teas, beers, and extracts are used in traditional medicine, placing an importance on obtaining an increased understanding of the biological effects of sorghum. This study examined selected anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties in vitro of Jobelyn™, containing the polyphenol-rich leaf sheaths from a West African variant of Sorghum bicolor (SBLS). Freshly isolated primary human polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear cell subsets were used to test selected cellular functions in the absence versus presence of aqueous and ethanol extracts of SBLS. Both aqueous and nonaqueous compounds contributed to reduced reactive oxygen species formation by inflammatory PMN cells, and reduced the migration of these cells in response to the inflammatory chemoattractant leukotriene B4. Distinct effects were seen on lymphocyte and monocyte subsets in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The aqueous extract of SBLS triggered robust upregulation of the CD69 activation marker on CD3− CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells, whereas the ethanol extract of SBLS triggered similar upregulation of CD69 on CD3+ CD56+ NKT cells, CD3+ T lymphocytes, and monocytes. This was accompanied by many-fold increases in the chemokines RANTES/CCL5, Mip-1α/CCL3, and MIP-1β/CCL4. Both aqueous and nonaqueous compounds contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, combined with multiple effects on immune cell activation status. These observations may help suggest mechanisms of action that contribute to the traditional use of sorghum-based products, beverages, and extracts for immune support. PMID:23289787

The Combination of DGT Technique and Traditional Chemical Methods for Evaluation of Cadmium Bioavailability in Contaminated Soils with Organic Amendment

PubMed Central

Yao, Yu; Sun, Qin; Wang, Chao; Wang, Pei-Fang; Miao, Ling-Zhan; Ding, Shi-Ming

2016-01-01

Organic amendments have been proposed as a means of remediation for Cd-contaminated soils. However, understanding the inhibitory effects of organic materials on metal immobilization requires further research. In this study colza cake, a typical organic amendment material, was investigated in order to elucidate the ability of this material to reduce toxicity of Cd-contaminated soil. Available concentrations of Cd in soils were measured using an in situ diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique in combination with traditional chemical methods, such as HOAc (aqua regia), EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), NaOAc (sodium acetate), CaCl2, and labile Cd in pore water. These results were applied to predict the Cd bioavailability after the addition of colza cake to Cd-contaminated soil. Two commonly grown cash crops, wheat and maize, were selected for Cd accumulation studies, and were found to be sensitive to Cd bioavailability. Results showed that the addition of colza cake may inhibit the growth of wheat and maize. Furthermore, the addition of increasing colza cake doses led to decreasing shoot and root biomass accumulation. However, increasing colza cake doses did lead to the reduction of Cd accumulation in plant tissues, as indicated by the decreasing Cd concentrations in shoots and roots. The labile concentration of Cd obtained by DGT measurements and the traditional chemical extraction methods, showed the clear decrease of Cd with the addition of increasing colza cake doses. All indicators showed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) with the accumulation of Cd in plant tissues, however, all of the methods could not reflect plant growth status. Additionally, the capability of Cd to change from solid phase to become available in a soil solution decreased with increasing colza cake doses. This was reflected by the decreases in the ratio (R) value of CDGT to Csol. Our study suggests that the sharp decrease in R values could not only reflect the extremely low capability of labile Cd to be released from its solid phase, but may also be applied to evaluate the abnormal growth of the plants. PMID:27314376

The Combination of DGT Technique and Traditional Chemical Methods for Evaluation of Cadmium Bioavailability in Contaminated Soils with Organic Amendment.

PubMed

Yao, Yu; Sun, Qin; Wang, Chao; Wang, Pei-Fang; Miao, Ling-Zhan; Ding, Shi-Ming

2016-06-15

Organic amendments have been proposed as a means of remediation for Cd-contaminated soils. However, understanding the inhibitory effects of organic materials on metal immobilization requires further research. In this study colza cake, a typical organic amendment material, was investigated in order to elucidate the ability of this material to reduce toxicity of Cd-contaminated soil. Available concentrations of Cd in soils were measured using an in situ diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique in combination with traditional chemical methods, such as HOAc (aqua regia), EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), NaOAc (sodium acetate), CaCl₂, and labile Cd in pore water. These results were applied to predict the Cd bioavailability after the addition of colza cake to Cd-contaminated soil. Two commonly grown cash crops, wheat and maize, were selected for Cd accumulation studies, and were found to be sensitive to Cd bioavailability. Results showed that the addition of colza cake may inhibit the growth of wheat and maize. Furthermore, the addition of increasing colza cake doses led to decreasing shoot and root biomass accumulation. However, increasing colza cake doses did lead to the reduction of Cd accumulation in plant tissues, as indicated by the decreasing Cd concentrations in shoots and roots. The labile concentration of Cd obtained by DGT measurements and the traditional chemical extraction methods, showed the clear decrease of Cd with the addition of increasing colza cake doses. All indicators showed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) with the accumulation of Cd in plant tissues, however, all of the methods could not reflect plant growth status. Additionally, the capability of Cd to change from solid phase to become available in a soil solution decreased with increasing colza cake doses. This was reflected by the decreases in the ratio (R) value of CDGT to Csol. Our study suggests that the sharp decrease in R values could not only reflect the extremely low capability of labile Cd to be released from its solid phase, but may also be applied to evaluate the abnormal growth of the plants.

Solubilization and Resolution of the Membrane-Bound Nitrite Reductase from Paracoccus Halodenitrificans into Nitrite and Nitric Oxide Reductases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grant, Michael A.; Cronin, Sonja E.; Hochstein, Lawrence I.

1984-01-01

Membranes prepared from Paracoccus halodenitrificans reduced nitrite or nitric oxide to nitrous oxide. Extraction of these membranes with the detergent CHAPSO [3-(3-Chlolamidoporopyldimethylammonio)-1-(2- hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate)], followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation of the solubilized proteins, resulted in the separation of nitrite and nitric oxide reductase activities. The fraction containing nitrite reductase activity spectrally resembled a cd-type cytochrome. Several cytochromes were detected in the nitric oxide reductase fraction. Which, if any, of these cytochromes is associated with the reduction of nitric oxide is not clear at this time.

Molecularly imprinted polymers as the extracted sorbents of clenbuterol ahead of liquid chromatographic determination*

PubMed Central

Lay, Sovichea; Yu, Hai-ning; Hu, Bao-xiang; Shen, Sheng-rong

2016-01-01

A pre-treatment methodology for clenbuterol hydrochloride (CLEN) isolation and enrichment in a complex matrix environment was developed through exploiting molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). CLEN-imprinted polymers were synthesized by the combined use of ally-β-cyclodextrin (ally-β-CD) and methacrylic acid (MAA), allyl-β-CD and acrylonitrile (AN), and allyl-β-CD and methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the binary functional monomers. MAA-linked allyl-β-CD MIPs (M-MAA) were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Based upon the results, M-MAA polymers generally proved to be an excellent selective extraction compared to its references: AN-linked allyl-β-CD MIPs (M-AN) and MMA-linked allyl-β-CD MIPs (M-MMA). M-MAA polymers were eventually chosen to run through a molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) micro-column to enrich CLEN residues spiked in pig livers. A high recovery was achieved, ranging from 91.03% to 96.76% with relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤4.45%. PMID:27256680

Cadmium phytoavailability to rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in representative Chinese soils. A model to improve soil environmental quality guidelines for food safety.

PubMed

Rafiq, Muhammad T; Aziz, Rukhsanda; Yang, Xiaoe; Xiao, Wendan; Rafiq, Muhammad K; Ali, Basharat; Li, Tingqiang

2014-05-01

Food chain contamination by cadmium (Cd) is globally a serious health concern resulting in chronic abnormalities. Rice is a major staple food of the majority world population, therefore, it is imperative to understand the relationship between the bioavailability of Cd in soils and its accumulation in rice grain. Objectives of this study were to establish environment quality standards for seven different textured soils based on human dietary toxicity, total Cd content in soils and bioavailable portion of Cd in soil. Cadmium concentrations in polished rice grain were best related to total Cd content in Mollisols and Udic Ferrisols with threshold levels of 0.77 and 0.32mgkg(-1), respectively. Contrastingly, Mehlich-3-extractable Cd thresholds were more suitable for Calcaric Regosols, Stagnic Anthrosols, Ustic Cambosols, Typic Haplustalfs and Periudic Argosols with thresholds values of 0.36, 0.22, 0.17, 0.08 and 0.03mgkg(-1), respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that phytoavailability of Cd to rice grain was strongly correlated with Mehlich-3-extractable Cd and soil pH. The empirical model developed in this study explains the combined effects of soil properties and extractable soil Cd content on the phytoavailability of Cd to polished rice grain. This study indicates that accumulation of Cd in rice is influenced greatly by soil type, which should be considered in assessment of soil safety for Cd contamination in rice. This investigation concluded that the selection of proper soil type for food crop production can help us to avoid the toxicity of Cd in our daily diet. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel ion imprinted magnetic mesoporous silica for selective magnetic solid phase extraction of trace Cd followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Bingshan; He, Man; Chen, Beibei; Hu, Bin

2015-05-01

Determination of trace Cd in environmental, biological and food samples is of great significance to toxicological research and environmental pollution monitoring. While the direct determination of Cd in real-world samples is difficult due to its low concentration and the complex matrix. Herein, a novel Cd(II)-ion imprinted magnetic mesoporous silica (Cd(II)-II-MMS) was prepared and was employed as a selective magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) material for extraction of trace Cd in real-world samples followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) detection. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit of the proposed method was 6.1 ng L- 1 for Cd with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.0% (c = 50 ng L- 1, n = 7), and the enrichment factor was 50-fold. To validate the proposed method, Certified Reference Materials of GSBZ 50009-88 environmental water, ZK018-1 lyophilized human urine and NIES10-b rice flour were analyzed and the determined values were in a good agreement with the certified values. The proposed method exhibited a robust anti-interference ability due to the good selectivity of Cd(II)-II-MMS toward Cd(II). It was successfully employed for the determination of trace Cd(II) in environmental water, human urine and rice samples with recoveries of 89.3-116%, demonstrating that the proposed method has good application potential in real world samples with complex matrix.

Characteristics of dental pulp in human upper first premolar teeth based on immunohistochemical and morphometric examinations.

PubMed

Tomaszewska, Joanna Maria; Miskowiak, Bogdan; Matthews-Brzozowska, Teresa; Wierzbicki, Piotr

2013-01-01

Teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons are commonly considered as healthy. Therefore, it is possible to examine structure of the dental pulp can be fully recognized and how it is affected by malocclusion. The aim of the study was to evaluate by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and morphometry dental pulp in human upper first premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The material comprised 36 teeth of 20 patients in the age range 16-26 years. By the use of IHC markers the presence of immunocompetent cells (CD20, CD45RO, and CD68), blood vessels (CD31) and nerves (PGP9.5) were examined in the pulp. Inflammatory infiltrates and tissue atrophy were observed in 24 and 10 teeth, respectively. Strong positive correlation between the width of the odontoblastic layer, the number of rows of odontoblast nuclei and the increase of MVA (microvessel area) in the pulp of atrophic teeth was found. The cellular infiltrations found in H&E-stained sections were identified by IHC as memory T cells (CD45RO+) and B lymphocytes (CD20+) with macrophages (CD68+) present at the periphery. The CD20 antigen was intensively expressed in 13 teeth, CD45RO in 33 teeth, and CD68 in 20 teeth. Thus, despite the lack of any clinical signs of pulp disease many teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons show focal pulp inflammation and atrophy which probably results from the malocclusion stress accompanying teeth crowding.

Atorvastatin reduces T-cell activation and exhaustion among HIV-infected cART-treated suboptimal immune responders in Uganda: a randomised crossover placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Nakanjako, Damalie; Ssinabulya, Isaac; Nabatanzi, Rose; Bayigga, Lois; Kiragga, Agnes; Joloba, Moses; Kaleebu, Pontiano; Kambugu, Andrew D; Kamya, Moses R; Sekaly, Rafick; Elliott, Alison; Mayanja-Kizza, Harriet

2015-03-01

T-cell activation independently predicts mortality, poor immune recovery and non-AIDS illnesses during combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Atorvastatin showed anti-immune activation effects among HIV-infected cART-naïve individuals. We investigated whether adjunct atorvastatin therapy reduces T-cell activation among cART-treated adults with suboptimal immune recovery. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial, of atorvastatin 80 mg daily vs. placebo for 12 weeks, was conducted among individuals with CD4 increase <295 cells/μl after seven years of suppressive cART. Change in T-cell activation (CD3 + CD4 + /CD8 + CD38 + HLADR+) and in T-cell exhaustion (CD3 + CD4 + /CD8 + PD1 + ) was measured using flow cytometry. Thirty patients were randomised, 15 to each arm. Atorvastatin resulted in a 28% greater reduction in CD4 T-cell activation (60% reduction) than placebo (32% reduction); P = 0.001. Atorvastatin also resulted in a 35% greater reduction in CD8-T-cell activation than placebo (49% vs. 14%, P = 0.0009), CD4 T-cell exhaustion (27% vs. 17% in placebo), P = 0.001 and CD8 T-cell exhaustion (27% vs. 16%), P = 0.004. There was no carry-over/period effect. Expected adverse events were comparable in both groups, and no serious adverse events were reported. Atorvastatin reduced T-cell immune activation and exhaustion among cART-treated adults in a Ugandan cohort. Atorvastatin adjunct therapy should be explored as a strategy to improve HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition by anti-CD147 therapy in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Frederick, John W; Sweeny, Larissa; Hartman, Yolanda; Zhou, Tong; Rosenthal, Eben L

2016-02-01

Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon and aggressive malignancy. As a result, there is limited understanding of its biology and pathogenesis. CD147 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been identified as oncologically important targets, but their relationship remains undefined in cutaneous SCC. Multiple cutaneous SCC cell lines (Colo-16, SRB-1, and SRB-12), were treated in vitro with a range of chimeric anti-CD147 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (0, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) or transfected with a small interfering RNA against CD147 (SiCD147). Cell proliferation, migration (scratch wound healing assay), and protein expression was then assessed. In vivo, Colo-16 flank xenografts were treated anti-CD147 mAb (150 µg i.p. triweekly). After treatment with anti-CD147 (200 µg/mL), there was a significant decrease in proliferation for all cell lines relative to controls (p < .005). In addition, treatment with anti-CD147 (200 µg/mL) resulted in decreased cell migration for all cell lines, with an average of 43% reduction in closure compared to controls (p < .001). Colo-16 SiCD147 expression demonstrated similar reduction in proliferation and wound closure. Anti-CD147 antibody therapy and siRNA mediated reduction in CD147 expression were both found to decrease protein expression of EGFR, which correlated with a reduction in downstream total and phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT). Tumor growth in vivo was reduced for both the anti-CD147 treatment group and the SiCD147 group relative to controls. Inhibition and downregulation of CD147 in cutaneous SCC resulted in suppression of the malignant phenotype in vitro and in vivo, which may be mediated in part by an alteration in EGFR expression. As a result, CD147 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for advanced cutaneous SCC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bone physiology in human grafted and non-grafted extraction sockets--an immunohistochemical study.

PubMed

Nahles, Susanne; Nack, Claudia; Gratecap, Kerrin; Lage, Hermann; Nelson, John J; Nelson, Katja

2013-07-01

The aim of the present immunohistological investigation was to define and compare the osteogenic potential with the vascularization of the provisional matrix in grafted and ungrafted extraction sockets after 4 and 12 weeks of healing. A total of 33 Patients (15 women, 18 men) with 65 extraction sites with a mean age of 54.4 years (30-73 years) participated in this study. After tooth extraction, the sockets were augmented with Bio-Oss collagen or non-augmented. At implant placement after 4 or 12 weeks bone biopsies were obtained. Within the specimens the osteogenic and endothelial potential of mesenchymal cells was analyzed in the provisional matrix using immunohistochemical analysis with three monoclonal antibodies Cbfa1/Runx2, Osteocalcin (OC), and CD31. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient, and the two-factorial analysis for repeated measurements. Of the 65 extraction sockets, 25 (13 non-augmented, 12 augmented) sites after 4 weeks healing time and 40 (19 non-augmented, 21 augmented) sites after 12 weeks healing time were involved in the study. No signs of acute or chronic inflammation were noted in any specimens. After 4 weeks, a median amount of 56% (10-85%) of Cbfa1 positive cells and a median amount of cells expressing OC of 21% (5-42%) were measured. A median CD31 score of 5 was observed. After 12 weeks, a median amount of 61% (19-90%) positive cells expressed by Cbfa1/Runx2 staining a median amount of OC positive cells of 9% (2-17%) was measured. The results at 12 weeks revealed a median score of CD31 positive cells of 3. Osteoblastic activity in the provisional matrix was highest after 4 weeks of healing period. The active zone of bone formation is found in the apical region of the extraction socket during the early healing phase, shifting to the coronal region after 12 weeks. A peak of osteoblast activity within the first weeks is followed by a reduction in mature osteoblasts with osteoblasts remaining in an inactive stage. The vascularity changed in likewise fashion to the maturation of osteoblasts within the observation period. The results have shown that with increasing age a decreasing endothelial potential was observed not after 4 weeks, but after 12 weeks, thus it suggests that angiogenesis is diminished in older patients in the later phase of healing in extraction sockets. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Electrically assisted liquid-phase microextraction combined with capillary electrophoresis for quantification of propranolol enantiomers in human body fluids.

PubMed

Tabani, Hadi; Fakhari, Ali Reza; Shahsavani, Abolfath; Gharari Alibabaou, Hossein

2014-05-01

In this study, electromembrane extraction (EME) combined with cyclodextrin (CD)-modified capillary electrophoresis (CE) was applied for the extraction, separation, and quantification of propranolol (PRO) enantiomers from biological samples. The PRO enantiomers were extracted from aqueous donor solutions, through a supported liquid membrane (SLM) consisting of 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) impregnated on the wall of the hollow fiber, and into a 20-μL acidic aqueous acceptor solution into the lumen of hollow fiber. Important parameters affecting EME efficiency such as extraction voltage, extraction time, pH of the donor and acceptor solutions were optimized using a Box-Behnken design (BBD). Then, under these optimized conditions, the acceptor solution was analyzed using an optimized CD-modified CE. Several types of CD were evaluated and best results were obtained using a fused-silica capillary with ammonium acetate (80 mM, pH 2.5) containing 8 mM hydroxypropyl-β-CD as a chiral selector, applied voltage of 18 kV, and temperature of 20°C. The relative recoveries were obtained in the range of 78-95%. Finally, the performance of the present method was evaluated for the extraction and determination of PRO enantiomers in real biological samples. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Activation Thermodynamics and H/D Kinetic Isotope Effect of the Hox to HredH+ Transition in [FeFe] Hydrogenase.

PubMed

Ratzloff, Michael W; Wilker, Molly B; Mulder, David W; Lubner, Carolyn E; Hamby, Hayden; Brown, Katherine A; Dukovic, Gordana; King, Paul W

2017-09-20

Molecular complexes between CdSe nanocrystals and Clostridium acetobutylicum [FeFe] hydrogenase I (CaI) enabled light-driven control of electron transfer for spectroscopic detection of redox intermediates during catalytic proton reduction. Here we address the route of electron transfer from CdSe→CaI and activation thermodynamics of the initial step of proton reduction in CaI. The electron paramagnetic spectroscopy of illuminated CdSe:CaI showed how the CaI accessory FeS cluster chain (F-clusters) functions in electron transfer with CdSe. The H ox →H red H + reduction step measured by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed an enthalpy of activation of 19 kJ mol -1 and a ∼2.5-fold kinetic isotope effect. Overall, these results support electron injection from CdSe into CaI involving F-clusters, and that the H ox →H red H + step of catalytic proton reduction in CaI proceeds by a proton-dependent process.

An automated system for liquid-liquid extraction in monosegmented flow analysis

PubMed Central

Facchin, Ileana; Pasquini, Celio

1997-01-01

An automated system to perform liquid-liquid extraction in monosegmented flow analysis is described. The system is controlled by a microcomputer that can track the localization of the aqueous monosegmented sample in the manifold. Optical switches are employed to sense the gas-liquid interface of the air bubbles that define the monosegment. The logical level changes, generated by the switches, are flagged by the computer through a home-made interface that also contains the analogue-to-digital converter for signal acquisition. The sequence of operations, necessary for a single extraction or for concentration of the analyte in the organic phase, is triggered by these logical transitions. The system was evaluated for extraction of Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) and concentration of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions at pH 9.9 (NH3/NH4Cl buffer) into chloroform containing PAN (1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol) . The results show a mean repeatability of 3% (rsd) for a 2.0 mg l-1 Cd(II) solution and a linear increase of the concentration factor for a 0.5mg l-1 Cd(II) solution observed for up to nine extraction cycles. PMID:18924792

Amelioration of skewed Th1/Th2 balance in tumor-bearing and asthma-induced mice by oral administration of Agaricus blazei extracts.

PubMed

Takimoto, Hiroaki; Kato, Hanano; Kaneko, Masahiro; Kumazawa, Yoshio

2008-01-01

We showed in a previous study that hot-water extracts of Agaricus blazei (Agaricus extracts) had anti-tumor activity to Meth A fibrosarcoma, but it remains unclear whether the Agaricus extracts ameliorate the skewed balance of type-1 T helper (Th1) and type-2 T helper (Th2) cells. We examined whether Agaricus extracts effect the skewed Th1/Th2 balance in tumor-bearing and asthma-induced mice. When Meth A-bearing mice were given orally either Agaricus extracts or water once a day starting 5 days after tumor implantation, spleen T cells, prepared from tumor-bearing mice treated with Agaricus extracts, in response to anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody produced significantly higher levels of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) than that of controls. The mRNA expression of IFN-gamma-inducing protein 10 and the frequency of CD69(+) or CD49d(+) cells, among activated T cells infiltrated into tumors, significantly increased in Agaricus-treated mice, compared with those of tumor-controls. In asthma-induced mice, treatment with the Agaricus extracts caused significant downregulation of OVA-specific antibody responses of IgG1 and IgE but not of IgG2a, and significantly decreased total cell numbers, levels of interleukin 5, and eosinophil numbers in bronchial alveolar lavage fluids. IFN-gamma production by anti-CD3-stimulated spleen cells, obtained from Agaricus-treated mice, significantly increased. Our results strongly suggest that oral administration of Agaricus extracts ameliorates the Th1/Th2 balance from the Th2-skewed conditions.

Phytoavailability and phytovariety codetermine the bioaccumulation risk of heavy metal from soils, focusing on Cd-contaminated vegetable farms around the Pearl River Delta, China.

PubMed

Hu, Junli; Wu, Fuyong; Wu, Shengchun; Sun, Xiaolin; Lin, Xiangui; Wong, Ming Hung

2013-05-01

Five random vegetable farms were selected to investigate the bioaccumulation risk of heavy metals (HMs) by different type of vegetables around the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China. The concentration order of four major HMs in the surface soil samples was Cd

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in patients with celiac disease: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Sainsbury, Anita; Sanders, David S; Ford, Alexander C

2013-04-01

Patients with celiac disease (CD) often report symptoms compatible with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the prevalence of these symptoms in patients with CD and their relation to adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) have not been assessed systematically. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EMBASE Classic (through July 2012) to identify cross-sectional surveys or case-control studies reporting prevalence of IBS-type symptoms in adult patients (≥ 16 years old) with established CD. The number of individuals with symptoms meeting criteria for IBS was extracted for each study, according to case or control status and adherence to a GFD. Pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. We analyzed data from 7 studies with 3383 participants. The pooled prevalence of IBS-type symptoms in all patients with CD was 38.0% (95% CI, 27.0%-50.0%). The pooled OR for IBS-type symptoms was higher in patients with CD than in controls (5.60; 95% CI, 3.23-9.70). In patients who were nonadherent with a GFD, the pooled OR for IBS-type symptoms, compared with those who were strictly adherent, was 2.69 (95% CI, 0.75-9.56). There was also a trend toward a higher OR for IBS-type symptoms among patients who did not adhere to the GFD, compared with controls (12.42; 95% CI, 6.84-11.75), compared with that observed for adherent CD patients vs controls (4.28; 95% CI, 1.56-11.75). IBS-type symptoms occur frequently in patients with CD and are more common than among controls. Adherence to a GFD might be associated with a reduction in symptoms. Copyright © 2013 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of solution acidity and CaCl2 concentration on the removal of heavy metals from metal-contaminated rice soils.

PubMed

Kuo, S; Lai, M S; Lin, C W

2006-12-01

Soil washing is considered a useful technique for remediating metal-contaminated soils. This study examined the release edges of Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu or Pb in two contaminated rice soils from central Taiwan. The concentrations exceeding the trigger levels established by the regulatory agency of Taiwan were Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr for the Ho-Mei soil and Pb for the Nan-Tou soil. Successive extractions with HCl ranging from 0 to 0.2 M showed increased release of the heavy metals with declining pH, and the threshold pH value below which a sharp increase in the releases of the heavy metals was highest for Cd, Zn, and Ni (pH 4.6 to 4.9), intermediate for Pb and Cu (3.1 to 3.8) and lowest for Fe (2.1), Al (2.2) and Cr (1.7) for the soils. The low response slope of Ni and Cr particularly for the rice soils make soil washing with the acid up to the highest concentration used ineffective to reduce their concentrations to below trigger levels. Although soil washing with 0.1 M HCl was moderately effective in reducing Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd, which brought pH of the soils to 1.1+/-0.1 (S.D.), the concurrent release of large quantities of Fe and Al make this remediation technique undesirable for the rice soils containing high clay. Successive washings with 0.01 M HCl could be considered an alternative as the dissolution of Fe and Al was minimal, and between 46 to 64% of Cd, Zn, and Cu for the Ho-Mei soil and 45% of Pb in the Na-Tou soil were extracted after four successive extractions with this dilute acid solution. The efficacy of Cd extraction improved if CaCl2 was added to the acid solution. The correlation analysis revealed that Cr extracted was highly correlated (P < 0.001) with Fe extracted, whereas the Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd or Pb extracted was better correlated (P < 0.001) with Al than with Fe extracted. It is possible that the past seasonal soil flooding and drainage in the soils for rice production was conducive to incorporating Cr within the structure of Fe oxide, thereby making them extremely insoluble even in 0.2 M HCl solution. The formation of solid solution of Ni with Al oxide was also possible, making it far less extractable than Cd, Zn, Cu, or Pb with the acid concentrations used.

Strategies for enhancing the phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated agricultural soils by Solanum nigrum L.

PubMed

Ji, Puhui; Sun, Tieheng; Song, Yufang; Ackland, M Leigh; Liu, Yang

2011-03-01

Field trials contribute practical information towards the development of phytoremediation strategies that cannot be provided by laboratory tests. We conducted field experiments utilizing the Cd hyperaccumulator plant Solanum nigrum L., on farmland contaminated with 1.91 mg kg(-1) Cd in the soil. Our study showed that S. nigrum has a relatively high biomass. Planting density had a significant effect on the plant biomass and thus on overall Cd accumulation. For double harvesting, an optimal cutting position influenced the amount of Cd extracted from soils. Double cropping was found to significantly increase the amount of Cd extracted by S. nigrum. Fertilizing had no significant effect on plant biomass or on the Cd remediation of the soil over the short-term period. Our study indicates that S. nigrum can accumulate Cd from soils where the concentrations are relatively low, and thus has application for use in decontamination of slightly to moderately Cd-contaminated soil. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transparent ohmic contacts for solution-processed, ultrathin CdTe solar cells

DOE PAGES

Kurley, J. Matthew; Panthani, Matthew G.; Crisp, Ryan W.; ...

2016-12-19

Recently, solution-processing became a viable route for depositing CdTe for use in photovoltaics. Ultrathin (~500 nm) solar cells have been made using colloidal CdTe nanocrystals with efficiencies exceeding 12% power conversion efficiency (PCE) demonstrated by using very simple device stacks. Further progress requires an effective method for extracting charge carriers generated during light harvesting. Here, we explored solution-based methods for creating transparent Ohmic contacts to the solution-deposited CdTe absorber layer and demonstrated molecular and nanocrystal approaches to Ohmic hole-extracting contacts at the ITO/CdTe interface. Furthermore, we used scanning Kelvin probe microscopy to further show how the above approaches improved carriermore » collection by reducing the potential drop under reverse bias across the ITO/CdTe interface. Other methods, such as spin-coating CdTe/A 2CdTe 2 (A = Na, K, Cs, N 2H 5), can be used in conjunction with current/light soaking to improve PCE further.« less

Double heterojunction nanowire photocatalysts for hydrogen generation.

PubMed

Tongying, P; Vietmeyer, F; Aleksiuk, D; Ferraudi, G J; Krylova, G; Kuno, M

2014-04-21

Charge separation and charge transfer across interfaces are key aspects in the design of efficient photocatalysts for solar energy conversion. In this study, we investigate the hydrogen generating capabilities and underlying photophysics of nanostructured photocatalysts based on CdSe nanowires (NWs). Systems studied include CdSe, CdSe/CdS core/shell nanowires and their Pt nanoparticle-decorated counterparts. Femtosecond transient differential absorption measurements reveal how semiconductor/semiconductor and metal/semiconductor heterojunctions affect the charge separation and hydrogen generation efficiencies of these hybrid photocatalysts. In turn, we unravel the role of surface passivation, charge separation at semiconductor interfaces and charge transfer to metal co-catalysts in determining photocatalytic H2 generation efficiencies. This allows us to rationalize why Pt nanoparticle decorated CdSe/CdS NWs, a double heterojunction system, performs best with H2 generation rates of ∼434.29 ± 27.40 μmol h(-1) g(-1) under UV/Visible irradiation. In particular, we conclude that the CdS shell of this double heterojunction system serves two purposes. The first is to passivate CdSe NW surface defects, leading to long-lived charges at the CdSe/CdS interface capable of carrying out reduction chemistries. Upon photoexcitation, we also find that CdS selectively injects charges into Pt NPs, enabling simultaneous reduction chemistries at the Pt NP/solvent interface. Pt nanoparticle decorated CdSe/CdS NWs thus enable reduction chemistries at not one, but rather two interfaces, taking advantage of each junction's optimal catalytic activities.

Post-synthetic modifications of cadmium-based knots and links.

PubMed

Prakasam, Thirumurugan; Bilbeisi, Rana A; Lusi, Matteo; Olsen, John-Carl; Platas-Iglesias, Carlos; Trabolsi, Ali

2016-05-31

Three topologically non-trivial cadmium(ii)-based complexes-Cd-[2]C, Cd-TK and Cd-SL-were simultaneously self-assembled in a dynamic library, individually isolated and fully characterized using solid-state, gas-phase and solution-phase techniques. Post-synthetic modifications, including reduction and transmetalation, were subsequently achieved. Imine bond reduction followed by demetallation led to the isolation of the corresponding organic molecules [2]C, TK and SL. Transmetalation of Cd-TK and Cd-SL with the zinc(ii) cation resulted in isolation of the corresponding zinc(ii)-containing complexes Zn-TK and Zn-SL.

Double heterojunction nanowire photocatalysts for hydrogen generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tongying, P.; Vietmeyer, F.; Aleksiuk, D.; Ferraudi, G. J.; Krylova, G.; Kuno, M.

2014-03-01

Charge separation and charge transfer across interfaces are key aspects in the design of efficient photocatalysts for solar energy conversion. In this study, we investigate the hydrogen generating capabilities and underlying photophysics of nanostructured photocatalysts based on CdSe nanowires (NWs). Systems studied include CdSe, CdSe/CdS core/shell nanowires and their Pt nanoparticle-decorated counterparts. Femtosecond transient differential absorption measurements reveal how semiconductor/semiconductor and metal/semiconductor heterojunctions affect the charge separation and hydrogen generation efficiencies of these hybrid photocatalysts. In turn, we unravel the role of surface passivation, charge separation at semiconductor interfaces and charge transfer to metal co-catalysts in determining photocatalytic H2 generation efficiencies. This allows us to rationalize why Pt nanoparticle decorated CdSe/CdS NWs, a double heterojunction system, performs best with H2 generation rates of ~434.29 +/- 27.40 μmol h-1 g-1 under UV/Visible irradiation. In particular, we conclude that the CdS shell of this double heterojunction system serves two purposes. The first is to passivate CdSe NW surface defects, leading to long-lived charges at the CdSe/CdS interface capable of carrying out reduction chemistries. Upon photoexcitation, we also find that CdS selectively injects charges into Pt NPs, enabling simultaneous reduction chemistries at the Pt NP/solvent interface. Pt nanoparticle decorated CdSe/CdS NWs thus enable reduction chemistries at not one, but rather two interfaces, taking advantage of each junction's optimal catalytic activities.Charge separation and charge transfer across interfaces are key aspects in the design of efficient photocatalysts for solar energy conversion. In this study, we investigate the hydrogen generating capabilities and underlying photophysics of nanostructured photocatalysts based on CdSe nanowires (NWs). Systems studied include CdSe, CdSe/CdS core/shell nanowires and their Pt nanoparticle-decorated counterparts. Femtosecond transient differential absorption measurements reveal how semiconductor/semiconductor and metal/semiconductor heterojunctions affect the charge separation and hydrogen generation efficiencies of these hybrid photocatalysts. In turn, we unravel the role of surface passivation, charge separation at semiconductor interfaces and charge transfer to metal co-catalysts in determining photocatalytic H2 generation efficiencies. This allows us to rationalize why Pt nanoparticle decorated CdSe/CdS NWs, a double heterojunction system, performs best with H2 generation rates of ~434.29 +/- 27.40 μmol h-1 g-1 under UV/Visible irradiation. In particular, we conclude that the CdS shell of this double heterojunction system serves two purposes. The first is to passivate CdSe NW surface defects, leading to long-lived charges at the CdSe/CdS interface capable of carrying out reduction chemistries. Upon photoexcitation, we also find that CdS selectively injects charges into Pt NPs, enabling simultaneous reduction chemistries at the Pt NP/solvent interface. Pt nanoparticle decorated CdSe/CdS NWs thus enable reduction chemistries at not one, but rather two interfaces, taking advantage of each junction's optimal catalytic activities. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Details of NW syntheses, processing and characterization. Additional TEM images of CdS, CdSe and CdSe/CdS core/shell NWs. NW concentration and cross section estimates. Details of the Pt NP decoration. Additional TEM images of Pt NP decorated CdS, CdSe and CdSe/CdS core/shell NWs. Size distribution of Pt NPs for CdSe/Pt NP and CdSe/CdS/Pt NP NWs. Xe arc lamp spectrum. Details of H2 generation experiments. Estimated photon absorption rate. Details of TDA measurements. TDA spectra and kinetics of CdS and CdS/Pt NP NWs. Plot illustrating CdSe NW band edge bleach kinetics. Comparison of CdSe band edge bleach kinetics in CdSe/CdS core/shell NWs when excited at λexc = 387 nm and λexc = 560 nm. Comparison of CdSe band edge bleach kinetics in CdSe/Pt NP NWs when excited at λexc = 387 nm and λexc = 560 nm. Bar graph showing H2 generation efficiencies of CdS and CdS/Pt NP NWs. Bleach kinetics of CdSe/CdS/Pt NP NWs at λexc = 387 nm and λexc = 560 nm. Comparison of CdS band edge bleach kinetics in CdS/Pt NP, and CdSe/CdS core/shell NWs when excited at λexc = 387 nm. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00298a

Cadmium sorption and extractability in tropical soils with variable charge.

PubMed

Colzato, Marina; Alleoni, Luís Reynaldo Ferracciú; Kamogawa, Marcos Yassuo

2018-05-14

The availability of cadmium (Cd) for plants and its impact in the environment depends on Cd sorption in soil colloids. The study of Cd sorption in soil and its fractionation is an interesting tool for the evaluation of Cd affinity with soil pools. The objective with this study was to evaluate Cd sorption and desorption in tropical soils with variable charge (three Oxisols), in a Mollisol and in two Entisols with diverse physical, chemical, and mineralogical attributes. We used a thermodynamic approach to evaluate Cd sorption and performed a chemical fractionation of Cd in the six soils. Data from Cd sorption fit the Langmuir model (r > 0.94), and the sorption capacity ranged from 0.33 to 11.5 mmol kg -1 . The Gibbs standard free energy was positively correlated to Cd sorption capacity (r = 0.74, except for the Quartzipsamments), and it was more favorable in soils with great sorption capacity. Distribution of Cd among fractions was not affected (t test, α = 0.05) by initial concentration, and there was a predominance of Cd extractable in 0.1 mol L -1 CaCl 2 .

Abalone visceral extract inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by modulating Cox-2 levels and CD8+ T cell activity.

PubMed

Lee, Choong-Gu; Kwon, Ho-Keun; Ryu, Jae Ha; Kang, Sung Jin; Im, Chang-Rok; Ii Kim, Jae; Im, Sin-Hyeog

2010-10-20

Abalone has long been used as a valuable food source in East Asian countries. Although the nutritional importance of abalone has been reported through in vitro and in vivo studies, there is little evidence about the potential anti-tumor effects of abalone visceral extract. The aim of the present study is to examine anti-tumor efficacy of abalone visceral extract and to elucidate its working mechanism. In the present study, we used breast cancer model using BALB/c mouse-derived 4T1 mammary carcinoma and investigated the effect of abalone visceral extract on tumor development. Inhibitory effect against tumor metastasis was assessed by histopathology of lungs. Cox-2 productions by primary and secondary tumor were measured by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting (IB). Proliferation assay based on [3H]-thymidine incorporation and measurement of cytokines and effector molecules by RT-PCR were used to confirm tumor suppression efficacy of abalone visceral extract by modulating cytolytic CD8+ T cells. The cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cell was compared by JAM test. Oral administration of abalone visceral extract reduced tumor growth (tumor volume and weight) and showed reduced metastasis as confirmed by decreased level of splenomegaly (spleen size and weight) and histological analysis of the lung metastasis (gross analysis and histological staining). Reduced expression of Cox-2 (mRNA and protein) from primary tumor and metastasized lung was also detected. In addition, treatment of abalone visceral extract increased anti-tumor activities of CD8+ T cells by increasing the proliferation capacity and their cytolytic activity. Our results suggest that abalone visceral extract has anti-tumor effects by suppressing tumor growth and lung metastasis through decreasing Cox-2 expression level as well as promoting proliferation and cytolytic function of CD8+ T cells.

Abalone visceral extract inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by modulating Cox-2 levels and CD8+ T cell activity

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Abalone has long been used as a valuable food source in East Asian countries. Although the nutritional importance of abalone has been reported through in vitro and in vivo studies, there is little evidence about the potential anti-tumor effects of abalone visceral extract. The aim of the present study is to examine anti-tumor efficacy of abalone visceral extract and to elucidate its working mechanism. Methods In the present study, we used breast cancer model using BALB/c mouse-derived 4T1 mammary carcinoma and investigated the effect of abalone visceral extract on tumor development. Inhibitory effect against tumor metastasis was assessed by histopathology of lungs. Cox-2 productions by primary and secondary tumor were measured by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting (IB). Proliferation assay based on [3H]-thymidine incorporation and measurement of cytokines and effector molecules by RT-PCR were used to confirm tumor suppression efficacy of abalone visceral extract by modulating cytolytic CD8+ T cells. The cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cell was compared by JAM test. Results Oral administration of abalone visceral extract reduced tumor growth (tumor volume and weight) and showed reduced metastasis as confirmed by decreased level of splenomegaly (spleen size and weight) and histological analysis of the lung metastasis (gross analysis and histological staining). Reduced expression of Cox-2 (mRNA and protein) from primary tumor and metastasized lung was also detected. In addition, treatment of abalone visceral extract increased anti-tumor activities of CD8+ T cells by increasing the proliferation capacity and their cytolytic activity. Conclusions Our results suggest that abalone visceral extract has anti-tumor effects by suppressing tumor growth and lung metastasis through decreasing Cox-2 expression level as well as promoting proliferation and cytolytic function of CD8+ T cells. PMID:20961430

Heavy metal contamination of arable soil and corn plant in the vicinity of a zinc smelting factory and stabilization by liming.

PubMed

Hong, Chang Oh; Gutierrez, Jessie; Yun, Sung Wook; Lee, Yong Bok; Yu, Chan; Kim, Pil Joo

2009-02-01

The heavy metal contamination in soils and cultivated corn plants affected by zinc smelting activities in the vicinity of a zinc smelting factory in Korea was studied. Soils and corn plants were sampled at the harvesting stage and analyzed for cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) concentration, as well as Cd and Zn fraction and other chemical properties of soils. Cd and Zn were highly accumulated in the surface soils (0-20 cm), at levels higher than the Korean warning criteria (Cd, 1.5; Zn, 300 mg kg(-1)), with corresponding mean values of 1.7 and 407 mg kg(-1), respectively, but these metals decreased significantly with increasing soil depth and distance from the factory, implying that contaminants may come from the factory through aerosol dynamics (Hong et al., Kor J Environ Agr 26(3):204-209, 2007a; Environ Contam Toxicol 52:496-502, 2007b) and not from geological sources. The leaf part had higher Cd and Zn concentrations, with values of 9.5 and 1733 mg kg(-1), compared to the stem (1.6 and 547 mg kg(-1)) and grain (0.18 and 61 mg kg(-1)) parts, respectively. Cd and Zn were higher in the oxidizable fraction, at 38.5% and 46.9% of the total Cd (2.6 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (407 mg kg(-1)), but the exchangeable + acidic fraction of Cd and Zn as the bioavailable phases was low, 0.2 and 50 mg kg(-1), respectively. To study the reduction of plant Cd and Zn uptake by liming, radish (Raphanus sativa L.) was cultivated in one representative field among the sites investigated, and Ca(OH)(2) was applied at rates of 0, 2, 4, and 8 mg ha(-1). Plant Cd and Zn concentrations and NH(4)OAc extractable Cd and Zn concentrations of soil decreased significantly with increasing Ca(OH)(2) rate, since it markedly increases the cation exchange capacity of soil induced by increased pH. As a result, liming in this kind of soil could be an effective countermeasure in reducing the phytoextractability of Cd and Zn.

Effect of adalimumab on work productivity and indirect costs in moderate to severe Crohn’s disease: A meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Binion, David G; Louis, Edouard; Oldenburg, Bas; Mulani, Parvez; Bensimon, Arielle G; Yang, Mei; Chao, Jingdong

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of adalimumab on work productivity and indirect costs in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) using a meta-analysis of clinical trials. METHODS: Study-level results were pooled from all clinical trials of adalimumab for moderate to severe CD in which work productivity outcomes were evaluated. Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire outcomes (absenteeism, presenteeism and total work productivity impairment [TWPI]) were extracted from adalimumab trials. Meta-analyses were used to estimate pooled averages and 95% CIs of one-year accumulated reductions in work productivity impairment with adalimumab. Pooled averages were multiplied by the 2008 United States national average annual salary ($44,101) to estimate per-patient indirect cost savings during the year following adalimumab initiation. RESULTS: The four included trials (ACCESS, CARE, CHOICE and EXTEND) represented a total of 1202 employed adalimumab-treated patients at baseline. Each study followed patients for a minimum of 20 weeks. Pooled estimates (95% CIs) of one-year accumulated work productivity improvements were as follows: −9% (−10% to −7%) for absenteeism; −22% (−26% to −18%) for presenteeism; and −25% (−30% to −20%) for TWPI. Reductions in absenteeism and TWPI translated into per-patient indirect cost savings (95% CI) of $3,856 ($3,183 to $4,529) and $10,964 ($8,833 to $13,096), respectively. CONCLUSION: Adalimumab provided clinically meaningful improvements in work productivity among patients with moderate to severe CD, which may translate into substantial indirect cost savings from an employer’s perspective. PMID:21912760

Crop uptake and extractability of cadmium in soils naturally high in metals at different pH levels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, B.R.; Almas, A.; Narwal, R.P.

1995-12-01

A greenhouse experiment was conducted for three years to study the effect of different pH levels on metal concentrations in plants and the cadmium (Cd) extractability by DTPA and NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3}. The soils used were an alum shale (clay loam) and a moraine (loam), which were adjusted to pH levels of 5.5, 6.5, 7.0, and 7.5. Wheat (Triticum aestivum), carrot (Daucus carota L.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were grown as test crops. Crop yields were not consistently affected at increasing soil pH levels. The concentration of Cd in plant species decreased with increasing soil pH in both soils andmore » in all three years. Significant concentration differences between soil pH levels were only seen in wheat and carrot crops. Increasing soil pH also decreased the nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in plants in the first year crop but the copper (Cu) concentration was not consistently affected by soil pH. The effect of pH was more pronounced in the moraine then the alum shale soil. The DTPA-and NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3}-extractable Cd was decreased with the increasing soil pH and the pH effect was more pronounced with NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3} extractable Cd. Both extractants were found equally effective in relation to the Cd concentration in plants in this study. 33 refs., 2 figs., 7 tabs.« less

Unexpected Reduction of Iminoquinone and Quinone Derivatives in Positive Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Possible Mechanism Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Jiying; Hsu, Cheng-Chih; Zhang, Ruijie; Wang, Yinghui; Yu, Kefu; Huang, Guangming

2017-08-01

Unexpected reduction of iminoquinone (IQ) and quinone derivatives was first reported during positive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Upon increasing spray voltage, the intensities of IQ and quinone derivatives decreased drastically, accompanying the increase of the intensities of the reduction products, amodiaquine (AQ) and phenol derivatives. To gain more insight into the mechanism of such reduction, we explored the experimental factors that are influential to corona discharge (CD). The results show that experimental parameters that favor severe CD, including metal spray emitter, using water as spray solvent, sheath gas with low dielectric strength (e.g., nitrogen), and shorter spray tip-to-mass spectrometer inlet distance, facilitated the reduction of IQ and quinone derivatives, implying that the reduction should be closely related to CD in the gas phase. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Cytotoxicity and anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of Citrus sinensis leaf extracts.

PubMed

Garcia, Andreza R; Amaral, Ana Claudia F; Azevedo, Mariana M B; Corte-Real, Suzana; Lopes, Rosana C; Alviano, Celuta S; Pinheiro, Anderson S; Vermelho, Alane B; Rodrigues, Igor A

2017-12-01

Leishmania amazonensis is the main agent of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, a disease characterized by lesional polymorphism and the commitment of skin surface. Previous reports demonstrated that the Citrus genus possess antimicrobial activity. This study evaluated the anti-L. amazonensis activity of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) extracts. Citrus sinensis dried leaves were subjected to maceration with hexane (CH), ethyl acetate (CEA), dichloromethane/ethanol (CD/Et - 1:1) or ethanol/water (CEt/W - 7:3). Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes were treated with C. sinensis extracts (1-525 μg/mL) for 120 h at 27 °C. Ultrastructure alterations of treated parasites were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was assessed on RAW 264.7 and J774.G8 macrophages after 48-h treatment at 37 °C using the tetrazolium assay. In addition, Leishmania-infected macrophages were treated with CH and CD/Et (10-80 μg/mL). CH, CD/Et and CEA displayed antileishmanial activity with 50% inhibitory activity (IC 50 ) of 25.91 ± 4.87, 54.23 ± 3.78 and 62.74 ± 5.04 μg/mL, respectively. Parasites treated with CD/Et (131.2 μg/mL) presented severe alterations including mitochondrial swelling, lipid body formation and intense cytoplasmic vacuolization. CH and CD/Et demonstrated cytotoxic effects similar to that of amphotericin B in the anti-amastigote assays (SI of 2.16, 1.98 and 1.35, respectively). Triterpene amyrins were the main substances in CH and CD/Et extracts. In addition, 80 μg/mL of CD/Et reduced the number of intracellular amastigotes and the percentage of infected macrophages in 63% and 36%, respectively. The results presented here highlight C. sinensis as a promising source of antileishmanial agents.

Cadmium removal from wastewater by sponge iron sphere prepared by hydrogen reduction.

PubMed

Li, Junguo; Wei, Linghong; Li, Yungang; Bi, Na; Song, Fangfang

2011-06-01

A new type of sponge iron sphere (NSIS) with 1-5 mm diameter, made of concentrated iron powder and possessed high activity and intension, was prepared by mini-pellet sintering integrated with H2 direct reduction. Static state experiment has been carried on to investigate the Cd(2+) removal efficiency from wastewater by the NSIS and to explore the Cd(2+) removal reaction kinetics. It was suggested that initial pH value and Cd(2+) original concentration had significant influence on Cd(2+) removal percentage. Cd(2+) removal percentage decreased significantly with the increasing of Cd(2+)original concentration whether the original pH value be adjusted to 3.0 or without adjustment. The results showed that the Cd(2+) removal process followed the first order reaction because the reaction order was from 0.803 to 0.996. The apparent reaction rate constant between Cd(2+) and NSIS was from 0.0025 to 0.1000 (mg·L(-1))(1-n)·min(-1). Compared with SIS reduced by charcoal reduction, NSIS deoxided by hydrogen possessed higher activity, and could remove the same quantity of Cd(2+) within a shorter period of time. Copyright © 2011 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of cadmium and lead at sub-ppt level in soft drinks: An efficient combination between dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Mandlate, Jaime S; Soares, Bruno M; Seeger, Tassia S; Vecchia, Paula Dalla; Mello, Paola A; Flores, Erico M M; Duarte, Fabio A

2017-04-15

A DLLME method for extraction and preconcentration of Cd and Pb from soft drinks and further determination by GF AAS was developed. Important parameters of DLLME such as the type and volume of dispersive and extraction solvents, concentration of DDTC (complexing agent) and pH were evaluated. Better results were obtained using 500μL of acetone for Cd and 700μL of acetonitrile for Pb as dispersive solvents, 60μL of CCl 4 as extraction solvent for both analytes and 500μL of 1.5% DDTC solution. Accuracy was evaluated by recovery assays and ranged from 91 to 113% for Cd and from 95 to 108% for Pb, with RSD below 10 and 7%, respectively. The LODs were 0.006 and 0.072ngL -1 for Cd and Pb, respectively. The optimized method was applied for the determination of Cd and Pb in soft drinks with different brands and flavours. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Separation of Cd and Ni from Ni-Cd batteries by an environmentally safe methodology employing aqueous two-phase systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacerda, Vânia Gonçalves; Mageste, Aparecida Barbosa; Santos, Igor José Boggione; da Silva, Luis Henrique Mendes; da Silva, Maria do Carmo Hespanhol

The separation of Cd and Ni from Ni-Cd batteries using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) composed of copolymer L35, Li 2SO 4 and water is investigated. The extraction behavior of these metals from the bottom phase (BP) to the upper phase (UP) of the ATPS is affected by the amount of added extractant (potassium iodide), tie-line length (TLL), mass ratio between the phases of the ATPS, leaching and dilution factor of the battery samples. Maximum extraction of Cd (99.2 ± 3.1)% and Ni (10.6 ± 0.4)% is obtained when the batteries are leached with HCl, under the following conditions: 62.53% (w/w) TLL, concentration of KI equal to 50.00 mmol kg -1, mass ratio of the phases equal to 0.5 and a dilution factor of battery samples of 35. This novel methodology is efficient to separate the metals in question, with the advantage of being environmentally safe, since water is the main constituent of the ATPS, which is prepared with recyclable and biodegradable compounds.

Efficient photocatalytic selective nitro-reduction and C-H bond oxidation over ultrathin sheet mediated CdS flowers.

PubMed

Pahari, Sandip Kumar; Pal, Provas; Srivastava, Divesh N; Ghosh, Subhash Ch; Panda, Asit Baran

2015-06-28

We report here a visible light driven selective nitro-reduction and oxidation of saturated sp(3) C-H bonds using ultrathin (0.8 nm) sheet mediated uniform CdS flowers as catalyst under a household 40 W CFL lamp and molecular oxygen as oxidant. The CdS flowers were synthesized using a simple surfactant assisted hydrothermal method.

Tapak liman (Elephantopus scaber L) extract-induced CD4+ and CD8+ differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cell proliferation in mice (Mus musculus L)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djati, Muhammad Sasmito; Habibu, Hindun; Jatiatmaja, Nabilah A.; Rifa'i, Muhaimin

2017-11-01

Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L) is a traditional medicinal plant containing several active compounds that potentially affecting hematopoietic stem cells, such as epifrieelinol, lupeol, stigmasterol, triacontane-1-ol, dotriacontane-1-ol, lupeol acetate, deoxyelephan-topin, isodeoxyelephantopin, polyphenol luteolin-7, as well as various flavonoids and glucosides. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of leaf extract of Tapak Liman on hematopoietic stem cells in mice BALB/c, by observation of the relative number of cells expressing CD4/CD8, CD4/CD62L, and TER119/B220 in the spleen, and TER119/B220, TER119/VLA-4 and TER119/CD34 in bone marrow, after being administered leaf extract for 2 weeks. This experiment used 12 female mice, which were divided into three treatment groups, P1= 0.5 g.g bw-1.day-1, P2= 1.0 g.g bw-1.day-1 and P3=2.0 g.g bw-1.day-1 Tapak Liman leaf extract as well as a control. The relative numbers of cells expressing surface molecules were analyzed by flowcytometry and quantitative data were tested using one-way ANOVA. The results showed that the leaf extract of Tapak Liman has no significant effect on erythrocyte proliferation; on the other hand, it had a significant effect on both proliferation and differentiation of B lymphocytes (B220+) in bone marrow (p=0.044) and increased the expression of CD4+, CD8+ molecule in B cells (p=0.026) and erythroid cells in spleen and bone marrow, based on the estimation of cells that expressed TER119+VLA-4+, identified as important in the development pathway of erythrocytes. An increased cell percentage of TER11+VLA-4+ occurred for treatment P2, 12% higher than the control. The increased expression of TER119+VLA-4+ was assumed to be due to the iron content in Tapak Liman, which functioned to stimulate the progenitor hematopoietic cells to proliferate and differentiate into a precursor of erythroid cells (TER119+VLA-4+). There was an increasing number of cells expressing the surface molecules TER119+ and VLA-4+. This indicated that the Tapak Liman leaf extract with a dose of 1.0 g.g bw-1.day-1 could stimulate the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells into the lymphoid and erythroid pathway, in spleen and bone marrow.

Influence of iron plaque on uptake and accumulation of Cd by rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings grown in soil.

PubMed

Liu, Houjun; Zhang, Junling; Christie, Peter; Zhang, Fusuo

2008-05-15

Iron plaque is ubiquitously formed on the root surfaces of rice. However, little is known about the role of iron plaque in Cd movement from soil to the plant aboveground parts. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of iron plaque in Cd uptake and accumulation by rice seedlings in soil. Rice seedlings were pre-cultivated in solution culture for 16 days. Two seedlings were transplanted in a nylon bag containing no substrate but surrounded by soil amended with Fe and Cd combined at rates of 0, 1, or 2 g Fe kg(-1) and 0, 2.0, or 10 mg Cd kg(-1) soil. Fe was added to induce different amounts of iron plaque, and Cd to simulate Cd-polluted soils. Plants were grown for a further 43 days and then harvested. The length of the longest leaf and SPAD values of the newly mature leaves were measured during plant growth. Fe and Cd concentrations were determined in dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) soil extracts and in plant roots and shoots. Shoot and root dry weights were significantly affected by Fe supply level but not by added Cd. Root dry weight declined with increasing Fe supply but shoot dry weight decreased at 2 g Fe kg(-1) and increased at 1 g Fe kg(-1) (except at 2 mg Cd kg(-1)). The length of the longest leaf and SPAD values of the newly mature leaves were significantly affected by plant growth stage and added Fe and Cd. Fe tended to diminish the negative effect of Cd on these two parameters. Cd concentrations in DCB extracts increased with increasing Cd and Fe supply. In contrast, external Fe supply markedly reduced shoot and root Cd concentrations and there was generally no significant difference between the two Fe supply levels. Shoot and root Cd concentrations increased with increasing Cd addition. Root Cd concentrations were negatively correlated with root Fe concentrations. The proportion of Cd in DCB extracts was significantly lower than in roots or shoots. The results indicate that enhanced Fe uptake by plants can diminish the negative effects of Cd to some extent and that iron plaque on root surfaces is of little significance in affecting uptake and accumulation of Cd by rice plants.

Intraspecific variation in cadmium tolerance and accumulation of a high-biomass tropical tree Averrhoa carambola L.: implication for phytoextraction.

PubMed

Dai, Zi-yun; Shu, Wen-sheng; Liao, Bin; Wan, Cai-yun; Li, Jin-tian

2011-06-01

Averrhoa carambola L., a high-biomass tropical tree, has recently been shown to be a strong accumulator of cadmium (Cd) and has great potential for Cd phytoextraction. In the present study, field studies and a controlled-environment experiment were combined to establish the extent of variation in Cd tolerance and accumulation at the cultivar level using 14 to 19 cultivars of A. carambola. The results indicated that all cultivars tested could accumulate Cd at high but different levels, and that Cd tolerance also varied greatly between these cultivars. It is confirmed that the high Cd tolerance and accumulation capacity are species-level and constitutional traits in A. carambola. However, no correlation was detected between tolerance index and accumulation of Cd in different cultivars, suggesting that the two traits are independent in this woody Cd accumulator. More importantly, cultivar Wuchuan Sweet (WCT) was shown to have the highest Cd-extraction potential; it yielded a high shoot biomass of 30 t ha(-1) in 230 d, and extracted 330 g ha(-1) Cd in the aerial tissues grown in Cd-contaminated field soil, which accounted for 12.8% of the total soil Cd in the top 20 cm of the soil profile.

Performance of LBSap Vaccine after Intradermal Challenge with L. infantum and Saliva of Lu. longipalpis: Immunogenicity and Parasitological Evaluation

PubMed Central

Roatt, Bruno Mendes; Aguiar-Soares, Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira; Vitoriano-Souza, Juliana; Coura-Vital, Wendel; Braga, Samuel Leôncio; Corrêa-Oliveira, Rodrigo; Martins-Filho, Olindo Assis; Teixeira-Carvalho, Andréa; de Lana, Marta; Gontijo, Nelder Figueiredo; Marques, Marcos José; Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Reis, Alexandre Barbosa

2012-01-01

In the last decade, the search for new vaccines against canine visceral leishmaniasis has intensified. However, the pattern related to immune protection during long periods after experimental infection in vaccine trials is still not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the immunogenicity and parasitological levels after intradermal challenge with Leishmania infantum plus salivary gland extract in dogs immunized with a vaccine composed of L. braziliensis antigens plus saponin as an adjuvant (LBSap vaccine). The LBSap vaccine elicited higher levels of total anti-Leishmania IgG as well as both IgG1 and IgG2. Furthermore, dogs vaccinated had increased levels of lymphocytes, particularly circulating B cells (CD21+) and both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. LBSap also elicited an intense in vitro cell proliferation associated with higher levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes specific for vaccine soluble antigen and soluble lysate of L. infantum antigen even 885 days after experimental challenge. Furthermore, LBSap vaccinated dogs presented high IFN-γ and low IL-10 and TGF-β1 expression in spleen with significant reduction of parasite load in this tissue. Overall, our results validate the potential of LBSap vaccine to protect against L. infantum experimental infection and strongly support further evaluation of efficiency of LBSap against CVL in natural infection conditions. PMID:23189161

Activation Thermodynamics and H/D Kinetic Isotope Effect of the H ox to H red H + Transition in [FeFe] Hydrogenase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ratzloff, Michael W.; Wilker, Molly B.; Mulder, David W.

Molecular complexes between CdSe nanocrystals and Clostridium acetobutylicum [FeFe] hydrogenase I (CaI) enabled light-driven control of electron transfer for spectroscopic detection of redox intermediates during catalytic proton reduction. Here in this paper we address the route of electron transfer from CdSe→CaI and activation thermodynamics of the initial step of proton reduction in CaI. The electron paramagnetic spectroscopy of illuminated CdSe:CaI showed how the CaI accessory FeS cluster chain (F-clusters) functions in electron transfer with CdSe. The H ox→H redH + reduction step measured by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed an enthalpy of activation of 19 kJ mol -1 and a ~2.5-foldmore » kinetic isotope effect. Overall these results support electron injection from CdSe into CaI involving F-clusters, and that the H ox→H redH + step of catalytic proton reduction in CaI proceeds by a proton-dependent process.« less

Activation Thermodynamics and H/D Kinetic Isotope Effect of the H ox to H red H + Transition in [FeFe] Hydrogenase

DOE PAGES

Ratzloff, Michael W.; Wilker, Molly B.; Mulder, David W.; ...

2017-08-29

Molecular complexes between CdSe nanocrystals and Clostridium acetobutylicum [FeFe] hydrogenase I (CaI) enabled light-driven control of electron transfer for spectroscopic detection of redox intermediates during catalytic proton reduction. Here in this paper we address the route of electron transfer from CdSe→CaI and activation thermodynamics of the initial step of proton reduction in CaI. The electron paramagnetic spectroscopy of illuminated CdSe:CaI showed how the CaI accessory FeS cluster chain (F-clusters) functions in electron transfer with CdSe. The H ox→H redH + reduction step measured by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed an enthalpy of activation of 19 kJ mol -1 and a ~2.5-foldmore » kinetic isotope effect. Overall these results support electron injection from CdSe into CaI involving F-clusters, and that the H ox→H redH + step of catalytic proton reduction in CaI proceeds by a proton-dependent process.« less

Effect of Leaves of Caesalpinia decapetala on Oxidative Stability of Oil-in-Water Emulsions

PubMed Central

Gallego, María Gabriela; Skowyra, Monika; Gordon, Michael H.; Azman, Nurul Aini Mohd; Almajano, María Pilar

2017-01-01

Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston (Fabaceae) (CD) is used in folk medicine to prevent colds and treat bronchitis. This plant has antitumor and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant effects of an extract from Caesalpinia decapetala (Fabaceae) were assessed by storage of model food oil-in-water emulsions with analysis of primary and secondary oxidation products. The antioxidant capacity of the plant extract was evaluated by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Lyophilized extracts of CD were added at concentrations of 0.002%, 0.02% and 0.2% into oil-in-water emulsions, which were stored for 30 days at 33 ± 1 °C, and then, oxidative stability was evaluated. The CD extract had high antioxidant activity (700 ± 70 µmol Trolox/g dry plant for the ORAC assay), mainly due to its phenolic components: gallic acid, quercetin, catechin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid. At a concentration of 0.2%, the extract significantly reduced the oxidative deterioration of oil-in-water emulsions. The results of the present study show the possibility of utilizing CD as a promising source of natural antioxidants for retarding lipid oxidation in the food and cosmetic industries. PMID:28273843

Effects of Aloe barbadensis Mill. extract (AVH200®) on human blood T cell activity in vitro.

PubMed

Ahluwalia, Bani; Magnusson, Maria K; Isaksson, Stefan; Larsson, Fredrik; Öhman, Lena

2016-02-17

Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe vera) is a widely used medicinal plant well reputed for its diverse therapeutic applications. It has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine to treat various conditions and the Aloe vera gel has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory as well as immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties. However, the mode of action is still unclear. The aim of this study was determine the effects of two well-defined A. barbadensis Mill. extracts AVH200® and AVE200 on human blood T cells in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were stimulated polyclonally in the presence or absence of AVH200® and AVE200. The T cell phenotype was investigated by flow cytometry, cell proliferation was determined by CFSE dye and thymidine assay, respectively and cytokine secretion was determined by MSD® Multi-Spot Assay system and ELISA. The presence of AVH200® resulted in a reduced expression of CD25 among CD3(+) T cells and suppression of T cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, AVH200® reduced the expression of CD28 on CD3(+) T cells. AVH200® also reduced the secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-17A in PBMC cultures. The AVH200® dose dependent reduction in T cell activation and proliferation recorded in the cell cultures was not due to apoptosis or cell death. Additionally, AVH200® was found to be more effective as compared to AVE200 in reducing T cell activation and proliferation. AVH200® has the potential to reduce the activation, proliferation and cytokine secretion of healthy human blood T cells. Our study suggests that AVH200® has a suppressive effect on human blood T cells in vitro. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of an extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on expression of cytokines and calprotectin in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

PubMed

Førland, D T; Johnson, E; Saetre, L; Lyberg, T; Lygren, I; Hetland, G

2011-01-01

An immunomodulatory extract (AndoSan™) based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) has shown to reduce blood cytokine levels in healthy volunteers after 12 days' ingestion, pointing to an anti-inflammatory effect. The aim was to study whether AndoSan™ had similar effects on cytokines in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Calprotectin, a marker for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), was also measured. Patients with CD (n = 11) and with UC (n = 10) consumed 60 ml/day of AndoSan™. Patient blood plasma was harvested before and after 6 h LPS (1 ng/ml) stimulation ex vivo. Plasma and faecal calprotectin levels were analysed using ELISA and 17 cytokines [IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12 (Th1), IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 (Th2), IL-7, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, MIP-1β, MCP-1, G-CSF, GM-CSF and IL-10] by multiplex assay. After 12 days' ingestion of AndoSan™, baseline plasma cytokine levels in UC was reduced for MCP-1 (40%) and in LPS-stimulated blood for MIP-1β (78%), IL-6 (44%), IL-1β (41%), IL-8 (30%), G-CSF (29%), MCP-1 (18%) and GM-CSF (17%). There were corresponding reductions in CD: IL-2 (100%), IL-17 (55%) and IL-8 (29%) and for IL-1β (35%), MIP-1β (30%), MCP-1 (22%), IL-8 (18%), IL-17 (17%) and G-CSF (14%), respectively. Baseline concentrations for the 17 cytokines in the UC and CD patient groups were largely similar. Faecal calprotectin was reduced in the UC group. Ingestion of an AbM-based medicinal mushroom by patients with IBD resulted in interesting anti-inflammatory effects as demonstrated by declined levels of pathogenic cytokines in blood and calprotectin in faeces. © 2011 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Cloud point extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of cadmium and nickel in drinking and wastewater samples.

PubMed

Naeemullah; Kazi, Tasneem G; Shah, Faheem; Afridi, Hassan I; Baig, Jameel Ahmed; Soomro, Abdul Sattar

2013-01-01

A simple method for the preconcentration of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in drinking and wastewater samples was developed. Cloud point extraction has been used for the preconcentration of both metals, after formation of complexes with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) and extraction with the surfactant octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-114). Dilution of the surfactant-rich phase with acidified ethanol was performed after phase separation, and the Cd and Ni contents were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The experimental variables, such as pH, amounts of reagents (8-HQ and Triton X-114), temperature, incubation time, and sample volume, were optimized. After optimization of the complexation and extraction conditions, enhancement factors of 80 and 61, with LOD values of 0.22 and 0.52 microg/L, were obtained for Cd and Ni, respectively. The proposed method was applied satisfactorily for the determination of both elements in drinking and wastewater samples.

Bioleaching of spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by Aspergillus species.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Ji; Seo, Ja-Yeon; Choi, Yong-Seok; Kim, Gyu-Hyeok

2016-05-01

This research explores the recovery of metals from spent Zn-Mn or Ni-Cd batteries by a bioleaching using six Aspergillus species. Two different nutrients, malt extract and sucrose, were used to produce different types of organic acids. Oxalic acid and citric acid were shown to be the dominant organic acid in malt extract and sucrose media, respectively. In the bioleaching, the metal removal was higher in sucrose media than malt extract. All species, except A. niger KUC5254, showed more than 90% removal of metals from Zn-Mn battery. For Ni-Cd battery, more than 95% of metals was extracted by A. niger KUC5254 and A. tubingensis KUC5037. As a result, A. tubingensis KUC5037 which is a non-ochratoxigenic fungus was considered to have the greatest potential for improving the safety and efficiency of the bioleaching. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique for preconcentration and ultra-trace determination of Cd in honey.

PubMed

Fiorentini, Emiliano F; Escudero, Leticia B; Wuilloud, Rodolfo G

2018-04-19

A simple, highly efficient, batch, and centrifuge-less dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method based on a magnetic ionic liquid (MIL-DLLME) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) detection was developed for ultra-trace Cd determination in honey. Initially, Cd(II) was chelated with ammonium diethyldithiophosphate (DDTP) at pH 0.5 followed by its extraction with the MIL trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium tetrachloroferrate(III) ([P 6,6,6,14 ]FeCl 4 ) and acetonitrile as dispersant. The MIL phase containing the analyte was separated from the aqueous phase using only a magnet. A back-extraction procedure was applied to recover Cd from the MIL phase using diluted HNO 3 and this solution was directly injected into the graphite furnace of ETAAS instrument. An extraction efficiency of 93% and a sensitivity enhancement factor of 112 were obtained under optimal experimental conditions. The detection limit (LOD) was 0.4 ng L -1 Cd, while the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.8% (at 2 μg L -1 Cd and n = 10), calculated from the peak height of absorbance signals. This work reports the first application of the MIL [P 6,6,6,14 ]FeCl 4 along with the DLLME technique for the successful determination of Cd at trace levels in different honey samples. Graphical abstract Preconcentration of ultratraces of Cd in honey using a magnetic ionic liquid and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique.

Chloride leaching and solvent extraction of cadmium, cobalt and nickel from spent nickel-cadmium, batteries using Cyanex 923 and 272

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reddy, B. Ramachandra; Priya, D. Neela

Studies are conducted on the leaching and solvent extraction separation of metals from chloride leach liquor of spent nickel-cadmium batteries with Cyanex 923 and 272 diluted in kerosene as the extractants. Dissolution of the metals increases with increase in acid concentration and time but decreases with the solids-to-liquid ratio. Complete dissolution of Cd, Co and Ni can be achieved with 1.5 M HCl at 85 °C for 8 h and a solids-to-liquid ratio of 4. Treatment of leach liquor for the separation of metals with Cyanex 923 shows that increase of extractant and chloride ion concentration increases the percentage extraction of cadmium. The plot of log[distribution coefficient] versus log[extractant]/[Cl -] is linear with a slope of 2, which indicates that the extraction follows a solvation mechanism with the extracted species as CdCl 2·2S (S, Cyanex 923). Moreover, Cyanex 923 enables a clear separation of Cd from Co and Ni. Extraction of cobalt with Cyanex 272 involves a cation-exchange mechanism with the formation of a 1:2 metal-to-ligand complex in the organic phase. Based on the distribution data, extractant concentration and equilibrium pH of the aqueous phase, a possible separation process is proposed for the recovery of cadmium, cobalt and nickel with >99% efficiency.

Total extract of Korean red ginseng facilitates human bone marrow hematopoietic colony formation in vitro

PubMed Central

Kim, Sang-Gyung; Bae, Sung Hwa; Kim, Seong-Mo; Lee, Ji-Hye; Kim, Min Ji; Jang, Hae-Bong

2014-01-01

Background The number of CD34+ cells in a peripheral blood stem cell collection is the key factor in predicting successful treatment of hematologic malignancies. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is the most popular medicinal herb in Korea. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of KRG on hematopoietic colony formation. Methods Bone marrow (BM) samples were obtained from 8 human donors after acquiring informed consent. BM mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated, and CD34+ cells were sorted using magnetic beads. The sorted CD34+ cells were incubated with or without total extract of KRG (50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL) or Ginsenoside Rg1 (100 µg/mL), and the hematopoietic colony assay was performed using methylcellulose semisolid medium. The CD34+ cell counts were measured by a single platform assay using flow cytometry. Results The numbers of human BM-MNCs and CD34+ cells obtained after purification were variable among donors (5.6×107 and 1.3-48×107 and 8.9×104 and 1.8-80×104, respectively). The cells expanded 1,944 times after incubation for 12 d. Total extract of KRG added to the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-specific medium increased CD34+ cell counts 3.6 times compared to 2.6 times when using HSC medium alone. Total numbers of hematopoietic colonies in KRG medium were more than those observed in conventional medium, especially that of erythroid colonies such as burst forming unit-erythroid. Conclusion Total extract of KRG facilitated CD34+ cell expansion and hematopoietic colony formation, especially of the erythroid lineage. PMID:25325037

Reduced graphene oxide-CdS nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic 4-Nitrophenol degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Koushik; Ibrahim, Sk; Das, Poulomi; Ghosh, Surajit; Pal, Tanusri

2017-05-01

We report the photocatalytic activity of reduced graphene oxide cadmium sulfide (RGO-CdS) composite towards the degradation of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) under simulated solar light illumination. The solution processable RGO-CdS composite was synthesized by one pot single step low cost solvothermal process, where the reduction of graphene oxide (GO), synthesis and attachment of CdS onto RGO sheets were done simultaneously. The structural and morphological characterization of the RGO-CdS composite and the reduction of GO was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry, TEM imaging and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy respectively. The photocatalytic efficiency of RGO-CdS composite is 2.6 times higher in compare to controlled CdS. In RGO-CdS composite the photo induced electrons transfer from CdS nanorod to RGO sheets, which reduces the recombination probability of photo generated electron-hole in the CdS. These well separated photoinduced charges enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the RGO-CdS composite. Our study establishes the RGO-CdS composite as a potential photocatalyst for the degradation of organic water pollutant.

Organic carbon and reducing conditions lead to cadmium immobilization by secondary Fe mineral formation in a pH-neutral soil.

PubMed

Muehe, E Marie; Adaktylou, Irini J; Obst, Martin; Zeitvogel, Fabian; Behrens, Sebastian; Planer-Friedrich, Britta; Kraemer, Ute; Kappler, Andreas

2013-01-01

Cadmium (Cd) is of environmental relevance as it enters soils via Cd-containing phosphate fertilizers and endangers human health when taken up by crops. Cd is known to associate with Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides in pH-neutral to slightly acidic soils, though it is not well understood how the interrelation of Fe and Cd changes under Fe(III)-reducing conditions. Therefore, we investigated how the mobility of Cd changes when a Cd-bearing soil is faced with organic carbon input and reducing conditions. Using fatty acid profiles and quantitative PCR, we found that both fermenting and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria were stimulated by organic carbon-rich conditions, leading to significant Fe(III) reduction. The reduction of Fe(III) minerals was accompanied by increasing soil pH, increasing dissolved inorganic carbon, and decreasing Cd mobility. SEM-EDX mapping of soil particles showed that a minor fraction of Cd was transferred to Ca- and S-bearing minerals, probably carbonates and sulfides. Most of the Cd, however, correlated with a secondary iron mineral phase that was formed during microbial Fe(III) mineral reduction and contained mostly Fe, suggesting an iron oxide mineral such as magnetite (Fe3O4). Our data thus provide evidence that secondary Fe(II) and Fe(II)/Fe(III) mixed minerals could be a sink for Cd in soils under reducing conditions, thus decreasing the mobility of Cd in the soil.

The Use of Blood Vessel–Derived Stem Cells for Meniscal Regeneration and Repair

PubMed Central

OSAWA, AKI; HARNER, CHRISTOPHER D.; GHARAIBEH, BURHAN; MATSUMOTO, TOMOYUKI; MIFUNE, YUTAKA; KOPF, SEBASTIAN; INGHAM, SHEILA J. M.; SCHREIBER, VERENA; USAS, ARVYDAS; HUARD, JOHNNY

2015-01-01

Purpose Surgical repairs of tears in the vascular region of the meniscus usually heal better than repairs performed in the avascular region; thus, we hypothesized that this region might possess a richer supply of vascular-derived stem cells than the avascular region. Methods In this study, we analyzed 6 menisci extracted from aborted human fetuses and 12 human lateral menisci extracted from adult human subjects undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Menisci were immunostained for CD34 (a stem cell marker) and CD146 (a pericyte marker) in situ, whereas other menisci were dissected into two regions (peripheral and inner) and used to isolate meniscus-derived cells by flow cytometry. Cell populations expressing CD34 and CD146 were tested for their multi-lineage differentiation potentials, including chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Fetal peripheral meniscus cells were transplanted by intracapsular injection into the knee joints of an athymic rat meniscal tear model. Rat menisci were extracted and histologically evaluated after 4 wk posttransplantation. Results Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that a higher number of CD34- and CD146-positive cells were found in the peripheral region compared with the inner region. The CD34- and CD146-positive cells isolated from the vascular region of both fetal and adult menisci demonstrated multilineage differentiation capacities and were more potent than cells isolated from the inner (avascular) region. Fetal CD34- and CD146-positive cells transplanted into the athymic rat knee joint were recruited into the meniscal tear sites and contributed to meniscus repair. Conclusions The vascularized region of the meniscus contains more stem cells than the avascular region. These meniscal-derived stem cells were multi-potent and contributed to meniscal regeneration. PMID:23247715

Intrahepatic fat content correlates with soluble CD163 in relation to weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

PubMed

Fjeldborg, Karen; Pedersen, Steen B; Møller, Holger J; Rask, Peter; Danielsen, Allan Vestergaard; Stødkilde-Jørgensen, Hans; Richelsen, Bjørn

2015-01-01

Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is a new marker of obesity-related metabolic complications. sCD163 and CD163 mRNA were investigated in relation to the fat distribution at baseline and 12 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Thirty-one obese subjects (BMI: 42.3 ± 4.7 kg/m(2)) were enrolled. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume were determined by MRI, intrahepatic lipid content (IHL) by MR-spectroscopy, and body composition by DXA. Fasting blood samples and adipose tissue samples were obtained, and ELISA and RT-PCR were performed. RYGB-induced weight loss (36 ± 11 kg) was accompanied by a significant reduction in sCD163 (2.1 ± 0.8 mg/l vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mg/l), SAT, VAT, and IHL (all, P < 0.001). At baseline, sCD163 was associated with VAT (r = 0.40, P < 0.05) but not with SAT or IHL. Moreover, CD163 mRNA was significantly upregulated in VAT compared with SAT at baseline (P < 0.05) and significantly downregulated in SAT after RYGB (P < 0.001). ΔsCD163 was significantly associated with ΔIHL after RYGB compared with baseline (r = 0.40, P < 0.05). RYGB-induced weight loss results in a reduction of sCD163 and CD163 mRNA. The association between ΔsCD163 and ΔIHL may reflect a reduction in sCD163-producing Kupffer cells in the liver. Moreover, sCD163 may be a marker of "unhealthy" fat distribution in obese subjects. © 2014 The Obesity Society.

Potential of Pteris vittata L. for phytoremediation of sites co-contaminated with cadmium and arsenic: the tolerance and accumulation.

PubMed

Xiao, Xiyuan; Chen, Tongbin; An, Zhizhuang; Lei, Mei; Huang, Zechun; Liao, Xiaoyong; Liu, Yingru

2008-01-01

Field investigation and greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the tolerance of Pteris vittata L. (Chinese brake) to cadmium (Cd) and its feasibility for remediating sites co-contaminated with Cd and arsenic (As). The results showed that P. vittata could survive in pot soils spiked with 80 mg/kg of Cd and tolerated as great as 301 mg/kg of total Cd and 26.8 mg/kg of diethyltriaminepenta acetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd under field conditions. The highest concentration of Cd in fronds was 186 mg/kg under a total soil concentration of 920 mg As/kg and 98.6 mg Cd/kg in the field, whereas just 2.6 mg/kg under greenhouse conditions. Ecotypes of P. vittata were differentiated in tolerance and accumulation of Cd, and some of them could not only tolerate high concentrations of soil Cd, but also accumulated high concentrations of Cd in their fronds. Arsenic uptake and transportation by P. vittata was not inhibited at lower levels (< or = 20 mg/kg) of Cd addition. Compared to the treatment without addition of Cd, the frond As concentration was increased by 103.8% at 20 mg Cd/kg, with the highest level of 6434 mg/kg. The results suggested that the Cd-tolerant ecotype of P. vittata extracted effectively As and Cd from the site co-contaminated with Cd and As, and might be used to remediate and revegetate this type of site.

Early and Partial Reduction in CD4+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells during Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer Induces CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Activation Inhibiting Tumorigenesis

PubMed Central

Olguín, Jonadab E.; Medina-Andrade, Itzel; Molina, Emmanuel; Vázquez, Armando; Pacheco-Fernández, Thalia; Saavedra, Rafael; Pérez-Plasencia, Carlos; Chirino, Yolanda I.; Vaca-Paniagua, Felipe; Arias-Romero, Luis E.; Gutierrez-Cirlos, Emma B.; León-Cabrera, Sonia A.; Rodriguez-Sosa, Miriam; Terrazas, Luis I.

2018-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the third in men in North America and Europe. CRC is associated with inflammatory responses in which intestinal pathology is caused by different cell populations including a T cell dysregulation that concludes in an imbalance between activated T (Tact) and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Treg cells are CD4+Foxp3+ cells that actively suppress pathological and physiological immune responses, contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis. A tumor-promoting function for Treg cells has been suggested in CRC, but the kinetics of Treg cells during CRC development are poorly known. Therefore, using a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate, we observed the dynamic and differential kinetics of Treg cells in blood, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) as CAC progresses, highlighting a significant reduction in Treg cells in blood and spleen during early CAC development, whereas increasing percentages of Treg cells were detected in late stages in MLNs. Interestingly, when Treg cells were decreased, Tact cells were increased and vice versa. Treg cells from late stages of CAC displayed an activated phenotype by expressing PD1, CD127 and Tim-3, suggesting an increased suppressive capacity. Suppression assays showed that T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ cells were suppressed more efficiently by MLN Treg cells from CAC animals. Finally, an antibody-mediated reduction in Treg cells during early CAC development resulted in a better prognostic value, because animals showed a reduction in tumor progression associated with an increased percentage of activated CD4+CD25+Foxp3- and CD8+CD25+ T cells in MLNs, suggesting that Treg cells suppress T cell activation at early steps during CAC development. PMID:29344269

Short-term effects of sugarcane waste products from ethanol production plant as soil amendments on sugarcane growth and metal stabilization.

PubMed

Akkajit, Pensiri; DeSutter, Thomas; Tongcumpou, Chantra

2013-05-01

Numerous waste products have been widely studied and used as soil amendments and metal immobilizing agents. Waste utilization from ethanol production processes as soil amendments is one of the most promising and sustainable options to help utilize materials effectively, reduce waste disposal, and add value to byproducts. As a consequence, this present work carried out a four-month pot experiment of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivation in Cd and Zn contaminated soil to determine the effect of three sugarcane waste products (boiler ash, filter cake and vinasse) as soil amendment on sugarcane growth, metal translocation and accumulation in sugarcane, and fractionation of Cd and Zn in soil by the BCR sequential extraction. Four treatments were tested: (1) non-amended soil; (2) 3% w/w boiler ash; (3) 3% w/w filter cake; and (4) a combination of 1.5% boiler ash and 1.5% vinasse (w/w). Our findings showed the improved biomass production of sugarcanes; 6 and 3-fold higher for the above ground parts (from 8.5 to 57.6 g per plant) and root (from 2.1 to 6.59 g per plant), respectively, as compared to non-amended soil. Although there was no significant difference in Cd and Zn uptake in sugarcane (mg kg(-1)) between the non-amended soil and the treated soils (0.44 to 0.52 mg Cd kg(-1) and 39.9 to 48.1 mg Zn kg(-1), respectively), the reduction of the most bioavailable Cd concentration (BCR1 + 2) in the treated soils (35.4-54.5%) and the transformation of metal into an insoluble fraction (BCR3) highlighted the beneficial effects of sugarcane waste-products in promoting the sugarcane growth and Cd stabilization in soil.

Cholesterol-Independent Effects of Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin on Chemical Synapses

PubMed Central

Ormerod, Kiel G.; Coorssen, Jens R.; Mercier, A. Joffre

2012-01-01

The cholesterol chelating agent, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), alters synaptic function in many systems. At crayfish neuromuscular junctions, MβCD is reported to reduce excitatory junctional potentials (EJPs) by impairing impulse propagation to synaptic terminals, and to have no postsynaptic effects. We examined the degree to which physiological effects of MβCD correlate with its ability to reduce cholesterol, and used thermal acclimatization as an alternative method to modify cholesterol levels. MβCD impaired impulse propagation and decreased EJP amplitude by 40% (P<0.05) in preparations from crayfish acclimatized to 14°C but not from those acclimatized to 21°C. The reduction in EJP amplitude in the cold-acclimatized group was associated with a 49% reduction in quantal content (P<0.05). MβCD had no effect on input resistance in muscle fibers but decreased sensitivity to the neurotransmitter L-glutamate in both warm- and cold-acclimatized groups. This effect was less pronounced and reversible in the warm-acclimatized group (90% reduction in cold, P<0.05; 50% reduction in warm, P<0.05). MβCD reduced cholesterol in isolated nerve and muscle from cold- and warm-acclimatized groups by comparable amounts (nerve: 29% cold, 25% warm; muscle: 20% cold, 18% warm; P<0.05). This effect was reversed by cholesterol loading, but only in the warm-acclimatized group. Thus, effects of MβCD on glutamate-sensitivity correlated with its ability to reduce cholesterol, but effects on impulse propagation and resulting EJP amplitude did not. Our results indicate that MβCD can affect both presynaptic and postsynaptic properties, and that some effects of MβCD are unrelated to cholesterol chelation. PMID:22590538

Impact of vineyard abandonment and natural recolonization on metal content and availability in Mediterranean soils.

PubMed

de Santiago-Martín, Ana; Vaquero-Perea, Cristina; Valverde-Asenjo, Inmaculada; Quintana Nieto, Jose R; González-Huecas, Concepción; Lafuente, Antonio L; Vázquez de la Cueva, Antonio

2016-05-01

Abandonment of vineyards after uprooting has dramatically increased in last decades in Mediterranean countries, often followed by vegetation expansion processes. Inadequate management strategies can have negative consequences on soil quality. We studied how the age and type of vegetation cover and several environmental characteristics (lithology, soil properties, vineyard slope and so on) after vineyard uprooting and abandonment contribute to the variation patterns in total, HAc (acetic acid-method, HAc) and EDTA-extractable (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-method) concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in soils. We sampled 141 points from vineyards and abandoned vineyard Mediterranean soils recolonized by natural vegetation in recent decades. The contribution of several environmental variables (e.g. age and type of vegetation cover, lithology, soil properties and vineyard slope) to the total and extractable concentrations of metals was evaluated by canonical ordination based on redundancy analysis, considering the interaction between both environmental and response variables. The ranges of total metal contents were: 0.01-0.15 (Cd), 2.6-34 (Cu), 6.6-30 (Pb), and 29-92mgkg(-1) (Zn). Cadmium (11-100%) had the highest relative extractability with both extractants, and Zn and Pb the lowest. The total and EDTA-extractable of Cd, Pb and Zn were positively related to the age of abandonment, to the presence of Agrostis castellana and Retama sphaerocarpa, and to the contents of Fe-oxides, clay and organic matter (OM). A different pattern was noted for Cu, positively related to vineyard soils. Soil properties successfully explained HAc-extractable Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn but the age and type of vegetation cover lost significance. Clay content was negatively related to HAc-extractable Cu and Pb; and OM was positively related to HAc-Cd and Zn. In conclusion, the time elapsed after vineyard uprooting, and subsequent land abandonment, affects the soil content and availability of metals, and this impact depended on the colonizing plant species and soil properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb pressurized liquid extraction with acetic acid from marine sediment and soil samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreda-Piñeiro, Jorge; Alonso-Rodríguez, Elia; López-Mahía, Purificación; Muniategui-Lorenzo, Soledad; Prada-Rodríguez, Darío; Moreda-Piñeiro, Antonio; Bermejo-Barrera, Adela; Bermejo-Barrera, Pilar

2006-12-01

Rapid leaching procedures by Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) have been developed for As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb leaching from environmental matrices (marine sediment and soil samples). The Pressurized Liquid Extraction is completed after 16 min. The released elements by acetic acid Pressurized Liquid Extraction have been evaluated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The optimum multi-element leaching conditions when using 5.0 ml stainless steel extraction cells, were: acetic acid concentration 8.0 M, extraction temperature 100 °C, pressure 1500 psi, static time 5 min, flush solvent 60%, two extraction steps and 0.50 g of diatomaceous earth as dispersing agent (diatomaceous earth mass/sample mass ratio of 2). Results have showed that high acetic acid concentrations and high extraction temperatures increase the metal leaching efficiency. Limits of detection (between 0.12 and 0.5 μg g - 1 ) and repeatability of the over-all procedure (around 6.0%) were assessed. Finally, accuracy was studied by analyzing PACS-2 (marine sediment), GBW-07409 (soil), IRANT-12-1-07 (cambisol soil) and IRANT-12-1-08 (luvisol soil) certified reference materials (CRMs). These certified reference materials offer certified concentrations ranges between 2.9 and 26.2 μg g - 1 for As, from 0.068 to 2.85 μg g - 1 for Cd, between 26.4 and 90.7 μg g - 1 for Cr, from 9.3 to 40.0 μg g - 1 for Ni and between 16.3 and 183.0 μg g - 1 for Pb. Recoveries after analysis were between 95.7 and 105.1% for As, 96.2% for Cd, 95.2 and 100.6% for Cr, 95.7 and 103% for Ni and 94.2 and 105.5% for Pb.

Design optimization of highly asymmetrical layouts by 2D contour metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, C. M.; Lo, Fred; Yang, Elvis; Yang, T. H.; Chen, K. C.

2018-03-01

As design pitch shrinks to the resolution limit of up-to-date optical lithography technology, the Critical Dimension (CD) variation tolerance has been dramatically decreased for ensuring the functionality of device. One of critical challenges associates with the narrower CD tolerance for whole chip area is the proximity effect control on asymmetrical layout environments. To fulfill the tight CD control of complex features, the Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscope (CD-SEM) based measurement results for qualifying process window and establishing the Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) model become insufficient, thus 2D contour extraction technique [1-5] has been an increasingly important approach for complementing the insufficiencies of traditional CD measurement algorithm. To alleviate the long cycle time and high cost penalties for product verification, manufacturing requirements are better to be well handled at design stage to improve the quality and yield of ICs. In this work, in-house 2D contour extraction platform was established for layout design optimization of 39nm half-pitch Self-Aligned Double Patterning (SADP) process layer. Combining with the adoption of Process Variation Band Index (PVBI), the contour extraction platform enables layout optimization speedup as comparing to traditional methods. The capabilities of identifying and handling lithography hotspots in complex layout environments of 2D contour extraction platform allow process window aware layout optimization to meet the manufacturing requirements.

The antioxidant and anti-cadmium toxicity properties of garlic extracts

PubMed Central

Boonpeng, Suwannaporn; Siripongvutikorn, Sunisa; Sae-wong, Chutha; Sutthirak, Pornpong

2014-01-01

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a highly dangerous international problem because it can transfer into the food chain and become bioaccumulated, endangering human health. Cd detoxication is very interesting particularly the method providing no undesirable side effects. Cd also causes lipid oxidation that leads to undesired food quality. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been used as conventional food and in herbal therapy and folklore medicine as an antibacterial, antitumorogenic, and antioxidant agent for over 5000 years. In the present work, fresh garlic and pickled garlic extracted with distilled water was brought to determine antioxidant activities in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) assay, chelating activities, superoxide, and hydroxyl scavenging assay. The data showed that pickled garlic extracts significantly possessed more DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, superoxide, and hydroxyl scavenging assays as 11.86, 13.74, 4.9, 46.67, and 15.33 g trolox equivalent/g sample, respectively, compared with fresh one as 7.44, 7.62, 0.01, 4.07, and 8.09 g trolox equivalent/g sample, respectively. However, iron chelating activity of fresh garlic extract was higher than that of pickled garlic while there was no significant difference in the copper chelating activity of both extracts. For anti-Cd properties, pickled garlic was more effective than fresh garlic and contained less toxicity than standard diallyl disulfide (DADS). Therefore, therapeutic properties of pickled garlic favored its consumption compared with fresh and standard DADS for its antioxidant and anti-Cd properties. PMID:25493198

Visible-light-driven Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of Organic Azides to Amines over CdS Sheet-rGO Nanocomposite.

PubMed

Singha, Krishnadipti; Mondal, Aniruddha; Ghosh, Subhash Chandra; Panda, Asit Baran

2018-02-02

CdS sheet-rGO nanocomposite as a heterogeneous photocatalyst enables visible-light-induced photocatalytic reduction of aromatic, heteroaromatic, aliphatic and sulfonyl azides to the corresponding amines using hydrazine hydrate as a reductant. The reaction shows excellent conversion and chemoselectivity towards the formation of the amine without self-photoactivated azo compounds. In the adopted strategy, CdS not only accelerates the formation of nitrene through photoactivation of azide but also enhances the decomposition of azide to a certain extent, which entirely suppressed formation of the azo compound. The developed CdS sheet-rGO nanocomposite catalyst is very active, providing excellent results under irradiation with a 40 W simple household CFL lamp. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Novel combined stir bar sorptive extraction coupled with ultrasonic assisted extraction for the determination of brominated flame retardants in environmental samples using high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Yu, Chunhe; Hu, Bin

2007-08-10

A combined stir bar coated with poly (dimethysiloxane)-beta-cyclodextrin (PDMS-beta-CD) on single side has been prepared for the first time by sol-gel method and was coupled with ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) for the determination of some brominated flame-retardant compounds (BFRs) in soil and dust samples by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Four different kinds of coatings including PDMS-beta-CD, PDMS, carbowax (CW)-PDMS-poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and PDMS-PVA were evaluated for stir bar sorptive extraction of BFRs by orthogonal experiment design. The experimental results reveal that the PDMS-beta-CD combined stir bar exhibited the best extraction efficiency for the target analytes. The reproducibility for the preparation of PDMS-beta-CD combined stir bar ranged from 1.3% to 15.7% in one batch, and 7.2% to 15.1% among batches. Extraction time, desorption solvent, concentration of methanol and NaCl in the matrix, pH, temperature and stirring speed were optimized. The combined stir bar can avoid direct friction of the coating with the bottom of the vessel, and could be used for more than 100 times. Linearity (>0.993), repeatability (<10.5%), reproducibility (<16.5%), recovery (56-118%) and detection limits (2.9-4.2 microg L(-1)) were proper to determine the seven BFRs. The developed method was applied to the determination of BFRs in soil and dust with satisfactory results.

Long-term changes in the extractability and bioavailability of zinc and cadmium after sludge application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGrath, S.P.; Zhao, F.J.; Dunham, S.J.

2000-06-01

Changes in the extractability and uptake by crops of sludge metals in a long-term field experiment, started in 1942, were measured to assess whether Zn and Cd are either fixed by the sludge/soil constituents or are released as the sludge organic matter (OM) decomposes. Total and 0.1 M CaCl{sub 2}-extractable concentrations of Zn and Cd in soil and total concentrations in crops were measured on archived crop and soil samples. Extractability of Zn as a proportion of the total ranged from 0.5 to 3% and that of Cd from 4 to 18%, and were higher in sludge-amended than farmyard manuremore » or fertilizer-amended soils. Over a 23-yr period after 1961, when sludge was last applied, the extractability of both metals fluctuated, but neither decreased nor increased consistently. The relationships between total soil and crop metal concentrations were linear, with no evidence of a plateau across the range of soil metal concentrations achieved. The slopes of the soil-plant relationships depended on the type of crop or crop part examined, but were generally in the order red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) > sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) > carrot (Daucus carota L.) > barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). However, there also were large seasonal differences in metal concentrations in the crops. It is concluded from the available evidence that up to 23 yr after sludge applications cease, Zn and Cd extractability and bioavailability do not decrease.« less

Simultaneous removal of cadmium and nitrate in aqueous media by nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) and Au doped nZVI particles.

PubMed

Su, Yiming; Adeleye, Adeyemi S; Huang, Yuxiong; Sun, Xiaoya; Dai, Chaomeng; Zhou, Xuefei; Zhang, Yalei; Keller, Arturo A

2014-10-15

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) has demonstrated high efficacy for treating nitrate or cadmium (Cd) contamination, but its efficiency for simultaneous removal of nitrate and Cd has not been investigated. This study evaluated the reactivity of nZVI to the co-contaminants and by-product formation, employed different catalysts to reduce nitrite yield from nitrate, and examined the transformation of nZVI after reaction. Nitrate reduction resulted in high solution pH, negatively charged surface of nZVI, formation of Fe3O4 (a stable transformation of nZVI), and no release of ionic iron. Increased pH and negative charge contributed to significant increase in Cd(II) removal capacity (from 40 mg/g to 188 mg/g) with nitrate present. In addition, nitrate reduction by nZVI could be catalyzed by Cd(II): while 30% of nitrate was reduced by nZVI within 2 h in the absence of Cd(II), complete nitrate reduction was observed in the presence of 40 mg-Cd/L due to the formation of Cd islands (Cd(0) and CdO) on the nZVI particles. While nitrate was reduced mostly to ammonium when Cd(II) was not present or at Cd(II) concentrations ≥ 40 mg/L, up to 20% of the initial nitrate was reduced to nitrite at Cd(II) concentrations < 40 mg/L. Among nZVI particles doped with 1 wt. % Cu, Ag, or Au, nZVI deposited with 1 wt. % Au reduced nitrite yield to less than 3% of the initial nitrate, while maintaining a high Cd(II) removal capacity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical associations and mobilization of heavy metals in fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration.

PubMed

Weibel, Gisela; Eggenberger, Urs; Schlumberger, Stefan; Mäder, Urs K

2017-04-01

This study focusses on chemical and mineralogical characterization of fly ash and leached filter cake and on the determination of parameters influencing metal mobilization by leaching. Three different leaching processes of fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plants in Switzerland comprise neutral, acidic and optimized acidic (+ oxidizing agent) fly ash leaching have been investigated. Fly ash is characterized by refractory particles (Al-foil, unburnt carbon, quartz, feldspar) and newly formed high-temperature phases (glass, gehlenite, wollastonite) surrounded by characteristic dust rims. Metals are carried along with the flue gas (Fe-oxides, brass) and are enriched in mineral aggregates (quartz, feldspar, wollastonite, glass) or vaporized and condensed as chlorides or sulphates. Parameters controlling the mobilization of neutral and acidic fly ash leaching are pH and redox conditions, liquid to solid ratio, extraction time and temperature. Almost no depletion for Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd is achieved by performing neutral leaching. Acidic fly ash leaching results in depletion factors of 40% for Zn, 53% for Cd, 8% for Pb and 6% for Cu. The extraction of Pb and Cu are mainly limited due to a cementation process and the formation of a PbCu 0 -alloy-phase and to a minor degree due to secondary precipitation (PbCl 2 ). The addition of hydrogen peroxide during acidic fly ash leaching (optimized acidic leaching) prevents this reduction through oxidation of metallic components and thus significantly higher depletion factors for Pb (57%), Cu (30%) and Cd (92%) are achieved. The elevated metal depletion using acidic leaching in combination with hydrogen peroxide justifies the extra effort not only by reduced metal loads to the environment but also by reduced deposition costs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ameliorative Effect of Arctium lappa Against Cadmium Genotoxicity and Histopathology in Kidney of Wistar Rat.

PubMed

Suliman Al-Gebaly, Asma

2017-01-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal whose dispersion in the environment has increased recently, Cd may enhance cell oxidative stress that leads to DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. The study aimed to evaluate the antioxidative capability of Burdock root 'Arctium lappa' on cadmium-induced oxidative stress and histopathology of the kidney of Wistar rats. Cadmium was applied in a form of cadmium chloride to three groups (15 mg Cd kg-1) for five weeks with two groups pre-treated with 'Arctium lappa' administration, 100 and 200 mg kg-1 b.wt. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test to determine the difference among means using the JMP version 12. Results revealed that cadmium induced a significant disorganization (p<0.05) of renal structure with collapsed tubular lamina and 76 μm tail length of the cells was observed, while histological sections of kidney pre-treated with 100 mg Arctium lappa kg-1 b.wt., showed a slightly less hypercellularity of glomerulus and reduction in the cell tail (59 μm). Furthermore, histological sections of kidney of rats pre-treated with 200 mg Arctium lappa kg-1 b.wt., showed high improvement of renal tubules and glomerulus with a prominent urinary space beside tail length of cells was recorded as 39 μm which was lower in comparison to other groups. Moreover, cadmium induced cellular destruction of the kidney was resumed with the pre-treatment of the secondary metabolites as an antioxidant compounds that produced from plant extracts. Arctium lappa leaf extract was efficient at both applied doses while 200 mg Arctium lappa kg-1 b.wt., had the most ameliorative effect.

CD8+ T cells produce a dialyzable antigen-specific activator of dendritic cells

PubMed Central

Myles, Ian A.; Zhao, Ming; Nardone, Glenn; Olano, Lisa R.; Reckhow, Jensen D.; Saleem, Danial; Break, Timothy J.; Lionakis, Michail S.; Myers, Timothy G.; Gardina, Paul J.; Kirkpatrick, Charles H.; Holland, Steven M.; Datta, Sandip K.

2017-01-01

Cellular lysates from PPD+ donors have been reported to transfer tuberculin reactivity to naïve recipients, but not diphtheria reactivity, and vice versa. A historically controversial topic, the terms "transfer factor" and "DLE" were used to characterize the reactivity-transferring properties of lysates. Intrigued by these reported phenomena, we found that the cellular extract derived from antigen-specific memory CD8+ T cells induces IL-6 from antigen-matched APCs. This ultimately elicits IL-17 from bystander memory CD8+ T cells. We have identified that dialyzable peptide sequences, S100a9, and the TCR β chain from CD8+ T cells contribute to the molecular nature of this activity. We further show that extracts from antigen-targeted T cells enhance immunity to Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. These effects are sensitive to immunization protocols and extraction methodology in ways that may explain past discrepancies in the reproducibility of passive cellular immunity. PMID:27515950

A new linoleiyl arabinopyranoside from the bark of Bauhinia racemosa Lam and a new flavonoidal glycoside from the leaves of Cordia dichotoma Linn.

PubMed

Rahman, Md Azizur; Akhtar, Juber

2016-10-01

Phytochemical investigation is very valuable for the ethnomedicinally important plants Bauhinia racemosa Lam (BR) and Cordia dichotoma Linn (CD) used for the cure of variety of ailments. This study was thus designed for phytochemical investigation of BR bark and CD leaves. Phytoconstituents were isolated from the methanolic extracts of the plants by column chromatography using silica gel as stationary phase. The structures had been established on the basis of their physicochemical and spectral data, i.e. IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and MS. Elution of the columns with different solvents furnished six compounds (1-6) from the methanolic extract of BR bark and three compounds (7-9) from the methanolic extract of CD leaves which were structurally elucidated. The present phytochemical investigation reported several new compounds useful in increasing the existing knowledge of phytoconstituents from BR bark and CD leaves which is very valuable, as these drugs are used in the Indian traditional systems of medicine.

Bone resorption and remodeling in murine collagenase-induced osteoarthritis after administration of glucosamine

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Introduction Glucosamine is an amino-monosaccharide and precursor of glycosaminoglycans, major components of joint cartilage. Glucosamine has been clinically introduced for the treatment of osteoarthritis but the data about its protective role in disease are insufficient. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of long term administration of glucosamine on bone resorption and remodeling. Methods The effect of glucosamine on bone resorption and remodeling was studied in a model of collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA). The levels of macrophage-inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, protein regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, 4 and 10 in synovial fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell populations in synovial extracts and the expression of RANKL, of receptors for TNF-α (TNF-αR) and interferon γ (IFN-γR) on clusters of differentiation (CD) three positive T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, phosphorylated protein mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (pSMAD-2), RANKL and Dickkopf-1 protein (DKK-1) positive staining in CIOA joints were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results The administration of glucosamine hydrochloride in CIOA mice inhibited loss of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) in cartilage, bone erosion and osteophyte formation. It decreased the levels of soluble RANKL and IL-6 and induced IL-10 increase in the CIOA joint fluids. Glucosamine limited the number of CD11b positive Ly6G neutrophils and RANKL positive CD3 T cells in the joint extracts. It suppressed bone resorption via down-regulation of RANKL expression and affected bone remodeling in CIOA by decreasing BMP-2, TGF-β3 and pSMAD-2 expression and up-regulating DKK-1 joint levels. Conclusions Our data suggest that glucosamine hydrochloride inhibits bone resorption through down-regulation of RANKL expression in the joints, via reduction of the number of RANKL positive CD3 T cells and the level of sRANKL in the joints extracts. These effects of glucosamine appear to be critical for the progression of CIOA and result in limited bone remodeling of the joints. PMID:21410959

Cinnamon extract suppresses experimental colitis through modulation of antigen-presenting cells.

PubMed

Kwon, Ho-Keun; Hwang, Ji-Sun; Lee, Choong-Gu; So, Jae-Seon; Sahoo, Anupama; Im, Chang-Rok; Jeon, Won Kyung; Ko, Byoung Seob; Lee, Sung Haeng; Park, Zee Yong; Im, Sin-Hyeog

2011-02-28

To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract and elucidate its mechanisms for targeting the function of antigen presenting cells. Cinnamon extract was used to treat murine macrophage cell line (Raw 264.7), mouse primary antigen-presenting cells (APCs, MHCII(+)) and CD11c(+) dendritic cells to analyze the effects of cinnamon extract on APC function. The mechanisms of action of cinnamon extract on APCs were investigated by analyzing cytokine production, and expression of MHC antigens and co-stimulatory molecules by quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry. In addition, the effect of cinnamon extract on antigen presentation capacity and APC-dependent T-cell differentiation were analyzed by [H(3)]-thymidine incorporation and cytokine analysis, respectively. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract in vivo, cinnamon or PBS was orally administered to mice for 20 d followed by induction of experimental colitis with 2,4,6 trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The protective effects of cinnamon extract against experimental colitis were measured by checking clinical symptoms, histological analysis and cytokine expression profiles in inflamed tissue. Treatment with cinnamon extract inhibited maturation of MHCII(+) APCs or CD11c(+) dendritic cells (DCs) by suppressing expression of co-stimulatory molecules (B7.1, B7.2, ICOS-L), MHCII and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Cinnamon extract induced regulatory DCs (rDCs) that produce low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] while expressing high levels of immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β). In addition, rDCs generated by cinnamon extract inhibited APC-dependent T-cell proliferation, and converted CD4(+) T cells into IL-10(high) CD4(+) T cells. Furthermore, oral administration of cinnamon extract inhibited development and progression of intestinal colitis by inhibiting expression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α), while enhancing IL-10 levels. Our study suggests the potential of cinnamon extract as an anti-inflammatory agent by targeting the generation of regulatory APCs and IL-10(+) regulatory T cells.

Application of EDTA decontamination on soils affected by mining activities and impact of treatment on the geochemical partition of metal contaminants.

PubMed

Xia, Wenbin; Gao, Hui; Wang, Xianhai; Zhou, Chunhua; Liu, Yunguo; Fan, Ting; Wang, Xin

2009-05-30

Two soil samples were collected at mining areas located in southern Hunan Province, China. EDTA extraction of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd from these two tailing soils was studied using column leaching experiments. The redistributions of heavy metals (HMs) were determined using the modified BCR (Community Bureau of Reference) sequential extraction procedure, before and after EDTA extraction. The results indicated that EDTA was an effective extractant because of its strong chelating ability for various HMs. The proportions of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd in the four fractions varied largely after EDTA extraction. The extraction efficiency of EDTA of the acid-extractable fraction (AEX) was significant in shallow soil column, while in deeper soil column, decrease of the extraction efficiency of reduced (RED), oxidizable (OX) and residual fractions (RES) was obtained, which was mainly due to the decrease of EDTA concentration.

CD-ROM Multimodal Affordances: Classroom Interaction Perspectives in the Malaysian English Literacy Hour

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gardner, Sheena; Yaacob, Aizan

2009-01-01

CD-ROM affordances are explored in this article through participation in classroom interaction. CD-ROMs for shared reading of animated stories and language work were introduced to all Malaysian primary schools in 2003 for the Year 1 English Literacy Hour. We present classroom interaction extracts that show how the same CD-ROMs offer different…

Effect of Physalis peruviana L. on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

PubMed

Othman, Mohamed S; Nada, Ahmed; Zaki, Hassan S; Abdel Moneim, Ahmed E

2014-06-01

Cadmium (Cd) stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species and causes tissue damage. We investigated here the protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced testes toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups (n=7). Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of cadmium chloride for 5 days. Group 3 was orally treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of methanolic extract of physalis (MEPh). Group 4 was pretreated with MEPh before cadmium for 5 days. Changes in body and testes weights were determined. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and testosterone level were measured. Histopathological changes of testes were examined, and the immunohistochemical staining for the proapoptotic (caspase-3) protein was performed. The injection of cadmium caused a significant decrease in body weight, while a significant increase in testes weight and testes weight index was observed. Pretreatment with MEPh was associated with significant reduction in the toxic effects of Cd as shown by reduced testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and caspase-3 expression and increased glutathione content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and testosterone were also increased. Testicular histopathology showed that Cd produced an extensive germ cell apoptosis, and the pretreatment of MEPh in Cd-treated rats significantly reduced Cd-induced testicular damage. On the basis of the above results, it can be hypothesized that P. peruviana L. has a protective effect against cadmium-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat.

The EDTA effect on phytoextraction of single and combined metals-contaminated soils using rainbow pink (Dianthus chinensis).

PubMed

Lai, Hung-Yu; Chen, Zueng-Sang

2005-08-01

Rainbow pink (Dianthus chinensis), a potential phytoextraction plant, can accumulate high concentrations of Cd from metal-contaminated soils. The soils used in this study were artificially added with different metals including (1) CK: original soil, (2) Cd-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1), (3) Zn-treated soil: 100 mg Zn kg(-1), (4) Pb-treated soil: 1000 mg Pb kg(-1), (5) Cd-Zn-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1) and 100 mg Zn kg(-1), (6) Cd-Pb-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1) and 1000 mg Pb kg(-1), (7) Zn-Pb-treated soil: 100 mg Zn kg(-1) and 1000 mg Pb kg(-1), and (8) Cd-Zn-Pb-treated soil: 10 mg Cd kg(-1), 100 mg Zn kg(-1), and 1000 mg Pb kg(-1). Three concentrations of 2Na-EDTA solutions (0 (control), 2, and 5 mmol kg(-1) soil) were added to the different metals-treated soils to study the influence of applied EDTA on single and combined metals-contaminated soils phytoextraction using rainbow pink. The results showed that the Cd, Zn, Pb, Fe, or Mn concentrations in different metals-treated soil solutions significantly increased after applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) (p<0.05). The metal concentrations in different metals-treated soils extracted by deionized water also significantly increased after applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) (p<0.05). Because of the high extraction capacity of both 0.005 M DTPA (pH 5.3) and 0.05 M EDTA (pH 7.0), applying EDTA did not significantly increase the Cd, Zn, or Pb concentration in both extracts for most of the treatments. Applying EDTA solutions can significantly increase the Cd and Pb concentrations in the shoots of rainbow pink (p<0.05). However, this was not statistically significant for Zn because of the low Zn concentration added into the contaminated soils. The results from this study indicate that applying 5 mmol EDTA kg(-1) can significantly increase the Cd, Zn, or Pb concentrations both in the soil solution or extracted using deionized water in single or combined metals-contaminated soils, thus increasing the accumulated metals concentrations in rainbow pink shoots. The proposed method worked especially well for Pb (p<0.05). The application of 2 mmol EDTA kg(-1) might too low to enhance the phytoextraction effect when used in silty clay soils.

Donor-Derived Regulatory Dendritic Cell Infusion Maintains Donor-Reactive CD4+CTLA4hi T Cells in Non-Human Primate Renal Allograft Recipients Treated with CD28 Co-Stimulation Blockade.

PubMed

Ezzelarab, Mohamed B; Lu, Lien; Shufesky, William F; Morelli, Adrian E; Thomson, Angus W

2018-01-01

Donor-derived regulatory dendritic cell (DCreg) infusion before transplantation, significantly prolongs renal allograft survival in non-human primates. This is associated with enhanced expression of the immunoregulatory molecules cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen (Ag) 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) by host donor-reactive T cells. In rodents and humans, CD28 co-stimulatory pathway blockade with the fusion protein CTLA4:Ig (CTLA4Ig) is associated with reduced differentiation and development of regulatory T cells (Treg). We hypothesized that upregulation of CTLA4 by donor-reactive CD4 + T cells in DCreg-infused recipients treated with CTLA4Ig, might be associated with higher incidences of donor-reactive CD4 + T cells with a Treg phenotype. In normal rhesus monkeys, allo-stimulated CD4 + CTLA4 hi , but not CD4 + CTLA4 med/lo T cells exhibited a regulatory phenotype, irrespective of PD1 expression. CTLA4Ig significantly reduced the incidence of CD4 + CTLA4 hi , but not CD4 + CTLA4 med/lo T cells following allo-stimulation, associated with a significant reduction in the CD4 + CTLA4 hi /CD4 + CTLA4 med/lo T cell ratio. In CTLA4Ig-treated renal allograft recipient monkeys, there was a marked reduction in circulating donor-reactive CD4 + CTLA4 hi T cells. In contrast, in CTLA4Ig-treated monkeys with DCreg infusion, no such reduction was observed. In parallel, the donor-reactive CD4 + CTLA4 hi /CD4 + CTLA4 med/lo T cell ratio was reduced significantly in graft recipients without DCreg infusion, but increased in those given DCreg. These observations suggest that pre-transplant DCreg infusion promotes and maintains donor-reactive CD4 + CTLA4 hi T cells with a regulatory phenotype after transplantation, even in the presence of CD28 co-stimulation blockade.

Donor-Derived Regulatory Dendritic Cell Infusion Maintains Donor-Reactive CD4+CTLA4hi T Cells in Non-Human Primate Renal Allograft Recipients Treated with CD28 Co-Stimulation Blockade

PubMed Central

Ezzelarab, Mohamed B.; Lu, Lien; Shufesky, William F.; Morelli, Adrian E.; Thomson, Angus W.

2018-01-01

Donor-derived regulatory dendritic cell (DCreg) infusion before transplantation, significantly prolongs renal allograft survival in non-human primates. This is associated with enhanced expression of the immunoregulatory molecules cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen (Ag) 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) by host donor-reactive T cells. In rodents and humans, CD28 co-stimulatory pathway blockade with the fusion protein CTLA4:Ig (CTLA4Ig) is associated with reduced differentiation and development of regulatory T cells (Treg). We hypothesized that upregulation of CTLA4 by donor-reactive CD4+ T cells in DCreg-infused recipients treated with CTLA4Ig, might be associated with higher incidences of donor-reactive CD4+ T cells with a Treg phenotype. In normal rhesus monkeys, allo-stimulated CD4+CTLA4hi, but not CD4+CTLA4med/lo T cells exhibited a regulatory phenotype, irrespective of PD1 expression. CTLA4Ig significantly reduced the incidence of CD4+CTLA4hi, but not CD4+CTLA4med/lo T cells following allo-stimulation, associated with a significant reduction in the CD4+CTLA4hi/CD4+CTLA4med/lo T cell ratio. In CTLA4Ig-treated renal allograft recipient monkeys, there was a marked reduction in circulating donor-reactive CD4+CTLA4hi T cells. In contrast, in CTLA4Ig-treated monkeys with DCreg infusion, no such reduction was observed. In parallel, the donor-reactive CD4+CTLA4hi/CD4+CTLA4med/lo T cell ratio was reduced significantly in graft recipients without DCreg infusion, but increased in those given DCreg. These observations suggest that pre-transplant DCreg infusion promotes and maintains donor-reactive CD4+CTLA4hi T cells with a regulatory phenotype after transplantation, even in the presence of CD28 co-stimulation blockade. PMID:29520267

Room temperature ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid phase microextraction for the separation/preconcentration of trace Cd(2+) as 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) complex from environmental and biological samples and determined by FAAS.

PubMed

Khan, Sumaira; Soylak, Mustafa; Kazi, Tasneem Gul

2013-12-01

The current work develops a new green methodology for the separation/preconcentration of cadmium ions (Cd(2+)) using room temperature ionic liquid-dispersive liquid phase microextraction (RTIL-DLME) prior to analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with microsample introduction system. Room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) are considered "Green Solvents" for their thermally stable and non-volatile properties, here 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4mim][PF6] was used as an extractant. The preconcentration of Cd(2+) in different waters and acid digested scalp hair samples were complexed with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol and extracted into the fine drops of RTILs. Some significant factors influencing the extraction efficiency of Cd(2+) and its subsequent determination, including pH, amount of ligand, volume of RTIL, dispersant solvent, sample volume, temperature, and incubation time were investigated in detail. The limit of detection and the enhancement factor under the optimal conditions were 0.05 μg/L and 50, respectively. The relative standard deviation of 100 μg/L Cd(2+) was 4.3 %. The validity of the proposed method was checked by determining Cd(2+) in certified reference material (TM-25.3 fortified water). The sufficient recovery (>98 %) of Cd(2+) with the certified value. The mean concentrations of Cd in lake water 13.2, waste water 15.7 and hair sample 16.8 μg/L, respectively and the developed method was applied satisfactorily to the preconcentration and determination of Cd(2+) in real samples.

Studies on the protective effect of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract against cadmium toxicity-induced oxidative stress, hepatorenal damage, and immunosuppressive and hematological disorders in rats.

PubMed

El-Boshy, Mohamed; Ashshi, Ahmad; Gaith, Mazen; Qusty, Naeem; Bokhary, Thalat; AlTaweel, Nagwa; Abdelhady, Mohamed

2017-05-01

Our objective was to explore the protective effect of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity-induced oxidative organ damage in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups of eight animals each. The first group was assigned as a control. Groups 2-4 were orally administered with ALE (300 mg/kg bw), Cd (CdCl 2 , 100 mg/L drinking water), and ALE plus Cd, respectively, daily for 4 weeks. After treatment with Cd, the liver and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly compared with the control rats. The sera interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and IL-10, liver transaminase, urea, creatinine, and peripheral neutrophil count were significantly increased in Cd-exposed rats compared to the control group. The reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) decreased in the liver and kidney in Cd-exposed group. In combination treatment, Cd and ALE significantly improved immune response, an antioxidant system, and hepatorenal function with a significant decline in MDA. In conclusion, ALE ameliorates the immunosuppressive and hepatorenal oxidative injury stimulated by Cd in rats. These results suggest that artichoke has shown promising effects against adverse effects of Cd toxicity.

Hot-hole extraction from quantum dot to molecular adsorbate.

PubMed

Singhal, Pallavi; Ghosh, Hirendra N

2015-03-09

Ultrafast thermalized and hot-hole-transfer processes have been investigated in CdSe quantum dot (QD)/catechol composite systems in which hole transfer from photoexcited QDs to the catechols is thermodynamically favorable. A series of catechol derivatives were selected with different electron-donating and -withdrawing groups, and the effect of these groups on hole transfer and charge recombination (CR) dynamics has been investigated. The hole-transfer time was determined using the fluorescence upconversion technique and found to be 2-10 ps depending on the molecular structure of the catechol derivatives. The hot-hole-transfer process was followed after monitoring 2S luminescence of CdSe QDs. Interestingly, hot-hole extraction was observed only in the CdSe/3-methoxycatechol (3-OCH3) composite system owing to the higher electron-donating property of the 3-methoxy group. To confirm the extraction of the hot hole and to monitor the CR reaction in CdSe QD/catechol composite systems, ultrafast transient absorption studies have been carried out. Ultrafast transient-absorption studies show that the bleach recovery kinetics of CdSe QD at the 2S excitonic position is much faster in the presence of 3-OCH3. This faster bleach recovery at the 2S position in CdSe/3-OCH3 suggests hot-hole transfer from CdSe QD to 3-OCH3. CR dynamics in CdSe QD/catechol composite systems was followed by monitoring the excitonic bleach at the 1S position and was found to decrease with free energy of the CR reaction. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

CD26 modulates nociception in mice via its dipeptidyl-peptidase IV activity.

PubMed

Guieu, Regis; Fenouillet, Emmanuel; Devaux, Christiane; Fajloun, Ziad; Carrega, Louis; Sabatier, Jean-Marc; Sauze, Nicole; Marguet, Didier

2006-01-30

CD26 is a multifunctional cell surface glycoprotein expressed by T and B cells. It exhibits a dipeptidyl-peptidase activity (DPP-IV) that cleaves the penultimate proline from the N-terminus of polypeptides, thereby regulating their activity and concentration. Using CD26-/- mice resulting from targeted inactivation of the gene, we examined the consequences of a DPP-IV defect on behavioural response to nociceptive stimuli and concentration of the pain modulator peptides substance P (SP) and endomorphin 2, two DPP-IV substrates. CD26 inactivation induced a three-fold decrease in circulating endopeptidase activity while that found in brain extracts was normal, albeit very weak. CD26-/- mice had high SP concentrations in plasma (3.4+/-1 pg/ml versus 1.5+/-0.3 pg/ml, P<10(-3)) but not in brain extracts (35+/-12 pg/ml versus 32+/-9 pg/ml, P>0.05). Endomorphin-2 levels in the two groups were in the same range for plasma and brain extracts. CD26-/- mice displayed short latencies to nociceptive stimuli (hot plate test: 6.6+/-1.2 s versus 8.6+/-1.5 s, P<10(-4); tail pinch test: 3.1+/-0.6 s versus 4.2+/-0.8 s, P<10(-3)). Administration of an SP (NK1) receptor antagonist or DPP-IV to CD26-/- mice normalised latencies. DPP-IV inhibitors decreased latencies only in CD26+/+ mice. Our observations represent the first fundamental evidence showing that DPP-IV influences pain perception via modulation of the peripheral SP concentration. Our work also highlights the role of peripheral NK1 receptors in nociception.

Phenolic compounds analysis, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects of Periploca angustifolia extract on cadmium-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cell line and rats.

PubMed

Athmouni, Khaled; Belhaj, Dalel; Mkadmini Hammi, Khaoula; El Feki, Abdelfattah; Ayadi, Habib

2017-11-20

A total of five components (Catechin, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and Amentoflavone) were identified in Periploca angustifolia leaf methanolic extract. This extract did not cause any cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line within the range of concentrations tested (0-400 µg mL -1 ). Thus, pre-treatment with 100 µg mL -1 of P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract (PAE) significantly (p < .05) protective HepG2 cells against cytotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure. However, Cd-intoxication significantly (p < .05) increased alanine and aspartate amino transferases serum activities (ALT and AST) and bilirubin content by 1.85-, 1.13-, and 3.55-fold, respectively. The levels of hepatic antioxidant parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (p < .05) decreased in Cd-intoxicated rats with concomitant enhancement of lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract can induce antioxidant effects and also exerts beneficial effects for the treatment of Cd-induced hepatotoxicity.

Decreased serum levels of sCD40L and IL-31 correlate in treated patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

PubMed

de J Guerrero-García, José; Rojas-Mayorquín, Argelia E; Valle, Yeminia; Padilla-Gutiérrez, Jorge R; Castañeda-Moreno, Víctor A; Mireles-Ramírez, Mario A; Muñoz-Valle, José F; Ortuño-Sahagún, Daniel

2018-01-01

The CD40/CD40L system is a binding key for co-stimulation of immune cells. Soluble form of CD40L has been widely studied as marker of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here we analyze serum concentrations of sCD40L, as well as 14 cytokines, in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treated with Glatiramer acetate or Interferon beta. In the healthy control group, we found in serum a highly positive correlation between sCD40L and Interleukin (IL)-31, an anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokine. Additionally, an important reduction in IL-31 and sCD40L serum levels, as well as a significant reduction in CD40 mRNA expression and complete depletion of CD40L mRNA, detected from peripheral blood cells, was found in treated patients with MS. Therefore, sCD40L and IL-31 must be taken into account as possible prognostic markers when analyzing the disease progress of MS in order to provide more personalized treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Closed vessel miniaturized microwave assisted chelating extraction for determination of trace metals in plant materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czarnecki, Sezin; Duering, Rolf-Alexander

2013-04-01

In recent years, the use of closed vessel microwave assisted extraction (MAE) for plant samples has shown increasing research interest which will probably substitute conventional procedures in the future due to their general disadvantages including consumption of time and solvents. The objective of this study was to demonstrate an innovative miniaturized closed vessel microwave assisted extraction (µMAE) method under the use of EDTA (µMAE-EDTA) to determine metal contents (Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in plant samples (Lolio-Cynosuretum) by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Validation of the method was done by comparison of the results with another miniaturized closed vessel microwave HNO3 method (µMAE-H) and with two other macro scale MAE procedures (MAE-H and MAE-EDTA) which were applied by using a mixture of nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (MAE-H) and EDTA (MAE-EDTA), respectively. The already established MAE-H method is taken into consideration as a reference validation MAE method for plant material. A conventional plant extraction (CE) method, based on dry ashing and dissolving of the plant material in HNO3, was used as a confidence comparative method. Certified plant reference materials (CRMs) were used for comparison of recovery rates from different extraction protocols. This allowed the validation of the applicability of the µMAE-EDTA procedure. For 36 real plant samples with triplicates each, µMAE-EDTA showed the same extraction yields as the MAE-H in the determination of Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents in plant samples. Analytical parameters in µMAE-EDTA should be further investigated and adapted for other metals of interest. By the reduction and elimination of the use of hazardous chemicals in environmental analysis and thus allowing a better understanding of metal distribution and accumulation process in plants and also the metal transfer from soil to plants and into the food chain, µMAE-EDTA is seen as a promising technique for achieving green chemistry goals.

Relative reductions in soluble CD30 levels post-transplant predict acute graft function in islet allograft recipients receiving three different immunosuppression protocols.

PubMed

Hire, Kelly; Hering, Bernhard; Bansal-Pakala, Pratima

2010-08-01

Despite advances in islet transplantation, challenges remain in monitoring for anti-islet immune responses. Soluble CD30 (sCD30) has been investigated as a predictor of acute rejection in kidney, lung, and heart transplantation as well as in a single study in human islet cell recipients. In this study, sCD30 levels were retrospectively assessed in 19 allograft recipients treated with three different immunosuppression induction therapies. Soluble CD30 levels were assessed at pre-transplant; early post-transplant (day 4-day 7); one-month post-transplant; and late post-transplant (day 90-day 120) and then correlated with eventual graft outcomes at 1-year follow-up. Results showed no correlation between mean serum sCD30 levels at any point in time pre- or post-transplant and graft function at 1-year follow-up. However, analysis demonstrated that mean sCD30 levels at day 28 or day 90-day 120 decreased from pre-transplant levels in recipients with long-term islet allograft function compared to recipients with partial or non-graft function (a decrease of 43.6+/-25.6% compared to 16.7+/-35.2%, p<0.05). In another finding, immunosuppression with the ATG protocol led to a greater reduction in sCD30 levels post-transplant overall. A larger reduction post-transplant correlated with full graft function. The results demonstrate that a relative reduction in sCD30 levels post-transplant may be applicable as a biomarker to monitor graft function in islet allograft recipients. Additionally, knowledge of the impact of various immunosuppression protocols on the timing and extent of changes in post-transplant sCD30 levels could aid in patient-specific tailoring of immunosuppression. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Can ligand addition to soil enhance Cd phytoextraction? A mechanistic model study.

PubMed

Lin, Zhongbing; Schneider, André; Nguyen, Christophe; Sterckeman, Thibault

2014-11-01

Phytoextraction is a potential method for cleaning Cd-polluted soils. Ligand addition to soil is expected to enhance Cd phytoextraction. However, experimental results show that this addition has contradictory effects on plant Cd uptake. A mechanistic model simulating the reaction kinetics (adsorption on solid phase, complexation in solution), transport (convection, diffusion) and root absorption (symplastic, apoplastic) of Cd and its complexes in soil was developed. This was used to calculate plant Cd uptake with and without ligand addition in a great number of combinations of soil, ligand and plant characteristics, varying the parameters within defined domains. Ligand addition generally strongly reduced hydrated Cd (Cd(2+)) concentration in soil solution through Cd complexation. Dissociation of Cd complex ([Formula: see text]) could not compensate for this reduction, which greatly lowered Cd(2+) symplastic uptake by roots. The apoplastic uptake of [Formula: see text] was not sufficient to compensate for the decrease in symplastic uptake. This explained why in the majority of the cases, ligand addition resulted in the reduction of the simulated Cd phytoextraction. A few results showed an enhanced phytoextraction in very particular conditions (strong plant transpiration with high apoplastic Cd uptake capacity), but this enhancement was very limited, making chelant-enhanced phytoextraction poorly efficient for Cd.

Aqueous and organic extract of PM2.5 collected in different seasons and cities of Japan differently affect respiratory and immune systems.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Pratiti Home; Okano, Hitoshi; Honda, Akiko; Kudou, Hitomi; Kitamura, Gaku; Ito, Sho; Ueda, Kayo; Takano, Hirohisa

2018-04-01

Particulate matter with diameters <2.5 μm (i.e., PM 2.5 ) has multiple natural and anthropological sources. The association between PM 2.5 and the exacerbation of respiratory allergy and asthma has been well studied, but the components of PM 2.5 that are responsible for allergies have not yet been determined. Here, we elucidated the effects of aqueous and organic extract of PM 2.5 collected during four seasons in November 2014-December 2015 in two cities (Kawasaki, an industrial area and Fukuoka, an urban area affected by transboundary pollution matter) of Japan on respiratory health. Ambient PM 2.5 was collected by high-volume air samplers and extracted into water soluble and lipid soluble components. Human airway epithelial cells, murine bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells (APC) and splenocytes were exposed to PM 2.5 extracts. We measured the cell viability and release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 from airway epithelial cells, the DEC205 and CD86 expressions on APCs and cell proliferation, and TCR and CD19 expression on splenocytes. The water-soluble or aqueous extracts, especially those from Kawasaki in fall, had a greater cytotoxic effect than the lipid-soluble or organic extracts in airway epithelial cells, but they caused almost no pro-inflammatory response. Extract of fall, especially the aqueous extract from Fukuoka, increased the DEC205 and CD86 expressions on APC. Moreover, aqueous extracts of fall, summer, and spring from Fukuoka significantly increased proliferation of splenocytes. Organic extract of spring and summer from Kawasaki significantly elevated the TCR expression, and organic extract of summer from Kawasaki decreased the CD19 expression. These results suggest that PM 2.5 extract samples are responsible for cytotoxicity in airway epithelial cells and for activating APCs and T-cells, which can contribute to the exacerbation of respiratory diseases such as asthma. These effects can differ by PM 2.5 components, collection areas and seasons. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cadmium, lead, and zinc mobility and plant uptake in a mine soil amended with sugarcane straw biochar.

PubMed

Puga, A P; Abreu, C A; Melo, L C A; Paz-Ferreiro, J; Beesley, L

2015-11-01

Accumulation of heavy metals in unconsolidated soils can prove toxic to proximal environments, if measures are not taken to stabilize soils. One way to minimize the toxicity of metals in soils is the use of materials capable of immobilizing these contaminants by sorption. Biochar (BC) can retain large amounts of heavy metals due to, among other characteristics, its large surface area. In the current experiment, sugarcane-straw-derived biochar, produced at 700 °C, was applied to a heavy-metal-contaminated mine soil at 1.5, 3.0, and 5.0% (w/w). Jack bean and Mucuna aterrima were grown in pots containing a mine contaminated soil and soil mixed with BC. Pore water was sampled to assess the effects of biochar on zinc solubility, while soils were analyzed by DTPA extraction to confirm available metal concentrations. The application of BC decreased the available concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn in the mine contaminated soil leading to a consistent reduction in the concentration of Zn in the pore water. Amendment with BC reduced plant uptake of Cd, Pb, and Zn with the jack bean uptaking higher amounts of Cd and Pb than M. aterrima. This study indicates that biochar application during mine soil remediation could reduce plant concentrations of heavy metals. Coupled with this, symptoms of heavy metal toxicity were absent only in plants growing in pots amended with biochar. The reduction in metal bioavailability and other modifications to the substrate induced by the application of biochar may be beneficial to the establishment of a green cover on top of mine soil to aid remediation and reduce risks.

A Diffusive Gradient-in-Thin-Film Technique for Evaluation of the Bioavailability of Cd in Soil Contaminated with Cd and Pb

PubMed Central

Wang, Peifang; Wang, Teng; Yao, Yu; Wang, Chao; Liu, Cui; Yuan, Ye

2016-01-01

Management of heavy metal contamination requires accurate information about the distribution of bioavailable fractions, and about exchange between the solid and solution phases. In this study, we employed diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) and traditional chemical extraction methods (soil solution, HOAc, EDTA, CaCl2, and NaOAc) to determine the Cd bioavailability in Cd-contaminated soil with the addition of Pb. Two typical terrestrial species (wheat, Bainong AK58; maize, Zhengdan 958) were selected as the accumulation plants. The results showed that the added Pb may enhance the efficiency of Cd phytoextraction which is indicated by the increasing concentration of Cd accumulating in the plant tissues. The DGT-measured Cd concentrations and all the selected traditional extractants measured Cd concentrations all increased with increasing concentration of the addition Pb which were similar to the change trends of the accumulated Cd concentrations in plant tissues. Moreover, the Pearson regression coefficients between the different indicators obtained Cd concentrations and plants uptake Cd concentrations were further indicated significant correlations (p < 0.01). However, the values of Pearson regression coefficients showed the merits of DGT, CaCl2, and Csol over the other three methods. Consequently, the in situ measurement of DGT and the ex situ traditional methods could all reflect the inhibition effects between Cd and Pb. Due to the feature of dynamic measurements of DGT, it could be a robust tool to predict Cd bioavaiability in complex contaminated soil. PMID:27271644

[Effect of lipopolysaccharides extracted from Porphyromonas endodontalis on the expression of CD14 in osteoblast].

PubMed

Jia, Ge; Qiu, Li-hong; Li, Ren; Yang, Di; Guo, Yan

2010-10-01

To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharides(LPS) extracted from Porphyromonas endodontalis(P.e) on the expression of CD14 in osteoblast. Under the condition with or without serum, MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated with 10 μg/mL P.e-LPS for 24 hours, then the expression of CD14 was measured using flow cytometry; the membrane CD14 mRNA was detected at different time point (0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 h) by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using two-sample t test, one-way ANOVA and Dunnett t test with SPSS13.0 software package. Flow cytometry showed that CD14 protein increased after the stimulation of P.e-LPS for 24 h, while the non-serum group demonstrated more increase; the membrane CD14 mRNA level was up-regulated by 10 μg/mL P.e-LPS at 1 hour, and reached the maximum at 3 h and declined after 6 h. P.e-LPS can induce the expression of CD14 in osteoblast MC3T3-E1, which indicates that P.e-LPS may play an important role in osteoblast through CD14.

Remediation of cadmium- and lead-contaminated agricultural soil by composite washing with chlorides and citric acid.

PubMed

Li, Yu-jiao; Hu, Peng-jie; Zhao, Jie; Dong, Chang-xun

2015-04-01

Composite washing of cadmium (Cd)- and lead (Pb)-contaminated agricultural soil from Hunan province in China using mixtures of chlorides (FeCl3, CaCl2) and citric acid (CA) was investigated. The concentrations of composite washing agents for metal removal were optimized. Sequential extraction was conducted to study the changes in metal fractions after soil washing. The removal of two metals at optimum concentration was reached. Using FeCl3 mixed with CA, 44% of Cd and 23% of Pb were removed, and 49 and 32% by CaCl2 mixed with CA, respectively. The mechanism of composite washing was postulated. A mixture of chlorides and CA enhanced metal extraction from soil through the formation of metal-chloride and metal-citrate complexes. CA in extract solutions promoted the formation of metal-chloride complexes and reduced the solution pH. Composite washing reduced Cd and Pb in Fe-Mn oxide forms significantly. Chlorides and CA exerted a synergistic effect on metal extraction during composite washing.

Can differential nutrient extraction explain property variations in a predatory trap?

PubMed Central

Blamires, Sean J.; Piorkowski, Dakota; Chuang, Angela; Tseng, Yi-Hsuan; Toft, Søren; Tso, I-Min

2015-01-01

Predators exhibit flexible foraging to facilitate taking prey that offer important nutrients. Because trap-building predators have limited control over the prey they encounter, differential nutrient extraction and trap architectural flexibility may be used as a means of prey selection. Here, we tested whether differential nutrient extraction induces flexibility in architecture and stickiness of a spider's web by feeding Nephila pilipes live crickets (CC), live flies (FF), dead crickets with the web stimulated by flies (CD) or dead flies with the web stimulated by crickets (FD). Spiders in the CD group consumed less protein per mass of lipid or carbohydrate, and spiders in the FF group consumed less carbohydrates per mass of protein. Spiders from the CD group built stickier webs that used less silk, whereas spiders in the FF group built webs with more radii, greater catching areas and more silk, compared with other treatments. Our results suggest that differential nutrient extraction is a likely explanation for prey-induced spider web architecture and stickiness variations. PMID:26064618

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Warner-Schmid, D.; Hoshi, Suwaru; Armstrong, D.W.

Aqueous solutions of nonionic surfactants are known to undergo phase separations at elevated temperatures. This phenomenon is known as clouding,' and the temperature at which it occurs is refereed to as the cloud point. Permethylhydroxypropyl-[beta]-cyclodextrin (PMHP-[beta]-CD) was synthesized and aqueous solutions containing it were found to undergo similar cloud-point behavior. Factors that affect the phase separation of PMHP-[beta]-CD were investigated. Subsequently, the cloud-point extractions of several aromatic compounds (i.e., acetanilide, aniline, 2,2[prime]-dihydroxybiphenyl, N-methylaniline, 2-naphthol, o-nitroaniline, m-nitroaniline, p-nitroaniline, nitrobenzene, o-nitrophenol, m-nitrophenol, p-nitrophenol, 4-phenazophenol, 3-phenylphenol, and 2-phenylbenzimidazole) from dilute aqueous solution were evaluated. Although the extraction efficiency of the compounds varied, mostmore » can be quantitatively extracted if sufficient PMHP-[beta]-CD is used. For those few compounds that are not extracted (e.g., o-nitroacetanilide), the cloud-point procedure may be an effective one-step isolation or purification method. 18 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Fate of metals before and after chemical extraction of incinerated sewage sludge ash.

PubMed

Li, Jiang-Shan; Tsang, Daniel C W; Wang, Qi-Ming; Fang, Le; Xue, Qiang; Poon, Chi Sun

2017-11-01

Chemical extraction of incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) can effectively recycle P, but it may change the speciation and mobility of the remaining metals. This study investigated the changes of the leaching potential and distribution of metals in the chemically extracted ISSA. Batch extraction experiments with different extractants, including inorganic acids, organic acids, and chelating agents, were conducted on the ISSA collected from a local sewage sludge incinerator. The extraction of Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Ba, Cr and As from the ISSA and the corresponding changes of the mobility and speciation were examined. The results showed that the metals in ISSA were naturally stable because large portions of metals were associated with the residual fraction. The inorganic (HNO 3 and H 2 SO 4 ) and organic acids (citric acid and oxalic acid) significantly co-dissolved the metals through acid dissolution, but the reduction in the total concentrations did not tally the leaching potential of the residual metals. The increase in the exchangeable fraction due to destabilization by the extractants significantly enhanced the mobility and leachability of the metals in the residual ISSA. Chelating agents (EDTA and EDTMP) only extracted a small quantity of metals and had a marginal effect on the fate of the residual metals, but they significantly reduced the Fe/Mn oxide-bound fraction. In comparison, the bioaccessibility of residual metals were reduced to varying extent. Therefore, the disposal or reuse of chemically extracted ISSA should be carefully evaluated in view of possible increase in mobility of residual metals in the environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Light-driven dinitrogen reduction catalyzed by a CdS:nitrogenase MoFe protein biohybrid.

PubMed

Brown, Katherine A; Harris, Derek F; Wilker, Molly B; Rasmussen, Andrew; Khadka, Nimesh; Hamby, Hayden; Keable, Stephen; Dukovic, Gordana; Peters, John W; Seefeldt, Lance C; King, Paul W

2016-04-22

The splitting of dinitrogen (N2) and reduction to ammonia (NH3) is a kinetically complex and energetically challenging multistep reaction. In the Haber-Bosch process, N2 reduction is accomplished at high temperature and pressure, whereas N2 fixation by the enzyme nitrogenase occurs under ambient conditions using chemical energy from adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. We show that cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals can be used to photosensitize the nitrogenase molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein, where light harvesting replaces ATP hydrolysis to drive the enzymatic reduction of N2 into NH3 The turnover rate was 75 per minute, 63% of the ATP-coupled reaction rate for the nitrogenase complex under optimal conditions. Inhibitors of nitrogenase (i.e., acetylene, carbon monoxide, and dihydrogen) suppressed N2 reduction. The CdS:MoFe protein biohybrids provide a photochemical model for achieving light-driven N2 reduction to NH3. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Light-driven dinitrogen reduction catalyzed by a CdS:nitrogenase MoFe protein biohybrid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, K. A.; Harris, D. F.; Wilker, M. B.

The splitting of dinitrogen (N2) and reduction to ammonia (NH3) is a kinetically complex and energetically challenging multistep reaction. In the Haber-Bosch process, N2 reduction is accomplished at high temperature and pressure, whereas N2 fixation by the enzyme nitrogenase occurs under ambient conditions using chemical energy from adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. We show that cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals can be used to photosensitize the nitrogenase molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein, where light harvesting replaces ATP hydrolysis to drive the enzymatic reduction of N2 into NH3. The turnover rate was 75 per minute, 63% of the ATP-coupled reaction rate for the nitrogenase complexmore » under optimal conditions. Inhibitors of nitrogenase (i.e., acetylene, carbon monoxide, and dihydrogen) suppressed N2 reduction. The CdS:MoFe protein biohybrids provide a photochemical model for achieving light-driven N2 reduction to NH3.« less

Speciation and distribution characteristics of heavy metals and pollution assessments in the sediments of Nashina Lake, Heilongjiang, China.

PubMed

Li, Miao; Zang, Shuying; Xiao, Haifeng; Wu, Changshan

2014-05-01

Sediment core samples from Nashina Lake, Heilongjiang, China were collected using a gravity sampler. The cores were sliced horizontally at 1 cm each to determine the particle size, total concentrations and speciation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Total concentrations of heavy metals were extracted using an acid mixture (containing hydro fluoric acid, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid) and analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. A sequential extraction procedure was employed to separate chemical species. Analysis of results indicate that the concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments of Nashina Lake in descending order are Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cd. The ratios of the average concentrations of four heavy metals (e.g.Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn) to their background values were >1; and those of Mn, Cd, and Pb were >1. Moreover, some toxic metals were mainly distributed in bioavailable fractions. For instance, both Cd and Mn were typically found in Acid-extractable species or Fe-Mn oxide species, and thus can be easily remobilized and enter the food chain. Finally, the analysis of geo-accumulation index showed that anthropogenic pollution levels of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn were low, but those of Pb and Cd were at the moderate level. As both Pb and Cd are toxic metals, it is highly necessary to prohibit their transformation and accumulation in the sediments.

CD21+ (B2 antigen+) cell decrement and CD4+CD29+ (helper-inducer) cell increment suggest an activation of cell immune reactivity in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Gambi, D; Porrini, A M; Giampietro, A; Macor, S

1991-08-01

Two-color flow cytometric analysis on peripheral blood lymphocytes of 35 untreated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, 17 other medical disease (OMD) patients and 14 healthy control (HC) subjects was performed to evaluate the levels of different T and B cell subpopulations. In MS patients we observed an increase in CD4+CD29+ helper-inducer cells but this increase was not related to the different phases of the disease. We hypothesize that this change is related to the reduction of CD21+ cells expressing B2 antigen, a 140 kDa molecule disappearing after B cell activation. An increased level of CD4+CD45RA- (helper-inducer-like cells) and a reduction of CD4+CD29- (suppressor-inducer-like cells) were also present in our patients. These findings demonstrate an immune 'disequilibrium' in MS, which is linked with an increased level of CD25+ cells expressing the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor. IL-2, besides being a T cell growth factor, is also a B cell growth factor. These data let us hypothesize that an activation of the immune response is present in MS.

Stabilization of Pb and Cd contaminated soils and soil quality improvements using waste oyster shells.

PubMed

Ok, Yong Sik; Lim, Jung Eun; Moon, Deok Hyun

2011-02-01

Large amounts of oyster shells are produced as a by-product of shellfish farming in coastal regions without beneficial use options. Accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential for the use of waste oyster shells (WOS) containing a high amount of CaCO₃ to improve soil quality and to stabilize heavy metals in soil. To accomplish this, an incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the ability of the addition of 1-5 wt% WOS to stabilize the Pb (total 1,246 mg/kg) and Cd (total 17 mg/kg) in a contaminated soil. The effectiveness of the WOS treatments was evaluated using various single extraction techniques. Soil amended with WOS was cured for 30 days complied with the Korean Standard Test method (0.1 M·HCl extraction). The Pb and Cd concentrations were less than the Korean warning and countermeasure standards following treatment with 5 wt% WOS. Moreover, the concentrations of Cd were greatly reduced in response to WOS treatment following extraction using 0.01 M·CaCl₂, which is strongly associated with phytoavailability. Furthermore, the soil pH and exchangeable Ca increased significantly in response to WOS treatment. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that WOS amendments improved soil quality and stabilized Pb and Cd in contaminated soil. However, extraction with 0.43 M·CH₃ COOH revealed that remobilization of heavy metals can occur when the soil reaches an acidic condition.

Regulatory cells, cytokine pattern and clinical risk factors for asthma in infants and young children with recurrent wheeze.

PubMed

Borrego, L M; Arroz, M J; Videira, P; Martins, C; Guimarães, H; Nunes, G; Papoila, A L; Trindade, H

2009-08-01

Several risk factors for asthma have been identified in infants and young children with recurrent wheeze. However, published literature has reported contradictory findings regarding the underlying immunological mechanisms. This study was designed to assess and compare the immunological status during the first 2 years in steroid-naive young children with >or= three episodes of physician-confirmed wheeze (n=50), with and without clinical risk factors for developing subsequent asthma (i.e. parental asthma or a personal history of eczema and/or two of the following: wheezing without colds, a personal history of allergic rhinitis and peripheral blood eosinophilia >4%), with age-matched healthy controls (n=30). Peripheral blood CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells and their cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), GITR and Foxp3 expression were analysed by flow cytometry. Cytokine (IFN-gamma, TGF-beta and IL-10), CTLA-4 and Foxp3 mRNA expression were evaluated (real-time PCR) after peripheral blood mononuclear cell stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (24 h) and house dust mite (HDM) extracts (7th day). Flow cytometry results showed a significant reduction in the absolute number of CD4(+)CD25(high) and the absolute and percentage numbers of CD4(+)CD25(+)CTLA-4(+) in wheezy children compared with healthy controls. Wheezy children at a high risk of developing asthma had a significantly lower absolute number of CD4(+)CD25(+) (P=0.01) and CD4(+)CD25(high) (P=0.04), compared with those at a low risk. After PMA stimulation, CTLA-4 (P=0.03) and Foxp3 (P=0.02) expression was diminished in wheezy children compared with the healthy children. After HDM stimulation, CTLA-4 (P=0.03) and IFN-gamma (P=0.04) expression was diminished in wheezy children compared with healthy children. High-risk children had lower expression of IFN-gamma (P=0.03) compared with low-risk and healthy children and lower expression of CTLA-4 (P=0.01) compared with healthy children. Although our findings suggest that some immunological parameters are impaired in children with recurrent wheeze, particularly with a high risk for asthma, further studies are needed in order to assess their potential as surrogate predictor factors for asthma in early life.

Cadmium modulates adipocyte functions in metallothionein-null mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kawakami, Takashige; Nishiyama, Kaori; Kadota, Yoshito

2013-11-01

Our previous study has demonstrated that exposure to cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal, causes a reduction of adipocyte size and the modulation of adipokine expression. To further investigate the significance of the Cd action, we studied the effect of Cd on the white adipose tissue (WAT) of metallothionein null (MT{sup −/−}) mice, which cannot form atoxic Cd–MT complexes and are used for evaluating Cd as free ions, and wild type (MT{sup +/+}) mice. Cd administration more significantly reduced the adipocyte size of MT{sup −/−} mice than that of MT{sup +/+} mice. Cd exposure also induced macrophage recruitment to WATmore » with an increase in the expression level of Ccl2 (MCP-1) in the MT{sup −/−} mice. The in vitro exposure of Cd to adipocytes induce triglyceride release into culture medium, decrease in the expression levels of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and lipid hydrolysis at 24 h, and at 48 h increase in phosphorylation of the lipid-droplet-associated protein perilipin, which facilitates the degradation of stored lipids in adipocytes. Therefore, the reduction in adipocyte size by Cd may arise from an imbalance between lipid synthesis and lipolysis. In addition, the expression levels of leptin, adiponectin and resistin decreased in adipocytes. Taken together, exposure to Cd may induce unusually small adipocytes and modulate the expression of adipokines differently from the case of physiologically small adipocytes, and may accelerate the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. - Highlights: • Cd causes a marked reduction in adipocyte size in MT-null mice. • Cd enhances macrophage migration into adipose tissue and disrupt adipokine secretion. • MT gene alleviates Cd-induced adipocyte dysfunctions. • Cd enhances the degradation of stored lipids in adipocytes, mediated by perilipin. • Cd induces unusually small adipocytes and the abnormal expression of adipokines.« less

Determination of Cd in urine by cloud point extraction-tungsten coil atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Donati, George L; Pharr, Kathryn E; Calloway, Clifton P; Nóbrega, Joaquim A; Jones, Bradley T

2008-09-15

Cadmium concentrations in human urine are typically at or below the 1 microgL(-1) level, so only a handful of techniques may be appropriate for this application. These include sophisticated methods such as graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. While tungsten coil atomic absorption spectrometry is a simpler and less expensive technique, its practical detection limits often prohibit the detection of Cd in normal urine samples. In addition, the nature of the urine matrix often necessitates accurate background correction techniques, which would add expense and complexity to the tungsten coil instrument. This manuscript describes a cloud point extraction method that reduces matrix interference while preconcentrating Cd by a factor of 15. Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate and Triton X-114 are used as complexing agent and surfactant, respectively, in the extraction procedure. Triton X-114 forms an extractant coacervate surfactant-rich phase that is denser than water, so the aqueous supernatant is easily removed leaving the metal-containing surfactant layer intact. A 25 microL aliquot of this preconcentrated sample is placed directly onto the tungsten coil for analysis. The cloud point extraction procedure allows for simple background correction based either on the measurement of absorption at a nearby wavelength, or measurement of absorption at a time in the atomization step immediately prior to the onset of the Cd signal. Seven human urine samples are analyzed by this technique and the results are compared to those found by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of the same samples performed at a different institution. The limit of detection for Cd in urine is 5 ngL(-1) for cloud point extraction tungsten coil atomic absorption spectrometry. The accuracy of the method is determined with a standard reference material (toxic metals in freeze-dried urine) and the determined values agree with the reported levels at the 95% confidence level.

Differential loss of natural killer cell activity in patients with acute myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris.

PubMed

Yan, Wenwen; Zhou, Lin; Wen, Siwan; Duan, Qianglin; Huang, Feifei; Tang, Yu; Liu, Xiaohong; Chai, Yongyan; Wang, Lemin

2015-01-01

To evaluate the activity of natural killer cells through their inhibitory and activating receptors and quantity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells extracted from patients with acute myocardial infarction, stable angina pectoris and the controls. 100 patients with myocardial infarction, 100 with stable angina, and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited into the study. 20 randomly chosen people per group were examined for the whole human genome microarray analysis to detect the gene expressions of all 40 inhibitory and activating natural killer cell receptors. Flow cytometry analysis was applied to all 200 patients to measure the quantity of natural killer cells. In myocardial infarction group, the mRNA expressions of six inhibitory receptors KIR2DL2, KIR3DL3, CD94, NKG2A, KLRB1, KLRG1, and eight activating receptors KIR2DS3, KIR2DS5, NKp30, NTB-A, CRACC, CD2, CD7 and CD96 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05) compared with both angina patients and the controls. There was no statistical difference in receptor expressions between angina patients and control group. The quantity of natural killer cells was significantly decreased in both infarction and angina patients compared with normal range (P<0.001). The significant mRNAs down-regulation of several receptors in myocardial infarction group and reduction in the quantity of natural killer cells in both myocardial infarction and angina patients showed a quantitative loss and dysfunction of natural killer cells in myocardial infarction patients.

Pseudoazurin dramatically enhances the reaction profile of nitrite reduction by Paracoccus pantotrophus cytochrome cd1 and facilitates release of product nitric oxide.

PubMed

Sam, Katharine A; Fairhurst, Shirley A; Thorneley, Roger N F; Allen, James W A; Ferguson, Stuart J

2008-05-02

Cytochrome cd(1) is a respiratory nitrite reductase found in the periplasm of denitrifying bacteria. When fully reduced Paracoccus pantotrophus cytochrome cd(1) is mixed with nitrite in a stopped-flow apparatus in the absence of excess reductant, a kinetically stable complex of enzyme and product forms, assigned as a mixture of cFe(II) d(1)Fe(II)-NO(+) and cFe(III) d(1)Fe(II)-NO (cd(1)-X). However, in order for the enzyme to achieve steady-state turnover, product (NO) release must occur. In this work, we have investigated the effect of a physiological electron donor to cytochrome cd(1), the copper protein pseudoazurin, on the mechanism of nitrite reduction by the enzyme. Our data clearly show that initially oxidized pseudoazurin causes rapid further turnover by the enzyme to give a final product that we assign as all-ferric cytochrome cd(1) with nitrite bound to the d(1) heme (i.e. from which NO had dissociated). Pseudoazurin catalyzed this effect even when present at only one-tenth the stoichiometry of cytochrome cd(1). In contrast, redox-inert zinc pseudoazurin did not affect cd(1)-X, indicating a crucial role for electron movement between monomers or individual enzyme dimers rather than simply a protein-protein interaction. Furthermore, formation of cd(1)-X was, remarkably, accelerated by the presence of pseudoazurin, such that it occurred at a rate consistent with cd(1)-X being an intermediate in the catalytic cycle. It is clear that cytochrome cd(1) functions significantly differently in the presence of its two substrates, nitrite and electron donor protein, than in the presence of nitrite alone.

Nodulation by Sinorhizobium meliloti originated from a mining soil alleviates Cd toxicity and increases Cd-phytoextraction in Medicago sativa L.

PubMed

Ghnaya, Tahar; Mnassri, Majda; Ghabriche, Rim; Wali, Mariem; Poschenrieder, Charlotte; Lutts, Stanley; Abdelly, Chedly

2015-01-01

Besides their role in nitrogen supply to the host plants as a result of symbiotic N fixation, the association between legumes and Rhizobium could be useful for the rehabilitation of metal-contaminated soils by phytoextraction. A major limitation presents the metal-sensitivity of the bacterial strains. The aim of this work was to explore the usefulness of Sinorhizobium meliloti originated from a mining site for Cd phytoextraction by Medicago sativa. Inoculated and non-inoculated plants were cultivated for 60 d on soils containing 50 and/or 100 mg Cd kg(-1) soil. The inoculation hindered the occurrence of Cd- induced toxicity symptoms that appeared in the shoots of non-inoculated plants. This positive effect of S. meliloti colonization was accompanied by an increase in biomass production and improved nutrient acquisition comparatively to non-inoculated plants. Nodulation enhanced Cd absorption by the roots and Cd translocation to the shoots. The increase of plant biomass concomitantly with the increase of Cd shoot concentration in inoculated plants led to higher potential of Cd-phytoextraction in these plants. In the presence of 50 mg Cd kg(-1) in the soil, the amounts of Cd extracted in the shoots were 58 and 178 μg plant(-1) in non-inoculated and inoculated plants, respectively. This study demonstrates that this association M. sativa-S. meliloti may be an efficient biological system to extract Cd from contaminated soils.

Nodulation by Sinorhizobium meliloti originated from a mining soil alleviates Cd toxicity and increases Cd-phytoextraction in Medicago sativa L.

PubMed Central

Ghnaya, Tahar; Mnassri, Majda; Ghabriche, Rim; Wali, Mariem; Poschenrieder, Charlotte; Lutts, Stanley; Abdelly, Chedly

2015-01-01

Besides their role in nitrogen supply to the host plants as a result of symbiotic N fixation, the association between legumes and Rhizobium could be useful for the rehabilitation of metal-contaminated soils by phytoextraction. A major limitation presents the metal-sensitivity of the bacterial strains. The aim of this work was to explore the usefulness of Sinorhizobium meliloti originated from a mining site for Cd phytoextraction by Medicago sativa. Inoculated and non-inoculated plants were cultivated for 60 d on soils containing 50 and/or 100 mg Cd kg−1 soil. The inoculation hindered the occurrence of Cd- induced toxicity symptoms that appeared in the shoots of non-inoculated plants. This positive effect of S. meliloti colonization was accompanied by an increase in biomass production and improved nutrient acquisition comparatively to non-inoculated plants. Nodulation enhanced Cd absorption by the roots and Cd translocation to the shoots. The increase of plant biomass concomitantly with the increase of Cd shoot concentration in inoculated plants led to higher potential of Cd-phytoextraction in these plants. In the presence of 50 mg Cd kg−1 in the soil, the amounts of Cd extracted in the shoots were 58 and 178 μg plant−1 in non-inoculated and inoculated plants, respectively. This study demonstrates that this association M. sativa-S. meliloti may be an efficient biological system to extract Cd from contaminated soils. PMID:26528320

CD38-dependent ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity in developing and adult mouse brain.

PubMed Central

Ceni, Claire; Pochon, Nathalie; Brun, Virginie; Muller-Steffner, Hélène; Andrieux, Annie; Grunwald, Didier; Schuber, Francis; De Waard, Michel; Lund, Frances; Villaz, Michel; Moutin, Marie-Jo

2003-01-01

CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed in many tissues throughout the body. In addition to its major NAD+-glycohydrolase activity, CD38 is also able to synthesize cyclic ADP-ribose, an endogenous calcium-regulating molecule, from NAD+. In the present study, we have compared ADP-ribosyl cyclase and NAD+-glycohydrolase activities in protein extracts of brains from developing and adult wild-type and Cd38 -/- mice. In extracts from wild-type brain, cyclase activity was detected spectrofluorimetrically, using nicotinamide-guanine dinucleotide as a substrate (GDP-ribosyl cyclase activity), as early as embryonic day 15. The level of cyclase activity was similar in the neonate brain (postnatal day 1) and then increased greatly in the adult brain. Using [14C]NAD+ as a substrate and HPLC analysis, we found that ADP-ribose is the major product formed in the brain at all developmental stages. Under the same experimental conditions, neither NAD+-glycohydrolase nor GDP-ribosyl cyclase activity could be detected in extracts of brains from developing or adult Cd38 -/- mice, demonstrating that CD38 is the predominant constitutive enzyme endowed with these activities in brain at all developmental stages. The activity measurements correlated with the level of CD38 transcripts present in the brains of developing and adult wild-type mice. Using confocal microscopy we showed, in primary cultures of hippocampal cells, that CD38 is expressed by both neurons and glial cells, and is enriched in neuronal perikarya. Intracellular NAD+-glycohydrolase activity was measured in hippocampal cell cultures, and CD38-dependent cyclase activity was higher in brain fractions enriched in intracellular membranes. Taken together, these results lead us to speculate that CD38 might have an intracellular location in neural cells in addition to its plasma membrane location, and may play an important role in intracellular cyclic ADP-ribose-mediated calcium signalling in brain tissue. PMID:12403647

A layered magnetic iron/iron oxide nanoscavenger for the analytical enrichment of ng-L(-1) concentration levels of heavy metals from water.

PubMed

Karatapanis, Andreas E; Petrakis, Dimitrios E; Stalikas, Constantine D

2012-05-13

Magnetically driven separation techniques have received considerable attention in recent decade because of their great potential application. In this study, we investigate the application of an unmodified layered magnetic Fe/Fe(2)O(3) nanoscavenger for the analytical enrichment and determination of sub-parts per billion concentrations of Cd(II), Pb(II), Ni(II), Cr(VI) and As(V) from water samples. The synthesized nanoscavenger was characterized by BET, TGA, XRD and IR and the parameters influencing the extraction and recovery of the preconcentration process were assessed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The possible mechanism of the enrichment of heavy metals on Fe/Fe(2)O(3) was proposed, which involved the dominant adsorption and reduction. The nanoscale size offers large surface area and high reactivity of sorption and reduction reactions. The obtained limits of detection for the metals studied were in the range of 20-125 ng L(-1) and the applicability of the nanomaterial was verified using a real sample matrix. The method is environmentally friendly as only 15 mg of nanoscavenger are used, no organic solvent is required for the extraction and the experiment is performed without the need for filtration or preparation of packed preconcentration columns. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Population PK-PD analyses of CD25 occupancy, CD56bright NK cell expansion, and regulatory T cell reduction by daclizumab HYP in subjects with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Diao, Lei; Hang, Yaming; Othman, Ahmed A; Mehta, Devangi; Amaravadi, Lakshmi; Nestorov, Ivan; Tran, Jonathan Q

2016-11-01

Daclizumab high yield process (HYP) is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to the α-subunit of the interleukin-2 receptor and is being developed for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This manuscript characterized the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationships of daclizumab HYP in subjects with MS. Approximately 1400 subjects and 7000 PD measurements for each of three biomarkers [CD25 occupancy, CD56 bright natural killer (NK) cell count, regulatory T cell (Treg) count] from four clinical trials were analyzed using non-linear mixed effects modelling. Evaluated regimens included 150 or 300 mg subcutaneous (s.c.) every 4 weeks. CD25 occupancy was characterized using a sigmoidal maximum response (E max ) model. Upon daclizumab HYP treatment, CD25 saturation was rapid with complete saturation occurring after approximately 7 h and maintained when daclizumab HYP serum concentration was ≥5 mg l -1 . After the last 150 mg s.c. dose, unoccupied CD25 returned to baseline levels in approximately 24 weeks, with daclizumab HYP serum concentration approximately ≤1 mgl -1 1L. CD56 bright NK cell expansion was characterized using an indirect response model. Following daclizumab HYP 150 mg s.c. every 4 weeks, expansion plateaus approximately at week 36, at which the average maximum expansion ratio is 5.2. After the last dose, CD56 bright NK cells gradually declined to baseline levels within 24 weeks. Treg reduction was characterized by a sigmoidal E max model. Average maximum reduction of 60% occurred approximately 4 days post 150 mg s.c. dose. After the last dose, Tregs were projected to return to baseline levels in approximately 20 weeks. Robust PK-PD models of CD25 occupancy, CD56 bright NK cell expansion and Treg reduction by daclizumab HYP were developed to characterize its key pharmacodynamic effects in the target patient population. © 2016 The British Pharmacological Society.

Removal of Zn or Cd and cyanide from cyanide electroplating wastes

DOEpatents

Moore, Fletcher L.

1977-05-31

A method is described for the efficient stripping of stable complexes of a selected quaternary amine and a cyanide of Zn or Cd. An alkali metal hydroxide solution such as NaOH or KOH will quantitatively strip a pregnant extract of the quaternary ammonium complex of its metal and cyanide content and regenerate a quaternary ammonium hydroxide salt which can be used for extracting further metal cyanide values.

Semi-automated extraction and characterization of Stromal Vascular Fraction using a new medical device.

PubMed

Hanke, Alexander; Prantl, Lukas; Wenzel, Carina; Nerlich, Michael; Brockhoff, Gero; Loibl, Markus; Gehmert, Sebastian

2016-01-01

The stem cell rich Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) can be harvested by processing lipo-aspirate or fat tissue with an enzymatic digestion followed by centrifugation. To date neither a standardised extraction method for SVF nor a generally admitted protocol for cell application in patients exists. A novel commercially available semi-automated device for the extraction of SVF promises sterility, consistent results and usability in the clinical routine. The aim of this work was to compare the quantity and quality of the SVF between the new system and an established manual laboratory method. SVF was extracted from lipo-aspirate both by a prototype of the semi-automated UNiStation™ (NeoGenesis, Seoul, Korea) and by hand preparation with common laboratory equipment. Cell composition of the SVF was characterized by multi-parametric flow-cytometry (FACSCanto-II, BD Biosciences). The total cell number (quantity) of the SVF was determined as well the percentage of cells expressing the stem cell marker CD34, the leucocyte marker CD45 and the marker CD271 for highly proliferative stem cells (quality). Lipo-aspirate obtained from six patients was processed with both the novel device (d) and the hand preparation (h) which always resulted in a macroscopically visible SVF. However, there was a tendency of a fewer cell yield per gram of used lipo-aspirate with the device (d: 1.1×105±1.1×105 vs. h: 2.0×105±1.7×105; p = 0.06). Noteworthy, the percentage of CD34+ cells was significantly lower when using the device (d: 57.3% ±23.8% vs. h: 74.1% ±13.4%; p = 0.02) and CD45+ leukocyte counts tend to be higher when compared to the hand preparation (d: 20.7% ±15.8% vs. h: 9.8% ±7.1%; p = 0.07). The percentage of highly proliferative CD271+ cells was similar for both methods (d:12.9% ±9.6% vs. h: 13.4% ±11.6%; p = 0.74) and no differences were found for double positive cells of CD34+/CD45+ (d: 5.9% ±1.7% vs. h: 1.7% ±1.1%; p = 0.13), CD34+/CD271+ (d: 24.1% ±12.0% vs. h: 14.2% ±8.5%; p = 0.07). The semi-automated closed system provides a considerable amount of sterile SVF with high reproducibility. Furthermore, the SVF extracted by both methods showed a similar cell composition which is in accordance with the data from literature. This semi-automated device offers an opportunity to take research and application of the SVF one step further to the clinic.

Cadmium transfer from contaminated soils to the human body through rice consumption in southern Jiangsu Province, China.

PubMed

Li, Tianyuan; Chang, Qing; Yuan, Xuyin; Li, Jizhou; Ayoko, Godwin A; Frost, Ray L; Chen, Hongyan; Zhang, Xinjian; Song, Yinxian; Song, Wenzhi

2017-06-21

Consumption of crops grown in cadmium-contaminated soils is an important Cd exposure route to humans. The present study utilizes statistical analysis and in vitro digestion experiments to uncover the transfer processes of Cd from soils to the human body through rice consumption. Here, a model was created to predict the levels of bioaccessible Cd in rice grains using phytoavailable Cd quantities in the soil. During the in vitro digestion, a relatively constant ratio between the total and bioaccessible Cd in rice was observed. About 14.89% of Cd in soils was found to be transferred into rice grains and up to 3.19% could be transferred from rice grains to the human body. This model was able to sufficiently predict rice grain cadmium concentrations based on CaCl 2 extracted zinc and cadmium concentrations in soils (R 2 = 0.862). The bioaccessible Cd concentration in rice grains was also able to be predicted using CaCl 2 extracted cadmium from soil (R 2 = 0.892). The models established in this study demonstrated that CaCl 2 is a suitable indicator of total rice Cd concentrations and bioaccessible rice grain Cd concentrations. The chain model approach proposed in this study can be used for the fast and accurate evaluation of human Cd exposure through rice consumption based on the soil conditions in contaminated regions.

Reduction of CD147 surface expression on primary T cells leads to enhanced cell proliferation.

PubMed

Biegler, Brian; Kasinrerk, Watchara

2012-12-01

CD147 is a ubiquitously expressed membrane glycoprotein that has numerous functional associations in health and disease. However, the molecular mechanisms by which CD147 participates in these processes are unclear. Establishing physiologically relevant silencing of CD147 in primary T cells could provide clues essential for elucidating some aspects of CD147 biology. To date, achieving the knockdown of CD147 in primary T cells has remained elusive. Utilizing RNA interference and the Nucleofector transfection system, we were able to reduce the expression of CD147 in primary T cells. Comparison of basic functions, such as proliferation and CD25 expression, were then made between control populations and populations with reduced expression. Up-regulation of CD147 was found upon T-cell activation, indicating a role in T-cell responses. To better understand the possible importance of this up-regulation, we knocked down the expression of CD147 using RNA interference. When compared to control populations the CD147 knockdown populations exhibited increased proliferation. This alteration of cell proliferation, however, was not linked to a change in CD25 expression. We achieved reduction of CD147 surface expression in primary T cells by siRNA-mediated gene silencing. Our results point to CD147 having a possible negative regulatory role in T cell-mediated immune responses.

Feasibility of corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry for direct analysis of samples extracted by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.

PubMed

Jafari, Mohammad T; Riahi, Farhad

2014-05-23

The capability of corona discharge ionization ion mobility spectrometry (CD-IMS) for direct analysis of the samples extracted by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was investigated and evaluated, for the first time. To that end, an appropriate new injection port was designed and constructed, resulting in possibility of direct injection of the known sample volume, without tedious sample preparation steps (e.g. derivatization, solvent evaporation, and re-solving in another solvent…). Malathion as a test compound was extracted from different matrices by a rapid and convenient DLLME method. The positive ion mobility spectra of the extracted malathion were obtained after direct injection of carbon tetrachloride or methanol solutions. The analyte responses were compared and the statistical results revealed the feasibility of direct analysis of the extracted samples in carbon tetrachloride, resulting in a convenient methodology. The coupled method of DLLME-CD-IMS was exhaustively validated in terms of sensitivity, dynamic range, recovery, and enrichment factor. Finally, various real samples of apple, river and underground water were analyzed, all verifying the feasibility and success of the proposed method for the easy extraction of the analyte using DLLME separation before the direct analysis by CD-IMS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CD-SEM real time bias correction using reference metrology based modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ukraintsev, V.; Banke, W.; Zagorodnev, G.; Archie, C.; Rana, N.; Pavlovsky, V.; Smirnov, V.; Briginas, I.; Katnani, A.; Vaid, A.

2018-03-01

Accuracy of patterning impacts yield, IC performance and technology time to market. Accuracy of patterning relies on optical proximity correction (OPC) models built using CD-SEM inputs and intra die critical dimension (CD) control based on CD-SEM. Sub-nanometer measurement uncertainty (MU) of CD-SEM is required for current technologies. Reported design and process related bias variation of CD-SEM is in the range of several nanometers. Reference metrology and numerical modeling are used to correct SEM. Both methods are slow to be used for real time bias correction. We report on real time CD-SEM bias correction using empirical models based on reference metrology (RM) data. Significant amount of currently untapped information (sidewall angle, corner rounding, etc.) is obtainable from SEM waveforms. Using additional RM information provided for specific technology (design rules, materials, processes) CD extraction algorithms can be pre-built and then used in real time for accurate CD extraction from regular CD-SEM images. The art and challenge of SEM modeling is in finding robust correlation between SEM waveform features and bias of CD-SEM as well as in minimizing RM inputs needed to create accurate (within the design and process space) model. The new approach was applied to improve CD-SEM accuracy of 45 nm GATE and 32 nm MET1 OPC 1D models. In both cases MU of the state of the art CD-SEM has been improved by 3x and reduced to a nanometer level. Similar approach can be applied to 2D (end of line, contours, etc.) and 3D (sidewall angle, corner rounding, etc.) cases.

Comparison of cadmium absorption, translocation, subcellular distribution and chemical forms between two radish cultivars (Raphanus sativus L.).

PubMed

Xin, Juan; Zhao, Xiaohu; Tan, Qiling; Sun, Xuecheng; Hu, Chengxiao

2017-11-01

Cadmium (Cd) absorption and accumulation vary greatly not only among plant species but also among cultivars within the same species. In order to better understand the mechanisms of Cd absorption, transportation and distribution, we examined the differences of Cd absorption, translocation, subcellular distribution and chemical forms between L19, a Cd-tolerant genotype, and H4, a Cd-sensitive genotype, using kinetic analysis and soil culture experiment. Kinetic assays showed that the different Cd concentrations between the two cultivars might be ascribed to root absorption and translocation from root to shoot. The investigations of subcellular distribution and chemical forms verified that Cd concentrations of all subcellular fractions in H4 were all higher than in L19. Meanwhile, most of the Cd was associated with cell walls in the root of H4, but the Cd in the root of L19 and leaf of the two cultivars was mainly stored in soluble fraction, which could be one possible mechanism of tolerance to Cd toxicity. In addition, Cd fractions extracted by 1M NaCl and 2% HAC were predominant in root and leaf of both cultivars and the concentrations and proportions extracted by water and 80% ethanol in root and 1M NaCl in leaf were all higher in H4 than in L19. These results indicate that the Cd in H4 is more active than L19, which could be responsible for the sensitivity of H4 to Cd damage. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vertically-aligned sandwich nanowires enhance the photoelectrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide: hierarchical formation on carbon nanotubes of cadmium sulfide quantum dots and Prussian blue nanocoatings.

PubMed

Gong, Kuanping

2015-07-01

We describe a vertically-aligned array of sandwiched nanowires comprising Prussian blue (PB) nanocoating-carbon nanotube (CNT) core-shell structures with CdS particles positioning at the core/shell interface, viz. PB/CdS/CNT. The PB/CdS/CNT electrode thus constructed are noticeable in synchronically harvesting photon-, ionic-, and chemical-energies, respectively, from visible light radiation, K(+) uptaking and releasing, and the reduction of H2O2. In 0.2 M K2SO4 aqueous solution, the photoelectrocatalytic reduction of 1.5 mM H2O2 at PB/CdS/CNT delivered the current density as high as 1.91 mA/cm(2) at reduced overpotential, that is, three times that at the Pt/C. This superb performance is causally linked to the judicious choice of materials and their assembly into defining sandwich nanostructures wherein the three components closely cooperate with each other in the photoelectrocatalytic reduction of H2O2, including photo-induced charge separation in CdS, spontaneous electron injection into PB due to its relatively low Fermi level, and the electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2 by PB via an electrochemical-chemical-electrochemical reaction mechanism. The structural alignment of PB/CdS/CNT ensures the simplest pathway for the mass diffusion and electron shuttle, and a high surface area accessible to the chemical and electrochemical reactions, so as to minimize the concentration- and electrochemical-polarization and thus ensure the fast overall kinetics of the electrode reaction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficiency of several leaching reagents on removal of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn from highly contaminated paddy soil.

PubMed

Gao, Ruili; Zhu, Pengfei; Guo, Guangguang; Hu, Hongqing; Zhu, Jun; Fu, Qingling

2016-11-01

The efficiency of five different single leaching reagents (tartaric acid (TA), citric acid (CA), CaCl 2 , FeCl 3 , EDTA) and two different composite leaching reagents (CA + FeCl 3 , CA + EDTA) on removing Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd from contaminated paddy soil in Hunan Province (in China) was studied. The results indicated that the efficiencies of CA, FeCl 3 , and EDTA on extracting Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn from soil were greater than that of TA and CaCl 2 , and their extraction efficiencies were EDTA ≥ FeCl 3 > CA. The efficiencies of CA + FeCl 3 on extracting Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn were higher than that of single CA or FeCl 3 . The 25 mmol L -1 CA + 20 mmol L -1 FeCl 3 was a promising composite leaching reagent for paddy soil, and it could remove Cu (57.6 %), Pb (59.3 %), Cd (84.8 %), and Zn (28.0 %), respectively. With the same amount of leaching reagent, the efficiency of continuous leaching by several times was higher than that by once. In addition, the easily reducible and oxidizable fractions of heavy metals showed significant decrease during the process of leaching.

Preparation and analysis of fetal liver extracts.

PubMed

Zwicky, C; Gerber, S; Gasparini, D; Forestier, F; Hohlfeld, P; Tissot, J D; Schneider, P

2000-09-01

The aim of this work is to describe the techniques that have been used for preparation and analysis of whole fetal liver extracts destined for in utero transplantation. Nine fetal livers between 12 and 17 weeks of gestation were prepared: cell counts and assessment of the hematopoietic cell viability were performed on cell suspensions. Hepatocytes represented 40 to 80% of the whole cell population. The remaining cells were constituted by hematopoietic cells (mainly erythroblasts), as well as by endothelial cells. The latter expressed CD34 on their surface, interfering with the assessment of CD34+ hematopoietic cells by flow cytometry. Direct visual morphologic control using alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase techniques was needed to differentiate hematopoietic from extra-hematopoietic CD34+ cells. Between 3.0 and 34.6 x 10(6) CD34+ viable hematopoietic cells were collected per fetal liver. Adequate differentiation of these cells into burst-forming units erythroid (BFU-E), colony-forming units granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM), and colony-forming units granulocyte erythroid macrophage megakaryocyte (CFU-GEMM) has been shown for each sample in clonogeneic cultures. In conclusion, fetal liver is a potential source of hematopoietic stem cells. Their numeration, based on the presence of CD34, is hampered by the expression of this antigen on other cells contained in the liver cell extract, in particular endothelial cells.

Effect of an Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries on the Body Status of Zinc and Copper under Chronic Exposure to Cadmium: An In Vivo Experimental Study.

PubMed

Borowska, Sylwia; Brzóska, Małgorzata M; Gałażyn-Sidorczuk, Małgorzata; Rogalska, Joanna

2017-12-19

In an experimental model of low-level and moderate environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd), it was investigated whether the consumption of a polyphenol-rich Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (chokeberries) extract (AE) may influence the body status of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). The bioelements' apparent absorption, body retention, serum and tissue concentrations, total pool in internal organs, excretion, and the degree of binding to metallothionein were evaluated in female rats administered 0.1% aqueous AE or/and Cd in their diet (1 and 5 mg/kg) for 3-24 months. The consumption of AE alone had no influence on the body status of Zn and Cu. The extract administration at both levels of Cd treatment significantly (completely or partially) protected against most of the changes in the metabolism of Zn and Cu caused by this xenobiotic; however, it increased or decreased some of the Cd-unchanged indices of their body status. Based on the findings, it seems that rational amounts of chokeberry products may be included in the daily diet without the risk of destroying Zn and Cu metabolisms; however, their potential prophylactic use under exposure to Cd needs further study to exclude any unfavourable impact of these essential elements on the metabolism.

Evaluation of the basophil activation test and skin prick testing for the diagnosis of sesame food allergy.

PubMed

Appel, Michael Y; Nachshon, Liat; Elizur, Arnon; Levy, Michael B; Katz, Yitzhak; Goldberg, Michael R

2018-05-14

The prevalence of sesame food allergy (SFA) has increased over recent years, with the potential of anaphylactic reactions upon exposure. Oral food challenge (OFC) remains the diagnostic standard, yet its implementation may be risky. Commercial skin prick tests (SPT) have a low sensitivity. Investigation of alternate diagnostic methods is warranted. To evaluate the utility of SPT and the basophil activation test (BAT) for SFA diagnosis. Eighty-two patients with suspected SFA completed an open OFC to sesame or reported a recent confirmed reaction. Patients were administered skin prick tests (SPT) with commercial sesame seed extract (CSSE), and a high protein concentration sesame extract (HPSE) (100 mg/ml protein). Whole blood from eighty patients was stimulated with sesame seed extract (40-10000 ng/ml protein) for BAT), assessing CD63 and CD203c as activation markers. Sixty patients (73%) had IgE-mediated reactions to sesame, and 22 (27%) did not react. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 for HPSE-SPT, and 0.66 for CSSE-SPT. At 1000 ng/ml of sesame protein, induction of CD63 and CD203c was weakly but significantly associated with OFC eliciting dose by rank (Spearman's rho= -0.42 (P<0.01) and -0.35 (P<0.05) for CD63 and CD203c, respectively). By ROC analysis, the AUC for CD63 was 0.86, and was 0.81 for CD203c sesame-induced basophil expression. Using HPSE-SPT as a first test to definitively diagnose (n=24) or rule out (n=5) SFA and BAT as a second test to diagnose the remainder, results in the correct classification of 73/80 (91%) patients, leaving one false negative and four false positive patients. Two BAT non-responders remain unclassified by this algorithm. While prospective cohort validation is necessary, joint utilization of BAT and SPT with HPSE extract may obviate the need for OFC in most SFA patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Experimental Investigation of Shock-Cell Noise Reduction for Single Stream Nozzles in Simulated Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamamoto, K.; Brausch, J. F.; Balsa, T. F.; Janardan, B. A.; Knott, P. R.

1984-01-01

Seven single stream model nozzles were tested in the Anechoic Free-Jet Acoustic Test Facility to evaluate the effectiveness of convergent divergent (C-D) flowpaths in the reduction of shock-cell noise under both static and mulated flight conditions. The test nozzles included a baseline convergent circular nozzle, a C-D circular nozzle, a convergent annular plug nozzle, a C-D annular plug nozzle, a convergent multi-element suppressor plug nozzle, and a C-D multi-element suppressor plug nozzle. Diagnostic flow visualization with a shadowgraph and aerodynamic plume measurements with a laser velocimeter were performed with the test nozzles. A theory of shock-cell noise for annular plug nozzles with shock-cells in the vicinity of the plug was developed. The benefit of these C-D nozzles was observed over a broad range of pressure ratiosin the vicinity of their design conditions. At the C-D design condition, the C-D annual nozzle was found to be free of shock-cells on the plug.

Hepatoprotective effect of Arctium lappa root extract on cadmium toxicity in adult Wistar rats.

PubMed

de Souza Predes, Fabricia; da Silva Diamante, Maria Aparecida; Foglio, Mary Ann; Camargo, Camila de Andrade; Camargo, Camila Almeida; Aoyama, Hiroshi; Miranda, Silvio Cesar; Cruz, Bread; Gomes Marcondes, Maria Cristina Cintra; Dolder, Heidi

2014-08-01

This study was performed to determine the effects of Arctium lappa (Al) to protect against cadmium damage in the rat liver. Male rats received a single i.p. dose of CdCl2 (1.2 mg/kg body weight (BW)) with or without Al extract administered daily by gavage (300 mg/kg BW) for 7 or 56 days. After 7 days, Al caused plasma transaminase activity to diminish in groups Al (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT)) and CdAl (GPT). After 56 days, GOT and GPT plasma activities were reduced in the Cd group. No alteration in plasma levels of creatinine, total bilirubin, and total protein were observed. GOT liver activity increased in the Cd group. No alteration was observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) dosage. In the Cd group, hepatocyte proportion decreased and sinusoid capillary proportion increased. In the Al and CdAl groups, the nuclear proportion increased and the cytoplasmic proportion decreased. The hepatocyte nucleus density reduced in Cd and increased in the Al group. After 56 days, there was no alteration in the Cd group. In Al and CdAl groups, the nuclear proportion increased without cytoplasmic proportion variation, but the sinusoid capillary proportion was reduced. The hepatocyte nucleus density decreased in the Cd group and increased in the Al and CdAl groups. In conclusion, the liver function indicators showed that A. lappa protected the liver against cadmium toxicity damage.

Preventive Intra Oral Treatment of Sea Cucumber Ameliorate OVA-Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation.

PubMed

Lee, Da-In; Park, Mi-Kyung; Kang, Shin Ae; Choi, Jun-Ho; Kang, Seok-Jung; Lee, Jeong-Yeol; Yu, Hak Sun

2016-01-01

Sea cucumber extracts have potent biological effects, including anti-viral, anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammation effects. To understand their anti-asthma effects, we induced allergic airway inflammation in mice after 7 oral administrations of the extract. The hyper-responsiveness value in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-alum-induced asthma after oral injection of sea cucumber extracts was significantly lower than that in the OVA-alum-induced asthma group. In addition, the number of eosinophils in the lungs of asthma-induced mice pre-treated with sea cucumber extract was significantly decreased compared to that of PBS pre-treated mice. Additionally, CD4[Formula: see text]CD25[Formula: see text]Foxp3[Formula: see text]T (regulatory T; Treg) cells significantly increased in mesenteric lymph nodes after 7 administrations of the extract. These results suggest that sea cucumber extract can ameliorate allergic airway inflammation via Treg cell activation and recruitment to the lung.

Constructing Cd0.5Zn0.5S@ZIF-8 nanocomposites through self-assembly strategy to enhance Cr(VI) photocatalytic reduction.

PubMed

Qiu, Jianhao; Zhang, Xiong-Fei; Zhang, Xingguang; Feng, Yi; Li, Yuxin; Yang, Lvye; Lu, Haiqiang; Yao, Jianfeng

2018-05-05

A novel and highly efficient photocatalyst of Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S@ZIF-8 nanocomposite has been developed by a facile self-assembly strategy. This is the first report on the application of Cd x Zn 1-x S and metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocomposite as photocatalysts for the reduction of Cr(VI). The resulting Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S@ZIF-8 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than that of pristine Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S and ZIF-8. Particularly, the CZS@Z60 composite with 60 wt% of ZIF-8 exhibited a photocatalytic activity that is about 1.6 times as high as that of Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S. The dominant reason for the improved photocatalytic reduction potential is proved to be the newly-formed interfacial SZn bonds that firmly connect Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S and ZIF-8 and substantially improve the separation efficiency of photo-excited electrons and holes. The newly-formed chemical bonds are confirmed by XPS analyses, and the prolonged lifetime of photo-excited electrons is evidenced by the electrochemical measurement of photocurrent, which shows that the photocurrent on Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S@ZIF-8 is much higher than that of Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S and ZIF-8. This study clearly demonstrates that the MOF-based composite nanomaterials hold great promises for applications in the field of environmental remediation and for design of novel photocatalytic materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of partial use of formula diet on weight reduction and metabolic variables in obese type 2 diabetic patients--multicenter trial.

PubMed

Shirai, Kohji; Saiki, Atsuhito; Oikawa, Shinichi; Teramoto, Tamio; Yamada, Nobuhiro; Ishibashi, Shun; Tada, Norio; Miyazaki, Shigeru; Inoue, Ikuo; Murano, Shunichi; Sakane, Naoki; Satoh-Asahara, Noriko; Bujo, Hideaki; Miyashita, Yoh; Saito, Yasushi

2013-01-01

To clarify the usefulness of protein-sparing modified formula diet in obese type 2 diabetic patients, the effects of partial use of formula diet on weight reduction and changes in related metabolic variables, and the improving rates of risk factors per 1% body weight reduction, were compared with those of conventional subcaloric diet. Obese patients [BMI >25 kg/m²] with diabetic mellitus were randomly assigned to a low-caloric diet with partial use of formula diet group (FD, n = 119) and a conventional low-caloric diet group (CD, n = 110). Subjects in FD took one pack of formula diet (MicroDiet®, 240 kcal/pack) in place of one of three daily low-caloric meals for 24 weeks. Total daily calorie prescribed was same. Weight reduction was greater in FD than in CD (week 24: -3.5 vs -1.4 kg; all p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly only in FD. HbA1c reduction was greater in FD than in CD. HDL-cholesterol increased significantly more in FD than in CD (week 24: +2.8 vs. +0.6 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Among several improving rates (%) of risk factors/1% body weight reduction, those of HbA1c at weeks 16 and 24, triglyceride at week 8 and HDL-cholesterol at week 24, were significantly higher in FD than CD. Doses of sulfonylurea and thiazolidinedione were significantly decreased in FD than in CD. Partial use of formula diet was much more effective in reducing body weight, and also in improving coronary risk factors than conventional diet in part due to reduced body weight through decreased energy diet intake and due to dietary composition of the formula diet. © 2013 Asian Oceanian Association for the Study of Obesity . Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of in situ DGT measurement with ex situ methods for predicting cadmium bioavailability in soils with combined pollution to biotas.

PubMed

Wang, Peifang; Liu, Cui; Yao, Yu; Wang, Chao; Wang, Teng; Yuan, Ye; Hou, Jun

2017-05-01

To assess the capabilities of the different techniques in predicting Cadmium (Cd) bioavailability in Cd-contaminated soils with the addition of Zn, one in situ technique (diffusive gradients in thin films; DGT) was compared with soil solution concentration and four widely used single-step extraction methods (acetic acid, EDTA, sodium acetate and CaCl 2 ). Wheat and maize were selected as tested species. The results demonstrated that single Cd-polluted soils inhibited the growth of wheat and maize significantly compared with control plants; the shoot and root biomasses of the plants both dropped significantly (P < 0.05). The addition of Zn exhibited a strong antagonism to the physiological toxicity induced by Cd. The Pearson correlation coefficient presented positive correlations (P < 0.01, R > 0.9) between Cd concentrations in two plants and Cd bioavailability indicated by each method in soils. Consequently, the results indicated that the DGT technique could be regarded as a good predictor of Cd bioavailability to plants, comparable to soil solution concentration and the four single-step extraction methods. Because the DGT technique can offer in situ data, it is expected to be widely used in more areas.

The effectiveness of municipal sewage sludge application on the stabilization of Pb, Zn, and Cd in a soil contaminated from mining activities.

PubMed

Xenidis, A; Stouraiti, C; Moirou, A

2001-01-01

The effectiveness of municipal sewage sludge for the stabilisation of Pb, Zn and Cd in a heavily contaminated soil was evaluated by performing pot experiments on soil-sludge mixtures. The soil sample originated from the Montevecchio mining district, Sardinia, Italy, and presented high Pb, Zn and Cd content, as well as US EPA TCLP solubility values for Pb and Cd, which exceeded the respective regulatory limits. Sewage sludge application increased the soil pH. Stabilisation experiments showed that 10% w/w sewage sludge addition effectively reduced Pb and Cd solubilities below the TCLP regulatory limits. At the same addition rate, the EDTA extractable fraction of Pb, Zn, Cd in the treated soil was reduced by 12, 47 and 50% respectively compared with the untreated sample. The five-stage sequential extraction procedure applied on the untreated and treated soil samples, showed a remarkable shift of the metals towards more stable forms. The reducible fractions of Zn and Cd and the residual fraction of Pb were increased by 12, 20 and 18% respectively, while a corresponding decrease in the mobile fractions (exchangeable and carbonate) occurred which accounted for 14, 23 and 25% respectively.

No compelling evidence that sibutramine prolongs life in rodents despite providing a dose-dependent reduction in body weight

PubMed Central

Smith, Daniel L.; Robertson, Henry; Desmond, Renee; Nagy, Tim R.; Allison, David B.

2010-01-01

Objective The health and longevity effects of body weight reduction resulting from exercise and caloric restriction in rodents are well known, but less is known about whether similar effects occur with weight reduction from the use of a pharmaceutical agent such as sibutramine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Results & Conclusion Using data from a two-year toxicology study of sibutramine in CD rats and CD-1 mice, despite a dose-dependent reduction in food intake and body weight in rats compared to controls, and a body weight reduction in mice at the highest dose, there was no compelling evidence for reductions in mortality rate. PMID:21079617

Unique Features of the Photocatalytic Reduction of H2O and CO2 by New Catalysts Based on the Analogues of CdS, Cd4P2X3 (X = Cl, Br, I).

PubMed

Roy, Anand; Chhetri, Manjeet; Prasad, Suchitra; Waghmare, Umesh V; Rao, C N R

2018-01-24

Photochemical reduction of H 2 O and CO 2 has been investigated with a new family of catalysts of the formula Cd 4 P 2 X 3 (X= Cl, Br, I), obtained by the complete aliovalent substitution of the sulfide ions in CdS by P and X (Cl, Br, I). Unlike CdS, the Cd 4 P 2 X 3 compounds exhibit hydrogen evolution and CO 2 reduction from water even in the absence of a sacrificial agent or a cocatalyst. Use of Ni x P y as the cocatalyst, enhances hydrogen evolution, reaching 3870 (apparent quantum yield (AQY) = 4.11) and 9258 (AQY = 9.83) μmol h -1 g -1 , respectively, under artificial and natural (sunlight) irradiation, in the case of Cd 4 P 2 Br 3 /Ni x P y . Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies have been employed to understand the photocatalytic activity of this family of compounds. Unlike most of the semiconductor-based photocatalysts, Cd 4 P 2 X 3 catalysts reduce CO 2 to CO and CH 4 in the absence of sacrificial-agent or cocatalyst using water as the electron source. CO, CH 4 , and H 2 have been obtained with these catalysts under artificial as well as sun-light irradiation. First-principles, calculations have been carried out to understand the electronic structure and catalytic features of these new catalysts.

[Effect of different organic fertilizers on bioavailability of soil Cd and Zn].

PubMed

Xie, Yun-he; Ji, Xiong-hui; Wu, Jia-mei; Huang, Juan; Guan, Di; Zhu, Jian

2015-03-01

The active effect of soil Cd and Zn and their interaction was studied in typical paddy field in south China by monitoring the contents of Cd and Zn in soil and rice in rice fields applied with pig manure, chicken manure or rice straw for 4 years continuously. The results showed that applying pig manure, chicken manure or rice straw had no significant impact on the soil total Cd content, soil available Cd content and soil Cd activity, but tended to increase the soil total Cd content and increased the soil total Zn content, soil available Zn content and Zn activity significantly. Applications of pig manure, chicken manure and rice straw all reduced the Cd content of brown rice, in order of pig manure > chicken manure > rice straw. The Cd contents of brown rice, stem and leaf in the treatment applied with pig manure were lower than in the control by 37.5%, 44.0% and 36.4%, respectively; the Cd contents of brown rice, stem and leaf in the treatment applied with chicken manure were lower than in the control by 22.5%, 33.8%, and 22.7%, respectively; the Cd content of brown rice in the treatment applied with rice straw was lower than in the control by 7.5% but its contents in stem and leaf increased by 8.2% and 22.7% , respectively. The reduction in the brown rice Cd content was mainly due to the reduction of Cd enrichment from soil to brown rice after application of pig or chicken manure, but mainly due to the reduction of Cd transportation from stem to brown rice after straw application. Applications of pig manure, chicken manure and rice straw increased Zn contents in rice stem by 53.4%, 53.4% and 13.9%, respectively, but all had no significant effect on brown rice and leaf' s Zn contents. Zn and Cd had the significant antagonistic effects in the soil and rice stem. The increase of Zn content in soil and rice stem inhibited the adsorption and accumulation of Cd in the brown rice, stem and leaf significantly, and with the increase of the proportion of Zn/Cd, the competitive absorption between Cd and Zn by rice was the main control factor affecting the Cd absorption by rice than their competitive adsorption by soil.

Recycling of CdTe photovoltaic waste

DOEpatents

Goozner, Robert E.; Long, Mark O.; Drinkard, Jr., William F.

1999-01-01

A method for extracting and reclaiming metals from scrap CdTe photovoltaic cells and manufacturing waste by leaching the waste with a leaching solution comprising nitric acid and water, skimming any plastic material from the top of the leaching solution, separating the glass substrate from the liquid leachate and electrolyzing the leachate to separate Cd from Te, wherein the Te is deposits onto a cathode while the Cd remains in solution.

Determination of bioavailable macro- and microelements from agricultural soil using different extractants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milićević, Tijana; Relić, Dubravka; Popović, Aleksandar

2015-04-01

Translocation of elements from soil to plant has a major impact on the growing plants and on their quality in any agricultural field. In this study, soil samples were collected from agricultural area Radmilovac, Serbia during grapevine season in 2013. Bioavailable elements from soil to plant (grapevine) were isolated by five different extractants: 0.11 mol L-1 CH3COOH, 0.05 mol L-1 Na-EDTA, 0.01 mol L-1 CaCl2, 1 mol L-1 NH4NO3 and distilled water during 2 and 16 h. Concentrations of 22 bioavailable macroelements: Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Si and microelements: B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, Zn were determined by ICP-OES. The best extractant for Al, B, Be, Mg, Mo, Si and Zn was CH3COOH, Na-EDTA for Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, V, and distilled water for Na and S. Acetic acid has been proven to be an aggressive extractant and it can be used for isolation of higher concentrations of plant bioavailable elements from soil, rather than distilled water, CaCl2 and NH4NO3. The acidity of CH3COOH enhances the extraction of bioavailable fraction of microelements from various substrates and destruction of carbonates as well. However, it can be concluded that there is no unique extractant for isolation of the most bioavailable fraction for all elements from the soil. It can be noticed that the most common concentrations of macroelements, K and Mn, are in correlation with concentrations of microelements, Cd, Co, Ni and Zn. This indicates that the most of their concentrations in soils are followed by microelements, whose concentrations are much lower than concentrations of macroelements. However, as these correlations are the most common, it can be concluded that the pairs of macro- and microelements (e.g. Mn-Cd, Mn-Co, Ni-Cd, Ni-Co, Ni-Mn, Zn-Cd, Zn-Co, Zn-Mn, Zn-Ni) have the same source in soil and can be isolated by the same extractant. It is interesting to note that the concentrations of Ca and Mg extracted from soil using CH3COOH are in correlation and that neither of these macroelements is in correlation with the concentration of microelements isolated with the same extractant. The concentrations of Cu and S extracted from soil by distilled water during 16 h are in correlation. These elements could have entered only through the soil surface layer while grapevines were primarily treated by fungicide copper(II)-sulphate. In addition, the concentration of S is correlated with the concentrations of Mn, P and Na. It can be assumed that the correlation between these elements points to their origin from the pesticides used in agriculture production.

Biosynthesis of luminescent CdS quantum dots using plant hairy root culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borovaya, Mariya N.; Naumenko, Antonina P.; Matvieieva, Nadia A.; Blume, Yaroslav B.; Yemets, Alla I.

2014-12-01

CdS nanoparticles have a great potential for application in chemical research, bioscience and medicine. The aim of this study was to develop an efficient and environmentally-friendly method of plant-based biosynthesis of CdS quantum dots using hairy root culture of Linaria maroccana L. By incubating Linaria root extract with inorganic cadmium sulfate and sodium sulfide we synthesized stable luminescent CdS nanocrystals with absorption peaks for UV-visible spectrometry at 362 nm, 398 nm and 464 nm, and luminescent peaks at 425, 462, 500 nm. Transmission electron microscopy of produced quantum dots revealed their spherical shape with a size predominantly from 5 to 7 nm. Electron diffraction pattern confirmed the wurtzite crystalline structure of synthesized cadmium sulfide quantum dots. These results describe the first successful attempt of quantum dots synthesis using plant extract.

Protective effect of Piper betle leaf extract against cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatic dysfunction in rats

PubMed Central

Milton Prabu, S.; Muthumani, M.; Shagirtha, K.

2012-01-01

The present study was undertaken to examine the attenuative effect of Piper betle leaf extract (PBE) against cadmium (Cd) induced oxidative hepatic dysfunction in the liver of rats. Pre-oral supplementation of PBE (200 mg/kg BW) treated rats showed the protective efficacy against Cd induced hepatic oxidative stress. Oral administration of Cd (5 mg/kg BW) for four weeks to rats significantly (P > 0.05) elevated the level of serum hepatic markers such as serum aspartate transaminase (AST), serum alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin (TBRNs), oxidative stress markers viz., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), protein carbonyls (PC) and conjugated dienes (CD) and significantly (P > 0.05) reduced the enzymatic antioxidants viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and non-enzymatic antioxidants Viz., reduced glutathione (GSH), total sulfhydryls (TSH), vitamin C and vitamin E in the liver. Pre-oral supplementation of PBE (200 mg/kg BW) in Cd intoxicated rats, the altered biochemical indices and pathological changes were recovered significantly (P > 0.05) which showed ameliorative effect of PBE against Cd induced hepatic oxidative stress. From the above findings, we suggested that the pre-administration of P. betle leaf extract exhibited remarkable protective effects against cadmium-induced oxidative hepatic injury in rats. PMID:23961183

Protective effect of Piper betle leaf extract against cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatic dysfunction in rats.

PubMed

Milton Prabu, S; Muthumani, M; Shagirtha, K

2012-04-01

The present study was undertaken to examine the attenuative effect of Piper betle leaf extract (PBE) against cadmium (Cd) induced oxidative hepatic dysfunction in the liver of rats. Pre-oral supplementation of PBE (200 mg/kg BW) treated rats showed the protective efficacy against Cd induced hepatic oxidative stress. Oral administration of Cd (5 mg/kg BW) for four weeks to rats significantly (P > 0.05) elevated the level of serum hepatic markers such as serum aspartate transaminase (AST), serum alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin (TBRNs), oxidative stress markers viz., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), protein carbonyls (PC) and conjugated dienes (CD) and significantly (P > 0.05) reduced the enzymatic antioxidants viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and non-enzymatic antioxidants Viz., reduced glutathione (GSH), total sulfhydryls (TSH), vitamin C and vitamin E in the liver. Pre-oral supplementation of PBE (200 mg/kg BW) in Cd intoxicated rats, the altered biochemical indices and pathological changes were recovered significantly (P > 0.05) which showed ameliorative effect of PBE against Cd induced hepatic oxidative stress. From the above findings, we suggested that the pre-administration of P. betle leaf extract exhibited remarkable protective effects against cadmium-induced oxidative hepatic injury in rats.

Encapsulation of bioactive compound from extracted jasmine flower using β-Cyclodextrin via electrospray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmam., S.; Naim., M. N.; Ng., E.; Mokhtar, M. Nn; Abu Bakar, N. F.

2016-06-01

The ability of electrospray to encapsulate the bioactive compound extracted from Jasmine flower with β-Cyclodextrion (β-CD) without any thermal-assisted processing was demonstrated in this study. The extraction of Jasmine compound were conducted using sonicator at 70 000 Hz, for 10 minutes and followed by mixing of the filtered compound with β-CD. Then, the mixture was electrosprayed under a stable Taylor cone jet mode at the voltage of 4 - 5 kV, with flow rate of 0.2 ml/hour. The aluminum substrate that used for collecting the deposit was placed at 30 cm from the needle's tip to allow the occurrence of evaporation and droplet fission until the droplet transform to solid particles. Characteristics of solidified bioactive compound from Jasmine flower (non-encapsulated compound) and solidified bioactive compound with β-CD (encapsulated compound) were studied in this work. From SEM images, it can be observed that the particles size distribution of encapsulated compound deposits have better deposition array and did not aggregate with each other compared to the non-encapsulated compound. FE-SEM images of encapsulated compound deposits indicate more solid crystal looks while non-encapsulated compound was obtained in the porous form. The electrospray process in this work has successfully encapsulated the Jasmine compound with β-CD without any thermal-assisted process. The encapsulation occurrence was determined using FTIR analysis. Identical peaks that referred to the β-CD were found on the encapsulated compound demonstrated that most deposits were encapsulated with β-CD.

Cloud Point Extraction for Electroanalysis: Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Cadmium.

PubMed

Rusinek, Cory A; Bange, Adam; Papautsky, Ian; Heineman, William R

2015-06-16

Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a well-established technique for the preconcentration of hydrophobic species from water without the use of organic solvents. Subsequent analysis is then typically performed via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), UV-vis spectroscopy, or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the suitability of CPE for electroanalytical methods such as stripping voltammetry has not been reported. We demonstrate the use of CPE for electroanalysis using the determination of cadmium (Cd(2+)) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). Rather than using the chelating agents which are commonly used in CPE to form a hydrophobic, extractable metal complex, we used iodide and sulfuric acid to neutralize the charge on Cd(2+) to form an extractable ion pair. This offers good selectivity for Cd(2+) as no interferences were observed from other heavy metal ions. Triton X-114 was chosen as the surfactant for the extraction because its cloud point temperature is near room temperature (22-25 °C). Bare glassy carbon (GC), bismuth-coated glassy carbon (Bi-GC), and mercury-coated glassy carbon (Hg-GC) electrodes were compared for the CPE-ASV. A detection limit for Cd(2+) of 1.7 nM (0.2 ppb) was obtained with the Hg-GC electrode. ASV with CPE gave a 20x decrease (4.0 ppb) in the detection limit compared to ASV without CPE. The suitability of this procedure for the analysis of tap and river water samples was demonstrated. This simple, versatile, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective extraction method is potentially applicable to a wide variety of transition metals and organic compounds that are amenable to detection by electroanalytical methods.

Chlorhexidine: beta-cyclodextrin inhibits yeast growth by extraction of ergosterol.

PubMed

Teixeira, K I R; Araújo, P V; Sinisterra, R D; Cortés, M E

2012-04-01

Chlorhexidine (Cx) augmented with beta-cyclodextrin (β-cd) inclusion compounds, termed Cx:β-cd complexes, have been developed for use as antiseptic agents. The aim of this study was to examine the interactions of Cx:β-cd complexes, prepared at different molecular ratios, with sterol and yeast membranes. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against the yeast Candida albicans (C.a.) was determined for each complex; the MICs were found to range from 0.5 to 2 μg/mL. To confirm the MIC data, quantitative analysis of viable cells was performed using trypan blue staining. Mechanistic characterization of the interactions that the Cx:β-cd complexes have with the yeast membrane and assessment of membrane morphology following exposure to Cx:β-cd complexes were performed using Sterol Quantification Method analysis (SQM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SQM revealed that sterol extraction increased with increasing β-cd concentrations (1.71 ×10(3); 1.4 ×10(3); 3.45 ×10(3), and 3.74 ×10(3) CFU for 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4, respectively), likely as a consequence of membrane ergosterol solubilization. SEM images demonstrated that cell membrane damage is a visible and significant mechanism that contributes to the antimicrobial effects of Cx:β-cd complexes. Cell disorganization increased significantly as the proportion of β-cyclodextrin present in the complex increased. Morphology of cells exposed to complexes with 1:3 and 1:4 molar ratios of Cx:β-cd were observed to have large aggregates mixed with yeast remains, representing more membrane disruption than that observed in cells treated with Cx alone. In conclusion, nanoaggregates of Cx:β-cd complexes block yeast growth via ergosterol extraction, permeabilizing the membrane by creating cluster-like structures within the cell membrane, possibly due to high amounts of hydrogen bonding.

Growth of rye grass and fescue as affected by lead-cadmium-fertilizer interaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlson, R.W.; Rolfe, G.L.

Rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) and red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) were grown from seed in fertilized (NPK, 12:6:6) and unfertilized Flanagan silt loam soil treated with Pb (0, 10, 100, 1000, 5000, 10,000 ..mu..g g/sup -1/), Cd (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 50, 100 ..mu..g g/sup -1/), or a combination of Pb plus Cd at a ratio of 100 Pb:1 Cd. Plant growth and heavy metal content of plants were measured at the end of three, consecutive, 10-day periods. Growth of Pb-treated plants did not begin to decrease until treatment concentrations reached 1000 ..mu..g g/sup -1/ Pb or above. Abovemore » a treatment concentration of 1000 ..mu..g g/sup -1/ Pb with or without added Cd, growth was reduced sharply in a log-linear fashion with increasing treatment concentrations. Some reduction in growth of plants treated with Cd alone occurred for fertilized fescue above 10 ..mu..g g/sup -1/ Cd but not for rye until treatments above 50 ..mu..g g/sup -1/. No reduction in growth was found for nonfertilized plants treated with Cd alone at the highest soil concentration (100 ..mu..g g/sup -1/). Reduction in growth for plants treated with Pb + Cd was no lower than that of plants treated with Pb alone. While fertilization stimulated growth at treatment concentrations < 1000 ..mu..g g/sup -1/, it did not ameliorate the effects of Pb at higher concentrations. Fertilization reduced Pb content and uptake in rye (P <0.001) but not in fescue. The Cd content of fertilized plants was greater (P < 0.05) than that of nonfertilized plants. Cadmium content of plants treated with Pb + Cd was greater (P < 0.05) than that of plants treated with Cd alone, while there was no difference in Pb content between Pb and Pb + Cd treatments.« less

Repeated phytoextraction of four metal-contaminated soils using the cadmium/zinc hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola.

PubMed

Li, Zhu; Wu, Longhua; Hu, Pengjie; Luo, Yongming; Zhang, Hao; Christie, Peter

2014-06-01

A cadmium/zinc hyperaccumulator extracted metals from four contaminated soils over three years in a glasshouse experiment. Changes in plant metal uptake and soil total (aqua regia-extractable) and available metals were investigated. Plant Cd concentrations in a high-Cd acid soil and plant Zn concentrations in two acid soils decreased during repeated phytoextraction and were predicted by soil available metal concentrations. However, on repeated phytoextraction, plant Cd concentrations remained constant in lightly Cd-polluted acid soils, as did plant Cd and Zn in alkaline soils, although soil available metal concentrations decreased markedly. After phytoextraction acid soils showed much higher total metal removal efficiencies, indicating possible suitability of phytoextraction for acid soils. However, DGT-testing, which takes soil metal re-supply into consideration, showed substantial removal of available metal and distinct decreases in metal supply capacity in alkaline soils after phytoextraction, suggesting that a strategy based on lowering the bioavailable contaminant might be feasible. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic beads (Dynabead) toxicity to endothelial cells at high bead concentration: implication for tissue engineering of vascular prosthesis.

PubMed

Tiwari, A; Punshon, G; Kidane, A; Hamilton, G; Seifalian, A M

2003-10-01

Magnetic beads (Dynabeads) have been used for the purification of endothelial cells. One application for this procedure may be for single-stage seeding of bypass grafts. The number of endothelial cells (EC) isolated is crucial and therefore to increase the number of cells extracted, a higher number of Dynabeads per cell may need to be used. The effect of large numbers of CD31 Dynabeads on cell proliferation/metabolism is unknown. We undertook this study using CD31-coated Dynabeads and EC from human umbilical vein. EC were coated at concentrations of 4, 10, or 50 beads per cell. The cells were cultured for 6 days with control being normal EC. Cellular proliferation was assessed by trypsinization of cells and metabolism assessed with an Alamar blue viability assay. In a further experiment a compliant polyurethane graft was single-stage seeded with both coated Dynabeads and normal EC. The results showed that using a higher number of beads per cell resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation and a reduction in cell metabolism. The total number of Dynabeads-coated cells in culture compared to controls (%) by day 6 were 30.7 +/- 2.56, 41.3 +/- 9.8 and 59.2 +/- 7.3 for 50, 10, and 4 beads per cell, respectively. The corresponding results for Alamar blue were 43.7 +/- 1.2, 61.8 +/- 1.4, and 72.1 +/- 4.3. The seeded grafts showed reduced metabolism with the Dynabeads-coated EC. In conclusion, high numbers of beads per cell have a late detrimental effect on cell proliferation and metabolism. Therefore for single-stage seeding lower numbers of Dynabeads will need to be used with resultant reduction in the number of available EC.

Relative extraction ratio (RER) for arsenic and heavy metals in soils and tailings from various metal mines, Korea.

PubMed

Son, Hye Ok; Jung, Myung Chae

2011-01-01

This study focused on the evaluation of leaching behaviours for arsenic and heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in soils and tailings contaminated by mining activities. Ten representative mine soils were taken at four representative metal mines in Korea. To evaluate the leaching characteristics of the samples, eight extraction methods were adapted namely 0.1 M HCl, 0.5 M HCl, 1.0 M HCl, 3.0 M HCl, Korean Standard Leaching Procedure for waste materials (KSLP), Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP), Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and aqua regia extraction (AR) methods. In order to compare element concentrations as extraction methods, relative extraction ratios (RERs, %), defined as element concentration extracted by the individual leaching method divided by that extracted by aqua regia based on USEPA method 3050B, were calculated. Although the RER values can vary upon sample types and elements, they increase with increasing ionic strength of each extracting solution. Thus, the RER for arsenic and heavy metals in the samples increased in the order of KSLP < SPLP < TCLP < 0.1 M HCl < 0.5 M HCl < 1.0 M HCl < 3.0 M HCl. In the same extraction method, the RER values for Cd and Zn were relatively higher than those for As, Cu, Ni and Pb. This may be due to differences in geochemical behaviour of each element, namely high solubility of Cd and Zn and low solubility of As, Cu, Ni and Pb in surface environment. Thus, the extraction results can give important information on the degree and extent of arsenic and heavy metal dispersion in the surface environment.

Metal availability, soil nutrient, and enzyme activity in response to application of organic amendments in Cd-contaminated soil.

PubMed

Yang, Zhanbiao; Liu, Lixia; Lv, Yanfeng; Cheng, Zhang; Xu, Xiaoxun; Xian, Junren; Zhu, Xuemei; Yang, Yuanxiang

2018-01-01

The study investigated the effects of organic amendments: green tea amendment (GTA) and oil cake amendment (OCA) on Cd bioavailability, soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activity in Cd-contaminated soil. The amendments were added to the soil at the doses of 1, 3, and 5% and were incubated for 45 days. Then, pakchoi cabbage was planted to test the remediation effect of the above two organic amendments. The diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd in GTA and OCA treatments was reduced by 14.69-27.51 and 13.75-68.77%, respectively, compared to no amendment-applied treatment. The application of GTA and OCA notably decreased the proportion of exchangeable fraction of Cd, but increased the percentage of oxide and organic-bound fraction of Cd, thereby suppressing the uptake by pakchoi cabbage. Cd concentration of aboveground parts decreased by 8.21-18.05 and 7.77-35.89% in GTA and OCA treatments, respectively. Relative to the no amendment-applied treatment, both GTA and OCA had enhanced soil nutrients and enzyme activities largely. Redundancy analysis showed that organic matter, total P, available N, and DTPA-extractable Cd significantly affected the enzyme activities. Furthermore, the application of OCA at the dose of 5% was more effective in reducing bioavailable Cd, enhancing soil available nutrients and urease and catalase activities in contaminated soil. These results indicated that oil cake should be used to immobilize metal and improve fertility and quality of Cd-contaminated soil.

Impacts of rapeseed dregs on Cd availability in contaminated acid soil and Cd translocation and accumulation in rice plants.

PubMed

Yang, Wen-Tao; Gu, Jiao-Feng; Zou, Jia-Ling; Zhou, Hang; Zeng, Qing-Ru; Liao, Bo-Han

2016-10-01

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of rapeseed dregs (RSD, a commonly organic fertilizer in rural China) at application rates of 0, 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 % on Cd availability in soil and its accumulation in rice plants (Oryza sativa L., Xiangwanxian 12 # , and Weiyou 46 # ) by means of a pot experiment. The results showed that application of RSD resulted in a sharp decrease in the soil TCLP-extractable Cd content. However, the soil TCLP-extractable Cd content in amended soil gradually increased during the rice growing period. Application of RSD significantly increased Cd transport from root to shoot and the amount of Cd accumulated in the aerial part. RSD was an effective organic additive for increasing rice grain yield, but total Cd content in rice grain was also increased. At an application rate of 1.5-3.0 % RSD, the total Cd content in Weiyou 46 # brown rice was 0.27-0.31 mg kg -1 , which exceeded the standard safe limit (0.2 mg kg -1 ) and was also higher than that of Xiangwanxian 12 # (0.04-0.14 mg kg -1 ). Therefore, Weiyou 46 # had a higher dietary risk than Xiangwanxian 12 # with RSD application. We do not recommend planting Weiyou 46 # and applying more than 0.75 % RSD in Cd-contaminated paddy fields.

Dynamical analysis of contrastive divergence learning: Restricted Boltzmann machines with Gaussian visible units.

PubMed

Karakida, Ryo; Okada, Masato; Amari, Shun-Ichi

2016-07-01

The restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) is an essential constituent of deep learning, but it is hard to train by using maximum likelihood (ML) learning, which minimizes the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence. Instead, contrastive divergence (CD) learning has been developed as an approximation of ML learning and widely used in practice. To clarify the performance of CD learning, in this paper, we analytically derive the fixed points where ML and CDn learning rules converge in two types of RBMs: one with Gaussian visible and Gaussian hidden units and the other with Gaussian visible and Bernoulli hidden units. In addition, we analyze the stability of the fixed points. As a result, we find that the stable points of CDn learning rule coincide with those of ML learning rule in a Gaussian-Gaussian RBM. We also reveal that larger principal components of the input data are extracted at the stable points. Moreover, in a Gaussian-Bernoulli RBM, we find that both ML and CDn learning can extract independent components at one of stable points. Our analysis demonstrates that the same feature components as those extracted by ML learning are extracted simply by performing CD1 learning. Expanding this study should elucidate the specific solutions obtained by CD learning in other types of RBMs or in deep networks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immune responses induced by T-cell vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

PubMed Central

Ivanova, Irina; Seledtsova, Galina; Mamaev, Sergey; Shishkov, Alexey; Seledtsov, Viktor

2014-01-01

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were treated with a cellular vaccine, which consisted of autologous collagen-reactive T-cells. This study showed that antigen-specific proliferative activity of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly downregulated after T-cell vaccination in RA patients. T-cell vaccination resulted in a statistically significant decrease in plasma IFNγ levels and a concomitant increase in IL-4 levels in treated patients. Accordingly, following T-cell vaccination the number of IFNγ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells was decreased by 1.6–1.8-fold, which was paralleled by 1.7-fold increases in IL-4-producing CD4+ T-cells. In addition, the present study showed 5–7-fold increase in the CD8+CD45RO+CD62L– effector memory T-cells and central memory T-cells (both CD4+ CD45RO+CD62L+ T-cells and CD8+CD45RO+CD62L+ T-cells) in RA patients, as compared with healthy individuals. We observed significant reduction in CD4+ and CD8+ central memory T-cells, as well as reduction in CD8+ effector memory T-cells in vaccinated patients in the course of the treatment. We also demonstrated that CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T-cell levels were significantly up-regulated in the peripheral blood of RA patients following T-cell vaccination. However, CD4+CD25-FoxP3+ Т-cell levels did not significantly change during the entire T-cell vaccination course. In conclusion, the T-cell immunotherapy regimen used resulted in the clinical improvement, which was achieved in 87% patients. PMID:24633313

NK cells are necessary for recovery of corneal CD11c+ dendritic cells after epithelial abrasion injury

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Mechanisms controlling CD11c(+) MHCII(+) DCs during corneal epithelial wound healing were investigated in a murine model of corneal abrasion. Selective depletion of NKp46(+) CD3- NK cells that normally migrate into the cornea after epithelial abrasion resulted in >85% reduction of the epithelial CD1...

Proteomic Profiling of the Interactions of Cd/Zn in the Roots of Dwarf Polish Wheat (Triticum polonicum L.)

PubMed Central

Wang, Yi; Wang, Xiaolu; Wang, Chao; Wang, Ruijiao; Peng, Fan; Xiao, Xue; Zeng, Jian; Fan, Xing; Kang, Houyang; Sha, Lina; Zhang, Haiqin; Zhou, Yonghong

2016-01-01

Cd and Zn have been shown to interact antagonistically or synergistically in various plants. In the present study of dwarf polish wheat (DPW)roots, Cd uptake was inhibited by Zn, and Zn uptake was inhibited by Cd, suggesting that Cd and Zn interact antagonistically in this plant. A study of proteomic changes showed that Cd, Zn, and Cd+Zn stresses altered the expression of 206, 303, and 190 proteins respectively. Among these, 53 proteins were altered significantly in response to all these stresses (Cd, Zn, and Cd+Zn), whereas 58, 131, and 47 proteins were altered in response to individual stresses (Cd, Zn, and Cd+Zn, respectively). Sixty-one differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were induced in response to both Cd and Zn stresses; 33 proteins were induced in response to both Cd and Cd+Zn stresses; and 57 proteins were induced in response to both Zn and Cd+Zn stresses. These results indicate that Cd and Zn induce differential molecular responses, which result in differing interactions of Cd/Zn. A number of proteins that mainly participate in oxidation-reduction and GSH, SAM, and sucrose metabolisms were induced in response to Cd stress, but not Cd+Zn stress. This result indicates that these proteins participate in Zn inhibition of Cd uptake and ultimately cause Zn detoxification of Cd. Meanwhile, a number of proteins that mainly participate in sucrose and organic acid metabolisms and oxidation-reduction were induced in response to Zn stress but not Cd+Zn stress. This result indicates that these proteins participate in Cd inhibition of Zn uptake and ultimately cause the Cd detoxification of Zn. Other proteins induced in response to Cd, Zn, or Cd+Zn stress, participate in ribosome biogenesis, DNA metabolism, and protein folding/modification and may also participate in the differential defense mechanisms. PMID:27683584

Cadmium removal from wastewater by sponge iron sphere prepared by charcoal direct reduction.

PubMed

Li, Junguo; Li, Jun; Li, Yungang

2009-01-01

Sponge iron sphere (SIS), made of concentrated iron powder and possessed high activity and intension, was prepared through the process of palletizing, roasting and direct reduction by charcoal. The sponge iron sphere could remove most of Cd(2+) from wastewater. The results showed the Cd(2+) removal followed the first order reaction. Initial pH value played an important role in Cd(2+) removal. With original initial pH, Cd(2+) removal decreased to the minimum and then increased slightly with the rising of original concentration. The removal rate constant was -0.1263 and -0.0711 h(-1), respectively, under the Cd(2+) concentration of 50 and 200 mg/L. When the initial pH was adjusted to 3.0, the removal rate constant could increase to -9.896 and -4.351 h(-1), respectively. The removal percentage almost reached to 100% when Cd(2+) concentration was below 100 mg/L. While Cd(2+) concentration was above 100 mg/L, Cd(2+) removal percentage decreased slightly. In dynamic experiments, the column filled with sponge iron sphere exhibited favorable permeability. There was no sphere pulverization and conglutination between spheres. In contrast to the static state experiments, the Cd(2+) removal percentage in dynamic state experiment was lower, and the removal Cd(2+) quantity was 1.749 mg/g.

Co-composting of Beef Cattle Feedlot Manure with Construction and Demolition Waste.

PubMed

Hao, Xiying; Hill, Brett; Caffyn, Pam; Travis, Greg; Olson, Andrew F; Larney, Francis J; McAllister, Tim; Alexander, Trevor

2014-09-01

With increased availability of dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) as cattle feed and the need to recycle organic wastes, this research investigated the feasibility of co-composting DDGS cattle feedlot manure with construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Manure was collected from cattle fed a typical western Canadian finishing diet (CK) of 860 g rolled barley ( L.) grain, 100 g barley silage, and 40 g vitamin and mineral supplement kg dry matter (DM) and from cattle fed the same diet but (DG manure) with 300 g kg DM barley grain being replaced by DDGS. The CK and DG manures were co-composted with and without C&D waste in 13 m bins. Compost materials were turned on Days 14, 37, and 64, and terminated on Day 99. Adding C&D waste led to higher compost temperatures (0.4 to 16.3°C, average 7.2°C) than manure alone. Final composts had similar total C, total N, C/N ratios, and water-extractable K, Mg, and NO content across all treatments. However, adding C&D waste increased δC, δN, water-extractable SO, and Ca contents and decreased pH, total P (TP), water-extractable C, N, and P and most volatile fatty acids (VFA). The higher C&D compost temperatures should reduce pathogens while reduced VFA content should reduce odors. When using the final compost product, the increased SO and reduced TP and available N and P content in C&D waste compost should be taken into consideration. Increased S content in C&D compost may be beneficial for some crops grown on S-deficient soils. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Phytoextraction of Cd-contaminated soil by carambola (Averrhoa carambola) in field trials.

PubMed

Li, J T; Liao, B; Dai, Z Y; Zhu, R; Shu, W S

2009-08-01

Use of metal-accumulating woody species to extract metals from heavy metal contaminated soil has received more attention. While considerable studies have focused on the phytoextraction potential of willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.), similar information is rare for other woody species. Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is a high-biomass tree and has been identified as a new Cd-accumulating species. The present study aimed to evaluate the Cd phytoextraction potential of carambola under field condition. After growing in a slightly Cd-contaminated site for about 170 d, the carambola stand initiated by seed-seedling with high planting density (encoded with "HD-1yr") attained a high shoot biomass yield of 18.6 t ha(-1) and extracted 213 g Cdha(-1), resulting in a 1.6-fold higher Cd removal efficiency than that of a contrasting stand established by grafted-seedling with low planting density (5.3% vs. 2%). That is, "HD-1yr" would remove 50% of the total soil Cd with 13yr, assuming that the Cd removal efficiency would not change over time. Further, one crop of "HD-1yr" significantly decreased (63-69%) the Cd uptake by subsequent vegetables. Among the four carambola stands established using grafted-seedling, the 2-yr-old stand exhibited the highest annual Cd removal efficiency (3.7%), which was yet lower than that of "HD-1yr". These results suggested that phytoextraction of Cd by carambola (especially for "HD-1yr" stand) presented a feasible option to clean up agricultural soils slightly contaminated by Cd.

Metal-immobilizing Serratia liquefaciens CL-1 and Bacillus thuringiensis X30 increase biomass and reduce heavy metal accumulation of radish under field conditions.

PubMed

Han, Hui; Sheng, Xiafang; Hu, Jingwen; He, Linyan; Wang, Qi

2018-06-18

In this study, metal-tolerant bacteria Serratia liquefaciens CL-1 and Bacillus thuringiensis X30 were compared for their Cd and Pb immobilization in solution and impacts on biomass and Cd and Pb uptake in a radish in metal-contaminated soils under field conditions. Strains CL-1 and X30 significantly reduced water-soluble Cd and Pb concentrations (45-67%) and increased the pH in solution compared to the controls. These strains significantly increased the biomass (25-99%) and decreased edible tissue Cd and Pb uptake in the radish (37-81%) and DTPA-extractable Cd and Pb contents (18-44%) of the rhizosphere soil compared to the un-inoculated controls. Strain CL-1 had higher potential to reduce edible tissue Cd and Pb uptake in the radish and DTPA-extractable Cd content than strain X30. Also, these strains significantly increased Cd translocation factor and strain CL-1 also significantly increased Pb translocation factor of the radish. Furthermore, strain CL-1 significantly increased the ratio of small soil aggregates (< 0.25 mm and 0.25-0.50 mm) of the rhizosphere soil. The results showed that these strains reduced the edible tissue Cd and Pb uptake through decreasing Cd and Pb availability in the soil and increasing Cd or Pb translocation from the roots to the leaves of the radish. The results also suggested the bacteria-related differences in reduced heavy metal uptake in the radish and the mechanisms involved under field conditions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Validation of the Tuebingen CD-25 Inventory as a Measure of Postoperative Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Cushing's Disease.

PubMed

Milian, Monika; Kreitschmann-Andermahr, Ilonka; Siegel, Sonja; Kleist, Bernadette; Führer-Sakel, Dagmar; Honegger, Juergen; Buchfelder, Michael; Psaras, Tsambika

2015-01-01

To evaluate the construct and criterion validity of the Tuebingen Cushing's disease quality of life inventory (Tuebingen CD-25) for application in patients treated for Cushing's disease (CD). A total of 176 patients with adrenocorticotropin hormone-dependent CD (144 of them female, overall mean age 46.1 ± 13.7 years) treated at 3 large tertiary referral centers in Germany were studied. Construct validity was assessed by hypothesis testing (self-perceived symptom reduction assessment) and contrasted groups (patients with vs. without hypercorticolism). For this purpose, already existing data from 55 CD patients was used, representing the hypercortisolemic group. Criterion validity (concurrent validity) was assessed in relation to the Cushing's quality of life questionnaire (CushingQoL), the Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36), and the body mass index (BMI). Patients with self-perceived remarkable symptom reduction had significant lower Tuebingen CD-25 scores (i.e. better health-related quality of life) than patients with self-perceived insufficient symptom reduction (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mean scores of the Tuebingen CD-25 scales were lower in patients without hypercortisolism (total score 27.0 ± 17.2) compared to those with hypercortisolism (total score 45.3 ± 22.1; each p < 0.05), providing evidence for construct validity. Criterion validity was confirmed by the correlations between the Tuebingen CD-25 total score and the CushingQoL (Spearman's coefficient -0.733), as well as all scales of the SF-36 (Spearman's coefficient between -0.447 and -0.700). The analyses presented in this large-sample study provide robust evidence for the construct and criterion validity of the Tuebingen CD-25. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Bioleaching mechanism of Zn, Pb, In, Ag, Cd and As from Pb/Zn smelting slag by autotrophic bacteria.

PubMed

Wang, Jia; Huang, Qifei; Li, Ting; Xin, Baoping; Chen, Shi; Guo, Xingming; Liu, Changhao; Li, Yuping

2015-08-15

A few studies have focused on release of valuable/toxic metals from Pb/Zn smelting slag by heterotrophic bioleaching using expensive yeast extract as an energy source. The high leaching cost greatly limits the practical potential of the method. In this work, autotrophic bioleaching using cheap sulfur or/and pyrite as energy matter was firstly applied to tackle the smelting slag and the bioleaching mechanisms were explained. The results indicated autotrophic bioleaching can solubilize valuable/toxic metals from slag, yielding maximum extraction efficiencies of 90% for Zn, 86% for Cd and 71% for In, although the extraction efficiencies of Pb, As and Ag were poor. The bioleaching performance of Zn, Cd and Pb was independent of leaching system, and leaching mechanism was acid dissolution. A maximum efficiency of 25% for As was achieved by acid dissolution in sulfursulfur oxidizing bacteria (S-SOB), but the formation of FeAsO4 reduced extraction efficiency in mixed energy source - mixed culture (MS-MC). Combined works of acid dissolution and Fe(3+) oxidation in MS-MC was responsible for the highest extraction efficiency of 71% for In. Ag was present in the slag as refractory AgPb4(AsO4)3 and AgFe2S3, so extraction did not occur. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atomistic tight-binding computations of the structural and optical properties of CdTe/CdX (X=S and Se)/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukkabot, Worasak

2018-05-01

A study of CdTe/CdX (X=S and Se)/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals is carried out using atomistic tight-binding theory and the configuration interaction method to provide information for applications in bioimaging, biolabeling, display devices and near-infrared electronic instruments. The calculations yield the dependences of the internal and external passivated shells on the natural behaviours of CdTe/CdX (X=S and Se)/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals. The reduction of the optical band gaps is observed with increasing numbers of monolayers in the external ZnS shell due to quantum confinement. Interestingly, the optical band gaps of CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals are greater than those of CdTe/CdSe/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals. In the presence of an external ZnS-coated shell, electron-hole wave function overlaps, oscillation strengths, ground-state exchange energies and Stokes shift are improved, whereas ground-state coulomb energies and fine-structure splitting are reduced. The oscillation strengths, Stokes shift and fine-structure splitting are reduced with the increase in external ZnS shell thickness. The oscillation strengths, Stokes shift and fine-structure splitting of CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals are larger than those of CdTe/CdSe/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals. Reduction of the atomistic electron-hole interactions is observed with increasing external ZnS shell size. The strong electron-hole interactions are more probed in CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals than in CdTe/CdSe/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals.

Reducing persistent polyomavirus infection increases functionality of virus-specific memory CD8 T cells.

PubMed

Qin, Qingsong; Lauver, Matthew; Maru, Saumya; Lin, Eugene; Lukacher, Aron E

2017-02-01

Mouse polyomavirus (MuPyV) causes a smoldering persistent infection in immunocompetent mice. To lower MuPyV infection in acutely and persistently infected mice, and study the impact of a temporal reduction in viral loads on the memory CD8 T cell response, we created a recombinant MuPyV in which a loxP sequence was inserted into the A2 strain genome upstream of the early promoter and another loxP sequence was inserted in cis into the intron shared by all three T antigens. Using mice transgenic for tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase, we demonstrated that reduction in MuPyV load during persistent infection was associated with differentiation of virus-specific CD8 T cells having a superior recall response. Evidence presented here supports the concept that reduction in viral load during persistent infection can promote differentiation of protective virus-specific memory CD8 T cells in patients at risk for diseases caused by human polyomaviruses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporal dissolution of potentially toxic elements from silver smelting slag by synthetic environmental solutions.

PubMed

Ash, Christopher; Borůvka, Luboš; Tejnecký, Václav; Šebek, Ondřej; Nikodem, Antonín; Drábek, Ondřej

2013-11-15

Waste slag which is created during precious metal smelting contains high levels of potentially toxic elements (PTE) which can be mobilised from unconfined deposits into the local environment. This paper examines the extractability of selected PTE (Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn) from slag samples by synthetic solutions designed to replicate those in the environment. Extracting agents were used to replicate potential leaching scenarios which are analogous to natural chemical weathering. Slag was submersed in a rainwater simulation solution (RSS), weak citric acid solution (representing rhizosphere secretions) and control solutions (deionised water) for a one month period with solution analyses made at intervals of 1, 24, 168 and 720 h. In 1 mM citric acid, dissolution of Cd and Zn showed little change with time, although for Zn the initial dissolution was considerable. Lead in citric acid was characterized by overall poor extractability. Mn solubility increased until an equilibrium state occurred within 24 h. The solubility of studied metals in citric acid can be characterized by a short time to equilibrium. RSS proved to be an effective solvent that, unlike citric acid solution, extracted increasing concentrations of Cd, Mn and Zn with time. Solubility of Pb in RSS was again very low. When taken as a proportion of a single 2 M HNO3 extraction which was applied to slag samples, Cd was the element most readily leached into RSS and control samples. In both studied solvents, slag heterogeneity is prominent in the case of Cd and Zn solubility. Contact time with solvent appears to be an important variable for the release of PTE from slag into solution. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the environmental chemical dissolution of PTE from slag, which causes their enrichment in surrounding soils and surface waters. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Elicited soybean (Glycine max) extract effect on improving levels of Ter-119+Cd59+ in a mouse model fed a high fat-fructose diet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safitri, Yunita Diyah; Widyarti, Sri; Rifa'i, Muhaimin

2017-05-01

People who have unbalanced lifestyles and habits such as consuming high fat and sugar foods, as well as the lack of physical activity, have an increased risk of obesity and related metabolic diseases. The condition of obesity occurs due to an excess of nutrients which leads to low-grade inflammation. Inflammation induced by obesity causes unstable bone marrow homeostasis which is associated with proliferation and differentiation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs). This study aimed to observe the erythroid progenitor (TER-119) and complement regulator (CD59) on bone marrow cells in mouse models fed a high fat-fructose diet (HFFD). This research was conducted by modeling obese mice using high fat and fructose food for 20 weeks, and then treating them with elicited soybean extract (ESE) for four weeks with several doses: low dose (78 mg/kgBB), moderate dose (104 mg/kgBB) and high dose (130 mg/kgBB). Cell TER119+CD59+ expression decreased in the HFFD group compared to the normal group. In the low, moderate and high dose group, TER119+CD59+ expression significantly increased compared to the HFFD group. These results demonstrate that soybean elicited extract can improve the hematopoietic system by increasing TER119+CD59+ expression in a high fat and fructose diet mouse model.

Effect of an Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries on the Body Status of Zinc and Copper under Chronic Exposure to Cadmium: An In Vivo Experimental Study

PubMed Central

Borowska, Sylwia; Brzóska, Małgorzata M.; Gałażyn-Sidorczuk, Małgorzata; Rogalska, Joanna

2017-01-01

In an experimental model of low-level and moderate environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd), it was investigated whether the consumption of a polyphenol-rich Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (chokeberries) extract (AE) may influence the body status of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). The bioelements’ apparent absorption, body retention, serum and tissue concentrations, total pool in internal organs, excretion, and the degree of binding to metallothionein were evaluated in female rats administered 0.1% aqueous AE or/and Cd in their diet (1 and 5 mg/kg) for 3–24 months. The consumption of AE alone had no influence on the body status of Zn and Cu. The extract administration at both levels of Cd treatment significantly (completely or partially) protected against most of the changes in the metabolism of Zn and Cu caused by this xenobiotic; however, it increased or decreased some of the Cd-unchanged indices of their body status. Based on the findings, it seems that rational amounts of chokeberry products may be included in the daily diet without the risk of destroying Zn and Cu metabolisms; however, their potential prophylactic use under exposure to Cd needs further study to exclude any unfavourable impact of these essential elements on the metabolism. PMID:29257101

Proceedings of the 8th Matched-Field Processing Workshop, 12-14 June 1996,

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-10-01

and M. B. Porter Active Matched-Field Tracking (AMFT) ............................................ 29 Homer Bucker Matched-Field Track - Before - Detect (TBD...CD I- z - .4 U) - U :T 0 4,) 0j w CfI -ID 0 ci) CD) CD CD o0 0 C 0D CD 0C o 00 Matched-Field Track - Before - Detect (TBD) Processing using SWellEX...surfaces are used in a source-track search. Track - before - detect (TBD) processing makes use of this technique to extract source track information so that the

Sensitivity of Four Cyanobacterial Isolates from Tropical Freshwaters to Environmentally Realistic Concentrations of Cr(6+), Cd(2+) and Zn(2.).

PubMed

Munagamage, Thilini; Rathnayake, I V N; Pathiratne, A; Megharaj, Mallavarapu

2016-06-01

Sensitivity of four tropical cyanobacteria viz. Coelosphaerium sp., Synechococcus sp., Oscillatoria sp. and Chroococcus sp. to environmentally relevant concentrations of Cr(6+), Cd(2+) and Zn(2+)was assessed based on fluorescence change as a proxy for growth reduction. At 24 h exposure, the growth reduction inthe cyanobacteria followed the order: Zn(2+) < Cr(6+) ≤ Cd(2+). Of the four cyanobacteria, Synechococcus was the most sensitive for Cr(6+), where as Chroococcus was the most sensitive for Cd(2+)and Zn(2+). Sensitivity was gradually decreased by 96 h implying the acquisition of tolerance by cyanobacteria to heavy metal ions with prolonged exposure.

Progressive reduction of CMV-specific CD4+ T cells in HIV-1 infected individuals during antiretroviral therapy.

PubMed

Grosse, V; Schulte, A; Weber, K; Mendila, M; Jacobs, R; Schmidt, R E; Heiken, H

2000-08-01

Visualization of antigen-specific T cells has become an important tool in studying immune responses. The aim of this study was to analyze CMV-specific CD4+ T cells in healthy and HIV-infected individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were examined for antigen-induced intracellular cytokine responses. We found significant numbers of CMV-specific CD4+ T cells detectable in most CMV-IgG+ HIV-1 infected individuals, whereas CMV-specific CD4+ T cells could not be demonstrated in CMV-IgG- patients. Median frequency of CMV-specific CD4+ T cells were lower in HIV-infected subjects who had been treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for more than 1 year than in untreated HIV-infected individuals. In patients under therapy for less than 1 year median CMV-specific CD4+ T cell responder frequency was higher than in subjects treated for more than 1 year but lower than in untreated subjects. HIV suppression with HAART might lead to a progressive reduction of CMV-specific CD4+ T cells indicating an efficient elimination of an opportunistic pathogen.

Antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts from different cultivars of Italian onion (Allium cepa) and relative human immune cell proliferative induction.

PubMed

Lisanti, Antonella; Formica, Vincenzo; Ianni, Federica; Albertini, Barbara; Marinozzi, Maura; Sardella, Roccaldo; Natalini, Benedetto

2016-01-01

The total antioxidant activity (TAC) may vary considerably between onion cultivars. Immunological effects of onion phenolic compounds are still underestimated. The objective of this study is to determine the total phenol content (TPC) and the relative TAC of three Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae) onion cultivars cultivated in Cannara (Italy): Rossa di Toscana, Borettana di Rovato, and Dorata di Parma, and to evaluate the phenol extracts ability to induce human immune cell proliferation. TPC was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, TAC with FRAP, TEAC/ABTS, and DPPH methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy human donors were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C with 1 ng/mL of phenolic extract in PBS, immunostained, and then analyzed by 4-color flow cytometry for the phenotypic characterization of T helper cells (CD4+ cells), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ cells), T regulatory cells (CD25high CD4+ cells), and natural killer cells/monocytes (CD16+ cells). Rossa di Toscana displayed the highest TPC (6.61 ± 0.87 mg GA equivalents/g onion bulb DW) and the highest TAC with the experienced methods: FRAP, 9.19 ± 2.54 μmol Trolox equivalents/g onion bulb DW; TEAC/ABTS, 21.31 ± 0.41 μmol Trolox equivalents/g onion bulb DW; DPPH, 22.90 ± 0.01 μmol Trolox equivalents/g onion bulb DW. Incubation with Rossa di Toscana extract determined an increase in the frequency of the antitumor/anti-infection NK CD16+ immune cells (23.0 ± 0.4%). Content of health-promoting phenols and the deriving antioxidant and immunostimulating activity vary considerably among the investigated cultivars. Rossa di Toscana can be considered as a potential functional food.

Effect of Bifidobacterium breve on the Intestinal Microbiota of Coeliac Children on a Gluten Free Diet: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Quagliariello, Andrea; Aloisio, Irene; Bozzi Cionci, Nicole; Luiselli, Donata; D'Auria, Giuseppe; Martinez-Priego, Llúcia; Pérez-Villarroya, David; Langerholc, Tomaž; Primec, Maša; Mičetić-Turk, Dušanka; Di Gioia, Diana

2016-10-22

Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with alterations of the intestinal microbiota. Although several Bifidobacterium strains showed anti-inflammatory activity and prevention of toxic gliadin peptides generation in vitro, few data are available on their efficacy when administered to CD subjects. This study evaluated the effect of administration for three months of a food supplement based on two Bifidobacterium breve strains (B632 and BR03) to restore the gut microbial balance in coeliac children on a gluten free diet (GFD). Microbial DNA was extracted from faeces of 40 coeliac children before and after probiotic or placebo administration and 16 healthy children (Control group). Sequencing of the amplified V3-V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA gene as well as qPCR of Bidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Bacteroides fragilis group Clostridium sensu stricto and enterobacteria were performed. The comparison between CD subjects and Control group revealed an alteration in the intestinal microbial composition of coeliacs mainly characterized by a reduction of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, of Actinobacteria and Euryarchaeota . Regarding the effects of the probiotic, an increase of Actinobacteria was found as well as a re-establishment of the physiological Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Therefore, a three-month administration of B. breve strains helps in restoring the healthy percentage of main microbial components.

A water-based topical Chinese traditional medicine (Zicao) for wound healing developed using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Chen Chen, Ta; Yu, Song-Cu; Hsu, Chin-Mu; Tsai, Fuu-Jen; Tsai, Yuhsin

2018-05-01

Zicao is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for the topical treatment of wounds in the form of oil-based ointment for several hundred years. To overcome the disadvantages of oil-based ointment such as irritation, discomfort, and difficulty in cleaning, this study developed a water-based topical formulation of Zicao. An ethanol extract of Zicao was included in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) to form a water-soluble Zicao-HP-β-CD complex. The formation of the Zicao-HP-β-CD complex was determined using LC-MS, 1 H NMR, ROSEY, and solubility analysis. The bioactivity of Zicao-HP-β-CD complex in aqueous solution was evaluated using cellular uptake in vitro and experimental excision wounds in vivo. The LC-MS, 1 H NMR, ROESY, and solubility analyses results show that Zicao extract was successfully included by the HP-β-CD. The results of the cellular uptake in vitro and wound healing in vivo suggest that the effect of Zicao was enhanced following the formation of the Zicao-HP-β-CD complex. Therefore, we concluded that complexation with HP-β-CD might provide a potential method for developing an effective water-based topical solution of Zicao. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Therapeutic effects of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity.

PubMed

El-Neweshy, M S; El-Maddawy, Z K; El-Sayed, Y S

2013-12-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known testicular toxicant. This study was designed to explore the long-term effects of a single low dose of Cd on spermatogenesis, and testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress, and the therapeutic potential of date palm pollen extract (DPP) in averting such reproductive damage. Adult male Wistar rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of CdCl2 (0 or 1 mg kg(-1) ). Twenty-four hours later, they started receiving DPP (0 or 40 mg kg(-1) ) orally, once daily for 56 consecutive days. Cd exposure caused significant reproductive damage via reduced weight of the reproductive organs, which includes spermatological damage (decreased sperm count and motility and increased rates of sperm abnormalities), increased oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde and decreased reduced glutathione levels), histological alterations (necrosis, inefficient to completely arrest spermatogenesis and a reduced Johnsen's score) and decreased serum testosterone level. DPP restored spermatogenesis and attenuated the toxic effects of Cd on the reproductive system to the levels observed in the control animals. These findings support the hypothesis that the testis is particularly sensitive to Cd, which can cause testicular damage and infertility. Treatment with DPP can ameliorate the deleterious effects of Cd, probably by activating testicular endocrine and antioxidant systems. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Changes in cadmium mobility during composting and after soil application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanc, Ales; Tlustos, Pavel; Szakova, Jirina

2009-08-15

The effect of twelve weeks of composting on the mobility and bioavailability of cadmium in six composts containing sewage sludge, wood chips and grass was studied, along with the cadmium immobilization capacity of compost. Two different soils were used and Cd accumulation measured in above-ground oat biomass (Avena sativa L.). Increasing pH appears to be an important cause of the observed decreases in available cadmium through the composting process. A pot experiment was performed with two different amounts of compost (9.6 and 28.8 g per kg of soil) added into Fluvisol with total Cd 0.255 mg kg{sup -1}, and contaminatedmore » Cambisol with total Cd 6.16 mg kg{sup -1}. Decrease of extractable Cd (0.01 mol l{sup -1} CaCl{sub 2}) was found in both soils after compost application. The higher amount of compost immobilized an exchangeable portion of Cd (0.11 mol l{sup -1} CH{sub 3}COOH extractable) in contaminated Cambisol unlike in light Fluvisol. The addition of a low amount of compost decreased the content of Cd in associated above-ground oat biomass grown in both soils, while a high amount of compost decreased the Cd content in oats only in the Cambisol.« less

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence determination of cadmium in uranium matrix using Cd Kα line excited by continuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhara, Sangita; Misra, N. L.; Aggarwal, S. K.; Venugopal, V.

2010-06-01

An energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence method for determination of cadmium (Cd) in uranium (U) matrix using continuum source of excitation was developed. Calibration and sample solutions of cadmium, with and without uranium were prepared by mixing different volumes of standard solutions of cadmium and uranyl nitrate, both prepared in suprapure nitric acid. The concentration of Cd in calibration solutions and samples was in the range of 6 to 90 µg/mL whereas the concentration of Cd with respect to U ranged from 90 to 700 µg/g of U. From the calibration solutions and samples containing uranium, the major matrix uranium was selectively extracted using 30% tri-n-butyl phosphate in dodecane. Fixed volumes (1.5 mL) of aqueous phases thus obtained were taken directly in specially designed in-house fabricated leak proof Perspex sample cells for the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence measurements and calibration plots were made by plotting Cd Kα intensity against respective Cd concentration. For the calibration solutions not having uranium, the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectra were measured without any extraction and Cd calibration plots were made accordingly. The results obtained showed a precision of 2% (1 σ) and the results deviated from the expected values by < 4% on average.

The utilization of modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure for the fractionation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soil reference materials of different origins.

PubMed

Zemberyová, Mária; Barteková, Jana; Hagarová, Ingrid

2006-12-15

A modified three-step sequential extraction procedure for the fractionation of heavy metals, proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR) has been applied to the Slovak reference materials of soils (soil orthic luvisols, soil rendzina and soil eutric cambisol), which represent pedologically different types of soils in Slovakia. Analyses were carried out by flame or electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS or ETAAS). The fractions extracted were: exchangeable (extraction step 1), reducible-iron/manganese oxides (extraction step 2), oxidizable-organic matter and sulfides (extraction step 3). The sum of the element contents in the three fractions plus aqua-regia extractable content of the residue was compared to the aqua-regia extractable content of the elements in the origin soils. The accuracy obtained by comparing the determined contents of the elements with certified values, using BCR CRM 701, certified for the extractable contents (mass fractions) of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in sediment following a modified BCR-three step sequential extraction procedure, was found to be satisfactory.

Effect of coated urea on cadmium accumulation in Oryza sativa L. grown in contaminated soil.

PubMed

Xu, Chao; Wu, Zisong; Zhu, Qihong; Zhu, Hanhua; Zhang, Yangzhu; Huang, Daoyou

2015-11-01

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of three types of coated urea on the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in contaminated soil. Pot-culture experiments were conducted in a greenhouse from July to November 2012 on the rice cultivar "Hua Hang Si Miao" in Guangzhou (China). The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and three replications. The treatments were control (CK) (N 0 mg/kg), prilled urea (PU) (N 200 mg/kg), polymer-coated urea (PCU) (N 200 mg/kg), and sulfur-coated urea (SCU) (N 200 mg/kg). Our results indicated that applications of PCU and SCU slightly increased the dry weight of rice grains. The application of SCU significantly decreased the CaCl2 and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP)-extractable Cd concentrations by 15.4 and 56.1%, respectively. Sequential extractions showed that PCU and SCU applications led to a significant decrease in Cd in the exchangeable fraction and an increase in the bound iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxides fractions. Cd concentrations in grains treated with PCU were reduced by 11.7%, whereas SCU significantly reduced Cd concentrations by 29.1%. SCU reduced Cd transfer from the straws to the grain. Our results demonstrated that PCU and SCU may be effective in mitigating Cd accumulation in rice grown in acidic Cd-contaminated soil, especially in plants receiving SCU.

Oral aspects in celiac disease children: clinical and dental enamel chemical evaluation.

PubMed

de Carvalho, Fabrício Kitazono; de Queiroz, Alexandra Mussolino; Bezerra da Silva, Raquel Assed; Sawamura, Regina; Bachmann, Luciano; Bezerra da Silva, Léa Assed; Nelson-Filho, Paulo

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral manifestations of celiac disease (CD), the chemical composition of dental enamel, and the occurrence of CD in children with dental enamel defects (DEDs). In the study, 52 children with CD and 52 controls were examined for DEDs, recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), dental caries experience, and salivary parameters. In addition, 10 exfoliated primary enamel molars from each group were analyzed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Fifty children with DEDs were submitted to CD diagnosis. Among the children with CD, a higher prevalence of DEDs (P = .00001) and RAS (P = .0052), lower caries experience (P = .0024), and reduction of salivary flow (P = .0060) were observed. Dental enamel from the children with CD demonstrated a lower calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (P = .0136), but no difference in the carbonate-to-phosphate ratio (P = .5862) was observed. In the multivariate analysis, CD was a protective factor for caries (OR = 0.74) and a risk factor for RAS (OR3.23). The children with CD presented with more RAS, DEDs, reduction of salivary flow, and chemical alterations in the enamel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The protective effect of grape seed procyanidin extract against cadmium-induced renal oxidative damage in mice.

PubMed

Chen, Qing; Zhang, Rong; Li, Wei-min; Niu, Yu-jie; Guo, Hui-cai; Liu, Xue-hui; Hou, Yu-chun; Zhao, Li-juan

2013-11-01

As an important environmental pollutant, cadmium (Cd) can lead to serious renal damage. Grape seed procyanidins extract (GSPE), a biological active component of grape seed, has been shown to possess antioxidative effects. Here, we assessed the protective effect of GSPE on Cd-induced renal damage using animal experiment. After 30 days, the oxidative damage of kidney was evaluated through measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidation (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Since, oxidative stress could lead to apoptosis, the renal apoptosis was measured using flow cytometer. Moreover, the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax and Bcl-2 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that Cd led to the decrease of SOD and GSH-Px activities, and the increase of MDA level, induced renal apoptosis. However, the coadministration of GSPE attenuated Cd-induced lipid peroxidation, and antagonized renal apoptosis, probably associated with the expression of Bax and Bcl-2. These data suggested that GSPE has protective effect against renal oxidative damage induced by Cd, which provide a potential natural chemopreventive agent against Cd-poisoning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effect of haw leaf extract and its preparation on polymorphonuclear leucocyte adhesion during HUVEC anoxia/reoxygenation injury].

PubMed

Li, Peng; Fu, Jian-hua; Li, Xin-zhi

2008-08-01

To study the effect and molecular mechanism of two haw leaf extracts, Vitexin-rhamnoside (VR) and Vitexin-glucoside (VG), and their preparation, Aoshaen injection (AI), on the polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) adhesion during human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury. The cell model of A/R injury duplicated by breaking off the oxygen supplying of HUVEC for 60 min followed with reoxygenating for 30 min (phase 1) or 240 min (phase 2) was taken as the experimental objective. The effects of testing drugs (VR, VG and AI) on PMN adhesion in the model cells were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and their effects on PMN superficial adhesion molecule CD11/CD18 expression were measured by flow cytometer respectively. After 60 min of anoxia, HUVEC was shrunk and deformed. The adhesion between PMN and HUVEC significantly revealed at phase 1 in the model group, but it was fewer in the normal cell group, and also lesser in the groups treated with various drugs. The condition of cell adhesion revealed at phase 2 was the similar to that at phase 1. All testing drugs, VR, VG and AI, showed inhibitory effect on the cell adhesion at either phase 1 or phase 2, showing a certain dose-effect relationship. The expression of CD11/ CD18 was also inhibited by the testing drugs, and a good dose-effect relation was shown by VG and AI. At the resting condition, there are almost no expression of CD11/CD18 molecule, but it could be enhanced by incubating PMN with supernate of A/R injured HUVEC culture, and more marked at phase 1. Adding the test drugs into the supernate could inhibit the enhancing of CD11/CD18 molecule expression and reduce the PMN-HUVEC adhesion, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms of haw leaf extracts and their preparation in protecting heart against A/R injury.

Immunostimulatory activity of water-extractable polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola as a plant adjuvant in vitro and in vivo

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiumei; Yang, Yu; Zhao, Gan; Wang, Bin; Wu, Daocheng

2018-01-01

A safe and effective vaccine adjuvant is important in modern vaccines. Various Chinese herbal polysaccharides can activate the immune system. Cistanche deserticola (CD) is a traditional Chinese herb and an adjuvant candidate. Here, we confirmed that water-extractable polysaccharides of CD (WPCD) could modulate immune responses in vitro and in vivo. In a dose-dependent manner, WPCD significantly promoted the maturation and function of murine marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) through up-regulating the expression levels of MHC-II, CD86, CD80, and CD40, allogenic T cell proliferation, and the yields of IL-12 and TNF-α via toll-like receptor4 (TLR4), as indicated by in vitro experiments. In addition, its immunomodulatory activity was also observed in mice. WPCD effectively improved the titers of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a and markedly enhanced the proliferation of T and B cells, the production of IFN-γ and IL-4 in CD4+ T cells and the expression level of IFN-γ in CD8+ T cells better than Alum. Furthermore, WPCD could markedly up-regulate the expression levels of CD40 and CD80 on DCs in spleen and down-regulate the Treg frequency. The study suggests that polysaccharides of Cistanche deserticola are a safe and effective vaccine adjuvant for eliciting both humoral immunity and cellular immunity by activating DCs via TLR4 signaling pathway. PMID:29360858

Determination of chemical availability of cadmium and zinc in soils using inert soil moisture samplers.

PubMed

Knight, B P; Chaudri, A M; McGrath, S P; Giller, K E

1998-01-01

A rapid method for extracting soil solutions using porous plastic soil-moisture samplers was combined with a cation resin equilibration based speciation technique to look at the chemical availability of metals in soil. Industrially polluted, metal sulphate amended and sewage sludge treated soils were used in our study. Cadmium sulphate amended and industrially contaminated soils all had > 65% of the total soil solution Cd present as free Cd2+. However, increasing total soil Cd concentrations by adding CdSO4 resulted in smaller total soil solution Cd. Consequently, the free Cd2+ concentrations in soil solutions extracted from these soils were smaller than in the same soil contaminated by sewage sludge addition. Amendment with ZnSO4 gave much greater concentrations of free Zn2+ in soil solutions compared with the same soil after long-term Zn contamination via sewage sludge additions. Our results demonstrate the difficulty in comparing total soil solution and free metal ion concentrations for soils from different areas with different physiochemical properties and sources of contamination. However, when comparing the same Woburn soil, Cd was much less available as Cd2+ in soil solution from the CdSO4 amended soils compared with soil contaminated by about 36 years of sewage sludge additions. In contrast, much more Zn was available in soil solution as free Zn2+ in the ZnSO4 amended soils compared with the sewage sludge treated soils.

Assessment of sulforaphane-induced protective mechanisms against cadmium toxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Alkharashi, Nouf Abdulkareem Omer; Periasamy, Vaiyapuri Subbarayan; Athinarayanan, Jegan; Alshatwi, Ali A

2018-04-01

Cd is a hazardous substance and carcinogen that is present in the environment; it is known to cause toxic effects in living organisms. Sulforaphane is a naturally available phytochemical with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. However, the effects of sulforaphane on Cd toxicity in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of the effects of sulforaphane on Cd toxicity in hMSCs by using MTT assays, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst staining, LysoRed staining, assessment of mitochondrial membrane potential, and gene expression analysis. Cd decreased hMSC viability in a dose-dependent manner with an IC 50 value of 56.5 μM. However, sulforaphane did not induce any significant reduction in cell viability. Nuclear morphological analysis revealed that Cd induced necrotic cell death. Additionally, Cd caused mitochondrial membrane potential loss in hMSCs. The treatment of Cd-exposed cells with sulforaphane (Cd-sulforaphane co-treatment) resulted in a significant recovery of the cell viability and nuclear morphological changes compared with that of cells treated with Cd only. The gene expression pattern of cells co-treated with Cd-sulforaphane was markedly different from that of Cd-treated cells, owing to the reduction in Cd toxicity. Our results clearly indicated that sulforaphane reduced Cd-induced toxic effects in hMSCs. Overall, the results of our study suggested that sulforaphane-rich vegetables and fruits can help to improve human health through amelioration of the molecular effects of Cd poisoning.

Evaluation of organic amendment on the effect of cadmium bioavailability in contaminated soils using the DGT technique and traditional methods.

PubMed

Yao, Yu; Sun, Qin; Wang, Chao; Wang, Pei-Fang; Ding, Shi-Ming

2017-03-01

Organic amendments have been widely proposed as a remediation technology for metal-contaminated soils, but there exist controversial results on their effectiveness. In this study, the effect of pig manure addition on cadmium (Cd) bioavailability in Cd-contaminated soils was systematically evaluated by one dynamic, in situ technique of diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) and four traditional methods based on the equilibrium theory (soil solution concentration and the three commonly used extractants, i.e., acetic acid (HAc), ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ). Wheat and maize were selected for measurement of plant Cd uptake. The results showed that pig manure addition could promote the growth of two plants, accompanied by increasing biomasses of shoots and roots with increasing doses of pig manure addition. Correspondingly, increasing additions of pig manure reduced plant Cd uptake and accumulation, as indicated by the decreases of Cd concentrations in shoots and roots. The bioavailable concentrations of Cd in Cd-contaminated soils reflected by the DGT technique obviously decreased with increasing doses of pig manure addition, following the same changing trend as plant Cd uptake. Changes in soil solution Cd concentration and extractable Cd by HAc, EDTA, and CaCl 2 in soils were similar to DGT measurement. Meanwhile, the capability of Cd resupply from solid phase to soil solution decreased with increasing additions of pig manure, as reflected by the decreases in the ratio (R) value of C DGT to C sol . Positive correlations were observed between various bioavailable indicators of Cd in soils and Cd concentrations in the tissues of the two plants. These findings provide stronger evidence that pig manure amendment is effective in reducing Cd mobility and bioavailability in soils and it is an ideal organic material for remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Caesalpinia decapetala Extracts as Inhibitors of Lipid Oxidation in Beef Patties.

PubMed

Gallego, Maria G; Gordon, Michael H; Segovia, Francisco J; Almajano, María P

2015-07-31

In this study we investigated the effects of Caesalpinia decapetala (CD) extracts on lipid oxidation in ground beef patties. Plant extracts and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were individually added to patties at both 0.1% and 0.5% (w/w) concentrations. We assessed the antioxidant efficacy of CD by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and evaluated their potential as natural antioxidants for meat preservation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values, hexanal content, fatty acid composition and color parameters. These were tested periodically during 11 days of refrigerated storage. TBARS levels were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in the samples containing plant extracts or BHT than in the non-treated control. In addition, the beef patties formulated with the selected plant extracts showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better color stability than those without antioxidants. These results indicate that edible plant extracts are promising sources of natural antioxidants and can potentially be used as functional preservatives in meat products.

Microwave assisted extraction for trace element analysis of plant materials by ICP-AES.

PubMed

Borkowska-Burnecka, J

2000-11-01

Application of microwave assisted extraction for the decomposition and dissolution of plant samples for trace metal determination by ICP-AES was examined. Dried onion, leaves of spinach beet and three reference materials CTA-OTL-1, CTA-VTL-2 and CL-1 were analyzed. Water, EDTA and hydrochloric acid (0.01, 0.10 and 1.0 M, respectively) were used as leaching solutions. The extraction efficiency was investigated by comparison of the results with those obtained after microwave wet digestion. HCl was found to be very suitable for quantitative extraction of B, Ba, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn from the samples. For reference materials, the measured concentrations are well consistent with the certified values. The use of EDTA led to a complete extraction of B, Cd, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn. Water was found to be a good leaching solution for boron. For extraction with HCl and EDTA, the RSD values for the concentrations measured were below 8% for most of the elements.

Reduced numbers of circulating group 2 innate lymphoid cells in patients with common variable immunodeficiency.

PubMed

Geier, Christoph B; Kraupp, Sophie; Bra, David; Eibl, Martha M; Farmer, Jocelyn R; Csomos, Krisztian; Walter, Jolan E; Wolf, Hermann M

2017-11-01

Recent studies identified an emerging role of group 2 and 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as key players in the generation of T-dependent and T-independent antibody production. In this retrospective case-control study, CD117 + ILCs (including the majority of ILC2 and ILC3) were reduced in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The reduction in CD117 + ILCs was distinctive to CVID and could not be observed in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Patients with a more pronounced reduction in CD117 + ILC numbers showed significantly lower numbers of peripheral MZ-like B cells and an increased prevalence of chronic, non-infectious enteropathy. Subsequent phenotyping of ILC subsets in CVID revealed that the reduction in CD117 + ILC numbers is due to a reduction in ILC2 numbers. In vitro expansion of CVID ILC2 in response to IL-2, IL-7, IL-25 and IL-33 was impaired. Furthermore, upregulation of MHCII and IL-2RA in response to IL-2, IL-7, IL-25 and IL-33 was impaired in CVID ILC2. Thus, our results indicate a dysregulation of ILC subsets with a reduction in ILC2 numbers in CVID, however, further studies are needed to explore whether ILC abnormalities are a primary finding or secondary to disease complications encountered in CVID. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Trophic transfer of Cd from duckweed (Lemna minor L.) to tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).

PubMed

Xue, Yan; Peijnenburg, Willie J G M; Huang, Jin; Wang, Dengjun; Jin, Yan

2018-05-01

The transfer of the toxic heavy metal Cd from duckweed (Lemna minor L.) to the freshwater fish tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was investigated. Concentrations of Cd in different chemical forms in duckweed and in different tissues (gut, edible muscle, and remnants or residual) of tilapia (i.e., ethanol-extractable fraction [F E ], HCl-extractable fraction [F HCl ], and residual fraction [F R ]) were quantified, and the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of Cd in the tilapia body were calculated. Simple linear regression analysis was used to unravel the correlation and accumulation mechanisms of Cd along the short food chain. Our results showed that with increasing exposure concentrations of Cd (0-50 μM for duckweed and 0-10 μM for tilapia), the total, F E (F e,d )-, F HCl (F h,d )-, and F R (F r,d )-Cd concentrations in duckweed and different tissues of tilapia increased progressively. The Cd sources (aqueous or dietary) influenced the BAF for Cd accumulation in the whole body of tilapia. Furthermore, regression analyses yielded significant positive correlations (R 2 > 0.96) between the Cd concentration in duckweed and in both the 3 parts and the whole body of tilapia. This finding suggests that Cd transfer from duckweed to tilapia can be quantitatively evaluated when tilapia is exposed only to duckweed. In addition, the linear regression between Cd accumulation in whole tilapia and F e,d -, F h,d -, and F r,d -Cd showed that particularly the correlation with F e,d -Cd is statistically significant (p < 0.001). The accumulated Cd concentrations and chemical forms in tilapia tissues also positively correlated with Cd sources (solution or duckweed). Compared with waterborne exposure only, duckweed especially increased the accumulation of Cd in the gut of tilapia. Taken together, our findings support a strong dependence of Cd accumulation and transfer from duckweed to tilapia on its chemical forms, especially on F e,d -Cd. This knowledge may expedite more accurate risk assessment of heavy metals through aquatic food chain ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1367-1377. © 2018 SETAC. © 2018 SETAC.

Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination in HIV-1-Infected Young Adults: A Tool to Reduce the Size of HIV-1 Reservoirs?

PubMed

Bekele, Yonas; Graham, Rebecka Lantto; Soeria-Atmadja, Sandra; Nasi, Aikaterini; Zazzi, Maurizio; Vicenti, Ilaria; Naver, Lars; Nilsson, Anna; Chiodi, Francesca

2017-01-01

During anti-retroviral therapy (ART) HIV-1 persists in cellular reservoirs, mostly represented by CD4+ memory T cells. Several approaches are currently being undertaken to develop a cure for HIV-1 infection through elimination (or reduction) of these reservoirs. Few studies have so far been conducted to assess the possibility of reducing the size of HIV-1 reservoirs through vaccination in virologically controlled HIV-1-infected children. We recently conducted a vaccination study with a combined hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine in 22 HIV-1-infected children. We assessed the size of the virus reservoir, measured as total HIV-1 DNA copies in blood cells, pre- and postvaccination. In addition, we investigated by immunostaining whether the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and parameters of immune activation and proliferation on these cells were modulated by vaccination. At 1 month from the last vaccination dose, we found that 20 out of 22 children mounted a serological response to HBV; a majority of children had antibodies against HAV at baseline. The number of HIV-1 DNA copies in blood at 1 month postvaccination was reduced in comparison to baseline although this reduction was not statistically significant. A significant reduction of HIV-1 DNA copies in blood following vaccination was found in 12 children. The frequencies of CD4+ (naïve, effector memory) and CD8+ (central memory) T-cell subpopulations changed following vaccinations and a reduction in the activation and proliferation pattern of these cells was also noticed. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the frequency of CD8+ effector memory T cells prior to vaccination was strongly predictive of the reduction of HIV-1 DNA copies in blood following vaccination of the 22 HIV-1-infected children. The results of this study suggest a beneficial effect of vaccination to reduce the size of virus reservoir in HIV-1-infected children receiving ART. A reduced frequency of activated CD4+ cells and an increase in central memory CD8+ T cells were associated with this finding. Further studies should assess whether vaccination is a possible tool to reduce HIV-1 reservoirs.

Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination in HIV-1-Infected Young Adults: A Tool to Reduce the Size of HIV-1 Reservoirs?

PubMed Central

Bekele, Yonas; Graham, Rebecka Lantto; Soeria-Atmadja, Sandra; Nasi, Aikaterini; Zazzi, Maurizio; Vicenti, Ilaria; Naver, Lars; Nilsson, Anna; Chiodi, Francesca

2018-01-01

During anti-retroviral therapy (ART) HIV-1 persists in cellular reservoirs, mostly represented by CD4+ memory T cells. Several approaches are currently being undertaken to develop a cure for HIV-1 infection through elimination (or reduction) of these reservoirs. Few studies have so far been conducted to assess the possibility of reducing the size of HIV-1 reservoirs through vaccination in virologically controlled HIV-1-infected children. We recently conducted a vaccination study with a combined hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine in 22 HIV-1-infected children. We assessed the size of the virus reservoir, measured as total HIV-1 DNA copies in blood cells, pre- and postvaccination. In addition, we investigated by immunostaining whether the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and parameters of immune activation and proliferation on these cells were modulated by vaccination. At 1 month from the last vaccination dose, we found that 20 out of 22 children mounted a serological response to HBV; a majority of children had antibodies against HAV at baseline. The number of HIV-1 DNA copies in blood at 1 month postvaccination was reduced in comparison to baseline although this reduction was not statistically significant. A significant reduction of HIV-1 DNA copies in blood following vaccination was found in 12 children. The frequencies of CD4+ (naïve, effector memory) and CD8+ (central memory) T-cell subpopulations changed following vaccinations and a reduction in the activation and proliferation pattern of these cells was also noticed. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the frequency of CD8+ effector memory T cells prior to vaccination was strongly predictive of the reduction of HIV-1 DNA copies in blood following vaccination of the 22 HIV-1-infected children. The results of this study suggest a beneficial effect of vaccination to reduce the size of virus reservoir in HIV-1-infected children receiving ART. A reduced frequency of activated CD4+ cells and an increase in central memory CD8+ T cells were associated with this finding. Further studies should assess whether vaccination is a possible tool to reduce HIV-1 reservoirs. PMID:29375579

Correction: All-solid-state Z-scheme system arrays of Fe2V4O13/RGO/CdS for visible light-driving photocatalytic CO2 reduction into renewable hydrocarbon fuel.

PubMed

Li, Ping; Zhou, Yong; Li, Haijin; Xu, Qinfeng; Meng, Xianguang; Wang, Xiaoyong; Xiao, Min; Zou, Zhigang

2015-01-31

Correction for 'All-solid-state Z-scheme system arrays of Fe2V4O13/RGO/CdS for visible light-driving photocatalytic CO2 reduction into renewable hydrocarbon fuel' by Ping Li et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 800-803.

Mindfulness meditation training effects on CD4+ T lymphocytes in HIV-1 infected adults: A small randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Creswell, J. David; Myers, Hector F.; Cole, Steven W.; Irwin, Michael R.

2009-01-01

Mindfulness meditation training has stress reduction benefits in various patient populations, but its effects on biological markers of HIV-1 progression are unknown. The present study tested the efficacy of an 8-week Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation program compared to a 1-day control seminar on CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in stressed HIV infected adults. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with enrollment and follow-up occurring between November 2005 and December 2007. A diverse community sample of 48 HIV-1 infected adults was randomized and entered treatment in either an 8-week MBSR or a 1-day control stress reduction education seminar. The primary outcome was circulating counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Participants in the 1-day control seminar showed declines in CD4+ T lymphocyte counts whereas counts among participants in the 8-week MBSR program were unchanged from baseline to post-intervention (time × treatment condition interaction, p = .02). This effect was independent of antiretroviral (ARV) medication use. Additional analyses indicated that treatment adherence to the mindfulness meditation program, as measured by class attendance, mediated the effects of mindfulness meditation training on buffering CD4+ T lymphocyte declines. These findings provide an initial indication that mindfulness meditation training can buffer CD4+ T lymphocyte declines in HIV-1 infected adults. PMID:18678242

Aqueous Date Flesh or Pits Extract Attenuates Liver Fibrosis via Suppression of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Reduction of Inflammatory Cytokines, Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Angiogenic Markers in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats

PubMed Central

Al-Rasheed, Nouf M.; Attia, Hala A.; Mohamad, Raeesa A.; Al-Rasheed, Nawal M.; Al-Amin, Maha A.; AL-Onazi, Asma

2015-01-01

Previous data indicated the protective effect of date fruit extract on oxidative damage in rat liver. However, the hepatoprotective effects via other mechanisms have not been investigated. This study was performed to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of date flesh extract (DFE) or date pits extract (DPE) via inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), reducing the levels of inflammatory, fibrotic and angiogenic markers. Coffee was used as reference hepatoprotective agent. Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of CCl4 (0.4 mL/kg) three times weekly for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE (6 mL/kg), coffee (300 mg/kg), and combination of coffee + DFE and coffee + DPE were given to CCl4-intoxicated rats daily for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE, and their combination with coffee attenuated the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. The increased levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen deposition in injured liver were alleviated by both extracts. CCl4-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin was suppressed indicating HSCs inactivation. Increased angiogenesis was ameliorated as revealed by reduced levels and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31. We concluded that DFE or DPE could protect liver via different mechanisms. The combination of coffee with DFE or DPE may enhance its antifibrotic effects. PMID:25945106

Recycling of CdTe photovoltaic waste

DOEpatents

Goozner, Robert E.; Long, Mark O.; Drinkard, Jr., William F.

1999-04-27

A method for extracting and reclaiming metals from scrap CdTe photovoltaic cells and manufacturing waste by leaching the metals in dilute nitric acid, leaching the waste with a leaching solution comprising nitric acid and water, skimming any plastic material from the top of the leaching solution, separating the glass substrate from the liquid leachate, adding a calcium containing base to the leachate to precipitate Cd and Te, separating the precipitated Cd and Te from the leachate, and recovering the calcium-containing base.

Recycling of CdTe photovoltaic waste

DOEpatents

Goozner, R.E.; Long, M.O.; Drinkard, W.F. Jr.

1999-04-27

A method for extracting and reclaiming metals from scrap CdTe photovoltaic cells and manufacturing waste by leaching the metals in dilute nitric acid, leaching the waste with a leaching solution comprising nitric acid and water, skimming any plastic material from the top of the leaching solution, separating the glass substrate from the liquid leachate, adding a calcium containing base to the leachate to precipitate Cd and Te, separating the precipitated Cd and Te from the leachate, and recovering the calcium-containing base. 3 figs.

DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER AND METALS: EFFECTS OF PH ON PARTITIONING

EPA Science Inventory

Eighteen Dutch soils were extracted in aqueous solutions at varying pH. Extracts were analyzed for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by ICP-AES. Extract dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was fractionated into three operationally defined fractions: hydrophilic acids (Hyd), fulvic acids (FA), an...

Determinants of Risk Infection During Therapy with Anti TNF-Alpha Blocking Agents in Rheumatoid Arthritis

PubMed Central

Benucci, M; Saviola, G; Baiardi, P; Manfredi, M; Sarzi Puttini, P; Atzeni, Fabiola

2012-01-01

The use of TNF-alpha antagonists (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) has changed the course of many rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since their approval, some questions regarding their safety including infections have been observed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in cytokines levels and cells subsets in patients with RA during anti TNF blocking agents treatment and the possible effect on infections’ development. We evaluated in 89 RA patients [39 treated with etanercept (ETN), 29 with adalimumab (ADA) and 21 with infliximab (IFN)] at baseline and after 6 months the following parameters: procalcitonin, ESR, CRP, cytokines as TNF, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8 and the TNF/IL-10 ratio, and peripheral mononuclear cells as CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, CD19+, CD3- /CD16+/56+, CD14+HLADR+, CD20+, CD19+/CD38+. Peripheral mononuclear cells were detected by flow cytometric system Cytomics FC500 and cytokines circulating levels by a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique (Human IL-8 Instant ELISAe Bioscience, Human IL-6 Instant ELISA e Bioscience, Human IL-10 Instant ELISAe Bioscience and Human TNF-a Quantikine immunoassay RD system). A lower reduction of CD14+HLADR+ in ADA group 54.6±10.4% vs ETA 48.4±15.7% vs INF 40.7±16.5%, p<0.039 was found. No differences in all three groups on peripheral mononuclear cells CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, CD19+, CD 20+, CD19+/CD38+, CD3-/CD16+/56+, and cytokine circulating levels were found. The number of infections at 6 months was: 10.3% in ADA group, 12.8% in ETN group and 19.04% in IFN group. A correlation was found between the reduction in CD14+HLADR+ cells and IFN treatment. Our data showed that the level of CD14+HLADR+ cells was reduced during therapy with IFN. ADA and ETN don’t reduce lymphocyte populations and their subsets such as CD14+HLADR+ cells that play an important role host defence. PMID:22655000

Cardioprotective effect of resistance training and Crataegus oxyacantha extract on ischemia reperfusion-induced oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Ranjbar, Kamal; Zarrinkalam, Ebrahim; Salehi, Iraj; Komaki, Alireza; Fayazi, Bayan

2018-04-01

Discovering an effective approach to limit infarction size after ischemia-reperfusion has a clinical importance in diabetics. We investigated the anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury effect of resistance training and Crataegus oxyacantha extract on diabetic rats. To this end, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the sedentary control (SC), sedentary diabetic (SD), resistance trained diabetic (RD), diabetic plus C. oxyacantha extract treatment (CD) and resistance trained diabetic plus C. oxyacantha extract treatment (RCD) groups. Animals in trained groups were subjected to progressive resistance training program with the use of a ladder (5 days/week, for 10 weeks). C. oxyacantha extract rats were treated with 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract using a gavage every day for 10 weeks. After treatments, rats were subjected to ischemia via LAD artery ligation for 30 min followed by 90 min reperfusion. The heart was collected following the ischemia-reperfusion and analyzed for oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Compared to the SC group, LDH, CK-MB and infarction size in the SD group were significantly higher, whereas injury indices in the RCD group were significantly lower than those in the SD group. GPx and MPO levels after reperfusion increased and decreased, respectively in response to training and C. oxyacantha. These findings suggest that 10 weeks resistance training and C. oxyacantha can synergistically decrease ischemia-reperfusion injury, and this mechanism may be related to a reduction in oxidative stress which is normally associated with ischemia-reperfusion. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Nitrate and phosphorus transport through subsurface drains under free and controlled drainage.

PubMed

Saadat, Samaneh; Bowling, Laura; Frankenberger, Jane; Kladivko, Eileen

2018-05-28

Controlled drainage (CD) is a structural conservation practice in which the drainage outlet is managed in order to reduce drain flow volume and nutrient loads to water bodies. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of CD to improve water quality for two different seasons and levels of outlet control, using ten years of data collected from an agricultural drained field in eastern Indiana with two sets of paired plots. The Rank Sum test was used to quantify the impact of CD on cumulative annual drain flow and nitrate-N and phosphorus loads. CD plots had a statistically significant (at 5% level) lower annual drain flow (eastern pair: 39%; western pair: 25%) and nitrate load (eastern pair: 43%; western pair: 26%) compared to free draining (FD) plots, while annual soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and total phosphorus (TP) loads were not significantly different. An ANCOVA model was used to evaluate the impact of CD on daily drain flow, nitrate-N, SRP and TP concentrations and loads during the two different periods of control. The average percent reduction of daily drain flow was 68% in the eastern pair and 58% in the western pair during controlled drainage at the higher outlet level (winter) and 64% and 58% at the lower outlet level (summer) in the eastern and western pairs, respectively. Nitrate load reduction was similar to drain flow reduction, while the effect of CD on SRP and TP loads was not significant except for the increase in SRP in one pair. These results from a decade-long field monitoring and two different statistical methods enhance our knowledge about water quality impacts of CD system and support this management practice as a reliable system for reducing nitrate loss through subsurface drains, mainly caused by flow reduction. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ROS-dependent HMGA2 upregulation mediates Cd-induced proliferation in MRC-5 cells.

PubMed

Xie, Huaying; Wang, Jiayue; Jiang, Liping; Geng, Chengyan; Li, Qiujuan; Mei, Dan; Zhao, Lian; Cao, Jun

2016-08-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal widely found in a number of environmental matrices, and the exposure to Cd is increasing nowadays. In this study, the role of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) in Cd-induced proliferation was investigated in MRC-5 cells. Exposure to Cd (2μM) for 48h significantly enhanced the growth of MRC-5 cells, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and induced both mRNA and protein expression of HMGA2. Evidence for Cd-induced reduction of the number of G0/G1 phase cells and an increase in the number of cells in S phase and G2/M phase was sought by flow cytometric analysis. Western blot analysis showed that cyclin D1, cyclin B1, and cyclin E were upregulated in Cd-treated cells. Further study revealed that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) markedly prevented Cd-induced proliferation of MRC-5 cells, ROS generation, and the increasing protein level of HMGA2. Silencing of HMGA2 gene by siRNA blocked Cd-induced cyclin D1, cyclin B1, and cyclin E expression and reduction of the number of G0/G1 phase cells. Combining, our data showed that Cd-induced ROS formation provoked HMGA2 upregulation, caused cell cycle changes, and led to cell proliferation. This suggests that HMGA2 might be an important biomarker in Cd-induced cell proliferation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reduced sCD36 following weight loss corresponds to improved insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia and liver fat in obese children.

PubMed

Knøsgaard, L; Kazankov, K; Birkebæk, N H; Holland-Fischer, P; Lange, A; Solvig, J; Hørlyck, A; Kristensen, K; Rittig, S; Vilstrup, H; Grønbæk, H; Handberg, A

2016-09-01

Childhood obesity is a major health problem with serious long-term metabolic consequences. CD36 is important for the development of obesity-related complications among adults. We aimed to investigate circulating sCD36 during weight loss in childhood obesity and its associations with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatic fat accumulation and low-grade inflammation. The impact of a 10-week weight loss camp for obese children (N=113) on plasma sCD36 and further after a 12-month follow-up (N=68) was investigated. Clinical and biochemical data were collected, and sCD36 was measured by an in-house assay. Liver fat was estimated by ultrasonography and insulin resistance by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Along with marked weight loss, sCD36 was reduced by 21% (P=0.0013) following lifestyle intervention, and individual sCD36 reductions were significantly associated with the corresponding decreases in HOMA-IR, triglycerides and total cholesterol. The largest sCD36 decrease occurred among children who reduced HOMA-IR and liver fat. After 12 months of follow-up, sCD36 was increased (P=0.014) and the metabolic improvements were largely lost. Weight-loss-induced sCD36 reduction, coincident with improved insulin resistance, circulating lipids and hepatic fat accumulation, proposes that sCD36 may be an early marker of long-term health risk associated with obesity-related complications.

Distinct alterations in the distribution of CD45RO+ T-cell subsets in HIV-2 compared with HIV-1 infection.

PubMed

Jaleco, A C; Covas, M J; Pinto, L A; Victorino, R M

1994-12-01

Some clinical studies indicate that disease progression in HIV-2-infected subjects may be slower than in HIV-1. We investigated whether there were differences in the distribution of CD45RO+ (memory) and CD45RA+ (naive) T-cell subsets between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection. Analysis of lymphocyte subsets was performed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy controls, HIV-1-(n = 49) and HIV-2-infected (n = 47) individuals divided into two groups: asymptomatic (ASY)/persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) and AIDS-related complex (ARC)/AIDS. Both HIV-1- and HIV-2-infected patients had significant reductions in the absolute number and percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes compared with seronegative individuals. No significant differences were found between HIV-2- and HIV-1-infected subjects in the same clinical stage. CD4+CD45RA+ cells were significantly reduced in HIV-1 and HIV-2 ARC/AIDS patients and mildly reduced in ASY/PGL HIV-1 and HIV-2 patients. There were no differences in the degree of reduction of CD4+CD45RO+ cells in ASY/PGL HIV-1 versus HIV-2 patients. However, in HIV-1-infected ARC/AIDS individuals the reduction in the percentage of this subset was more pronounced than in HIV-2 infection and this difference reached statistical significance. The increase in CD8+ lymphocytes (percentage and absolute number) was more pronounced in HIV-1 and the differences between HIV-1- and HIV-2-infected patients were statistically significant. CD8+CD45RO+ cells were significantly increased both in ASY/PGL and ARC/AIDS HIV-1-infected patients, whereas HIV-2-infected ASY/PGL patients had normal levels of these cells and HIV-2-infected ARC/AIDS patients had increases that were much less pronounced than that observed in HIV-1-infected ARC/AIDS patients. Significant differences in the absolute number and percentage of this subset between HIV-1- and HIV-2-infected individuals in similar clinical stages were found. HIV-2-infected individuals exhibit a lesser degree of depletion of memory CD4+ cells and a more limited expansion of CD8+CD45RO+ subset, which could be related to the putative lower immunopathogenicity of HIV-2.

Protective effect of Fragaria ananassa methanolic extract on cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

PubMed

Elkhadragy, Manal F; Abdel Moneim, Ahmed E

2017-06-01

This study investigated the protective effect of Fragaria ananassa methanolic extract on cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 )-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. CdCl 2 was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 6.5 mg/kg of body weight for 5 d with or without methanol extract of Fragaria ananassa (250 mg/kg). The hepatic cadmium concentration, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, glutathione (GSH) content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), GSH peroxidase, and GSH reductase, were estimated. CdCl 2 injection induced a significant elevation in cadmium concentration, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide and caused a significant depletion in GSH content compared to controls, along with a remarkable decrease in antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress induction and cadmium accumulation in the liver were successfully ameliorated by F. ananassa (strawberry) pre-administration. In addition, the pre-administration of strawberry decreased the elevated gene expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene as well as the protein expression of caspases-3 in the liver of CdCl 2 -injected rats. In addition, the reduced gene expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was increased. Our results show an increase in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α in the liver of rats treated with cadmium. In sum, our results suggested that F. ananassa successfully prevented deleterious effects on liver function by reinforcing the antioxidant defense system, inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing apoptosis.

Sol-gel coated polydimethylsiloxane/beta-cyclodextrin as novel stationary phase for stir bar sorptive extraction and its application to analysis of estrogens and bisphenol A.

PubMed

Hu, Yuling; Zheng, Yanjie; Zhu, Fei; Li, Gongke

2007-04-27

A sol-gel technique was used for the preparation of a stir bar coated with a composite composed of polydimethysiloxane and beta-cyclodextrin (PDMS/beta-CD). The sol-gel mechanism during coating procedure was discussed and successful binding of beta-CD to the sol-gel network was confirmed by the IR spectra. Scanning electron micrographs of the stir bars revealed a homogeneous surface with a film thickness of 30-150 microm attributing to different coating times. Good thermal stability and solvent-resistance of the stir bar were found thanks to chemical binding formed between the stationary phase and the glass substrate. The PDMS/beta-CD coated stir bar was proved to have better selectivity to polar compounds compared to the PDMS coated stir bar, and higher extraction capacity compared to the corresponding PDMS/beta-CD coated fiber. Methods for the determinations of estrogens in environmental water, bisphenol A in drinking water and in leachate of one-off dishware by the PDMS/beta-CD coated stir bar coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were developed. The limits of detection were within the range of 0.04-0.11 microg l(-1) for estrogens using UV detection and 8 ngl(-1) for bisphenol A using fluorescence detection. Reproducibility with RSD less than 9.7% for extractions of real water samples at microg l(-1) or ngl(-1) level was obtained.

Solid phase extraction of trace amounts of Ag, Cd, Cu, and Zn in environmental samples using magnetic nanoparticles coated by 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-1-propantiol and modified with 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole and their determination by ICP-OES.

PubMed

Mashhadizadeh, Mohammad Hossein; Karami, Zahra

2011-06-15

A fast, sensitive, and simple method using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated by 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-1-propantiol and modified with 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, as an adsorbent has been successfully developed for extraction, preconcentration, and determination of trace amounts of Ag, Cd, Cu, and Zn from environmental samples. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These magnetic nanoparticles can be easily dispersed in aqueous samples and retrieved by the application of external magnetic field via a piece of permanent magnet. The main factors affecting the extraction efficiency such as pH value, sample volume, eluent concentration and volume, ultrasonication time, and coexisting ions have been investigated and established. Under the optimal conditions, high concentration factors (194, 190, 170, and 182) were achieved for Ag, Cd, Cu, and Zn with relative standard deviations of 5.31%, 4.03%, 3.62%, and 4.20%, respectively. The limits of detection for Ag, Cd, Cu, and Zn were as low as 0.12, 0.12, 0.13 and 0.11 ng mL(-1). The prepared sorbent was applied for preconcentration of trace amounts of Ag, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the various water samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Short-sweep capillary electrophoresis with a selective zinc fluorescence imaging reagent FluoZin-3 for determination of free and metalothionein-2a-bound Zn2+ ions.

PubMed

Nejdl, Lukas; Moravanska, Andrea; Smerkova, Kristyna; Mravec, Filip; Krizkova, Sona; Pomorski, Adam; Krężel, Artur; Macka, Mirek; Adam, Vojtech; Vaculovicova, Marketa

2018-08-09

A capillary electrophoretic (CE) method using a short-sweep approach and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection (ShortSweepCE-LIF) was developed for determination of Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ as complexes with highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe FluoZin-3. The ShortSweepCE-LIF method, established in this work, can be used for examining competitive Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ binding properties of metalloproteins or peptides. The parameters including background electrolyte composition, injection pressure and time as well as separation voltage were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, 80 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, with 1.5 μM FluoZin-3 was used as an electrolyte, hydrodynamic injection was performed at 50 mbar for 5 s, and separation voltage of 25 kV. Limits of detection for Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ were 4 and 125 nM, respectively. The developed method was demonstrated in a study of interactions between metalothionein-2a isoform and metal ions Zn 2+ , Co 2+ and Cd 2+ . It was found that FluoZin-3 was able to extract a single Zn 2+ ion, while added Co 2+ (in surplus) extracted only 2.4 Zn 2+ ions, and Cd 2+ extracted all 7 Zn 2+ ions present in the metalothionein molecule. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation on preferably oriented abnormal growth of CdSe nanorods along (0002) plane synthesized by henna leaf extract-mediated green synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iyyappa Rajan, P.; Judith Vijaya, J.; Jesudoss, S. K.; Kaviyarasu, K.; Lee, Seung-Cheol; John Kennedy, L.; Jothiramalingam, R.; Al-Lohedan, Hamad A.; Mahamad Abdullah, M.

2018-03-01

The theme of this work is to highlight the significance of green plant extracts in the synthesis of nanostructures. In asserting this statement, herein, we report our obtained results on the synthesis of hexagonal CdSe nanorods preferably oriented along (0002) plane through henna leaf extract-mediated reaction along with a discussion about the structural, morphological and optical properties of the synthesized nanorods. The possible mechanism for the synthesis of CdSe nanorods was explored. The formation of nanorods along (0002) plane was confirmed by the relatively high intensity of the (0002) peak in X-ray diffraction pattern. To account for the experimentally realistic condition, we have calculated the surface energies of hexagonal CdSe surface slabs along the low indexed (0002), (10 1 ¯ 0 ) and (11 2 ¯ 0 ) plane surfaces using density functional theory approach and the calculated surface energy value for (0002) surface is 802.7 mJ m-2, which is higher than (11 2 ¯ 0 ) and (10 1 ¯ 0 ) surfaces. On realizing the calculated surface energies of these slabs, we determined that the combination of (11 2 ¯ 0 ) and (10 1 ¯ 0 ) planes with lower surface energies will lead to the formation of CdSe nanorods growth along (0002) orientation. Finally, we argue that the design of new greener route for the synthesis of novel functional nanomaterials is highly desired.

Extract of Toxicodendron quercifolium caused genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity in bone marrow cells of CD1 mice.

PubMed

Mersch-Sundermann, Volker; Kassie, Fekadu; Böhmer, Sonja; Lu, Wen-Qing; Wohlfahrth, Robert; Sobel, Rosa; Brunn, Hubertus E; ElSohly, Mahmoud A; Ross, Samir A; Stahl, Thorsten

2004-10-01

As has been shown in numerous studies, naturally occurring compounds can have protective effects towards mutagens and carcinogens. In the present study, the genotoxic/antigenotoxic effect of Toxicodendron quercifolium (poison ivy) extract, which has been identified as antigenotoxic in human HepG2 cells in former studies, was examined in the in vivo micronucleus assay using polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) of bone marrow of CD1-mice. For this, D0 (1:10), D0 (1:25), D0 (1:50), D1 (1:50), D2 (1:50), and D4 (1:50) dilutions of ethanolic plant extract prepared on the basis of the "Hömoopathisches Arzneimittelbuch (HAB 2000)" were administered orally to CD1 mice over a period of two days. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in micronucleus frequencies was found after administration of D0 (1:10), the highest tolerated dose. Additionally, antigenotoxic effects of T. quercifolium towards benzo(a)pyrene-induced micronucleus formation were studied. For that, four dilutions of the plant extract [D0, D2, D4, D6, each 1:50] were administered orally to CD1 mice for five days prior to the administration of benzo(a)pyrene (250 mg/kg b.w.) for another two days. It was found that the administration of the dilutions D0 (1:50) and D2 (1:50) of T. quercifolium extract significantly inhibited benzo(a)pyrene-induced micronucleus formation (p < 0.0001). The results of this study indicated that T. quercifolium extract has the character of a so-called "Janus"-genotoxin: High doses led to a weak but significant increase of micronucleus frequencies whereas low doses showed chemopreventive effects towards benzo(a)pyrene-induced DNA damage. The constituents of T. quercifolium responsible for the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects may be flavonoids, which are known to have prooxidative and scavenging effects and identified by HPLC-MS/MS. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

Lactobacillus brevis CD2 inhibits Prevotella melaninogenica biofilm.

PubMed

Vuotto, C; Barbanti, F; Mastrantonio, P; Donelli, G

2014-10-01

To evaluate the ability of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus brevis CD2 to inhibit the opportunistic anaerobe Prevotella melaninogenica (PM1), a well-known causative agent of periodontitis. The inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus CD2 on Prevotella PM1 biofilm was assessed both by exposing the anaerobe to the supernatant of the probiotic strain and by growing the two strains to obtain single or mixed biofilms. The inhibitory effect of CD2 on PM1 was also checked by the agar overlay method. The development of PM1 biofilm was strongly affected (56% decrease in OD value) by the CD2 supernatant after 96 h. A dose-dependent biofilm reduction was also observed at 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions of supernatant. Confocal microscopy on the mixed biofilms revealed the ability of CD2 to prevail on PM1, greatly reducing the biofilm of the latter. It has been hypothesized a multifactorial nature of the inhibition mechanism, the strong adherence ability of CD2 strain together with the released metabolites presumably contributing to the reduction in the PM1 biofilm detected by confocal microscopy. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cadmium (Cd) Localization in Tissues of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and Its Phytoremediation Potential for Cd-Contaminated Soils.

PubMed

Chen, Zhifan; Zhao, Ye; Fan, Lidong; Xing, Liteng; Yang, Yujie

2015-12-01

Phytoremediation using economically valuable, large biomass, non-edible plants is a promising method for metal-contaminated soils. This study investigated cotton's tolerance for Cd and remediation potential through analyzing Cd bioaccumulation and localization in plant organs under different soil Cd levels. Results showed cotton presents good tolerance when soil Cd concentration ≤20.26 mg kg(-1). Cotton had good Cd accumulation ability under low soil Cd levels (<1.26 mg kg(-1)), with a TF value (the ratio of Cd concentration in stem to root) above 1. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis indicated cotton leaf transpiration played a key role in extracting soil Cd, while roots and stems were the main compartments of Cd storage. Cd complexation to other organic constituents in root and stem cell sap could be a primary detoxifying strategy. Therefore, cotton is a potential candidate for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Formation of mixed organic layers by stepwise electrochemical reduction of diazonium compounds.

PubMed

Santos, Luis; Ghilane, Jalal; Lacroix, Jean Christophe

2012-03-28

This work describes the formation of a mixed organic layer covalently attached to a carbon electrode. The strategy adopted is based on two successive electrochemical reductions of diazonium salts. First, bithiophene phenyl (BTB) diazonium salt is reduced using host/guest complexation in a water/cyclodextrin (β-CD) solution. The resulting layer consists of grafted BTB oligomers and cyclodextrin that can be removed from the surface. The electrochemical response of several outer-sphere redox probes on such BTB/CD electrodes is close to that of a diode, thanks to the easily p-dopable oligo(BTB) moieties. When CD is removed from the surface, pinholes are created and this diode like behavior is lost. Following this, nitrophenyl (NP) diazonium is reduced to graft a second component. Electrochemical study shows that upon grafting NP insulating moieties, the diode-like behavior of the layer is restored which demonstrates that NP is grafted predominately in the empty spaces generated by β-CD desorption. As a result, a mixed BTB/NP organic layer covalently attached to a carbon electrode is obtained using a stepwise electrochemical reduction of two diazonium compounds.

Effect of toad skin extracts on the pain behavior of cancer model mice and its peripheral mechanism of action.

PubMed

Chen, Tao; Yuan, Shen-Jun; Yu, Xue-Qin; Jiao, Liang-Bo; Hu, Wei; Chen, Wang-Long; Xie, Bo

2017-01-01

The changes in thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in paw cancer pain model mice and the action mechanism of toad skin extracts (TSE) was investigated. Eighty female mice were subcutaneously injected with saline or inoculated with H22 hepatoma cells in the right hind paw and administration with saline, vehicle, morphine and TSE. The pain behavior was recorded before treatment and at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 3 and 6h after initial administration, and thereafter on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th day after administration. On the last day, samples were collected after the euthanasia for the detection of β-END, CRF, IL-1β, POMC, μ-OR, CD3+, CD8+ and CD4+ in sera and the tumor tissues. The results showed that TSE significantly increased the thresholds of thermal pain and mechanical pain, and upregulated the expressions of β-END, CRF, POMC, CD3+, CD8+ and μ-OR, and downregulated the expression of CD4+. These results indicate that TSE significantly relieved pain in cancer pain model mice and raised their pain threshold. In addition, TSE seems to play a prominent role in promoting the activity of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs, CD3+ and CD8+ T cells), and this immune-cell-derived peripheral analgesic pathway might have widespread potential for clinical use. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, characterisation and analytical application of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@polyaminoquinoline magnetic nanocomposite for the extraction and pre-concentration of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in food samples.

PubMed

Manoochehri, Mahboobeh; Asgharinezhad, Ali Akbar; Shekari, Nafiseh

2015-01-01

This work describes a novel Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@polyaminoquinoline magnetic nanocomposite and its application in the pre-concentration of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions. The parameters affecting the pre-concentration procedure were optimised by a Box-Behnken design through response surface methodology. Three variables (extraction time, magnetic sorbent amount and pH) were selected as the main factors affecting the sorption step, while four variables (type, volume and concentration of the eluent, and elution time) were selected as main factors in the optimisation study of the elution step. Following the sorption and elution of analytes, the ions were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FASS). The limits of detection were 0.1 and 0.7 ng ml(-1) for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions, respectively. All the relative standard deviations were less than 7.6%. The sorption capacities of this new sorbent were 57 mg g(-)(1) for Cd(II) and 73 mg g(-1) for Pb(II). Ultimately, this nanocomposite was successfully applied to the rapid extraction of trace quantities of these heavy metal ions from seafood and agricultural samples and satisfactory results were obtained.

Optimization and determination of Cd (II) in different environmental water samples with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction preconcentration combined with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

PubMed

Salahinejad, Maryam; Aflaki, Fereydoon

2011-06-01

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry has been investigated for determination of Cd(II) ions in water samples. Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate was used as chelating agent. Several factors influencing the microextraction efficiency of Cd (II) ions such as extracting and dispersing solvent type and their volumes, pH, sample volume, and salting effect were optimized. The optimization was performed both via one variable at a time, and central composite design methods and the optimum conditions were selected. Both optimization methods showed nearly the same results: sample size 5 mL; dispersive solvent ethanol; dispersive solvent volume 2 mL; extracting solvent chloroform; extracting solvent volume 200 [Formula: see text]L; pH and salt amount do not affect significantly the microextraction efficiency. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.8 and 2.5 ng L( - 1), respectively. The relative standard deviation for five replicate measurements of 0.50 mg L( - 1) of Cd (II) was 4.4%. The recoveries for the spiked real samples from tap, mineral, river, dam, and sea waters samples ranged from 92.2% to 104.5%.

Release of metals from metal-amended soil treated with a sulfosuccinamate surfactant: effects of surfactant concentration, soil/solution ratio, and pH.

PubMed

Hernández-Soriano, Maria del Carmen; Peña, Aránzazu; Dolores Mingorance, Ma

2010-01-01

Anionic surfactants, mainly sulfosuccinamates, can be found in soils as the result of sludge application, wastewater irrigation, and remediation processes. Relatively high concentrations of surfactants together with multimetals can represent an environmental risk. A study was performed to assess the potential of the anionic surfactant Aerosol 22 (A22) for release of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn from a metal-amended soil representative of a Mediterranean area. Metal desorption was performed by batch experiments and release kinetics were assessed. Response surface methodology was applied to determine the influence of A22 concentration and the surfactant/soil ratio, as extraction key factors. An increase in solution/soil ratio to 100 (mL g(-1)) caused higher metal release. Leaching predictions found Pb to have the lowest and Cd the highest hazard. Metal release was highly dependent on pH. When extraction was made at pH less than 7, low or negligible amounts of metals were leached, whereas an increase to pH 7 caused desorption rates of 50 to 55% for Cd, Cu, and Zn but only 35% for Pb. Complexed metal-carboxylic groups from A22 were mainly responsible for its higher extractive capacity, especially of Cd and Cu.

Preparation of polydimethylsiloxane/beta-cyclodextrin/divinylbenzene coated "dumbbell-shaped" stir bar and its application to the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles compounds in lake water and soil by high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Yu, Chunhe; Yao, Zhimin; Hu, Bin

2009-05-08

A "dumbbell-shaped" stir bar was proposed to prevent the friction loss of coating during the stirring process, and thus prolonged the lifetime of stir bars. The effects of the coating components, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and divinylbenzene (DVB) were investigated according to an orthogonal experimental design, using three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and four polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs) as model analytes. Four kinds of stir bars coated with PDMS, PDMS/beta-CD, PDMS/DVB and PDMS/beta-CD/DVB were prepared and their extraction efficiencies for the target compounds were compared. It was demonstrated that PDMS/beta-CD/DVB-coated stir bar showed the best affinity to the studied compounds. The preparation reproducibility of PDMS/beta-CD/DVB-coated stir bar ranged from 3.2% to 15.2% (n = 6) in one batch, and 5.2% to 13.4% (n = 6) among batches. The "dumbbell-shaped" stir bar could be used for about 40 times, which were 10 extractions more than a normal stir bar. The prepared PDMS/beta-CD/DVB-coated "dumbbell-shaped" stir bar was used for stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) of PAHs and PASHs and the desorbed solution was introduced into HPLC-UV for subsequent analysis. The limits of detection of the proposed method for seven target analytes ranged from 0.007 to 0.103 microg L(-1), the relative standard deviations were in the range of 6.3-12.9% (n = 6, c = 40 microg L(-1)), and the enrichment factors were 19-86. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of seven target analytes in lake water and soil samples.

Simultaneous overlay and CD measurement for double patterning: scatterometry and RCWA approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jie; Liu, Zhuan; Rabello, Silvio; Dasari, Prasad; Kritsun, Oleg; Volkman, Catherine; Park, Jungchul; Singh, Lovejeet

2009-03-01

As optical lithography advances to 32 nm technology node and beyond, double patterning technology (DPT) has emerged as an attractive solution to circumvent the fundamental optical limitations. DPT poses unique demands on critical dimension (CD) uniformity and overlay control, making the tolerance decrease much faster than the rate at which critical dimension shrinks. This, in turn, makes metrology even more challenging. In the past, multi-pad diffractionbased overlay (DBO) using empirical approach has been shown to be an effective approach to measure overlay error associated with double patterning [1]. In this method, registration errors for double patterning were extracted from specially designed diffraction targets (three or four pads for each direction); CD variation is assumed negligible within each group of adjacent pads and not addressed in the measurement. In another paper, encouraging results were reported with a first attempt at simultaneously extracting overlay and CD parameters using scatterometry [2]. In this work, we apply scatterometry with a rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) approach to characterize two double-patterning processes: litho-etch-litho-etch (LELE) and litho-freeze-litho-etch (LFLE). The advantage of performing rigorous modeling is to reduce the number of pads within each measurement target, thus reducing space requirement and improving throughput, and simultaneously extract CD and overlay information. This method measures overlay errors and CDs by fitting the optical signals with spectra calculated from a model of the targets. Good correlation is obtained between the results from this method and that of several reference techniques, including empirical multi-pad DBO, CD-SEM, and IBO. We also perform total measurement uncertainty (TMU) analysis to evaluate the overall performance. We demonstrate that scatterometry provides a promising solution to meet the challenging overlay metrology requirement in DPT.

Liming effects on cadmium stabilization in upland soil affected by gold mining activity.

PubMed

Hong, Chang Oh; Lee, Do Kyoung; Chung, Doug Young; Kim, Pil Joo

2007-05-01

To reduce cadmium (Cd) uptake of plants cultivated in heavy metal-contaminated soil, the best liming material was selected in the incubation test. The effect of the selected material was evaluated in the field. In the incubation experimentation, CaCO(3), Ca(OH)(2), CaSO(4).2H(2)O, and oyster shell meal were mixed with soil at rates corresponding to 0, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 mg Ca kg(-1). The limed soil was moistened to 70% of field moisture capacity, and incubated at 25 degrees C for 4 weeks. Ca(OH)(2) was found to be more efficient on reducing soil NH(4)OAc extractable Cd concentration, due to pH increase induced net negative charge. The selected Ca(OH)(2) was applied at rates 0, 2, 4, 8 Mg ha(-1) and then cultivated radish (Raphanus sativa L.) in the field. NH(4)OAc extractable Cd concentration of soil and plant Cd concentration decreased significantly with increasing Ca(OH)(2) rate, since alkaline-liming material markedly increased net negative charge of soil induced by pH increase, and decreased bioavailable Cd fractions (exchangeable + acidic and reducible Cd fraction) during radish cultivation. Cadmium uptake of radish could be reduced by about 50% by amending with about 5 Mg ha(-1) Ca(OH)(2) without adverse effect on radish yield and growth. The increase of net negative charge of soil by Ca(OH)(2) application may suppress Cd uptake and the competition between Ca(2+) and Cd(2+) may additionally affect the suppression of Cd uptake.

Administration of Rhodiola kirilowii Extracts during Mouse Pregnancy and Lactation Stimulates Innate but Not Adaptive Immunity of the Offspring

PubMed Central

Skopińska-Różewska, Ewa; Brewczyńska, Aleksandra

2017-01-01

The use of antibiotics during pregnancy and lactation is associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders. One of the natural medicinal plants—Rhodiola kirilowii, widely used as an immunostimulant in adults—might be a good alternative to antibiotic treatment. The aim of present study was to assess whether daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg of Rhodiola kirilowii aqueous (RKW) or 50% hydroalcoholic (RKW-A) extracts affected hematological and immunological parameters of 6-week-old mouse progeny. There was no significant change in hematological parameters of blood with the exception of hemoglobin, which was significantly higher (about 4%) in RKW group. Offspring of mothers fed Rhodiola kirilowii extracts had increased percentage of granulocytes and decreased percentage of lymphocytes. These changes correlated with decreased percentage of CD3+/CD4+ T-cells (RKW and RKW-A), decrease of CD8+ cells, and increase percentage of NK cells in RKW group. In addition, both types of Rhodiola kirilowii extracts stimulated granulocyte phagocytosis and increased level of respiratory burst. In conclusion, the long-term supplementation of mouse mothers during pregnancy and lactation with RKW or RKW-A extracts affects the immune system of their progeny. These results should be taken into consideration before administration of Rhodiola kirilowii to pregnant and lactating women. PMID:29214185

Effect of cadmium pollution of atmospheric origin on field-grown maize in two consecutive years with diverse weather conditions.

PubMed

Anda, Angéla; Illés, Bernadett; Soós, G

2013-12-01

The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of atmospheric cadmium (Cd) pollution of atmospheric origin in maize compared to a control without Cd pollution. The plant parameters investigated were the timing of phenological phases, leaf area index (LAI) and yield, while radiation and water regime parameters were represented by albedo (reflection grade) and evapotranspiration, respectively. In treatments with and without irrigation, Cd caused a significant reduction in LAI, accompanied by lower evapotranspiration. The mean annual albedo in the Cd-polluted treatment only rose to a moderate extent in 2011 (in 2010 there was hardly any change), but changes within the year were more pronounced in certain phases of development. Cd led to greater reflection of radiation by plants during the vegetative phase, so the radiation absorption of the canopy was reduced leading to a lower level of evapotranspiration. In the dry, hot year of 2011 maize plants in the non-irrigated treatments showed a substantial reduction in grain dry matter, but maize yield losses could be reduced by irrigation in areas exposed to Cd pollution.

Comparison of single extraction procedures and the application of an index for the assessment of heavy metal bioavailability in river sediments.

PubMed

Sakan, Sanja; Popović, Aleksandar; Škrivanj, Sandra; Sakan, Nenad; Đorđević, Dragana

2016-11-01

Metals in sediments are present in different chemical forms which affect their ability to transfer. The objective of this body of work was to compare different extraction methods for the bioavailability evaluation of some elements, such as Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn from Serbian river sediments. A bioavailability risk assessment index (BRAI) was used for the quantification of heavy metal bioavailability in the sediments. Actual and potential element availability was assessed by single extractions with mild (CaCl 2 and CH 3 COONH 4 ) and acidic (CH 3 COOH) extractants and complexing agents (EDTA). Aqua regia extraction was used for the determination of the pseudo-total element content in river sediments. In different single extraction tests, higher extraction of Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb was observed than for the other elements. The results of the single extraction tests revealed that there is a considerable chance of metal leaching from the sediments assessed in this study. When the BRAI was applied, the results showed a high risk of heavy metal bioavailability in Serbian river sediments.

CD63 tetraspanin is a negative driver of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human melanoma cells.

PubMed

Lupia, Antonella; Peppicelli, Silvia; Witort, Ewa; Bianchini, Francesca; Carloni, Vinicio; Pimpinelli, Nicola; Urso, Carmelo; Borgognoni, Lorenzo; Capaccioli, Sergio; Calorini, Lido; Lulli, Matteo

2014-12-01

The CD63 tetraspanin is highly expressed in the early stages of melanoma and decreases in advanced lesions, suggesting it as a possible suppressor of tumor progression. We employed loss- and gain-of-gene-function approaches to investigate the role of CD63 in melanoma progression and acquisition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. We used two human melanoma cell lines derived from primary tumors and one primary human melanoma cell line isolated from a cutaneous metastasis, differing by levels of CD63 expression. CD63-silenced melanoma cells showed enhanced motility and invasiveness with downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin and Snail. In parallel experiments, transient and stable ectopic expression of CD63 resulted in a robust reduction of cell motility, invasiveness, and protease activities, which was proportional to the increase in CD63 protein level. Transfected cells overexpressing the highest level of CD63 when transplanted into immunodeficient mice showed a reduced incidence and rate of tumor growth. Moreover, these cells showed a reduction of N-cadherin, Vimentin, Zeb1, and a-SMA, and a significant resistance to undergo an EMT program both in basal condition and in the following stimulation with TGFβ. Thus, our results establish a previously unreported mechanistic link between the tetraspanin CD63 and EMT abrogation in melanoma.

Establishing a cost-per-result of laboratory-based, reflex Cryptococcal antigenaemia screening (CrAg) in HIV+ patients with CD4 counts less than 100 cells/μl using a Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) at a typical busy CD4 laboratory in South Africa.

PubMed

Cassim, Naseem; Schnippel, Kathryn; Coetzee, Lindi Marie; Glencross, Deborah Kim

2017-01-01

Cryptococcal meningitis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in countries with high HIV prevalence, primarily affecting patients whose CD4 are < = 100 cells/μl. Routine Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) screening is thus recommended in the South African HIV treatment guidelines for all patients with CD4 counts < = 100 cells/μl, followed by pre-emptive anti-fungal therapy where CrAg results are positive. A laboratory-based reflexed CrAg screening approach, using a Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) on remnant EDTA CD4 blood samples, was piloted at three CD4 laboratories. This study aimed to assess the cost-per-result of laboratory-based reflexed CrAg screening at one pilot CD4 referral laboratory. CD4 test volumes from 2014 were extracted to estimate percentage of CD4 < = 100 cells/μl. Daily average volumes were derived, assuming 12 months per/year and 21.73 working days per/month. Costing analyses were undertaken using Microsoft Excel and Stata with a provider prospective. The cost-per-result was estimated using a bottom-up method, inclusive of test kits and consumables (reagents), laboratory equipment and technical effort costs. The ZAR/$ exchange of 14.696/$1 was used, where applicable. One-way sensitivity analyses on the cost-per-result were conducted for possible error rates (3%- 8%, reductions or increases in reagent costs as well as test volumes (ranging from -60% to +60%). The pilot CD4 laboratory performed 267000 CD4 tests in 2014; ~ 9.3% (27500) reported CD4< = 100 cells/μl, equivalent to 106 CrAg tests performed daily. A batch of 30-tests could be performed in 1.6 hours, including preparation and analysis time. A cost-per-result of $4.28 was reported, with reagents contributing $3.11 (72.8%), while technical effort and laboratory equipment overheads contributed $1.17 (27.2%) and $0.03 (<1%) respectively. One-way sensitivity analyses including increasing or decreasing test volumes by 60% revealed a cost-per-result range of $3.84 to $6.03. A cost-per-result of $4.28 was established in a typical CD4 service laboratory to enable local budgetary cost projections and programmatic cost-effectiveness modelling. Varying reagent costs linked to currency exchange and varying test volumes in different levels of service can lead to varying cost-per-test and technical effort to manage workload, with an inverse relationship of higher costs expected at lower volumes of tests.

Anti-CD22/CD20 Bispecific antibody with enhanced trogocytosis for treatment of Lupus.

PubMed

Rossi, Edmund A; Chang, Chien-Hsing; Goldenberg, David M

2014-01-01

The humanized anti-CD22 antibody, epratuzumab, has demonstrated therapeutic activity in clinical trials of lymphoma, leukemia and autoimmune diseases, treating currently over 1500 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemias, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Because epratuzumab reduces on average only 35% of circulating B cells in patients, and has minimal antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and negligible complement-dependent cytotoxicity when evaluated in vitro, its therapeutic activity may not result completely from B-cell depletion. We reported recently that epratuzumab mediates Fc/FcR-dependent membrane transfer from B cells to effector cells via trogocytosis, resulting in a substantial reduction of multiple BCR modulators, including CD22, CD19, CD21, and CD79b, as well as key cell adhesion molecules, including CD44, CD62L, and β7 integrin, on the surface of B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from normal donors or SLE patients. Rituximab has clinical activity in lupus, but failed to achieve primary endpoints in a Phase III trial. This is the first study of trogocytosis mediated by bispecific antibodies targeting neighboring cell-surface proteins, CD22, CD20, and CD19, as demonstrated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. We show that, compared to epratuzumab, a bispecific hexavalent antibody comprising epratuzumab and veltuzumab (humanized anti-CD20 mAb) exhibits enhanced trogocytosis resulting in major reductions in B-cell surface levels of CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD79b, CD44, CD62L and β7-integrin, and with considerably less immunocompromising B-cell depletion that would result with anti-CD20 mAbs such as veltuzumab or rituximab, given either alone or in combination with epratuzumab. A CD22/CD19 bispecific hexavalent antibody, which exhibited enhanced trogocytosis of some antigens and minimal B-cell depletion, may also be therapeutically useful. The bispecific antibody is a candidate for improved treatment of lupus and other autoimmune diseases, offering advantages over administration of the two parental antibodies in combination.

Band engineering in core/shell ZnTe/CdSe for photovoltage and efficiency enhancement in exciplex quantum dot sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Jiao, Shuang; Shen, Qing; Mora-Seró, Iván; Wang, Jin; Pan, Zhenxiao; Zhao, Ke; Kuga, Yuki; Zhong, Xinhua; Bisquert, Juan

2015-01-27

Even though previously reported CdTe/CdSe type-II core/shell QD sensitizers possess intrinsic superior optoelectronic properties (such as wide absorption range, fast charge separation, and slow charge recombination) in serving as light absorbers, the efficiency of the resultant solar cell is still limited by the relatively low photovoltage. To further enhance photovoltage and cell efficiency accordingly, ZnTe/CdSe type-II core/shell QDs with much larger conduction band (CB) offset in comparison with that of CdTe/CdSe (1.22 eV vs 0.27 eV) are adopted as sensitizers in the construction of quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The augment of band offset produces an increase of the charge accumulation across the QD/TiO2 interface under illumination and induces stronger dipole effects, therefore bringing forward an upward shift of the TiO2 CB edge after sensitization and resulting in enhancement of the photovoltage of the resultant cell devices. The variation of relative chemical capacitance, Cμ, between ZnTe/CdSe and reference CdTe/CdSe cells extracted from impedance spectroscopy (IS) characterization under dark and illumination conditions clearly demonstrates that, under light irradiation conditions, the sensitization of ZnTe/CdSe QDs upshifts the CB edge of TiO2 by the level of ∼ 50 mV related to that in the reference cell and results in the enhancement of V(oc) of the corresponding cell devices. In addition, charge extraction measurements have also confirmed the photovoltage enhancement in the ZnTe/CdSe cell related to reference CdTe/CdSe cell. Furthermore, transient grating (TG) measurements have revealed a faster electron injection rate for the ZnTe/CdSe-based QDSCs in comparison with the CdSe cells. The resultant ZnTe/CdSe QD-based QDSCs exhibit a champion power conversion efficiency of 7.17% and a certified efficiency of 6.82% under AM 1.5 G full one sun illumination, which is, as far as we know, one of the highest efficiencies for liquid-junction QDSCs.

Stokes-Mueller matrix polarimetry technique for circular dichroism/birefringence sensing with scattering effects.

PubMed

Phan, Quoc-Hung; Lo, Yu-Lung

2017-04-01

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-enhanced method is proposed for measuring the circular dichroism (CD), circular birefringence (CB), and degree of polarization (DOP) of turbid media using a Stokes–Mueller matrix polarimetry technique. The validity of the analytical model is confirmed by means of numerical simulations. The simulation results show that the proposed detection method enables the CD and CB properties to be measured with a resolution of 10 ? 4 refractive index unit (RIU) and 10 ? 5 ?? RIU , respectively, for refractive indices in the range of 1.3 to 1.4. The practical feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by detecting the CB/CD/DOP properties of glucose–chlorophyllin compound samples containing polystyrene microspheres. It is shown that the extracted CB value decreases linearly with the glucose concentration, while the extracted CD value increases linearly with the chlorophyllin concentration. However, the DOP is insensitive to both the glucose concentration and the chlorophyllin concentration. Consequently, the potential of the proposed SPR-enhanced Stokes–Mueller matrix polarimetry method for high-resolution CB/CD/DOP detection is confirmed. Notably, in contrast to conventional SPR techniques designed to detect relative refractive index changes, the SPR technique proposed in the present study allows absolute measurements of the optical properties (CB/CD/DOP) to be obtained.

Phytoextraction of soil trace elements by willow during a phytoremediation trial in Southern Québec, Canada.

PubMed

Courchesne, François; Turmel, Marie-Claude; Cloutier-Hurteau, Benoît; Constantineau, Simon; Munro, Lara; Labrecque, Michel

2017-06-03

The phytoextraction of the trace elements (TEs) As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by willow cultivars (Fish Creek, SV1 and SX67) was measured during a 3-year field trial in a mildly contaminated soil. Biomass ranged from 2.8 to 4.4 Mg/ha/year at 30,000 plants/ha. Shoots (62%) were the main component followed by leaves (23%) and roots (15%). Biomass was positively linked to soluble soil dissolved organic carbon, K, and Mg, while TEs, not Cd and Zn, had a negative effect. The TE concentration ranking was: Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni, Pb > As, and distribution patterns were: (i) minima in shoots (As, Ni), (ii) maxima in leaves (Cd, Zn), or (iii) maxima in roots (Cu, Pb). Correlations between soil and plant TE were significant for the six TEs in roots. The amounts extracted were at a maximum for Zn, whereas Fish Creek and SV1 extracted more TE than SX67. More than 60% (91-94% for Cd and Zn) of the total TE was in the aboveground parts. Uptake increased with time because of higher biomass. Fertilization, the selection of cultivars, and the use of complementary plants are required to improve productivity and Cd and Zn uptake.

Walnut Phenolic Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds Suppress Colon Cancer Cell Growth by Regulating Colon Cancer Stemness.

PubMed

Lee, Jisoo; Kim, Yoo-Sun; Lee, JaeHwan; Heo, Seung Chul; Lee, Kook Lae; Choi, Sang-Woon; Kim, Yuri

2016-07-21

Walnut has been known for its health benefits, including anti-cardiovascular disease and anti-oxidative properties. However, there is limited evidence elucidating its effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs) which represent a small subset of cancer cells that provide resistance against chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-CSCs potential of walnut phenolic extract (WPE) and its bioactive compounds, including (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and gallic acid. In the present study, CD133⁺CD44⁺ cells were isolated from HCT116 cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and then treated with WPE. As a result, survival of the CD133⁺CD44⁺ HCT116 cells was inhibited and cell differentiation was induced by WPE. In addition, WPE down-regulated the CSC markers, CD133, CD44, DLK1, and Notch1, as well as the β-catenin/p-GSK3β signaling pathway. WPE suppressed the self-renewal capacity of CSCs. Furthermore, the WPE exhibited stronger anti-CSC effects than its individual bioactive compounds. Finally, the WPE inhibited specific CSC markers in primary colon cancer cells isolated from primary colon tumor. These results suggest that WPE can suppress colon cancer by regulating the characteristics of colon CSCs.

Amelioration of Cadmium-Induced Nephropathy using Polyphenol-rich Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) Leaves in Rat Model.

PubMed

Imafidon, Christian E; Akomolafe, Rufus O; Abubakar, Sanusi A; Ogundipe, Oluwadare J; Olukiran, Olaoluwa S; Ayowole, Oladele A

2015-12-15

To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) in rats with Cd-induced nephropathy. Sixty five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows; Group 1 received distilled water throughout the period of study. Group 2 received 5 mg/kg body weight of cadmium (Cd), in the form of CdSO4, for five consecutive days via intraperitoneal route. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with Cd as group 2 and thereafter received oral treatment of PEVA for 4 weeks at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Exposure to Cd toxicity significantly induced deleterious alterations in plasma and urine levels of creatinine, urea and glucose as well as creatinine and urea clearance (p < 0.05) in the rat model. There was a significant disturbance in the antioxidant system as revealed by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.05) in the kidney tissue of the rats. With marked improvements in renal histoarchitecture, PEVA treatment showed a duration and non dose-dependent ameliorative potential. PEVA treatment reversed the compromise of renal function that was induced by Cd toxicity in rat model.

Amelioration of Cadmium-Induced Nephropathy using Polyphenol-rich Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) Leaves in Rat Model

PubMed Central

Imafidon, Christian E.; Akomolafe, Rufus O.; Abubakar, Sanusi A.; Ogundipe, Oluwadare J.; Olukiran, Olaoluwa S.; Ayowole, Oladele A.

2015-01-01

AIM: To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) in rats with Cd-induced nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows; Group 1 received distilled water throughout the period of study. Group 2 received 5 mg/kg body weight of cadmium (Cd), in the form of CdSO4, for five consecutive days via intraperitoneal route. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with Cd as group 2 and thereafter received oral treatment of PEVA for 4 weeks at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure to Cd toxicity significantly induced deleterious alterations in plasma and urine levels of creatinine, urea and glucose as well as creatinine and urea clearance (p < 0.05) in the rat model. There was a significant disturbance in the antioxidant system as revealed by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.05) in the kidney tissue of the rats. With marked improvements in renal histoarchitecture, PEVA treatment showed a duration and non dose-dependent ameliorative potential. CONCLUSION: PEVA treatment reversed the compromise of renal function that was induced by Cd toxicity in rat model. PMID:27275289

Walnut Phenolic Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds Suppress Colon Cancer Cell Growth by Regulating Colon Cancer Stemness

PubMed Central

Lee, Jisoo; Kim, Yoo-Sun; Lee, JaeHwan; Heo, Seung Chul; Lee, Kook Lae; Choi, Sang-Woon; Kim, Yuri

2016-01-01

Walnut has been known for its health benefits, including anti-cardiovascular disease and anti-oxidative properties. However, there is limited evidence elucidating its effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs) which represent a small subset of cancer cells that provide resistance against chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-CSCs potential of walnut phenolic extract (WPE) and its bioactive compounds, including (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and gallic acid. In the present study, CD133+CD44+ cells were isolated from HCT116 cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and then treated with WPE. As a result, survival of the CD133+CD44+ HCT116 cells was inhibited and cell differentiation was induced by WPE. In addition, WPE down-regulated the CSC markers, CD133, CD44, DLK1, and Notch1, as well as the β-catenin/p-GSK3β signaling pathway. WPE suppressed the self-renewal capacity of CSCs. Furthermore, the WPE exhibited stronger anti-CSC effects than its individual bioactive compounds. Finally, the WPE inhibited specific CSC markers in primary colon cancer cells isolated from primary colon tumor. These results suggest that WPE can suppress colon cancer by regulating the characteristics of colon CSCs. PMID:27455311

Effect of CMV and Aging on the Differential Expression of CD300a, CD161, T-bet, and Eomes on NK Cell Subsets.

PubMed

Lopez-Sejas, Nelson; Campos, Carmen; Hassouneh, Fakhri; Sanchez-Correa, Beatriz; Tarazona, Raquel; Pera, Alejandra; Solana, Rafael

2016-01-01

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells involved in the defense against virus-infected cells and tumor cells. NK cell phenotype and function is affected with age and cytomegalovirus (CMV) latent infection. Aging affects the frequency and phenotype of NK cells, and CMV infection also contributes to these alterations. Thus, a reduction of CD56 bright NK cell subpopulation associated with age and an expansion of memory-like NK cells CD56 dim CD57 + NKG2C + probably related to CMV seropositivity have been described. NK cells express T-bet and Eomes transcription factors that are necessary for the development of NK cells. Here, we analyze the effect of age and CMV seropositivity on the expression of CD300a and CD161 inhibitory receptors, and T-bet and Eomes transcription factors in NK cell subsets defined by the expression of CD56 and CD57. CD300a is expressed by the majority of NK cells. CD56 bright NK cells express higher levels of CD300a than CD56 dim NK cells. An increase in the expression of CD300a was associated with age, whereas a decreased expression of CD161 in CD56 dim NK cells was associated with CMV seropositivity. In CD56 dim NK cells, an increased percentage of CD57 + CD300a + and a reduction in the percentage of CD161 + CD300a + cells were found to be associated with CMV seropositivity. Regarding T-bet and Eomes transcription factors, CMV seropositivity was associated with a decrease of T-bet hi in CD56 dim CD57 + NK cells from young individuals, whereas Eomes expression was increased with CMV seropositivity in both CD56 bright and CD56 dim CD57 +/- (from middle age and young individuals, respectively) and was decreased with aging in all NK subsets from the three group of age. In conclusion, CMV infection and age induce significant changes in the expression of CD300a and CD161 in NK cell subsets defined by the expression of CD56 and CD57. T-bet and Eomes are differentially expressed on NK cell subsets, and their expression is affected by CMV latent infection and aging.

GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE REMEDIATION BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-07

adoption. The technologies covered include air sparging, biosparging, soil vapor extraction (SVE), enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD), in situ...RPM Remedial Project Manager SCR selective catalytic reduction SEE steam enhanced extraction SVE soil vapor extraction TCE trichloroethene...further promote their adoption. The technologies covered include air sparging, biosparging, soil vapor extraction (SVE), enhanced reductive

Cadmium: Simulation of environmental control strategies to reduce exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yost, K. J.; Miles, L. J.; Greenkorn, R. A.

1981-07-01

The effects of selected environmental control strategies on human dietary and respiratory exposure to environmental cadmium (Cd) have been simulated. For each control strategy, mean Cd dietary and respiratory exposures are presented for a twenty-year simulation period. Human exposures related to cadmium are associated with both process waste disposal and product disposal. Dietary exposure is by far the dominant mechanism for Cd intake. Dietary exposure related to aqueous discharges is primarily a result of municipal sludge landspreading, whereas that associated with emissions to the atmosphere derives mainly from the deposition on cropland of airborne particulates from product incineration. Only relatively small dietary exposure reductions are possible through restrictions on any single Cd use. Combinations of waste management and environmental control measures promise greater reductions in dietary and respiratory exposure than those achievable through use restrictions.

Reduction of surface leakage current by surface passivation of CdZn Te and other materials using hyperthermal oxygen atoms

DOEpatents

Hoffbauer, Mark A.; Prettyman, Thomas H.

2001-01-01

Reduction of surface leakage current by surface passivation of Cd.sub.1-x Zn.sub.x Te and other materials using hyperthermal oxygen atoms. Surface effects are important in the performance of CdZnTe room-temperature radiation detectors used as spectrometers since the dark current is often dominated by surface leakage. A process using high-kinetic-energy, neutral oxygen atoms (.about.3 eV) to treat the surface of CdZnTe detectors at or near ambient temperatures is described. Improvements in detector performance include significantly reduced leakage current which results in lower detector noise and greater energy resolution for radiation measurements of gamma- and X-rays, thereby increasing the accuracy and sensitivity of measurements of radionuclides having complex gamma-ray spectra, including special nuclear materials.

Effect of chemical amendments on remediation of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) and soil quality improvement in paddy fields.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Chul; Hong, Young Kyu; Oh, Se Jin; Oh, Seung Min; Lee, Sang Phil; Kim, Do Hyung; Yang, Jae E

2017-04-01

Remediation of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in paddy fields is fundamental for crop safety. In situ application of chemical amendments has been widely adapted because of its cost-effectiveness and environmental safety. The main purpose of this research was to (1) evaluate the reduction in dissolved concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) with the application of chemical amendments and (2) monitor microbial activity in the soil to determine the remediation efficiency. Three different chemical amendments, lime stone, steel slag, and acid mine drainage sludge, were applied to paddy fields, and rice (Oryza sativa L. Milyang 23) was cultivated. The application of chemical amendments immobilized both Cd and As in soil. Between the two PTEs, As reduction was significant (p < 0.05) with the addition of chemical amendments, whereas no significant reduction was observed for Cd than that for the control. Among six soil-related variables, PTE concentration showed a negative correlation with soil pH (r = -0.70 for As and r = -0.54 for Cd) and soil respiration (SR) (r = -0.88 for As and r = -0.45 for Cd). This result indicated that immobilization of PTEs in soil is dependent on soil pH and reduces PTE toxicity. Overall, the application of chemical amendments could be utilized for decreasing PTE (As and Cd) bioavailability and increasing microbial activity in the soil.

Preconcentration determination of arsenic species by sorption of As(V) on Amberlite IRA-410 coupled with fluorescence quenching of L-cysteine capped CdS nanoparticles.

PubMed

Hosseini, Mohammad Saeid; Nazemi, Sahar

2013-10-07

A simple and accurate method for arsenic speciation analysis in natural and drinking water samples is described in which preconcentration of arsenic as As(V) was coupled with spectrofluorometric determination. The extracted As(V) species with a column containing Amberlite IRA-410 were subjected to L-cysteine capped CdS quantum dots (QDs) and the fluorescence quenching of the QDs due to reduction of As(V) by L-cysteine was considered as a signal relevant to As(V) concentration. The As(III) species were also determined after oxidation of As(III) ions to As(V) with H2O2 and measurement of the total arsenic content. In treatment with 400 mL portions of water samples containing 30 μg L(-1) As(V), the relative standard deviation was 2.8%. The detection limit of arsenic was also found to be 0.75 μg L(-1) (1 × 10(-8) M). The reliability of proposed method was confirmed using certified reference materials. The trace amounts of arsenic species were then determined in different water samples, satisfactorily.

Molecular cloning of isoflavone reductase from pea (Pisum sativum L.): evidence for a 3R-isoflavanone intermediate in (+)-pisatin biosynthesis.

PubMed

Paiva, N L; Sun, Y; Dixon, R A; VanEtten, H D; Hrazdina, G

1994-08-01

Isoflavone reductase (IFR) reduces achiral isoflavones to chiral isoflavanones during the biosynthesis of chiral pterocarpan phytoalexins. A cDNA clone for IFR from pea (Pisum sativum) was isolated using the polymerase chain reaction and expressed in Escherichia coli. Analysis of circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the reduction product sophorol obtained using the recombinant enzyme indicated that the isoflavanone possessed the 3R stereochemistry, in contrast to previous reports indicating a 3S-isoflavanone as the product of the pea IFR. Analysis of CD spectra of sophorol produced using enzyme extracts of CuCl2-treated pea seedlings confirmed the 3R stereochemistry. Thus, the stereochemistry of the isoflavanone intermediate in (+)-pisatin biosynthesis in pea is the same as that in (-)-medicarpin biosynthesis in alfalfa, although the final pterocarpans have the opposite stereochemistry. At the amino acid level the pea IFR cDNA was 91.8 and 85.2% identical to the IFRs from alfalfa and chickpea, respectively. IFR appears to be encoded by a single gene in pea. Its transcripts are highly induced in CuCl2-treated seedlings, consistent with the appearance of IFR enzyme activity and pisatin accumulation.

Chromium behavior during thermal treatment of MSW fly ash.

PubMed

Kirk, Donald W; Chan, Chris C Y; Marsh, Hilary

2002-02-14

Energy-from-waste incineration has been promoted as an environmentally responsible method for handling non-recyclable waste from households. Despite the benefits of energy production, elimination of organic residues and reduction of volume of waste to be landfilled, there is concern about fly ash disposal. Fly ash from an incinerator contains toxic species such as Pb, Zn, Cd and Cr which may leach into soil and ground water if landfilled. Thermal treatment of the fly ash from municipal solid waste has been tested and proposed as a treatment option for removal of metal species such as Pb, Cd and Zn, via thermal re-volatilization. However, Cr is an element that remains in the residue of the heat treated fly ash and appears to become more soluble. This Cr solubilization is of concern if it exceeds the regulatory limit for hazardous waste. Hence, this unexpected behavior of Cr was investigated. The initial work involved microscopic characterization of Cr in untreated and thermally-treated MSW fly ash. This was followed by determining leaching characteristics using standard protocol leaching tests and characterization leaching methods (sequential extraction). Finally, a mechanism explaining the increased solubilization was proposed and tested by reactions of synthetic chemicals.

Thiopurine treatment in patients with Crohn's disease leads to a selective reduction of an effector cytotoxic gene expression signature revealed by whole-genome expression profiling.

PubMed

Bouma, G; Baggen, J M; van Bodegraven, A A; Mulder, C J J; Kraal, G; Zwiers, A; Horrevoets, A J; van der Pouw Kraan, C T M

2013-07-01

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, as a result of aberrant activation of the innate immune system through TLR stimulation by bacterial products. The conventional immunosuppressive thiopurine derivatives (azathioprine and mercaptopurine) are used to treat CD. The effects of thiopurines on circulating immune cells and TLR responsiveness are unknown. To obtain a global view of affected gene expression of the immune system in CD patients and the treatment effect of thiopurine derivatives, we performed genome-wide transcriptome analysis on whole blood samples from 20 CD patients in remission, of which 10 patients received thiopurine treatment, compared to 16 healthy controls, before and after TLR4 stimulation with LPS. Several immune abnormalities were observed, including increased baseline interferon activity, while baseline expression of ribosomal genes was reduced. After LPS stimulation, CD patients showed reduced cytokine and chemokine expression. None of these effects were related to treatment. Strikingly, only one highly correlated set of 69 genes was affected by treatment, not influenced by LPS stimulation and consisted of genes reminiscent of effector cytotoxic NK cells. The most reduced cytotoxicity-related gene in CD was the cell surface marker CD160. Concordantly, we could demonstrate an in vivo reduction of circulating CD160(+)CD3(-)CD8(-) cells in CD patients after treatment with thiopurine derivatives in an independent cohort. In conclusion, using genome-wide profiling, we identified a disturbed immune activation status in peripheral blood cells from CD patients and a clear treatment effect of thiopurine derivatives selectively affecting effector cytotoxic CD160-positive cells. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by employing ZnO/Ag1-xCux/CdS and related heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lingampalli, S. R.; Ayyub, Mohd Monis; Magesh, Ganesan; Rao, C. N. R.

2018-01-01

In view of the great importance of finding ways to reduce CO2 by using solar energy, we have examined the advantage of employing heterostructures containing bimetallic alloys for the purpose. This choice is based on the knowledge that metals such as Pt reduce CO2, although the activity may not be considerable. Our studies on the reduction of CO2 by ZnO/M/CdS (M = Ag, Au, Ag1-xAux, Ag1-xCux) heterostructures in liquid phase have shown good results specially in the case of ZnO/Ag1-xCux/CdS, reaching a CO production activity of 327.4 μmol h-1 g-1. The heterostructures also reduce CO2 in the gas-phase although the production activity is not high. Some of the heterostructures exhibit reduction of CO2 even in the absence of a sacrificial reagent.

Improved isolation of cadmium from paddy soil by novel technology based on pore water drainage with graphite-contained electro-kinetic geosynthetics.

PubMed

Tang, Xianqiang; Li, Qingyun; Wang, Zhenhua; Hu, Yanping; Hu, Yuan; Scholz, Miklas

2018-03-10

Novel soil remediation equipment based on electro-kinetic geosynthetics (EKG) was developed for in situ isolation of metals from paddy soil. Two mutually independent field plot experiments A and B (with and without electric current applied) were conducted. After saturation using ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ) and calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ), soil water drainage capacity, soil cadmium (Cd) removal performance, energy consumption as well as soil residual of iron (Fe) and chloride (Cl) were assessed. Cadmium dissolved in the soil matrix and resulted in a 100% increase of diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extracted phyto-available Cd. The total soil Cd content reductions were 15.20% and 26.58% for groups A and B, respectively, and electric field applications resulted in a 74.87% increase of soil total Cd removal. The electric energy consumption was only 2.17 kWh/m 3 for group B. Drainage by gravity contributed to > 90% of the overall soil dewatering capacity. Compared to conventional electro-kinetic technology, excellent and fast soil water drainage resulted in negligible hydrogen ion (H + ) and hydroxide ion (OH - ) accumulation at nearby electrode zones, which addressed the challenge of anode corrosion and cathode precipitation of soil metals. External addition of FeCl 3 and CaCl 2 caused soil Fe and Cl residuals and led to 4.33-7.59% and 139-172% acceptable augments in soil total Fe and Cl content, correspondingly, if compared to original untreated soils. Therefore, the novel soil remediation equipment developed based on EKG can be regarded as a promising new in situ technology for thoroughly isolating metals from large-scale paddy soil fields.

Infliximab reduces hospitalizations and surgery interventions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Costa, João; Magro, Fernando; Caldeira, Daniel; Alarcão, Joana; Sousa, Rita; Vaz-Carneiro, António

2013-09-01

We systematically reviewed infliximab benefit in reducing hospitalizations and/or major surgery rates in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A literature search to May 2012 was performed to identify all studies (experimental and observational) evaluating patients with IBD treated with infliximab and providing data on hospitalizations and/or major surgery rates. Three reviewers independently performed studies' selection, quality assessment, and data extraction. Analyses were carried according to study design (randomized clinical trials [RCTs] and observational studies) and IBD type (Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to derive pooled and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimates of odds ratios (OR). Heterogeneity was assessed with I test. Twenty-seven eligible studies were included (9 RCTs and 18 observational studies). Infliximab reduced hospitalization risk, both in pooled RCTs (OR, 0.51; 95% CI 0.40-0.65; I = 0%) and results of observational studies (OR, 0.29, 95% CI, 0.19-0.43; I = 87%), without differences between CD and UC. Infliximab reduced surgery risk in pooled RCTs results, both in CD (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15-0.64; I = 0%) and UC (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.88; I = 0%). Pooled estimate from observational studies favored infliximab for patients with CD (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.21-0.49; I = 77%), but not for patients with UC. The best evidence available points toward a reduction of the risk of hospitalization and major surgery requirement in patients with IBD treated with infliximab. This impact is clinically and economically relevant because hospitalization and surgery are considered to be markers of disease severity and significantly contribute to the total direct costs associated with IBD.

Assessment of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ag leaching from electronics waste using four extraction methods.

PubMed

Keith, Ashley; Keesling, Kara; Fitzwater, Kendra K; Pichtel, John; Houy, Denise

2008-12-01

Heavy metals present in electronic components may leach upon disposal and therefore pose significant environmental hazards. The potential leaching of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ag from PC cathode ray tubes, printed circuit boards (PCBs), PC mice, TV remote controls, and mobile phones was assessed. After controlled crushing, each component was extracted using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), EPA Method 1312 (SPLP), NEN 7371 (Dutch Environmental Agency), and DIN S4 (Germany). The TCLP consistently leached the greatest amounts of Pb from all components. The SPLP, NEN 7371 and DIN S4 extracted relatively small amounts of metals compared with the TCLP and were not considered effective as leaching tests for e-waste. The smallest size fraction (< 2 mm) of CRT glass and PCBs leached significantly (p < 0.05) highest Pb via the TCLP. A modified TCLP removed 50.9% more extractable Pb compared with the conventional procedure.

[Study on molecular recognition technology in active constituents extracted and isolated from Aconitum pendulum].

PubMed

Ma, Xue-Qin; Li, Guo-Shan; Fu, Xue-Yan; Ma, Jing-Zu

2011-03-01

To investigate CD molecular recognition technology applied in active constituents extracted and isolated from traditional Chinese medicine--Aconitum pendulum. The inclusion constant and form probability of the inclusion complex of Aconitum pendulum with p-CD was calculated by UV spectra method. The active constituents of Aconitum pendulum were extracted and isolated by molecular recognition technology. The inclusion complex was identified by UV. The chemical constituents of Aconitum pendulum and inclusion complex was determined by HPLC. The analgesic effects of inclusion complex was investigated by experiment of intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid in rats. The inclusion complex was identified and confirmed by UV spectra method, the chemical components of inclusion complex were simple, and the content of active constituents increased significantly, the analgesic effects of inclusion complex was well. The molecular recognition technology can be used for extracting and isolating active constituents of Aconitum pendulum, and the effects are obvious.

Effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on cadmium-induced testicular histomorphometric and immunohistochemical alterations in albino rats

PubMed Central

Nooh, Hanna Z.

2013-01-01

The present study examined the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum (basil) extract, a natural herb, with antioxidant properties, against testicular toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd), which is one of the most important toxic heavy metals. The intoxicated rats showed significant alterations in the testicular tissue including decreased seminiferous epithelium height and changes in the arrangement of spermatogenic layers. Hypospermatogensis with cytoplasmic vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei were observed. Intertubular hemorrahage and absence of spermatozoa were noted. Decreased cell proliferation was reflected by a decrease in Ki-67 expression, whereas the increase in apoptotic rate was associated with a decrease in the Bcl/Bax ratio. Concomitant treatment with aqueous basil extract led to an improvement in histological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical changes induced by Cd. The beneficial effects of basil extract could be attributed to its antioxidant properties. PMID:23869259

DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER AND METALS: EFFECTS OF PH ON PARTITIONING NATURAL ORGANIC MATTER IN SOILS AND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Eighteen Dutch soils were extracted in aqueous solutions at varying pH. Extracts were analyzed for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by ICP-AES. Extract dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was fractionated into three operationally defined fractions: hydrophilic acids (Hyd), fulvic acids (FA), an...

Mushroom plant workers experience a shift towards a T helper type 2 dominant state: contribution of innate immunity to spore antigen

PubMed Central

SAIKAI, T; TANAKA, H; SATO, N; ABE, S; MATSUURA, A

2004-01-01

Contemporary mushroom factories are places where there is a substantial risk of the occurrence of respiratory allergy. The aims of this investigation were to estimate its causative agents and to evaluate the contribution of innate immune response in mushroom workers who cultivate Hypsizigus marmoreus (Bunashimeji). Cross-sectional and follow-up studies were performed in the factory. We investigated CD1b, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD45RO, CD62L and CD161 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by flow cytometry, and serum levels of interleukin (IL-2), IL-4, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-γ by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Co-culture experiments of PBMC with spore extracts were also performed. Percentages of CD1b+ monocytes, natural killer (NK), NK T and CD4+ T cells were increased in the workers compared with controls. Increases in Th2 type cells, Th2/Th1 ratio and serum IL-13 and decreased IFN-γ were detected, indicating a Th2-biased status of the workers. The follow-up study showed that monocytes and NK cells increased soon after employment while CD4+ T, Th2 and NK T cells increased gradually as employment time lengthened. Serum precipitating antibody to the mushroom antigen could be detected at a later stage. Co-cultivation of PBMC with the spore extracts induced much higher CD1b expression, and suppressed secretion of Th1 cytokine in culture supernatants. These results indicate that the mushroom antigen contains highly immunogenic substances which stimulate PBMC into a Th2-biased in vivo status, and innate immune cells might also play a critical role in developing respiratory allergy in mushroom workers. PMID:14678272

Effect of nanohydroxyapatite on cadmium leaching and environmental risks under simulated acid rain.

PubMed

Zhao, Chenchen; Ren, Shuxia; Zuo, Qingqing; Wang, Shutao; Zhou, Yapeng; Liu, Wei; Liang, Shuxuan

2018-06-15

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil is a global environmental pollution issue. Nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP) has been used in soil remediation to immobilize cadmium in contaminated soils. However, the effect of acid rain on the export of cadmium from topsoil and its behavior in deep soil and leachate is unclear. In this study, column experiments and development of parsimonious model were performed to estimate Cd leaching behavior from topsoil and environmental risk of groundwater after 0.5% NHAP remediation. Four leaching events were performed and total Cd, different fractions of Cd determined by sequential extraction procedure and pH were determined for each leaching. The results show that with the export of Cd in topsoil, the total Cd concentration in soil at different depths had the following vertical distributions: 0-5 cm > 5-10 cm > 10-15 cm > 15-20 cm. NHAP treatment increased the soil pH and decreased Cd leaching loss by 56.45% compared to the control, and the results fit the parabolic diffusion model. With sequential extraction it was observed that NHAP application increased the residual fraction of cadmium in soil. After leaching, there was a positive correlation between soil pH and Cd concentration with regards to the exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable and residual Cd fractions. The parabolic diffusion model showed that Cd-contaminated soil with NHAP remediation is harmless to humans after sufficient remediation duration, whereas the resultant concentrations from the CK treatment could be toxic. The results indicate that nanohydroxyapatite could significantly reduce the bioavailability of cadmium and the environmental risk. However, the release of Ca and P from the dissolution of NHAP should be carefully studied as this will impact the mobilization of Cd or colloid Cd, and high leaching of P may result in P-induced eutrophication risk. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Applicability of Phytoextraction with Arabidopsis halleri ssp. gemmifera to Remediate Cd-contaminated Andisols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kameyama, Koji; Tani, Shigeru; Sugawara, Reiko; Ishikawa, Yuichi

The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of phytoextraction with a Cd-hyperaccumulator plant (Arabidopsis halleri ssp. gemmifera) to remediate Cd-contaminated Andisols. Cd absorption potentials of this plant for Andisols were examined in pot experiments. Sequentially, phytoextraction durations for remediation of Cd-contaminated Andisols were calculated from the experimental data. The results were as follows: (1) Cd concentrations in the plant shoots ranged from 170-750 mgṡkg-1. (2) Cd absorption of the plant for Andisols with ALC (Autoclaved Lightweight aerated Concrete) was less than for Andisols without ALC. However, the plants absorbed the same amount of soil Cd extracted by 0.01 M HCl with or without ALC. (3) Calculations suggest that the applicability of phytoextraction with this plant is high for slightly contaminated Andisols. Therefore, phytoextraction with Arabidopsis halleri ssp. gemmifera may be a viable option for the remediation of Cd-contaminated Andisols.

Chemical fractionation of metals in wetland sediments: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

PubMed

Dollar, N L; Souch, C J; Filippelli, G M; Mastalerz, M

2001-09-15

Tessier-type (1979) sequential extractions for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) were conducted on sediments from two wetland sites, one inundated and the other drained, within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (IDNL), NW Indiana, with the objective of (i) evaluating extraction techniques on organic-rich sediments, (ii) determining the geochemistry and mobility of potentially biotoxic trace metals in a contaminated environment, and (iii) considering the implications of different restoration strategies on the potential for heavy metal remobilization. Long and repeated extractions were needed to effectively degrade the organic-rich sediments (up to 75% of the sediment by mass). Analysis of sulfur fractionation revealed that it was predominantly sequestered along with the organically bound fraction (renamed oxidizable). Metal recovery was good with the sum of the extractant steps typically within 20% of the total metal concentration determined after total microwave digestion. Results showed metal fractionation to be both metal- and site-specific, The oxidizable fraction is dominant for Cu, Cr, and Fe (>65% of the nonresidual fraction for almost all samples) and overall is most important also for Cd and Pb. The iron/manganese oxide fraction is important for Pb, Mn, and Zn, particularly at the drained site. The carbonate bound fraction is relatively insignificant at both sites, except for Cd and Mn, although it is more important at the drained site. The exchangeable fraction is significant in the uppermost sediments at the drained site, particularly for Cd (3-24%), Pb (3-14%), and Zn (36-45%); whereas, for the inundated site, it ranged only from 0 to 1% Zn, with no detectable Cd or Pb. Chromium, Cu, and Fe exist in forms not likely to be remobilized, whereas Cd, Mn, Pb, and Zn are potentially mobile if drained wetland sites are reflooded (and pH and redox potential altered). Simple mass balance calculations illustrate the potential for the removal of approximately 84,375 kg of exchangeable Zn if currently drained sites across the IDNL are reflooded, with concentrations in water draining into Lake Michigan as high as 5 ppm.

Bioavailability and bioaccumulation of heavy metals of several soils and sediments (from industrialized urban areas) for Eisenia fetida.

PubMed

Coelho, C; Foret, C; Bazin, C; Leduc, L; Hammada, M; Inácio, M; Bedell, J P

2018-09-01

Soils and sediments are susceptible to anthropogenic contamination with Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs) and it can present some risks to ecosystems and human health. The levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn were assessed in soils (C, G, K, L) from Estarreja (Portugal) and sediments from a stormwater basin in Lyon (DJG), a harbour (LDB) and a Rhône river site (TRS) (France). An ecotoxicological study was performed with Eisenia fetida (E. fetida) to infer about potential transfer risks to the soil invertebrates. To assess risks associated with MTEs contamination, it is important to know their total concentrations, fractionation and the potential available fractions. CaCl 2 , DTPA and NaOAc extractions were performed to assess the extractable and available MTEs fractions. The studied sediments were much more contaminated than the soils for all the MTEs analysed. The trace elements fraction linked with DTPA extraction shows higher values when compared with the NaOAc and the CaCl 2 pools. Low mortality effects were recorded in the tests with E. fetida. The MTEs levels in soils and sediments and the concentrations bioaccumulated in adult earthworms contributed to a reduction in the number of juveniles produced. E. fetida adults and juveniles accumulated ETMs as follows: Cd > Cu = Zn > Ni > Pb > Fe. Determined BAFs were mostly lower than 1 with some higher values for Cd, Cu and Zn. Calculated SET and ERITME indexes allowed to classify the samples from the most to the less toxic for E. fetida as: LDB > DJG > L > G > C > K > TRS. Despite this order of toxicity, the earthworms exposed to the sediment TRS presented the lowest reproduction rate. The combination of "chemical" measurements with the calculation of BAFs, but especially SET and ERITME indexes can be a useful tool in risk assessment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trace element phytoextraction from contaminated soil: a case study under Mediterranean climate.

PubMed

Guidi Nissim, Werther; Palm, Emily; Mancuso, Stefano; Azzarello, Elisa

2018-03-01

The current field study aims to assess the suitability of four different plant species (i.e. poplar, willow, hemp and alfalfa) to be used for trace element (TE) (i.e. Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) phytoextraction under hot-arid Mediterranean climate conditions. Plants were grown for two consecutive years on a moderate TE contaminated soil, supplied with water and mineral nutrients. The growth and physiological parameters were assessed throughout the trial to compare the response of plants to the environmental pollution, and TE uptake rates were measured for aboveground plant tissues. The phytoextraction rate for each species was expressed as a function of aboveground biomass yield and the TE uptake and translocation within the plant. Alfalfa played a significant role in reducing extractable Ni (60.6%) and Zn (46%) in the soil, whereas hemp reduced 32% of extractable Cd and 46% of extractable Pb; poplar decreased extractable Cd (37%), Ni (49%), Pb (46%) and Zn (63%); and willow reduced the extractable Zn (73%) compared to the beginning of the trial. No change in total TE content was observed; however, poplar and willow were able to extract and accumulate the highest amount of Zn (3200 and 5200 g ha -1  year -1 respectively) and Cu (182 and 116 g ha -1  year -1 ), whereas hemp, with 36 g ha -1  year -1 , showed the best phytoextraction potential for Pb. Overall, we found a positive correlation between the phytoextraction rate and biomass yield, extractable TE concentration and translocation factor (TF) and a negative relationship with Ca concentration in the soil.

The Role of Monocarboxylate Transporters and Their Chaperone CD147 in Lactate Efflux Inhibition and the Anticancer Effects of Terminalia chebula in Neuroblastoma Cell Line N2-A

PubMed Central

Messeha, S. S.; Zarmouh, N. O.; Taka, E.; Gendy, S. G.; Shokry, G. R.; Kolta, M. G.; Soliman, K. F. A.

2016-01-01

Aims In the presence of oxygen, most of the synthesized pyruvate during glycolysis in the cancer cell of solid tumors is released away from the mitochondria to form lactate (Warburg Effect). To maintain cell homeostasis, lactate is transported across the cell membrane by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The major aim of the current investigation is to identify novel compounds that inhibit lactate efflux that may lead to identifying effective targets for cancer treatment. Study Design In this study, 900 ethanol plant extracts were screened for their lactate efflux inhibition using neuroblastoma (N2-A) cell line. Additionally, we investigated the mechanism of inhibition for the most potent plant extract regarding monocarboxylate transporters expression, and consequences effects on viability, growth, and apoptosis. Methodology The potency of lactate efflux inhibition of ethanol plant extracts was evaluated in N2-A cells by measuring extracellular lactate levels. Caspase 3- activity and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining were performed to assess the apoptotic effect. The antiproliferative effect was measured using WST assay. Western blotting was performed to quantify protein expression of MCTs and their chaperone CD147 in treated cells lysates. Results Terminalia chebula plant extract was the most potent lactate efflux inhibitor in N2-A cells among the 900 - tested plant extracts. The results obtained show that extract of Terminalia chebula fruits (TCE) significantly (P = 0.05) reduced the expression of the MCT1, MCT3, MCT4 and the chaperone CD147. The plant extract was more potent (IC50 of 3.59 ± 0.26 μg/ml) than the MCT standard inhibitor phloretin (IC50 76.54 ± 3.19 μg/ml). The extract also showed more potency and selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells than DI-TNC1 primary cell line (IC50 7.37 ± 0.28 vs. 17.35 ± 0.19 μg/ml). Moreover, TCE Inhibited N2-A cell growth (IG50 = 5.20 ± 0.30 μg/ml) and induced apoptosis at the 7.5 μg/ml concentration. Conclusion Out of the 900 plant extracts screened, Terminalia chebula ethanol extract was found to be the most potent lactate efflux inhibitor with the ability to inhibit chaperone CD147 expression and impact the function of monocarboxylate transporters. Furthermore, TCE was found to have growth inhibition and apoptotic effects. The results obtained indicate that Terminalia chebula constituent(s) may contain promising compounds that can be useful in the management of neuroblastoma cancer. PMID:27158628

A Vaccine Therapy for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis Promoted Significant Improvement of Clinical and Immune Status with Reduction in Parasite Burden

PubMed Central

Roatt, Bruno Mendes; Aguiar-Soares, Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira; Reis, Levi Eduardo Soares; Cardoso, Jamille Mirelle de Oliveira; Mathias, Fernando Augusto Siqueira; de Brito, Rory Cristiane Fortes; da Silva, Sydnei Magno; Gontijo, Nelder De Figueiredo; Ferreira, Sidney de Almeida; Valenzuela, Jesus G.; Corrêa-Oliveira, Rodrigo; Giunchetti, Rodolfo Cordeiro; Reis, Alexandre Barbosa

2017-01-01

Herein, we evaluated the treatment strategy employing a therapeutic heterologous vaccine composed of antigens of Leishmania braziliensis associated with MPL adjuvant (LBMPL vaccine) for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in symptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. Sixteen dogs received immunotherapy with MPL adjuvant (n = 6) or with a vaccine composed of antigens of L. braziliensis associated with MPL (LBMPL vaccine therapy, n = 10). Dogs were submitted to an immunotherapeutic scheme consisting of 3 series composed of 10 subcutaneous doses with 10-day interval between each series. The animals were evaluated before (T0) and 90 days after treatment (T90) for their biochemical/hematological, immunological, clinical, and parasitological variables. Our major results showed that the vaccine therapy with LBMPL was able to restore and normalize main biochemical (urea, AST, ALP, and bilirubin) and hematological (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets) parameters. In addition, in an ex vivo analysis using flow cytometry, dogs treated with LBMPL vaccine showed increased CD3+ T lymphocytes and their subpopulations (TCD4+ and TCD8+), reduction of CD21+ B lymphocytes, increased NK cells (CD5−CD16+) and CD14+ monocytes. Under in vitro conditions, the animals developed a strong antigen-specific lymphoproliferation mainly by TCD4+ and TCD8+ cells; increasing in both TCD4+IFN-γ+ and TCD8+IFN-γ+ as well as reduction of TCD4+IL-4+ and TCD8+IL-4+ lymphocytes with an increased production of TNF-α and reduced levels of IL-10. Concerning the clinical signs of canine visceral leishmaniasis, the animals showed an important reduction in the number and intensity of the disease signs; increase body weight as well as reduction of splenomegaly. In addition, the LBMPL immunotherapy also promoted a reduction in parasite burden assessed by real-time PCR. In the bone marrow, we observed seven times less parasites in LBMPL animals compared with MPL group. The skin tissue showed a reduction in parasite burden in LBMPL dogs 127.5 times higher than MPL. As expected, with skin parasite reduction promoted by immunotherapy, we observed a blocking transmission to sand flies in LBMPL dogs with only three positive dogs after xenodiagnosis. The results obtained in this study highlighted the strong potential for the use of this heterologous vaccine therapy as an important strategy for VL treatment. PMID:28321217

Cloud Point Extraction for Electroanalysis: Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Cadmium

PubMed Central

Rusinek, Cory A.; Bange, Adam; Papautsky, Ian; Heineman, William R.

2016-01-01

Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a well-established technique for the pre-concentration of hydrophobic species from water without the use of organic solvents. Subsequent analysis is then typically performed via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the suitability of CPE for electroanalytical methods such as stripping voltammetry has not been reported. We demonstrate the use of CPE for electroanalysis using the determination of cadmium (Cd2+) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) as a representative example. Rather than using the chelating agents which are commonly used in CPE to form a hydrophobic, extractable metal complex, we used iodide and sulfuric acid to neutralize the charge on Cd2+ to form an extractable ion pair. Triton X-114 was chosen as the surfactant for the extraction because its cloud point temperature is near room temperature (22–25° C). Bare glassy carbon (GC), bismuth-coated glassy carbon (Bi-GC), and mercury-coated glassy carbon (Hg-GC) electrodes were compared for the CPE-ASV. A detection limit for Cd2+ of 1.7 nM (0.2 ppb) was obtained with the Hg-GC electrode. Comparison of ASV analysis without CPE was also investigated and a 20x decrease (4.0 ppb) in the detection limit was observed. The suitability of this procedure for the analysis of tap and river water samples was also demonstrated. This simple, versatile, environmentally friendly and cost-effective extraction method is potentially applicable to a wide variety of transition metals and organic compounds that are amenable to detection by electroanalytical methods. PMID:25996561

Green-synthesized CdS nano-pesticides: Toxicity on young instars of malaria vectors and impact on enzymatic activities of the non-target mud crab Scylla serrata.

PubMed

Sujitha, Vasu; Murugan, Kadarkarai; Dinesh, Devakumar; Pandiyan, Amuthvalli; Aruliah, Rajasekar; Hwang, Jiang-Shiou; Kalimuthu, Kandasamy; Panneerselvam, Chellasamy; Higuchi, Akon; Aziz, Al Thabiani; Kumar, Suresh; Alarfaj, Abdullah A; Vaseeharan, Baskaralingam; Canale, Angelo; Benelli, Giovanni

2017-07-01

Currently, nano-formulated mosquito larvicides have been widely proposed to control young instars of malaria vector populations. However, the fate of nanoparticles in the aquatic environment is scarcely known, with special reference to the impact of nanoparticles on enzymatic activity of non-target aquatic invertebrates. In this study, we synthesized CdS nanoparticles using a green protocol relying on the cheap extract of Valoniopsis pachynema algae. CdS nanoparticles showed high toxicity on young instars of the malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi and A. sundaicus. The antimalarial activity of the nano-synthesized product against chloroquine-resistant (CQ-r) Plasmodium falciparum parasites was investigated. From a non-target perspective, we focused on the impact of this novel nano-pesticide on antioxidant enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities of the mud crab Scylla serrata. The characterization of nanomaterials was carried out by UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, as well as SEM and XRD analyses. In mosquitocidal assays, LC 50 of V. pachynema-synthesized CdS nanoparticles on A. stephensi ranged from 16.856 (larva I), to 30.301μg/ml (pupa), while for An. sundaicus they ranged from 13.584 to 22.496μg/ml. The antiplasmodial activity of V. pachynema extract and CdS nanoparticles was evaluated against CQ-r and CQ-sensitive (CQ-s) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. IC 50 of V. pachynema extract was 58.1μg/ml (CQ-s) and 71.46μg/ml (CQ-r), while nano-CdS IC 50 was 76.14μg/ml (CQ-s) and 89.21μg/ml (CQ-r). In enzymatic assays, S. serrata crabs were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations, i.e. 4, 6 and 8μg/ml of CdS nanoparticles, assessing changes in GST and AChE activity after 16days. We observed significantly higher activity of GST, if compared to the control, during the whole experiment period. In addition, a single treatment with CdS nanoparticles led to a significant decrease in AChE activity over time. The toxicity of CdS nanoparticles and Cd ions in aqueous solution was also assessed in mud crabs, showing higher toxicity of aqueous Cd ions if compared to nano-CdS. Overall, our results underlined the efficacy of green-synthesized CdS nanoparticles in malaria vector control, outlining also significant impacts on the enzymatic activity of non-target aquatic organisms, with special reference to mud crabs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Marble wastes and pig slurry improve the environmental and plant-relevant properties of mine tailings.

PubMed

Kabas, S; Faz, A; Acosta, J A; Arocena, J M; Zornoza, R; Martínez-Martínez, S; Carmona, D M

2014-02-01

Poor soil fertility is often the biggest challenge to the establishment of vegetation in mine wastes deposits. We conducted field trials in the El Gorguel and El Lirio sites in SE Spain, two representative tailing ponds of similar properties except for pH, to understand the environmental and plant-relevant benefits of marble waste (MW) and pig slurry (PS) applications to mine tailings. Low pH (5.4) tailings (El Lirio) exhibit reduction of up to fourfold in bio-availability of metals as shown by the DTPA-Zn, Pb, water-soluble Zn, Pb and up to 3× for water-soluble Cd. Tailings in El Gorguel have high pH (7.4) and did not exhibit significant trends in the reductions of water-extractable Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu. Improvements to the edaphic (plant-relevant) properties of tailings after the amendments are not as sensitive to pH compared to the environmental characteristics. The two sites had increases in aggregate stability, organic matter (total N and organic C) although total N is higher in the El Gorguel (up to 212 μg N kg(-1)) than the El Lirio (up to 26 μg N kg(-1)). However, cation exchange capacities are similar in both sites at 15.2 cmol(+) kg(-1). We conclude that the characteristics, especially pH, of tailing materials significantly influence the fate of metals but not improvements to plant-relevant properties such as cation exchange capacity and aggregate stability 1 year after the application of MW and PS amendments.

Sodium-sulfur battery flight experiment definition study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Rebecca; Minck, Robert

1989-01-01

NaS batteries have been identified as the most likely successor to space Ni-H2 or Ni-Cd batteries, primarily due to a mass reduction by a factor 2 to 3 over Ni-H2 and by a factor of 4 over Ni-Cd. This yields major launch cost reductions or payload mass improvements. NaS batteries support NASA OAST's proposed Civil Space Technology Initiative goal of a factor of two improvement in spacecraft 2000 initiative. Since Ni-H2 and Ni-Cd batteries have been space flight proven, it is essential to have the flight experiment to establish a national space technology base to demonstrate the operation of the NaS battery for space applications.

Immunological changes in peripheral blood and in lymphoid tissue after treatment of HIV-infected subjects with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) or HAART + IL-2

PubMed Central

Zanussi, S; Simonelli, C; Bortolin, M T; D'Andrea, M; Crepaldi, C; Vaccher, E; Nasti, G; Politi, D; Barzan, L; Tirelli, U; De Paoli, P

1999-01-01

This study presents the immunophenotypic and functional analysis of lymphocyte subsets obtained from peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue from HIV+ individuals treated with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) alone or in combination with 6 million units international (MUI) s.c. IL-2. Before treatment, the HIV+ patients had reduced CD4 and increased CD8 values in the peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue and impaired cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). After 24 weeks of treatment, all the HIV+ patients demonstrated increased CD4 values in peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue. The use of IL-2 did not promote an additional CD4 expansion compared with HAART alone; increased ‘naive’ and CD26+ CD4 cells and reduced CD8 cells were found in the peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue of the IL-2-treated, but not of the HAART-treated patients. Both types of treatment induced a significant reduction of the CD8/CD38+ cells. While HAART alone had negligible effects on cytokine production by PBMC, the combined use of HAART + IL-2 was unable to increase the endogenous production of IL-2, but caused an increase of IL-4, IL-13 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and a reduction of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production. These data suggest that, although in this schedule IL-2 has minimal efficacy on CD4 recovery when compared with HAART alone, it produces an increase of ‘naive’ and CD26+CD4 cells and a partial restoration of cytokine production. These data may be used to better define clinical trials aiming to improve the IL-2-dependent immunological reconstitution of HIV-infected subjects. PMID:10361239

Notch1 inhibition alters the CD44hi/CD24lo population and reduces the formation of brain metastases from breast cancer.

PubMed

McGowan, Patricia M; Simedrea, Carmen; Ribot, Emeline J; Foster, Paula J; Palmieri, Diane; Steeg, Patricia S; Allan, Alison L; Chambers, Ann F

2011-07-01

Brain metastasis from breast cancer is an increasingly important clinical problem. Here we assessed the role of CD44(hi)/CD24(lo) cells and pathways that regulate them, in an experimental model of brain metastasis. Notch signaling (mediated by γ-secretase) has been shown to contribute to maintenance of the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. Cells sorted for a reduced stem-like phenotype had a reduced ability to form brain metastases compared with unsorted or CD44(hi)/CD24(lo) cells (P < 0.05; Kruskal-Wallis). To assess the effect of γ-secretase inhibition, cells were cultured with DAPT and the CD44/CD24 phenotypes quantified. 231-BR cells with a CD44(hi)/CD24(lo) phenotype was reduced by about 15% in cells treated with DAPT compared with DMSO-treated or untreated cells (P = 0.001, ANOVA). In vivo, mice treated with DAPT developed significantly fewer micro- and macrometastases compared with vehicle treated or untreated mice (P = 0.011, Kruskal-Wallis). Notch1 knockdown reduced the expression of CD44(hi)/CD24(lo) phenotype by about 20%. In vitro, Notch1 shRNA resulted in a reduction in cellular growth at 24, 48, and 72 hours time points (P = 0.033, P = 0.002, and P = 0.009, ANOVA) and about 60% reduction in Matrigel invasion was observed (P < 0.001, ANOVA). Cells transfected with shNotch1 formed significantly fewer macrometastases and micrometastases compared with scrambled shRNA or untransfected cells (P < 0.001; Kruskal-Wallis). These data suggest that the CSC phenotype contributes to the development of brain metastases from breast cancer, and this may arise in part from increased Notch activity. ©2011 AACR.

Restricted access carbon nanotubes for direct extraction of cadmium from human serum samples followed by atomic absorption spectrometry analysis.

PubMed

Barbosa, Adriano F; Barbosa, Valéria M P; Bettini, Jefferson; Luccas, Pedro O; Figueiredo, Eduardo C

2015-01-01

In this paper, we propose a new sorbent that is able to extract metal ions directly from untreated biological fluids, simultaneously excluding all proteins from these samples. The sorbent was obtained through the modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with an external bovine serum albumin (BSA) layer, resulting in restricted access carbon nanotubes (RACNTs). The BSA layer was fixed through the interconnection between the amine groups of the BSA using glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. When a protein sample is percolated through a cartridge containing RACNTs and the sample pH is higher than the isoelectric point of the proteins, both proteins from the sample and the BSA layer are negatively ionized. Thus, an electrostatic repulsion prevents the interaction between the proteins from the sample on the RACNTs surface. At the same time, metal ions are adsorbed in the CNTs (core) after their passage through the chains of proteins. The Cd(2+) ion was selected for a proof-of-principle case to test the suitability of the RACNTs due to its toxicological relevance. RACNTs were able to extract Cd(2+) and exclude almost 100% of the proteins from the human serum samples in an online solid-phase extraction system coupled with thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.24 and 0.80 μg L(-1), respectively. The sampling frequency was 8.6h(-1), and the intra- and inter-day precisions at the 0.80, 15.0, and 30.0 μg L(-1) Cd(2+) levels were all lower than 10.1% (RSD). The recoveries obtained for human blood serum samples fortified with Cd(2+) ranged from 85.0% to 112.0%. The method was successfully applied to analyze Cd(2+) directly from six human blood serum samples without any pretreatment, and the observed concentrations ranged from

Therapeutic Immunization with HIV-1 Tat Reduces Immune Activation and Loss of Regulatory T-Cells and Improves Immune Function in Subjects on HAART

PubMed Central

Ensoli, Barbara; Bellino, Stefania; Tripiciano, Antonella; Longo, Olimpia; Francavilla, Vittorio; Marcotullio, Simone; Cafaro, Aurelio; Picconi, Orietta; Paniccia, Giovanni; Scoglio, Arianna; Arancio, Angela; Ariola, Cristina; Ruiz Alvarez, Maria J.; Campagna, Massimo; Scaramuzzi, Donato; Iori, Cristina; Esposito, Roberto; Mussini, Cristina; Ghinelli, Florio; Sighinolfi, Laura; Palamara, Guido; Latini, Alessandra; Angarano, Gioacchino; Ladisa, Nicoletta; Soscia, Fabrizio; Mercurio, Vito S.; Lazzarin, Adriano; Tambussi, Giuseppe; Visintini, Raffaele; Mazzotta, Francesco; Di Pietro, Massimo; Galli, Massimo; Rusconi, Stefano; Carosi, Giampiero; Torti, Carlo; Di Perri, Giovanni; Bonora, Stefano; Ensoli, Fabrizio; Garaci, Enrico

2010-01-01

Although HAART suppresses HIV replication, it is often unable to restore immune homeostasis. Consequently, non-AIDS-defining diseases are increasingly seen in treated individuals. This is attributed to persistent virus expression in reservoirs and to cell activation. Of note, in CD4+ T cells and monocyte-macrophages of virologically-suppressed individuals, there is continued expression of multi-spliced transcripts encoding HIV regulatory proteins. Among them, Tat is essential for virus gene expression and replication, either in primary infection or for virus reactivation during HAART, when Tat is expressed, released extracellularly and exerts, on both the virus and the immune system, effects that contribute to disease maintenance. Here we report results of an ad hoc exploratory interim analysis (up to 48 weeks) on 87 virologically-suppressed HAART-treated individuals enrolled in a phase II randomized open-label multicentric clinical trial of therapeutic immunization with Tat (ISS T-002). Eighty-eight virologically-suppressed HAART-treated individuals, enrolled in a parallel prospective observational study at the same sites (ISS OBS T-002), served for intergroup comparison. Immunization with Tat was safe, induced durable immune responses, and modified the pattern of CD4+ and CD8+ cellular activation (CD38 and HLA-DR) together with reduction of biochemical activation markers and persistent increases of regulatory T cells. This was accompanied by a progressive increment of CD4+ T cells and B cells with reduction of CD8+ T cells and NK cells, which were independent from the type of antiretroviral regimen. Increase in central and effector memory and reduction in terminally-differentiated effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were accompanied by increases of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against Env and recall antigens. Of note, more immune-compromised individuals experienced greater therapeutic effects. In contrast, these changes were opposite, absent or partial in the OBS population. These findings support the use of Tat immunization to intensify HAART efficacy and to restore immune homeostasis. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00751595 PMID:21085635

Therapeutic immunization with HIV-1 Tat reduces immune activation and loss of regulatory T-cells and improves immune function in subjects on HAART.

PubMed

Ensoli, Barbara; Bellino, Stefania; Tripiciano, Antonella; Longo, Olimpia; Francavilla, Vittorio; Marcotullio, Simone; Cafaro, Aurelio; Picconi, Orietta; Paniccia, Giovanni; Scoglio, Arianna; Arancio, Angela; Ariola, Cristina; Ruiz Alvarez, Maria J; Campagna, Massimo; Scaramuzzi, Donato; Iori, Cristina; Esposito, Roberto; Mussini, Cristina; Ghinelli, Florio; Sighinolfi, Laura; Palamara, Guido; Latini, Alessandra; Angarano, Gioacchino; Ladisa, Nicoletta; Soscia, Fabrizio; Mercurio, Vito S; Lazzarin, Adriano; Tambussi, Giuseppe; Visintini, Raffaele; Mazzotta, Francesco; Di Pietro, Massimo; Galli, Massimo; Rusconi, Stefano; Carosi, Giampiero; Torti, Carlo; Di Perri, Giovanni; Bonora, Stefano; Ensoli, Fabrizio; Garaci, Enrico

2010-11-11

Although HAART suppresses HIV replication, it is often unable to restore immune homeostasis. Consequently, non-AIDS-defining diseases are increasingly seen in treated individuals. This is attributed to persistent virus expression in reservoirs and to cell activation. Of note, in CD4(+) T cells and monocyte-macrophages of virologically-suppressed individuals, there is continued expression of multi-spliced transcripts encoding HIV regulatory proteins. Among them, Tat is essential for virus gene expression and replication, either in primary infection or for virus reactivation during HAART, when Tat is expressed, released extracellularly and exerts, on both the virus and the immune system, effects that contribute to disease maintenance. Here we report results of an ad hoc exploratory interim analysis (up to 48 weeks) on 87 virologically-suppressed HAART-treated individuals enrolled in a phase II randomized open-label multicentric clinical trial of therapeutic immunization with Tat (ISS T-002). Eighty-eight virologically-suppressed HAART-treated individuals, enrolled in a parallel prospective observational study at the same sites (ISS OBS T-002), served for intergroup comparison. Immunization with Tat was safe, induced durable immune responses, and modified the pattern of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cellular activation (CD38 and HLA-DR) together with reduction of biochemical activation markers and persistent increases of regulatory T cells. This was accompanied by a progressive increment of CD4(+) T cells and B cells with reduction of CD8(+) T cells and NK cells, which were independent from the type of antiretroviral regimen. Increase in central and effector memory and reduction in terminally-differentiated effector memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were accompanied by increases of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses against Env and recall antigens. Of note, more immune-compromised individuals experienced greater therapeutic effects. In contrast, these changes were opposite, absent or partial in the OBS population. These findings support the use of Tat immunization to intensify HAART efficacy and to restore immune homeostasis. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00751595.

Pediatric peripheral blood progenitor cell collection: haemonetics MCS 3P versus COBE Spectra versus Fresenius AS104.

PubMed

Bambi, F; Faulkner, L B; Azzari, C; Gelli, A M; Tamburini, A; Tintori, V; Lippi, A A; Tucci, F; Bernini, G; Genovese, F

1998-01-01

An increasing number of apheresis machines are becoming available for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) collection in children. At the Children's Hospital of Florence (Italy), three apheresis machines were evaluated: MCS 3P (Haemonetics) (10 procedures in 4 patients, aged 10-12 years, weight 23.5-64 kg), Spectra, (COBE) (8 procedures in 3 patients, aged 4-17 years, weight 19-59 kg), and AS104 (Fresenius) (24 procedures in 9 patients, aged 2-16 years, weight 13.6-60 kg). For PBPC quantitative analysis, CD34 cytofluorimetry was employed. Relevant variables analyzed included efficiency of CD34+ cell extraction and enrichment, mononuclear cell purity and red cell contamination of the apheresis components, and platelet count decreases after leukapheresis. No significant differences in CD34+ cell-extraction abilities were found. However, the AS104 provided consistently purer leukapheresis components in terms of mononuclear cell and CD34+ cell enrichment (441 +/- 59%, vs. 240 +/- 35% and 290 +/- 42% for MCS 3P and Spectra, respectively). Postapheresis platelet counts dropped the least with the AS104. The smallest patient who underwent apheresis with MCS 3P (the only machine working on discontinuous flow and hence with greater volume shifts) weighed 23.5 kg and tolerated the procedure well, with no signs of hemodynamic instability. No significant complications were observed. All machines seem to have comparable PBPC extraction efficiency, but the AS104 seems to give the component with the greatest PBPC enrichment. This feature might be relevant for further ex vivo cell processing (CD34+ cell selection, expansion, and so on).

CD8+ T Cells Contribute to the Development of Coronary Arteritis in the Lactobacillus casei Cell Wall Extract-Induced Murine Model of Kawasaki Disease.

PubMed

Noval Rivas, Magali; Lee, Youngho; Wakita, Daiko; Chiba, Norika; Dagvadorj, Jargalsaikhan; Shimada, Kenichi; Chen, Shuang; Fishbein, Michael C; Lehman, Thomas J A; Crother, Timothy R; Arditi, Moshe

2017-02-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease among children in developed countries. Coronary lesions in KD in humans are characterized by an increased presence of infiltrating CD3+ T cells; however, the specific contributions of the different T cell subpopulations in coronary arteritis development remain unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate the function of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, Treg cells, and natural killer (NK) T cells in the pathogenesis of KD. We addressed the function of T cell subsets in KD development by using a well-established murine model of Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced KD vasculitis. We determined which T cell subsets were required for development of KD vasculitis by using several knockout murine strains and depleting monoclonal antibodies. LCWE-injected mice developed coronary lesions characterized by the presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates. Frequently, this chronic inflammation resulted in complete occlusion of the coronary arteries due to luminal myofibroblast proliferation (LMP) as well as the development of coronary arteritis and aortitis. We found that CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells, NK T cells, or Treg cells, were required for development of KD vasculitis. The LCWE-induced murine model of KD vasculitis mimics many histologic features of the disease in humans, such as the presence of CD8+ T cells and LMP in coronary artery lesions as well as epicardial coronary arteritis. Moreover, CD8+ T cells functionally contribute to the development of KD vasculitis in this murine model. Therapeutic strategies targeting infiltrating CD8+ T cells might be useful in the management of KD in humans. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

Safety of nevirapine in HIV-infected pregnant women initiating antiretroviral therapy at higher CD4 counts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Bera, Ebrahim; Mia, Rafiq

2012-10-08

The package insert for nevirapine (NVP) cautions use in HIV-infected women (including pregnant women) with CD4 counts ≥250 cells/µl. However, recent studies showed that the CD4 count of pregnant women receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) was not predictive of NVP toxicity. To determine whether ART-naive pregnant women initiating NVP-based ART at higher CD4 counts experience greater toxicity compared with pregnant women at lower CD4 counts. We reviewed studies comparing serious adverse NVP-related events among ART-naive pregnant women who commenced therapy at higher v. lower CD4 counts. Relevant studies were extracted from PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE, major journals and conference proceedings prior to December 2011. Authors were contacted for additional data. Data were independently extracted and entered into Review Manager. Fourteen studies (2 663 participants) were included for analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for overall NVP toxicity among pregnant women with CD4 <250 cells/µl was 0.61 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43 - 0.85). When analysis was restricted to prospective studies only (7 studies, 1 318 participants), the results were consistent for overall NVP toxicity (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.25 - 0.73) and severe hepatotoxicity (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.22 - 0.90), but not for severe cutaneous reaction (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.26 - 1.10). Initiating NVP-based ART during pregnancy at CD4 ≥250 cells/µl increases toxicity risk and should be avoided, necessitating urgent revision of current guidelines supporting this practice.

Increased red cell turnover in a line of CD22-deficient mice is caused by Gpi1c: a model for hereditary haemolytic anaemia.

PubMed

Walker, Jennifer A; Hall, Andrew M; Kotsopoulou, Ekaterini; Espeli, Marion; Nitschke, Lars; Barker, Robert N; Lyons, Paul A; Smith, Kenneth G C

2012-12-01

CD22, an inhibitory co-receptor of the BCR, has been identified as a potential candidate gene for the development of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in mice. In this study, we have examined Cd22(tm1Msn) CD22-deficient mice and identified an increase in RBC turnover and stress erythropoiesis, which might be consistent with haemolysis. We then, however, eliminated CD22 deficiency as the cause of accelerated RBC turnover and established that enhanced RBC turnover occurs independently of B cells and anti-RBC autoanti-bodies. Accelerated RBC turnover in this particular strain of CD22-deficient mice is red cell intrinsic and appears to be the consequence of a defective allele of glucose phosphate isomerase, Gpi1(c). This form of Gpi1 was originally derived from wild mice and results in a substantial reduction in enzyme activity. We have identified the polymorphism that causes impaired catalytic activity in the Gpi1(c) allele, and biochemically confirmed an approximate 75% reduction of GPI1 activity in Cd22(-/-) RBCs. The Cd22(-/-).Gpi1(c) congenic mouse provides a novel animal model of GPI1-deficiency, which is one of the most common causes of chronic non-spherocytic haemolytic anaemia in humans. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Biochar amendment reduces rice Cd uptake in polluted and unpolluted paddy soils: a long term field experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, R.; Cui, L.; Pan, G.; Li, L.

2012-04-01

The bioavailability of Cd in agricultural soils has been a great health concern due to the potential risk through exposure of agro-food produced in Cd-contaminated fields. Yet, rice subject to Cd contamination appears to have expanded at the last decade due to irrigation with waste water and chemical fertilization in south china. This is supposed to raise the Cd accumulation of rice grain. Therefore, techniques to reduce Cd mobility and plant uptake have been a urgent demand for food safety in China.A field experiment was performed in a high-polluted (HP), mid-pollute (MP) and unpolluted (UP) paddy soil with biochar(BC) amendment in 2011. BC was applied in HP, MP and UP in 2008, 2009, 2009 with the rates of 0, 10, 20, 40t ha-1 in HP, MP and 0, 40t ha-1 in UP. The experiment was monitored in 2011. It was observed that BC amendment did not affect rice grain yield but significantly increased soil pH by 0.58-0.77, 1.30 units in MP, UP and there was no difference in HP. The Cacl2 extracted Cd in soil was decreased by 18.1%-28.9% in HP, 49.3%-67.5% in MP and 83.1% in UP, respectively. Meanwhile, H2O extractable Cd in soil was decreased by 20.0%-31.7% in HP, 32.7%-44.2% in MP and 25.0% in UP, respectively. With the BC treatment, rice grain Cd concentration was decreased 4.7%-17.6% in HP, 35.9%-53.4% in MP. Especially in UP field, the rice grain Cd concentration was decreased from 0.22mg kg-1 to 0.07mg kg-1 which was below National standard (0.20mg kg-1) in China. The straw and root Cd contents were also significantly decreased with BC application. Therefore, BC amendment in polluted and unpolluted fields can sustainably reduce rice Cd uptake and it may offer a basic option to reduce Cd levels in rice. Keywords: Biochar, Cd, bioavailability, paddy soil, food safety

Effects of Inductively Coupled Plasma Hydrogen on Long-Wavelength Infrared HgCdTe Photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boieriu, P.; Buurma, C.; Bommena, R.; Blissett, C.; Grein, C.; Sivananthan, S.

2013-12-01

Bulk passivation of semiconductors with hydrogen continues to be investigated for its potential to improve device performance. In this work, hydrogen-only inductively coupled plasma (ICP) was used to incorporate hydrogen into long-wavelength infrared HgCdTe photodiodes grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. Fully fabricated devices exposed to ICP showed statistically significant increases in zero-bias impedance values, improved uniformity, and decreased dark currents. HgCdTe photodiodes on Si substrates passivated with amorphous ZnS exhibited reductions in shunt currents, whereas devices on CdZnTe substrates passivated with polycrystalline CdTe exhibited reduced surface leakage, suggesting that hydrogen passivates defects in bulk HgCdTe and in CdTe.

Visible-light-induced two-electron-transfer photoreductions on CdS: Effects of morphology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shiragami, Tsutomu; Pac, Chyongjin; Yanagida, Shozo

1990-01-25

Freshly prepared CdS suspensions (CdS-O) consisting of quantized particles and their loose aggregation catalyze photoreductions of aromatic ketones and olefins in methanol under visible light irradiation using triethylamine as sacrificial electron donor, yielding alcohols and dihydro compounds, respectively, which are more selective than photocatalysis of commercially available crystalline CdS (Aldrich) (CdS-Ald). Deuterium incorporation experiments in photolysis of dimethyl maleate in methanol-O-D revealed that CdS-O catalyzes sequential two-electron-transfer photoreduction, affording dideuterated dimethyl succinate, while CdS-Ald induces both photoreduction and photoisomerization through disproportionation between one-electron-transfer-reduction intermediates, yielding much trideuterated dimethyl succinate and monodeuterated dimethyl fumarate and maleate.

Estimation and influence of physicochemical properties and chemical fractions of surface sediment on the bioaccessibility of Cd and Hg contaminant in Langat River, Malaysia.

PubMed

Kadhum, Safaa A; Ishak, Mohd Yusoff; Zulkifli, Syaizwan Zahmir

2017-10-01

This study applied the use of sequential extraction technique and simple bioaccessibility extraction test to quantify the bioavailable fractions and the human bioaccessible concentration of metals collected from nine stations in surface sediment of the Langat River. The concentrations of total and bioaccessible metals from different stations were in the range of 0.49-1.04, 0.10-0.32 μg g -1 for T-Cd, Bio-Cd, respectively, and 12.9-128.03, 2.06-8.53 μg kg -1 for T-Hg, Bio-Hg, respectively. The results revealed highest R-Bio-Cd in Banting station (55.3 %), while the highest R-Bio-Hg was in Kajang station (49.61 %). The chemical speciation of Cd in most sampling stations was in the order of oxidisable-organic > residual > exchangeable > acid-reducible, while speciation of Hg was in the order of exchangeable > residual > oxidisable-organic > acid-reducible. The correlation matric of mean content showed that the TOM, particle size and Mg ++ in polluted surface sediments was highly correlated with total mercury. The PCA showed that the main factors influencing the bioaccessibility of Hg in surface sediments were the sediment TOM, F1 (EFLE) and F3 (oxidation-organic), while the factor influencing the bioaccessibility of Cd was the F3 (oxidation-organic) and T-Cd.

Transportation Career Field, AFSC 60XXX

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

equipment, affixirg parachutes and extraction systems to airdrop loads, * rigging cargo on platforms for airdrops, assembling extraction systems and attaching...C Z= C4 (D Il L-. Ill CD Ill l "- 1i CD P-4J (i 0D CL .J wIX I- In V -i W I L 0e W Z-I -I 7-1 . C-) 1W ID .. C> LL w C) 10 C- = CDCt l 1) 0 < W...PERCENT MEMBERS PERFORMING PERCENT , MEMBERS ’ TASKS PERFORMING M1129 AFFIX PARACHUTES TO AIRDROP LOADS 99 M1149 RIG CARGO ON PLATFORMS FOR AIRDROPS 96

Effect of Gallium Doping on the Characteristic Properties of Polycrystalline Cadmium Telluride Thin Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ojo, A. A.; Dharmadasa, I. M.

2017-08-01

Ga-doped CdTe polycrystalline thin films were successfully electrodeposited on glass/fluorine doped tin oxide substrates from aqueous electrolytes containing cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2·4H2O) and tellurium oxide (TeO2). The effects of different Ga-doping concentrations on the CdTe:Ga coupled with different post-growth treatments were studied by analysing the structural, optical, morphological and electronic properties of the deposited layers using x-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical cell measurement and direct-current conductivity test respectively. XRD results show diminishing (111)C CdTe peak above 20 ppm Ga-doping and the appearance of (301)M GaTe diffraction above 50 ppm Ga-doping indicating the formation of two phases; CdTe and GaTe. Although, reductions in the absorption edge slopes were observed above 20 ppm Ga-doping for the as-deposited CdTe:Ga layer, no obvious influence on the energy gap of CdTe films with Ga-doping were detected. Morphologically, reductions in grain size were observed at 50 ppm Ga-doping and above with high pinhole density within the layer. For the as-deposited CdTe:Ga layers, conduction type change from n- to p- were observed at 50 ppm, while the n-type conductivity were retained after post-growth treatment. Highest conductivity was observed at 20 ppm Ga-doping of CdTe. These results are systematically reported in this paper.

Effect of composting on the Cd, Zn and Mn content and fractionation in feedstock mixtures with wood chips from a short-rotation coppice and bark.

PubMed

Vandecasteele, B; Willekens, K; Zwertvaegher, A; Degrande, L; Tack, F M G; Du Laing, G

2013-11-01

Micronutrient content and availability in composts may be affected by the addition of wood chips or tree bark as a bulking agent in the compost feedstock. In the first part of this study, micronutrient levels were assessed in bark and wood of poplar and willow clones in a short-rotation coppice. Large differences between species were observed in bark concentrations for Cd, Zn and Mn. In the second part of the study, we aimed to determine the effect of feedstock composition and composting on Cd, Zn and Mn concentrations and availability. By means of three composting experiments we examined the effect of (a) bark of different tree species, (b) the amount of bark, and (c) the use of bark versus wood chips. In general, compost characteristics such as pH, organic matter and nutrient content varied due to differences in feedstock mixture and composting process. During the composting process, the availability of Cd, Zn and Mn decreased, although the use of willow and poplar bark or wood chips resulted in elevated total Cd, Zn or Mn concentrations in the compost. Cd concentrations in some composts even exceeded legal criteria. Cd and Zn were mainly bound in the reducible fraction extracted with 0.5M NH2OH⋅HCl. A higher acid-extractable fraction for Mn than for Cd and Zn was found. Higher Cd concentrations in the compost due to the use of bark or wood chips did not result in higher risk of Cd leaching. The results of the pH-stat experiment with gradual acidification of composts illustrated that only a strong pH decline in the compost results in higher availability of Cd, Zn and Mn. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inhibitory effects of Cyperus digitatus extract on human platelet function in vitro.

PubMed

Fuentes, Eduardo; Forero-Doria, Oscar; Alarcón, Marcelo; Palomo, Iván

2015-01-01

The purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanisms of antiplatelet action of Cyperus digitatus. The antiplatelet action of C. digitatus was studied on platelet function: secretion, adhesion, aggregation, and sCD40L release. The platelet ATP secretion and aggregation were significantly inhibited by CDA (ethyl acetate extract) at 0.1 mg/ml and after the incubation of whole blood with CDA, the platelet coverage was inhibited by 96 ± 3% (p < 0.001). At the same concentration, CDA significantly decreased sCD40L levels. The mechanism of antiplatelet action of CDA could be by NF-κB inhibition and that is cAMP independent. In conclusion, C. digitatus extract may serve as a new source of antiplatelet agents for food and nutraceutical applications.

[Effects of strong reductive process on transformation of heavy metals in protected vegetable soil].

PubMed

Sun, Yan Chen; Zeng, Xiang Feng; Yang, Li Qiong; Shi, Ya Nan; Chen, Xi Juan; Zhuang, Jie

2017-11-01

The application of sewage and manure in protected vegetable cultivation can induce the occurrence of heavy metals contamination. The present research studied the transformation of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) by incubating contaminated protected soil with maize straw and then leaching. The results showed that soil pH was significantly decreased, being more evident in maize straw treatment; soil Eh dropped quickly below -280 mV. Maize straw treatment promoted the activation of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn from soil, and the total percent of oxidizable fraction and residual fraction of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn declined at 9 th day; the amount of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in soil reduced 18.1%, 19.0%, 16.1% and 15.7% at 15 th day, respectively. Compared to control, maize straw treatment could increase the concentrations of dissolved Cd and Zn, but Cu decreased. The concentration of colloidal-bound Cd and Pb increased, Cu decreased and no significant change occurred in Zn in maize straw treatment. Strong reductive approach could activate heavy metals in protected vegetable soil, increase the risk of heavy metals accumulation in vegetables, and possibly cause water pollution accompanied with soil water mobilization.

Enhancement of Spirulina biomass production and cadmium biosorption using combined static magnetic field.

PubMed

Shao, Weilan; Ebaid, Reham; Abomohra, Abd El-Fatah; Shahen, Mohamed

2018-06-06

The effect of static magnetic field (SMF) on Spirulina platensis growth and its influence on cadmium ions (Cd 2+ ) removal efficiency were studied. Application of 6 h day -1 SMF resulted in the highest significant biomass productivity of 0.198 g L -1  day -1 . However, 10 and 15 mg L -1 of Cd 2+ resulted in significant reduction in biomass productivity by 8.8 and 12.5%, respectively, below the control. Combined SMF showed 30.1% significant increase in biomass productivity over the control. On the other hand, increase of initial Cd 2+ concentration resulted in significant reduction of Cd 2+ removal efficiency, representing 79.7% and 61.5% at 10 and 15 mg L -1 , respectively, after 16 days. Interestingly, application of SMF for 6 h day -1 enhanced Cd 2+ removal efficiency counted by 91.4% and 82.3% after 20 days for cultures with initial Cd 2+ concentration of 10 and 15 mg L -1 , representing increase by 6.3 and 25.3%, respectively, over the SMF-untreated cultures. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of heavy metals contained in soil irrigated with a mixture of sewage sludge and effluent for thirty years on soil microbial biomass and plant growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katanda, Y.; Mushonga, C.; Banganayi, F.; Nyamangara, J.

The use of sewage effluent as a source of nutrients and water in peri-urban crop production is widespread in developing countries. A study was conducted in 2005 at Crowborough and Firle farms (near Harare) to assess effect of Cd on microbial biomass and activity, effect of sewage sludge and effluent on soybean (Glycine max L (Merr)) nodulation, and uptake of Zn and Cu by lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.), mustard rape ( Brassica juncea L.), covo ( Brassica napus) and star grass ( Cynodon nlemfuensis). The soil that was used had been irrigated with sewage sludge and effluent for 30 years. Soil collected from Crowborough farm was enriched with Cd to different concentrations (0.4-5 mg Cd kg -1 soil) using Cd(NO 3) 2 and microbial biomass C and N (chloroform-incubation extraction) and respiration rates (CO 2 evolution) determined. A similar experiment to determine the effect of repeated addition of small amounts of Cd to soil over time on the same parameters was conducted. Three vegetables and star grass were grown in a pot experiment and harvested at six weeks after transplanting for the determination of above ground dry matter yield, and Zn and Cu, uptake. In another pot experiment, two soybean varieties, Magoye and Solitaire, were harvested after eight weeks and nodule number and effectiveness, and above ground dry matter yield were then determined. Cd significantly decreased biomass C (68%) and N (73%). Microbial respiration also significantly decreased. It was concluded that long-term application of sewage sludge and effluent to soil has negative effects on soil micro organisms, including Rhizobia. These micro organisms are essential for N-fixation. The damage to Rhizobia, caused diminished nodulation of soybean. Mustard rape and lettuce can accumulate Zn and Cu beyond toxic limits without apparent reduction in growth thereby posing a serious concern to the food chain. The consumption of mustard rape and lettuce grown on soil amended with sewage sludge and effluent at Crowborough and Firle farms poses a health risk to people who consume vegetables grown in this area.

CD4+ T Cell Help Guides Formation of CD103+ Lung-Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells during Influenza Viral Infection

PubMed Central

Laidlaw, Brian J.; Zhang, Nianzhi; Marshall, Heather D.; Staron, Mathew M.; Guan, Tianxia; Hu, Yinghong; Cauley, Linda S.; Craft, Joe; Kaech, Susan M.

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells provide enhanced protection against infection at mucosal sites. Here we found that CD4+ T cells are important for the formation of functional lung-resident CD8+ T cells after influenza virus infection. In the absence of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells displayed reduced expression of CD103 (Itgae), were mislocalized away from airway epithelia, and demonstrated an impaired ability to recruit CD8+ T cells to the lung air-ways upon heterosubtypic challenge. CD4+ T cell-derived interferon-γ was necessary for generating lung-resident CD103+ CD8+ Trm CD8 T cells. Furthermore, expression of the transcription factor T-bet was increased in “unhelped” lung Trm cells, and a reduction in T-bet rescued CD103 expression in the absence of CD4+ T cell help. Thus, CD4+ T cell-dependent signals are important to limit expression of T-bet and allow for the development of CD103+ CD8+ Trm cells in the lung airways following respiratory infection. PMID:25308332

Cigarette smoke induces β2-integrin-dependent neutrophil migration across human endothelium

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Cigarette smoking induces peripheral inflammatory responses in all smokers and is the major risk factor for neutrophilic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke on neutrophil migration and on β2-integrin activation and function in neutrophilic transmigration through endothelium. Methods and results Utilizing freshly isolated human PMNs, the effect of cigarette smoke on migration and β2-integrin activation and function in neutrophilic transmigration was studied. In this report, we demonstrated that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) dose dependently induced migration of neutrophils in vitro. Moreover, CSE promoted neutrophil adherence to fibrinogen. Using functional blocking antibodies against CD11b and CD18, it was demonstrated that Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) is responsible for the cigarette smoke-induced firm adhesion of neutrophils to fibrinogen. Furthermore, neutrophils transmigrated through endothelium by cigarette smoke due to the activation of β2-integrins, since pre-incubation of neutrophils with functional blocking antibodies against CD11b and CD18 attenuated this transmigration. Conclusion This is the first study to describe that cigarette smoke extract induces a direct migratory effect on neutrophils and that CSE is an activator of β2-integrins on the cell surface. Blocking this activation of β2-integrins might be an important target in cigarette smoke induced neutrophilic diseases. PMID:21651795

Post-extraction mesio-distal gap reduction assessment by confocal laser scanning microscopy - a clinical 3-month follow-up study.

PubMed

García-Herraiz, Ariadna; Silvestre, Francisco Javier; Leiva-García, Rafael; Crespo-Abril, Fortunato; García-Antón, José

2017-05-01

The aim of this 3-month follow-up study is to quantify the reduction in the mesio-distal gap dimension (MDGD) that occurs after tooth extraction through image analysis of three-dimensional images obtained with the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) technique. Following tooth extraction, impressions of 79 patients 1 month and 72 patients 3 months after tooth extraction were obtained. Cast models were processed by CLSM, and MDGD changes between time points were measured. The mean mesio-distal gap reduction 1 month after tooth extraction was 343.4 μm and 3 months after tooth extraction was 672.3 μm. The daily mean gap reduction rate during the first term (between baseline and 1 month post-extraction measurements) was 10.3 μm/day and during the second term (between 1 and 3 months) was 5.4 μm/day. The mesio-distal gap reduction is higher during the first month following the extraction and continues in time, but to a lesser extent. When the inter-dental contacts were absent, the mesio-distal gap reduction is lower. When a molar tooth is extracted or the distal tooth to the edentulous space does not occlude with an antagonist, the mesio-distal gap reduction is larger. The consideration of mesio-distal gap dimension changes can help improve dental treatment planning. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evidence of bone marrow downregulation in brain-dead rats.

PubMed

Menegat, Laura; Simas, Rafael; Caliman, Julia M; Zanoni, Fernando L; Jacysyn, Jacqueline F; da Silva, Luiz Fernando F; Borelli, Primavera; Moreira, Luiz Felipe P; Sannomiya, Paulina

2017-06-01

Experimental findings support the evidence of a persistent leucopenia triggered by brain death (BD). This study aimed to investigate leucocyte behaviour in bone marrow and blood after BD in rats. BD was induced using intracranial balloon catheter inflation. Sham-operated (SH) rats were trepanned only. Thereafter bone marrow cells were harvested every six hours from the femoral cavity and used for total and differential counts. They were analysed further by flow cytometry to characterize lymphocyte subsets, granulocyte adhesion molecules expression and apoptosis/necrosis [annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) protocol]. BD rats exhibited a reduction in bone marrow cells due to a reduction in lymphocytes (40%) and segmented cells (45%). Bone marrow lymphocyte subsets were similar in BD and SH rats (CD3, P = 0.1; CD4, P = 0.4; CD3/CD4, P = 0.4; CD5, P = 0.4, CD3/CD5, P = 0.2; CD8, P = 0.8). Expression of L-selectin and beta 2 -integrins on granulocytes did not differ (CD11a, P = 0.9; CD11b/c, P = 0.7; CD62L, P = 0.1). There were no differences in the percentage of apoptosis and necrosis (Annexin V, P = 0.73; PI, P = 0.21; Annexin V/PI, P = 0.29). In conclusion, data presented suggest that the downregulation of the bone marrow is triggered by brain death itself, and it is not related to changes in lymphocyte subsets, granulocyte adhesion molecules expression or apoptosis and necrosis. © 2017 The Authors. International Journal of Experimental Pathology © 2017 International Journal of Experimental Pathology.

Reduction of regulatory T cells in skin lesions but not in peripheral blood of patients with systemic scleroderma.

PubMed

Klein, S; Kretz, C C; Ruland, V; Stumpf, C; Haust, M; Hartschuh, W; Hartmann, M; Enk, A; Suri-Payer, E; Oberle, N; Krammer, P H; Kuhn, A

2011-08-01

To determine the frequency and suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells (T(reg)) and their association with clinical parameters in patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc). Peripheral blood from 25 patients with SSc, 15 patients with localised scleroderma (LS) and 29 healthy controls (HC) was studied. Analysis of CD4(+) forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)(+) and CD4(+)CD25(++)Foxp3(+) T(reg) subpopulations was carried out by flow cytometry and cell proliferation was quantified by (3)H-thymidine incorporation. Quantitative analysis of T(reg) was further performed in skin biopsies from 17 patients with SSc and 21 patients with LS using anti-CD4 and anti-Foxp3 monoclonal antibodies for immunohistochemistry. The frequency of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and CD4(+)CD25(++)Foxp3(+) T(reg) in peripheral blood from patients with SSc was not significantly different from that of patients with LS or HC. The suppressive capacity of CD4(+)CD25(++) T(reg) in SSc was also found to be similar to that of HC. Phenotypic and functional data revealed no significant difference between the limited or diffuse form of SSc. Moreover, therapy with bosentan showed no significant effect on the frequency of T(reg) during the course of the disease. However, the frequency of T(reg) in skin lesions from patients with SSc or LS, determined as the percentage of CD4(+) cells expressing Foxp3 in the inflammatory infiltrate, was significantly reduced compared with other inflammatory skin diseases. These results indicate that although the authors found no defect in the frequency or function of peripheral T(reg) subpopulations, the reduction of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T(reg) in the skin of patients with SSc may be important in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Serial soluble CD30 measurements as a predictor of kidney graft outcome.

PubMed

Halim, M A; Al-Otaibi, T; Al-Muzairai, I; Mansour, M; Tawab, K A; Awadain, W H; Balaha, M A; Said, T; Nair, P; Nampoory, M R N

2010-04-01

High levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30), a marker for T-helper 2-type cytokine-producing T cells, pre or post-renal transplantation serves as a useful predictor of acute rejection episodes. Over the course of 1-year, we evaluated the accuracy of serial sCD30 tests to predict acute rejection episodes versus other pathologies that affect graft outcomes. Fifty renal transplant recipients were randomly selected to examine sCD30 on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 followed by 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The results were analyzed for development of an acute rejection episode, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), or other pathology as well as the graft outcome at 1 year. Compared with pretransplantation sCD30, there was a significant reduction in the average sCD30 immediately posttransplantation from day 3 onward (P<.0001). Patients were divided into four groups: (1) uncomplicated courses (56%); (2) acute rejection episodes (18%); (3) ATN (16%); and (4) other diagnoses (10%). There was a significant reduction in sCD30 immediately posttransplantation for groups 1, 2, and 3 (P<.0001, .004, and .002 respectively) unlike group 4 (P=.387). Patients who developed an acute rejection episode after 1 month showed higher pretransplantation sCD30 values than these who displayed rejection before 1 month (P=.019). All groups experienced significant improvement in graft function over 1-year follow-up without any significant differences. Though a significant drop of sCD30 posttransplantation was recorded, serial measurements of sCD30 did not show a difference among subjects who displayed acute rejection episodes, ATN, or other diagnoses. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interactions between Ibrutinib and Anti-CD20 Antibodies: Competing Effects on the Outcome of Combination Therapy.

PubMed

Skarzynski, Martin; Niemann, Carsten U; Lee, Yuh Shan; Martyr, Sabrina; Maric, Irina; Salem, Dalia; Stetler-Stevenson, Maryalice; Marti, Gerald E; Calvo, Katherine R; Yuan, Constance; Valdez, Janet; Soto, Susan; Farooqui, Mohammed Z H; Herman, Sarah E M; Wiestner, Adrian

2016-01-01

Clinical trials of ibrutinib combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) report encouraging results. Paradoxically, in preclinical studies, in vitro ibrutinib was reported to decrease CD20 expression and inhibit cellular effector mechanisms. We therefore set out to investigate effects of in vivo ibrutinib treatment that could explain this paradox. Patients received single-agent ibrutinib (420 mg daily) on an investigator-initiated phase II trial. Serial blood samples were collected pretreatment and during treatment for ex vivo functional assays to examine the effects on CLL cell susceptibility to anti-CD20 mAbs. We demonstrate that CD20 expression on ibrutinib was rapidly and persistently downregulated (median reduction 74%, day 28, P < 0.001) compared with baseline. Concomitantly, CD20 mRNA was decreased concurrent with reduced NF-κB signaling. An NF-κB binding site in the promoter of MS4A1 (encoding CD20) and downregulation of CD20 by NF-κB inhibitors support a direct transcriptional effect. Ex vivo, tumor cells from patients on ibrutinib were less susceptible to anti-CD20 mAb-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity than pretreatment cells (median reduction 75%, P < 0.001); however, opsonization by the complement protein C3d, which targets cells for phagocytosis, was relatively maintained. Expression of decay-accelerating factor (CD55) decreased on ibrutinib, providing a likely mechanism for the preserved C3d opsonization. In addition, ibrutinib significantly inhibited trogocytosis, a major contributor to antigen loss and tumor escape during mAb therapy. Our data indicate that ibrutinib promotes both positive and negative interactions with anti-CD20 mAbs, suggesting that successfully harnessing maximal antitumor effects of such combinations requires further investigation. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

Large granular lymphocytosis in a patient infected with HTLV-II.

PubMed

Martin, M P; Biggar, R J; Hamlin-Green, G; Staal, S; Mann, D

1993-08-01

HTLV-II has been associated with a variety of lymphoproliferative disorders, including atypical hairy cell leukemia, chronic T cell leukemia, T prolymphocytic leukemia, and large granular lymphocytic leukemia. However, a direct or indirect role for HTLV-II in these disorders is not yet firmly established. We studied a patient diagnosed as having leukemia of the large granular lymphocyte (LGL) type who was HTLV-II seropositive, to determine if the expanded cell population was infected. Two populations of CD3-CD16+ LGL were identified; one was CD8+, the other CD8-. Populations of cells with these surface markers as well as normal CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells were separated by flow cytometric methods, DNA extracted, and gene regions of HTLV-II pol and tax amplified, using the polymerase chain reaction, and probed after Southern blotting. HTLV-II was detected in the CD3+CD8+ population, and not in the CD3-CD16+ large granular lymphocyte population. This finding indicates that the role of HTLV-II, if any, in LGL proliferation is indirect.

Agricultural land contamination by heavy metals around the former mining site of Bechateur (northern Tunisia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daldoul, G.; Soussi, R.; Soussi, F.; Boularbah, A.

2012-04-01

The activity of the former Pb-Zn mine of Jebel Ghozlen (Béchateur. extreme northern Tunisia) generated during the last century large quantities of tailings (extraction, flotation, gravimetry) deposited as three heap between the mine site and the shoreline located 700 m away. Areas surrounding the mine site are agricultural and are crossed by two rivers, one of which crosses the main heap. The minerals that make up these wastes are calcite, dolomite, quartz, gypsum, pyrite, barite, smithsonite, cerussite and galena. The amounts of Zn, Cd and Pb in the wastes vary between 1.3 and 9.3%, 1.1% and 5.7 and 185 and 410 mg kg-1, respectively. Soils in the study area are carbonated and are characterized by a silt-sand texture. The clay fraction is dominated by kaolinite. The chemical analysis of thirty samples collected over an area of 3 km2 shows that the amounts of total organic carbon (TOC) and total sulfur vary from 0.7 % to 2.5 % and 0.08 % to 0.96 %, respectively, while those of Zn, Pb and Cd range from 300 to 22 000 mg kg-1, 85 to 3000 mg kg-1 and 2 to 47 mg kg-1, respectively. The highest concentrations of metals were found in flood plains at 500 m downstream of the mine site. Extraction tests using deionized water and a 0.1 M CaCl2 solution were performed to assess the mobility of Zn, Pb and Cd in contaminated and reference soil samples collected within the study area. The results of extraction with deionized water showed that the leached amounts of Zn and Cd range between 0.2 and 4 mg kg-1 and 0.02 and 0.2 mg kg-1, respectively; while that of Pb is quite near the detection limit. During the extraction with CaCl2 the leached amounts of Zn, Pb and Cd range from 0.3 to 86 mg kg-1, 2 to 6 mg kg-1 and 0.05 to 0.9 mg kg-1, respectively. Thus, the mobility of Cd, Zn and Pb in CaCl2 solution (0.8 %, 0.4 % and 0.3 %, respectively) is higher compared with the extraction with deionized water (0.2%, 0.1% and 0.02 %, respectively). Toxicity tests were conducted on these soils using the MetPlate method. The results show a low bioavailability of contaminants.

Cadmium poisoning of oxygen reduction on platinum electrode in potassium hydroxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, R. O.

1972-01-01

Experiment with a rotating disk and ring apparatus showed no poisoning by cadmium in 8.5 M KOH, alone or with Cl(-) or CO3(=). Poisoning does not occur either in 0.1 M KOH supernatant at CdO, but a partially reversible poisoning results from .0001 M CdCl2 and traces of fatty acid are present. Evidence indicates that the catastrophic poisoning affects the four-electron O2 reduction more than it does the one-electron H3O(+) discharge.

CDTE alloys and their application for increasing solar cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Drew E.

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) thin film solar is the largest manufactured solar cell technology in the United States and is responsible for one of the lowest costs of utility scale solar electricity at a purchase agreement of $0.0387/kWh. However, this cost could be further reduced by increasing the cell efficiency. To bridge the gap between the high efficiency technology and low cost manufacturing, a research and development tool and process was built and tested. This fully automated single vacuum PV manufacturing tool utilizes multiple inline close space sublimation (CSS) sources with automated substrate control. This maintains the proven scalability of the CSS technology and CSS source design but with the added versatility of independent substrate motion. This combination of a scalable deposition technology with increased cell fabrication flexibility has allowed for high efficiency cells to be manufactured and studied. The record efficiency of CdTe solar cells is lower than fundamental limitations due to a significant deficit in voltage. It has been modeled that there are two potential methods of decreasing this voltage deficiency. The first method is the incorporation of a high band gap film at the back contact to induce a conduction-band barrier that can reduce recombination by reflecting electrons from the back surface. The addition of a Cd1-x MgxTe (CMT) layer at the back of a CdTe solar cell should induce this desired offset and reflect both photoelectrons and forward-current electrons away from the rear surface. Higher collection of photoelectrons will increase the cells current and the reduction of forward current will increase the cells voltage. To have the optimal effect, CdTe must have reasonable carrier lifetimes and be fully depleted. To achieve this experimentally, CdTe layers have been grown sufficiently thin to help produce a fully depleted cell. A variety of measurements including performance curves, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were performed to characterize these cells. Voltage improvements on the order of 50 mV are presented at a thin (1 ?m) CdTe absorber condition. However an overall reduction in fill factor (FF) is seen, with a strong reduction in FF as the magnesium incorporation is increased. Detailed material characterization shows the formation of oxides at the back of CdMgTe during the passivation process. A CdTe capping layer is added to reduce oxidation and help maintain the uniformity of the CdMgTe layer. A tellurium back contact is also added in place of a carbon paint back contact, reducing the impact of the valance band offset (VBO) from the CMT. With the addition of the capping layer and tellurium back contact a consistent 50 mV increase is seen with improved FF. However this voltage increase is well below modeled Voc increases of 150 mV. CMT double hetero-structures are manufactured and analyzed to estimate the interface recombination at the CdTe/CMT interface. The CdTe/CMT interface is approximated at 2*105 cm s-1 and modeling is referenced predicting significant reduction in performance based on this interface quality. To improve interface quality by removing the need for a vacuum break, the deposition hardware is incorporated into the primary deposition system. Second, CdTe has a somewhat higher band gap than optimal for single-junction terrestrial solar-cell power generation. A reduction in the band gap could therefore result in an overall improvement in performance. To reduce the band gap, selenium was alloyed with CdTe using a novel co-sublimation extension of the close-space-sublimation process. Co-sublimated layers of CdSeTe with various selenium concentrations were characterized for optical absorption and atomic concentrations, as well as to track changes in their morphology and crystallinity. The lower band-gap CdSeTe films were then incorporated into the front of CdTe cells. This two-layer band-gap structure demonstrated higher current collection and increased quantum efficiency at longer wavelengths. Material characterization shows the diffusion of selenium through the CdTe during passivation resulting in improved in lifetime and a reduced voltage deficit at lower band gaps.

Fractionation of trace elements in agricultural soils using ultrasound assisted sequential extraction prior to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric determination.

PubMed

Matong, Joseph M; Nyaba, Luthando; Nomngongo, Philiswa N

2016-07-01

The main objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of fourteen trace elements and to investigate their distribution as well as a contamination levels in selected agricultural soils. An ultrasonic assisted sequential extraction procedure derived from three-step BCR method was used for fractionation of trace elements. The total concentration of trace elements in soil samples was obtained by total digestion method in soil samples with aqua regia. The results of the extractable fractions revealed that most of the target trace elements can be transferred to the human being through the food chain, thus leading to serious human health. Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), risk assessment code (RAC) and individual contamination factors (ICF) were used to assess the environmental impacts of trace metals in soil samples. The EF revealed that Cd was enriched by 3.1-7.2 (except in Soil 1). The Igeo results showed that the soils in the study area was moderately contaminated with Fe, and heavily to extremely polluted with Cd. The soil samples from the unplanted field was found to have highest contamination factor for Cd and lowest for Pb. Soil 3 showed a high risk for Tl and Cd with RAC values of greater than or equal to 50%. In addition, Fe, Ni, Cu, V, As, Mo (except Soil 2), Sb and Pb posed low environmental risk. The modified BCR sequential extraction method provided more information about mobility and environmental implication of studied trace elements in the study area. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shunt resistance and saturation current determination in CdTe and CIGS solar cells. Part 2: application to experimental IV measurements and comparison with other methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rangel-Kuoppa, Victor-Tapio; Albor-Aguilera, María-de-Lourdes; Hérnandez-Vásquez, César; Flores-Márquez, José-Manuel; Jiménez-Olarte, Daniel; Sastré-Hernández, Jorge; González-Trujillo, Miguel-Ángel; Contreras-Puente, Gerardo-Silverio

2018-04-01

In this Part 2 of this series of articles, the procedure proposed in Part 1, namely a new parameter extraction technique of the shunt resistance (R sh ) and saturation current (I sat ) of a current-voltage (I-V) measurement of a solar cell, within the one-diode model, is applied to CdS-CdTe and CIGS-CdS solar cells. First, the Cheung method is used to obtain the series resistance (R s ) and the ideality factor n. Afterwards, procedures A and B proposed in Part 1 are used to obtain R sh and I sat . The procedure is compared with two other commonly used procedures. Better accuracy on the simulated I-V curves used with the parameters extracted by our method is obtained. Also, the integral percentage errors from the simulated I-V curves using the method proposed in this study are one order of magnitude smaller compared with the integral percentage errors using the other two methods.

Shunt resistance and saturation current determination in CdTe and CIGS solar cells. Part 1: a new theoretical procedure and comparison with other methodologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rangel-Kuoppa, Victor-Tapio; Albor-Aguilera, María-de-Lourdes; Hérnandez-Vásquez, César; Flores-Márquez, José-Manuel; González-Trujillo, Miguel-Ángel; Contreras-Puente, Gerardo-Silverio

2018-04-01

A new proposal for the extraction of the shunt resistance (R sh ) and saturation current (I sat ) of a current-voltage (I-V) measurement of a solar cell, within the one-diode model, is given. First, the Cheung method is extended to obtain the series resistance (R s ), the ideality factor (n) and an upper limit for I sat . In this article which is Part 1 of two parts, two procedures are proposed to obtain fitting values for R sh and I sat within some voltage range. These two procedures are used in two simulated I-V curves (one in darkness and the other one under illumination) to recover the known solar cell parameters R sh , R s , n, I sat and the light current I lig and test its accuracy. The method is compared with two different common parameter extraction methods. These three procedures are used and compared in Part 2 in the I-V curves of CdS-CdTe and CIGS-CdS solar cells.

The stability and degradation kinetics of Sulforaphene in microcapsules based on several biopolymers via spray drying.

PubMed

Tian, Guifang; Li, Yuan; Yuan, Qipeng; Cheng, Li; Kuang, Pengqun; Tang, Pingwah

2015-05-20

Sulforaphene (SFE) was extracted from the radish seeds and the purity of SFE extracted by our laboratory was 95%. It is well known that SFE can prevent cancers. It is also known that SFE is unstable to heat. To overcome the problem, SFE microcapsules using natural biopolymers were prepared by spray drying. The results indicated that SFE microcapsules using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), maltodextrin (MD) and isolated soybean protein (SPI) as wall materials could effectively improve its stability against heat, especially SFE-loaded HP-β-CD and MD microcapsules. The amount of SFE in the microcapsules was found 20% higher than that of the non-encapsulated SFE under 90 °C in 168 h. Our finding suggested that the rate of degradation of the non-encapsulated and encapsulated SFE with HP-β-CD, MD and SPI followed the first-order kinetics. The speed of the degradation of the encapsulated SFE in biopolymers increased from SFE with HP-β-CD, to SFE with MD, and to SFE-SPI. The non-encapsulated SFE degrades fastest. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

House dust mite induces expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in EoL-1 human eosinophilic leukemic cells.

PubMed

Kwon, Byoung Chul; Sohn, Myung Hyun; Kim, Kyung Won; Kim, Eun Soo; Kim, Kyu-Earn; Shin, Myeong Heon

2007-10-01

The house dust mite (HDM) is considered to be the most common indoor allergen associated with bronchial asthma. In this study, we investigated whether crude extract of the HDM Dermatophagoides farinae could activate human eosinophilic leukemic cells (EoL-1) to induce upregulation of cell-surface adhesion molecules. When EoL-1 cells were incubated with D. farinae extract, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) significantly increased on the cell surfaces compared to cells incubated with medium alone. In contrast, surface expression of CD11b and CD49d in EoL-1 cells was not affected by D. farinae extract. In addition, pretreatment of cells with NF-kappaB inhibitor (MG-132) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125) significantly inhibited ICAM-1 expression promoted by HDM extract. However, neither p38 MAP kinase inhibitor nor MEK inhibitor prevented HDM-induced ICAM-1 expression in EoL-1 cells. These results suggest that crude extract of D. farinae induces ICAM-1 expression in EoL-1 cells through signaling pathways involving both NF-kappaB and JNK.

House Dust Mite Induces Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in EoL-1 Human Eosinophilic Leukemic Cells

PubMed Central

Kwon, Byoung Chul; Sohn, Myung Hyun; Kim, Kyung Won; Kim, Eun Soo; Kim, Kyu-Earn

2007-01-01

The house dust mite (HDM) is considered to be the most common indoor allergen associated with bronchial asthma. In this study, we investigated whether crude extract of the HDM Dermatophagoides farinae could activate human eosinophilic leukemic cells (EoL-1) to induce upregulation of cell-surface adhesion molecules. When EoL-1 cells were incubated with D. farinae extract, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) significantly increased on the cell surfaces compared to cells incubated with medium alone. In contrast, surface expression of CD11b and CD49d in EoL-1 cells was not affected by D. farinae extract. In addition, pretreatment of cells with NF-κB inhibitor (MG-132) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125) significantly inhibited ICAM-1 expression promoted by HDM extract. However, neither p38 MAP kinase inhibitor nor MEK inhibitor prevented HDM-induced ICAM-1 expression in EoL-1 cells. These results suggest that crude extract of D. farinae induces ICAM-1 expression in EoL-1 cells through signaling pathways involving both NF-κB and JNK. PMID:17982228

CDU improvement technology of etching pattern using photo lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadokoro, Masahide; Shinozuka, Shinichi; Jyousaka, Megumi; Ogata, Kunie; Morimoto, Tamotsu; Konishi, Yoshitaka

2008-03-01

Semiconductor manufacturing technology has shifted towards finer design rules, and demands for critical dimension uniformity (CDU) of resist patterns have become greater than ever. One of the methods for improving Resist Pattern CDU is to control post-exposure bake (PEB) temperature. When ArF resist is used, there is a certain relationship between critical dimension (CD) and PEB temperature. By utilizing this relationship, Resist Pattern CDU can be improved through control of within-wafer temperature distribution in the PEB process. Resist Pattern CDU improvement contributes to Etching Pattern CDU improvement to a certain degree. To further improve Etching Pattern CDU, etcher-specific CD variation needs to be controlled. In this evaluation, 1. We verified whether etcher-specific CD variation can be controlled and consequently Etching Pattern CDU can be further improved by controlling resist patterns through PEB control. 2. Verifying whether Etching Pattern CDU improvement through has any effect on the reduction in wiring resistance variation. The evaluation procedure is as follows.1. Wafers with base film of Doped Poly-Si (D-Poly) were prepared. 2. Resist patterns were created on them. 3. To determine etcher-specific characteristics, the first etching was performed, and after cleaning off the resist and BARC, CD of etched D-Poly was measured. 4. Using the obtained within-wafer CD distribution of the etching patterns, within-wafer temperature distribution in the PEB process was modified. 5. Resist patterns were created again, followed by the second etching and cleaning, which was followed by CD measurement. We used Optical CD Measurement (OCD) for measurement of resist patterns and etching patterns as OCD is minimally affected by Line Edge Roughness (LER). As a result, 1. We confirmed the effect of Resist Pattern CD control through PEB control on the reduction in etcher-specific CD variation and the improvement in Etching Pattern CDU. 2. The improvement in Etching Pattern CDU has an effect on the reduction in wiring resistance variation. The method for Etching Pattern CDU improvement through PEB control reduces within-wafer variation of MOS transistor's gate length. Therefore, with this method, we can expect to observe uniform within-wafer MOS transistor characteristics.

Food supplement 20070721-GX may increase CD34+ stem cells and telomerase activity.

PubMed

Lin, Po-Cheng; Chiou, Tzyy-Wen; Liu, Po-Yen; Chen, Shee-Ping; Wang, Hsin-I; Huang, Pi-Chun; Lin, Shinn-Zong; Harn, Horng-Jyh

2012-01-01

Few rejuvenation and antiaging markers are used to evaluate food supplements. We measured three markers in peripheral blood to evaluate the antiaging effects of a food supplement containing placental extract. Samples were evaluated for CD34(+) cells, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and telomerase activity, which are all markers related to aging. To control the quality of this food supplement, five active components were monitored. In total, we examined 44 individuals who took the food supplement from 1.2 months to 23 months; the average number of CD34(+) cells was almost 6-fold higher in the experimental group compared with the control group. Food supplement intake did not change serum IGF1 levels significantly. Finally, the average telomerase activity was 30% higher in the subjects taking this food supplement. In summary, our results suggest that the placental extract in the food supplement might contribute to rejuvenation and antiaging.

Field evidence of cadmium phytoavailability decreased effectively by rape straw and/or red mud with zinc sulphate in a Cd-contaminated calcareous soil.

PubMed

Li, Bo; Yang, Junxing; Wei, Dongpu; Chen, Shibao; Li, Jumei; Ma, Yibing

2014-01-01

To reduce Cd phytoavailability in calcareous soils, the effects of soil amendments of red mud, rape straw, and corn straw in combination with zinc fertilization on Cd extractability and phytoavailability to spinach, tomato, Chinese cabbage and radish were investigated in a calcareous soil with added Cd at 1.5 mg kg-1. The results showed that water soluble and exchangeable Cd in soils was significantly decreased by the amendments themselves from 26% to 70%, which resulted in marked decrease by approximately from 34% to 77% in Cd concentration in vegetables. The amendments plus Zn fertilization further decreased the Cd concentration in vegetables. Also cruciferous rape straw was more effective than gramineous corn straw. In all treatments, rape straw plus red mud combined with Zn fertilization was most effective in decreasing Cd phytoavailability in soils, and it is potential to be an efficient and cost-effective measure to ensure food safety for vegetable production in mildly Cd-contaminated calcareous soils.

Assessment of a geochemical extraction procedure to determine the solid phase fractionation and bioaccessibility of potentially harmful elements in soils: a case study using the NIST 2710 reference soil.

PubMed

Wragg, Joanna; Cave, Mark

2012-04-13

Three mineral acid sequential extraction regimes (HNO(3) only, HNO(3) followed by HCl and aqua regia) were applied to the NIST 2710 contaminated reference soil. The major and trace element chemical analysis data from the extractions were subjected to a chemometric self-modelling mixture resolution procedure which identified that 12 distinct physico-chemical components were extracted. The fractionation of As, Cd, Ni and Pb between these components were determined. Tentative assignments of the mineralogical sources of the components were made. The human ingestion bioaccessible fraction of As, Cd and Pb were determined using the in vitro BARGE UBM bioaccessibility test and were found to be 51.6%, 68.0% and 68.4% respectively. The relationship between the lability of the physico-chemical components and the bioaccessible fraction of the soils was investigated and the bioaccessible fractions were assigned to specific components. The extraction scheme using aqua regia was found to be the most suitable as it was the only one which extracted the iron sulphide phase in the soil. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microbial activity and community diversity in a variable charge soil as affected by cadmium exposure levels and time*

PubMed Central

Shentu, Jia-li; He, Zhen-li; Yang, Xiao-e; Li, Ting-qiang

2008-01-01

Effects of cadmium (Cd) on microbial biomass, activity and community diversity were assessed in a representative variable charge soil (Typic Aquult) using an incubation study. Cadmium was added as Cd(NO3)2 to reach a concentration range of 0~16 mg Cd/kg soil. Soil extractable Cd generally increased with Cd loading rate, but decreased with incubation time. Soil microbial biomass was enhanced at low Cd levels (0.5~1 mg/kg), but was inhibited consistently with increasing Cd rate. The ratio of microbial biomass C/N varied with Cd treatment levels, decreasing at low Cd rate (<0.7 mg/kg available Cd), but increasing progressively with Cd loading. Soil respiration was restrained at low Cd loading (<1 mg/kg), and enhanced at higher Cd levels. Soil microbial metabolic quotient (MMQ) was generally greater at high Cd loading (1~16 mg/kg). However, the MMQ is also affected by other factors. Cd contamination reduces species diversity of soil microbial communities and their ability to metabolize different C substrates. Soils with higher levels of Cd contamination showed decreases in indicator phospholipids fatty acids (PLFAs) for Gram-negative bacteria and actinomycetes, while the indicator PLFAs for Gram-positive bacteria and fungi increased with increasing levels of Cd contamination. PMID:18357628

Biochar and Glomus caledonium Influence Cd Accumulation of Upland Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.) Intercropped with Alfred Stonecrop (Sedum alfredii Hance)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Junli; Wu, Fuyong; Wu, Shengchun; Lam, Cheung Lung; Lin, Xiangui; Wong, Ming Hung

2014-04-01

Both biochar application and mycorrhizal inoculation have been proposed to improve plant growth and alter bioaccumulation of toxic metals. A greenhouse pot trial was conducted to investigate growth and Cd accumulation of upland kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.) intercropped with Alfred stonecrop (Sedum alfredii Hance) in a Cd-contaminated soil inoculated with Glomus caledonium and/or applied with biochar. Compared with the monocultural control, intercropping with stonecrop (IS) decreased kangkong Cd acquisition via rhizosphere competition, and also decreased kangkong yield. Gc inoculation (+M) accelerated growth and Cd acquisition of stonecrop, and hence resulted in further decreases in kangkong Cd acquisition. Regardless of IS and +M, biochar addition (+B) increased kangkong yield via elevating soil available P, and decreased soil Cd phytoavailability and kangkong Cd concentration via increasing soil pH. Compared with the control, the treatment of IS + M + B had a substantially higher kangkong yield (+25.5%) with a lower Cd concentration (-62.7%). Gc generated additive effects on soil alkalinization and Cd stabilization to biochar, causing lower DTPA-extractable (phytoavailable) Cd concentrations and post-harvest transfer risks.

Pleurotus eryngii immobilized Amberlite XAD-16 as a solid-phase biosorbent for preconcentrations of Cd2+ and Co2+ and their determination by ICP-OES.

PubMed

Özdemir, Sadin; Okumuş, Veysi; Kılınç, Ersin; Bilgetekin, Havin; Dündar, Abdurrahman; Ziyadanogˇulları, Berrin

2012-09-15

This article reports a method that is used for the preconcentration and determination of Cd(2+) and Co(2+) in vegetables, using Pleurotus eryngii immobilized Amberlite XAD-16 as a solid-phase biosorbent. The concentrations of metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical spectrometry (ICP-OES). Critical parameters, such as the pH of the solution, flow rate, the amount of biosorbent, type and volume of eluent, and the sample volume, that affect the solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure were optimized. The optimum extraction conditions were determined as being a pH of 6.0 for Cd(2+) and of 5.0 for Co(2+); a sample flow rate of 2.0 mL min(-1); 200.0mg of biosorbent; and 5.0 mL of 1.0 mol L(-1) HCl as eluent. The capacities of the biosorbent for metal uptake were found to be 11.3 and 9.8 mg g(-1) for Cd(2+) and Co(2+) ions, respectively. Limit of quantitations (LOQs) were found to be 0.67 and 0.82 ng mL(-1), respectively, for Cd(2+) and Co(2+). The linear working curves were observed to be in the linear range from 1.0 to 50.0 ng mL(-1), and possessed high correlation coefficients. The use of the SPE method showed 50.7- and 35.7-fold improvements in the sensitivities of ICP-OES. The developed method was successfully applied to NCS ZC-73014 (a certified reference tea sample). Relative standard deviations (RSD) were lower than 5.0%. The Cd(2+) and Co(2+) concentrations in the different parts (leave, root, stem, and fruit) of purslane, onion, rocket, okra, and aubergine were determined after microwave digestion and solid-phase extraction by P. eryngii immobilized on Amberlite XAD-16. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trace metal mobilization by organic soil amendments: insights gained from analyses of solid and solution phase complexation of cadmium, nickel and zinc.

PubMed

Welikala, Dharshika; Hucker, Cameron; Hartland, Adam; Robinson, Brett H; Lehto, Niklas J

2018-05-01

The accumulation of Cd in soils worldwide has increased the demand for methods to reduce the metal's plant bioavailability. Organic matter rich soil amendments have been shown to be effective in achieving this. However, it is not known how long these amendments can retain the Cd, and whether dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from them can enhance the metal's mobility in the environment. In this study we sought to test the Cd binding capacity of various organic soil amendments, and evaluate differences in characteristics of the DOM released to see if they can explain the lability of the Cd-DOM complexes. We collected ten organic soil amendments from around New Zealand: five different composts, biosolids from two sources, two types of peat and spent coffee grounds. We characterised the amendments' elemental composition and their ability to bind the Cd. We then selected two composts and two peats for further tests, where we measured the sorption of Ni or Zn by the amendments. We analysed the quality of the extracted DOM from the four amendments using 3D Excitation Emission Matrix analysis, and tested the lability of the metal-DOM complexes using an adapted diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) method. We found that composts bound the most Cd and that the emergent Cd-DOM complexes were less labile than those from the peats. Ni-DOM complexes were the least labile. The aromaticity of the extracted DOM appears to be an important factor in determining the lability of Ni complexes, but less so for Zn and Cd. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of root inoculation with bacteria on the growth, Cd uptake and bacterial communities associated with rape grown in Cd-contaminated soil.

PubMed

Chen, Zhao-jin; Sheng, Xia-fang; He, Lin-yan; Huang, Zhi; Zhang, Wen-hui

2013-01-15

Two metal-resistant and plant growth-promoting bacteria (Burkholderia sp. J62 and Pseudomonas thivervalensis Y-1-3-9) were evaluated for their impacts on plant growth promotion, Cd availability in soil, and Cd uptake in rape (Brassica napus) grown in different level (0, 50, and 100 mg kg(-1)) of Cd-contaminated soils. The impacts of the bacteria on the rape-associated bacterial community structures were also evaluated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of bacterial DNA extracted from the root interior and rhizosphere and bulk soil samples collected at day 60 after inoculation. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to have a comparative analysis of DGGE profiles. Inoculation with live bacteria not only significantly increased root (ranging from 38% to 86%), stem (ranging from 27% to 65%) and leaf (ranging from 23% to 55%) dry weights and water-extractive Cd contents (ranging from 59% to 237%) in the rhizosphere soils of the rape but also significantly increased root (ranging from 10% to 61%), stem (ranging from 41% to 57%) and leaf (ranging from 46% to 68%) total Cd uptake of rape compared to the dead bacterial-inoculated controls. DGGE and sequence analyses showed that the bacteria could colonize the rhizosphere soils and root interiors of rape plants. DGGE-CCA also showed that root interior and rhizosphere and bulk soil community profiles from the live bacteria-inoculated rape were significantly different from those from the dead bacteria-inoculated rape respectively. These results suggested that the bacteria had the potential to promote the growth and Cd uptake of rape and to influence the development of the rape-associated bacterial community structures. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effective antigen presentation to helper T cells by human eosinophils.

PubMed

Farhan, Ruhaifah K; Vickers, Mark A; Ghaemmaghami, Amir M; Hall, Andrew M; Barker, Robert N; Walsh, Garry M

2016-12-01

Although eosinophils are inflammatory cells, there is increasing attention on their immunomodulatory roles. For example, murine eosinophils can present antigen to CD4 + T helper (Th) cells, but it remains unclear whether human eosinophils also have this ability. This study determined whether human eosinophils present a range of antigens, including allergens, to activate Th cells, and characterized their expression of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules required for effective presentation. Human peripheral blood eosinophils purified from non-allergic donors were pulsed with the antigens house dust mite extract (HDM), Timothy Grass extract (TG) or Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD), before co-culture with autologous CD4 + Th cells. Proliferative and cytokine responses were measured, with eosinophil expression of HLA-DR/DP/DQ and the co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86 determined by flow cytometry. Eosinophils pulsed with HDM, TG or PPD drove Th cell proliferation, with the response strength dependent on antigen concentration. The cytokine responses varied with donor and antigen, and were not biased towards any particular Th subset, often including combinations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Eosinophils up-regulated surface expression of HLA-DR/DP/DQ, CD80, CD86 and CD40 in culture, increases that were sustained over 5 days when incubated with antigens, including HDM, or the major allergens it contains, Der p I or Der p II. Human eosinophils can, therefore, act as effective antigen-presenting cells to stimulate varied Th cell responses against a panel of antigens including HDM, TG or PPD, an ability that may help to determine the development of allergic disease. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Estimating children's exposure to toxic elements in contaminated toys and children's jewelry via saliva mobilization.

PubMed

Guney, Mert; Nguyen, Alain; Zagury, Gerald J

2014-09-19

Children's potential for exposure to potentially toxic elements in contaminated jewelry and toys via mouth contact has not yet been fully evaluated. Various toys and jewelry (metallic toys and jewelry [MJ], plastic toys, toys with paint or coating, and brittle/pliable toys; n = 32) were tested using the saliva extraction (mouthing) compartment of the DIN and RIVM bioaccessibility protocols to assess As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Se mobilization via saliva. Total concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Sb were found elevated in analyzed samples. Four metals were mobilized to saliva from 16 MJ in significant quantities (>1 μg for highly toxic Cd and Pb, >10 μg for Cu and Ni). Bioaccessible concentrations and hazard index values for Cd exceeded limit values, for young children between 6 mo- and 3 yr-old and according to both protocols. Total and bioaccessible metal concentrations were different and not always correlated, encouraging the use of bioaccessibility for more accurate hazard assessments. Bioaccessibility increased with increasing extraction time. Overall, the risk from exposure to toxic elements via mouthing was high only for Cd and for MJ. Further research on children's exposure to toxic elements following ingestion of toy or jewelry material is recommended.

Cadmium and zinc in vegetation and litter of a voluntary woodland that has developed on contaminated sediment-derived soil.

PubMed

Lepp, Nicholas W; Madejón, Paula

2007-01-01

Vegetation that develops spontaneously on metal-contaminated soils presents an opportunity to evaluate both metal bioavailability and the risks posed to biota. The behavior of Cd and Zn in the species of a spontaneously developed woodland, colonizing a canal embankment, has been investigated. Nitric-acid-extractable metal concentrations in the sediment-derived substrate ranged between 5.0 to 376 mg kg(-1)dry wt. Cd and 83.0 to 784 mg kg(-1)dry wt. Zn. The woodland is dominated by Willow (Salix) species. Salix caprea selectively accumulated Cd in all stem tissues, in contrast to S. viminalis, which regulated tissue Cd content. Both species showed an effective regulation of tissue Zn. Cadmium uptake by S. caprea was correlated with differences in soil pH, while Zn uptake was not. There was no relationship between tissue metal concentrations and soil metal nitric acid-extractable concentrations. Other aspects of ecosystem function appeared unaffected by the elevated Cd flux in S. caprea; leaf litter organisms present represented all major groups and there was no accumulation of organic matter. The woodland represents a potentially sustainable option for remediating a low value site with difficult access that does not involve removal of the contaminated material to a landfill or making a permanent inert cover.

Potential of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) for phytoremediation of mine tailings and oil production.

PubMed

Ruiz Olivares, Alejandro; Carrillo-González, Rogelio; González-Chávez, Ma del Carmen A; Soto Hernández, Ramón Marcos

2013-01-15

Bioenergy production combined with phytoremediation has been suggested to help in solving two critical world problems: the gradual reduction of fossil fuels and soil contamination. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential for the use of Ricinus communis L. (castor oil plant) as an energy crop and plant species to remediate metal-polluted sites. This study was performed in mine tailings containing high concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb and Cd. Physico-chemical characterization, total, DTPA-extractable and water-soluble metals in rhizospheric tailings heap samples were carried. Metal concentrations in plant tissues and translocation factors (TFs) were also determined. The Ricinus seed-oil content was high between 41 and 64%, seeds from San Francisco site 6 had the highest oil content, while these from site 7 had the lowest. No trend between oil yield vs seed origin site was observed. Seed-oil content was negatively correlated with root concentration of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd, but no correlation was observed with the extractable-metals. According to its shoot metal concentrations and TFs, castor bean is not a metal accumulator plant. This primary colonizing plant is well suited to cope with the local toxic conditions and can be useful for the stabilization of these residues, and for then decreasing metal bioavailability, dispersion and human health risks on these barren tailings heaps and in the surrounding area. Our work is the first report regarding combined oil production and a phytostabilization role for Ricinus plants in metal mine tailings and may give a new value to suitable metal-polluted areas. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced rice production but greatly reduced carbon emission following biochar amendment in a metal-polluted rice paddy.

PubMed

Zhang, Afeng; Bian, Rongjun; Li, Lianqing; Wang, Xudong; Zhao, Ying; Hussain, Qaiser; Pan, Genxing

2015-12-01

Soil amendment of biochar (BSA) had been shown effective for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and alleviating metal stress to plants and microbes in soil. It has not yet been addressed if biochar exerts synergy effects on crop production, GHG emission, and microbial activity in metal-polluted soils. In a field experiment, biochar was amended at sequential rates at 0, 10, 20, and 40 t ha(-1), respectively, in a cadmium- and lead-contaminated rice paddy from the Tai lake Plain, China, before rice cropping in 2010. Fluxes of soil carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) were monitored using a static chamber method during the whole rice growing season (WRGS) of 2011. BSA significantly reduced soil CaCl2 extractable pool of Cd, and DTPA extractable pool of Cd and Pb. As compared to control, soil CO2 emission under BSA was observed to have no change at 10 t ha(-1) but decreased by 16-24% at 20 and 40 t ha(-1). In a similar trend, BSA at 20 and 40 t ha(-1) increased rice yield by 25-26% and thus enhanced ecosystem CO2 sequestration by 47-55% over the control. Seasonal total N2O emission was reduced by 7.1, 30.7, and 48.6% under BSA at 10, 20, and 40 t ha(-1), respectively. Overall, a net reduction in greenhouse gas balance (NGHGB) by 53.9-62.8% and in greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) by 14.3-28.6% was observed following BSA at 20 and 40 t ha(-1). The present study suggested a great potential of biochar to enhancing grain yield while reducing carbon emission in metal-polluted rice paddies.

Route and Regulation of Zinc, Cadmium, and Iron Transport in Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) during Vegetative Growth and Grain Filling: Metal Transporters, Metal Speciation, Grain Cd Reduction and Zn and Fe Biofortification

PubMed Central

Yoneyama, Tadakatsu; Ishikawa, Satoru; Fujimaki, Shu

2015-01-01

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential but are sometimes deficient in humans, while cadmium (Cd) is toxic if it accumulates in the liver and kidneys at high levels. All three are contained in the grains of rice, a staple cereal. Zn and Fe concentrations in rice grains harvested under different levels of soil/hydroponic metals are known to change only within a small range, while Cd concentrations show greater changes. To clarify the mechanisms underlying such different metal contents, we synthesized information on the routes of metal transport and accumulation in rice plants by examining metal speciation, metal transporters, and the xylem-to-phloem transport system. At grain-filling, Zn and Cd ascending in xylem sap are transferred to the phloem by the xylem-to-phloem transport system operating at stem nodes. Grain Fe is largely derived from the leaves by remobilization. Zn and Fe concentrations in phloem-sap and grains are regulated within a small range, while Cd concentrations vary depending on xylem supply. Transgenic techniques to increase concentrations of the metal chelators (nicotianamine, 2′-deoxymugineic acid) are useful in increasing grain Zn and Fe concentrations. The elimination of OsNRAMP5 Cd-uptake transporter and the enhancement of root cell vacuolar Cd sequestration reduce uptake and root-to-shoot transport, respectively, resulting in a reduction of grain Cd accumulation. PMID:26287170

Route and Regulation of Zinc, Cadmium, and Iron Transport in Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) during Vegetative Growth and Grain Filling: Metal Transporters, Metal Speciation, Grain Cd Reduction and Zn and Fe Biofortification.

PubMed

Yoneyama, Tadakatsu; Ishikawa, Satoru; Fujimaki, Shu

2015-08-13

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential but are sometimes deficient in humans, while cadmium (Cd) is toxic if it accumulates in the liver and kidneys at high levels. All three are contained in the grains of rice, a staple cereal. Zn and Fe concentrations in rice grains harvested under different levels of soil/hydroponic metals are known to change only within a small range, while Cd concentrations show greater changes. To clarify the mechanisms underlying such different metal contents, we synthesized information on the routes of metal transport and accumulation in rice plants by examining metal speciation, metal transporters, and the xylem-to-phloem transport system. At grain-filling, Zn and Cd ascending in xylem sap are transferred to the phloem by the xylem-to-phloem transport system operating at stem nodes. Grain Fe is largely derived from the leaves by remobilization. Zn and Fe concentrations in phloem-sap and grains are regulated within a small range, while Cd concentrations vary depending on xylem supply. Transgenic techniques to increase concentrations of the metal chelators (nicotianamine, 2'-deoxymugineic acid) are useful in increasing grain Zn and Fe concentrations. The elimination of OsNRAMP5 Cd-uptake transporter and the enhancement of root cell vacuolar Cd sequestration reduce uptake and root-to-shoot transport, respectively, resulting in a reduction of grain Cd accumulation.

Dimethyl fumarate–induced lymphopenia in MS due to differential T-cell subset apoptosis

PubMed Central

Ghadiri, Mahtab; Rezk, Ayman; Li, Rui; Evans, Ashley; Luessi, Felix; Zipp, Frauke; Giacomini, Paul S.; Antel, Jack

2017-01-01

Objective: To examine the mechanism underlying the preferential CD8+ vs CD4+ T-cell lymphopenia induced by dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment of MS. Methods: Total lymphocyte counts and comprehensive T-cell subset analyses were performed in high-quality samples obtained from patients with MS prior to and serially following DMF treatment initiation. Random coefficient mixed-effects analysis was used to model the trajectory of T-cell subset losses in vivo. Survival and apoptosis of distinct T-cell subsets were assessed following in vitro exposure to DMF. Results: Best-fit modeling indicated that the DMF-induced preferential reductions in CD8+ vs CD4+ T-cell counts nonetheless followed similar depletion kinetics, suggesting a similar rather than distinct mechanism involved in losses of both the CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. In vitro, DMF exposure resulted in dose-dependent reductions in T-cell survival, which were found to reflect apoptotic cell death. This DMF-induced apoptosis was greater for CD8+ vs CD4+, as well as for memory vs naive, and conventional vs regulatory T-cell subsets, a pattern which mirrored preferential T-cell subset losses that we observed during in vivo treatment of patients. Conclusions: Differential apoptosis mediated by DMF may underlie the preferential lymphopenia of distinct T-cell subsets, including CD8+ and memory T-cell subsets, seen in treated patients with MS. This differential susceptibility of distinct T-cell subsets to DMF-induced apoptosis may contribute to both the safety and efficacy profiles of DMF in patients with MS. PMID:28377940

Heavy metal pollution in Tianjin, China—its bioavailability prediction and mitigation practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Hongwen; Wang, Ting; Zhang, Yanfeng; Jiang, Chunxiao; Wang, Jing

2010-05-01

Irrigation of sewage water has been applied for agriculture production in Tianjin for over 50 years, for Tianjin is a city lacking water resource. Based on the result of an extensive investigation on heavy metals in the farmland of Tianjin in 2005, 21 samples (including soil and lettuce) were collected from most the polluted areas along the three sewage rivers. Nine of the 21 soil samples exceeded the National Soil Quality Standard for cadmium (0.6 mg/kg) and 7 exceeded the standard for mercury (1.0 mg/kg). However, the heavy metal contents in lettuce did not correlate the heavy metal concentrations in soil. The bioavailability changed with soil properties. The part extracted by diethylene-triaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and another mixed extraction solvent, M3, were used to predict the bioavailability of heavy metals. The solvent extraction gave good prediction on Cd absorbance in lettuce, with correlative coefficient larger than 0.9. However, it failed for Hg. This may be because Hg is relatively volatile, and the absorption patterns are complex for Hg. To set up a mitigation method for heavy metal pollution in farm land, friendly to agricultural production, in-situ fixing strategy was adopted. Bacillus subtilis and Candida tropicalis were induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and HNO2 treatment to get mutated strains that can tolerate and accumulate higher level of cadmium. A strain of B38 from B. subtilis showed the highest Cd tolerance, and was used for further experiment. Though B38 could accumulate Cd from water solution, but it did not fix Cd in soil. This is due to that the amended microorganisms could not propagate well in the polluted soil. Novogro, which is produced from the waste of an enzyme factory, was selected out from several materials to amend together with B38. After the co-amendment of Novogro and B38, the DTPA extractable Cd decreased by 72%, and B38 could propagate efficiently as indicated by DGGE test. Applying conditions, such as amendment amount of Novogro and B38, pH, water content, were optimized. Pot experiments showed that this combined technology could reduce the absorption of Cd for several vegetable species, and promote their growth. Finally, the technology was successfully applied to vegetable production in field, and the heavy metal absorption (mainly Cd and Hg) was reduced by 14-66%. This study provides an environment friendly remediation technology with low cost.

CdSe/beta-Pb0.33V2O5 heterostructures: Nanoscale semiconductor interfaces with tunable energetic configurations for solar energy conversion and storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milleville, Christopher C.

This dissertation focuses on the formation and characterization of semiconductor heterostructures, consisting of light-harvesting cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) and single crystalline lead vanadium oxide nanowires (β-Pb0.33V2O5 NWs), for the purpose of excited-state charge transfer and photocatalytic production of solar fuels. We reported two distinct routes for assembling CdSe/β-Pb0.33V2O5 heterostructures: linker-assisted assembly (LAA) mediated by a bifunctional ligand and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). In the former case, the thiol end of a molecular linker, cysteine (Cys) is found to bind to the QD surface, whereas a protonated amine moiety interacts electrostatically with the negatively charged NW surface. In the alternative SILAR route, the surface coverage of CdSe on the β-Pb0.33V2O5 NWs is tuned by varying the number of successive precipitation cycles. Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) measurements revealed that the mid-gap states of β-Pb0.33V2O5 NWs are closely overlapped in energy with the valence band edges of CdSe QDs, suggesting that hole transfer from the valence band of CdSe into the mid-gap states is possible. Preliminary evidence of hole transfer was obtained through photoluminescence quenching experiments. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements on Cys-CdSe dispersions, mixed dispersions of Cys-CdSe QDs and β-Pb0.33V¬2O5 NWs, and mixed dispersions of Cys-CdS QDs and V2O5 revealed a greater extent of quenching of the emission of Cys-CdSe QDs by β Pb0.33V¬2O5 relative to V2O5. V2O5, devoid of mid-gap states, is unable to accept holes from CdSe and therefore should not quench emission to the same extent as β-Pb0.33V¬2O5. The additional quenching was dynamic, consistent with a mechanism involving the transfer of photogenerated holes from CdSe QDs to the mid-gap states of β Pb0.33V2O5. Transient absorption spectroscopy (TA) was used to probe the dynamics of interfacial charge transfer of CdSe/β-Pb0.33V¬2O5 and CdSe/V2O5 heterostructures. TA measurements indicate that, for both types of heterostructures, photoexcitation of CdSe QDs was followed by a transfer of electrons to the conduction band of β-Pb0.33V¬2O5 and holes to the mid-gap states of β-Pb0.33V¬2O5. Ultrafast transient absoprtion measurements revealed that holes actually transferred before electrons, on time scales of ca. 2 ps. In contrast, for analogous heterostructures consisting of CdSe QDs interfaced with V2O5, only electron transfer was observed. In addition, electron transfer was readily achieved for SILAR-prepared heterostructures; however, for LAA-prepared heterostructures, electron transfer was observed only upon excitation at energies substantially greater than the bandgap absorption threshold of CdSe. Transient absorbance decay traces revealed longer excited-state lifetimes (1-3 μs) for CdSe/β Pb0.33V2O5 heterostructures relative to bare β-Pb0.33V2O5 NWs (0.2 to 0.6 μs); the difference was attributed to surface passivation of intrinsic surface defects in β-Pb0.33V2O5 upon interfacing with CdSe. In an effort to improve the energetic offset in QD/β-Pb0.33V2O5 heterostructures, cadmium sulfide (CdS) QDs were used in place of CdSe QDs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) valence band spectra of CdS/β-Pb0.33V2O5 and CdSe/β-Pb0.33V2O5 revealed a greater binding energy onset for CdS compared to CdSe. Binding energy onsets of 1.33 (± 0.03) and 0.92 (± 0.02) eV were determined for Cys-CdS/β Pb0.33V2O5 and Cys-CdSe/β Pb0.33V2O5, respectively; suggesting a 0.41 (±0.04) eV decrease in the free energy (ΔG) needed for hole transfer from the valence band edge of the QDs to the mid-gap states. Linear sweep voltammetry was employed to measure the photocatalytic activity of CdSe/β Pb0.33V2O5 heterostructures in electrolytes containing ascorbic acid as a sacrificial proton donor. Preliminary photoelectrochemical measurements on CdSe/β-Pb0.33V2O5 electrodes revealed reductive photocurrents at applied potentials ca. 450 mV positive of the dark proton reduction onset. Importantly, no reductive photocurrents were measured on bare β-Pb0.33V2O5 electrodes. These results are consistent with a mechanism in which photoinduced hole transfer from CdSe QDs to the mid-gap states of β Pb0.33V2O5 NWs facilitates the reduction of protons, as the charge-separated state allows proton reduction to compete with exciton recombination. This avenue of research is ongoing.

An in vitro study on the risk of non-allergic type-I like hypersensitivity to Momordica charantia.

PubMed

Sagkan, Rahsan Ilikci

2013-10-26

Momordica charantia (MC) is a tropical plant that is extensively used in folk medicine. However, the knowledge about side effects of this plant is relatively little according to knowledge about its therapeutic effects. The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of non-allergic type-I like hypersensitivity to MC by an experiment which was designed in vitro. In the present study, the expression of CD63 and CD203c on peripheral blood basophils against different dilutions of MC extracts was measured using flow cytometry and compared with one another. In addition to this, intra-assay CV's of testing extracts were calculated for precision on reproducibility of test results. It was observed that the fruit extract of MC at 1/100 and 1/1000 dilutions significantly increased active basophils compared to same extract at 1/10000 dilution. In conclusion, Momordica charantia may elicit a non-allergic type-I like hypersensitivity reaction in especially susceptible individuals.

Evidence of immunocompetence reduction induced by cadmium exposure in honey bees (Apis mellifera).

PubMed

Polykretis, P; Delfino, G; Petrocelli, I; Cervo, R; Tanteri, G; Montori, G; Perito, B; Branca, J J V; Morucci, G; Gulisano, M

2016-11-01

In the last decades a dramatic loss of Apis mellifera hives has been reported in both Europe and USA. Research in this field is oriented towards identifying a synergy of contributing factors, i.e. pathogens, pesticides, habitat loss and pollution to the weakening of the hive. Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous anthropogenic pollutant whose effects are proving to be increasingly lethal. Among the multiple damages related to Cd contamination, some studies report that it causes immunosuppression in various animal species. The aim of this paper is to determine whether contamination by Cd, may have a similar effect on the honey bees' immunocompetence. Our results, obtained by immune challenge experiments and confirmed by structural and ultrastructural observations show that such metal causes a reduction in immunocompetence in 3 days Cd exposed bees. As further evidence of honey bee response to Cd treatment, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (X-EDS) has revealed the presence of zinc (Zn) in peculiar electron-dense granules in fat body cells. Zn is a characteristic component of metallothioneins (MTs), which are usually synthesized as anti-oxidant and scavenger tools against Cd contamination. Our findings suggest that honey bee colonies may have a weakened immune system in Cd polluted areas, resulting in a decreased ability in dealing with pathogens. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alteration of Lymphocyte Phenotype and Function in Sickle Cell Anemia: Implications for Vaccine Responses

PubMed Central

Balandya, Emmanuel; Reynolds, Teri; Obaro, Stephen; Makani, Julie

2016-01-01

Individuals with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have increased susceptibility to infections, secondary to impairment of immune function. Besides the described dysfunction in innate immunity, including impaired opsonization and phagocytosis of bacteria, evidence of dysfunction of T and B lymphocytes in SCA has also been reported. This includes reduction in the proportion of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, reduction of CD4+ helper : CD8+ suppressor T cell ratio, aberrant activation and dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Treg), skewing of CD4+ T cells towards Th2 response and loss of IgM-secreting CD27+IgMhighIgDlow memory B cells. These changes occur on the background of immune activation characterized by predominance of memory CD4+ T cell phenotypes, increased Th17 signaling and elevated levels of C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, which may affect the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of vaccines available to prevent infections in SCA. Thus, in order to optimize the use of vaccines in SCA, a thorough understanding of T and B lymphocyte functions and vaccine reactivity among individuals with SCA is needed. Studies should be encouraged of different SCA populations, including sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of SCA is highest. This article summarizes our current understanding of lymphocyte biology in SCA, and highlights areas that warrant future research. PMID:27237467

Identification of OCTN2 variants and their association with phenotypes of Crohn’s disease in a Korean population

PubMed Central

Park, Hyo Jin; Jung, Eun Suk; Kong, Kyoung Ae; Park, Eun-Mi; Cheon, Jae Hee; Choi, Ji Ha

2016-01-01

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease and a genetic variant in the OCTN2, g.-207G > C is significantly associated with CD susceptibility. This study was aimed to identify novel OCTN2 functional promoter variants and their roles in transcriptional regulation using various in vitro assays. In addition, we investigated the association between OCTN2 genotypes and CD through genetic analysis using DNA samples from 193 patients with CD and 281 healthy controls. Among the three major promoter haplotypes of OCTN2 identified, one haplotype, H3, showed a significant decrease in promoter activity: two polymorphisms in H3 were associated with a significant reduction in promoter activity. In particular, we found that the reduced transcriptional activity of those two polymorphisms results from a reduction in the binding affinity of the activators, NF-E2 and YY1, to the OCTN2 promoter. The functional haplotype of the OCTN2 promoter was associated with clinical course of CD such as the disease behavior and need for surgery. However, genetic variants or haplotypes of OCTN2 did not affect the susceptibility to CD. Our results suggest that a common promoter haplotype of OCTN2 regulates the transcriptional rate of OCTN2 and influences the clinical course of CD. PMID:26965072

CD28/B7 deficiency attenuates systolic overload-induced congestive heart failure, myocardial and pulmonary inflammation, and activated T-cell accumulation in the heart and lungs

PubMed Central

Wang, Huan; Kwak, Dongmin; Fassett, John; Hou, Lei; Xu, Xin; Burbach, Brandon J.; Thenappan, Thenappan; Xu, Yawei; Ge, Jun-bo; Shimizu, Yoji; Bache, Robert J.; Chen, Yingjie

2017-01-01

The inflammatory response regulates congestive heart failure (CHF) development. T-cell activation plays an important role in tissue inflammation. We postulate that CD28 or B7 deficiency inhibits T-cell activation and attenuates CHF development by reducing systemic, cardiac and pulmonary inflammation. We demonstrated that chronic pressure overload-induced end-stage CHF in mice is characterized by profound accumulation of activated effector T-cells (CD3+CD44high cells) in the lungs and a mild but significant increase of these cells in the heart. In knockout (KO) mice lacking either CD28 or B7, there was a dramatic reduction in the accumulation of activated effector T cells in both hearts and lungs of mice under control conditions and after transverse aortic constriction (TAC). CD28 or B7 KO significantly attenuated TAC-induced CHF development, as indicated by less increase of heart and lung weight, and less reduction of LV contractility. CD28 or B7 KO also significantly reduced TAC-induced CD45+ leukocyte, T-cell and macrophage infiltration in hearts and lungs, lowered pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (such as TNF-α and IL-1β) in lungs. Furthermore, CD28/B7 blockade by CTLA4-Ig treatment (250μg/mouse every 3 days) attenuated TAC-induced T cell activation, LV hypertrophy, and LV dysfunction. Our data indicate that CD28/B7 deficiency inhibits activated effector T-cell accumulation, reduces myocardial and pulmonary inflammation, and attenuates the development of CHF. Our findings suggest that strategies targeting T-cell activation may be useful in treating CHF. PMID:27432861

Recombinant heat shock protein 27 (HSP27/HSPB1) protects against cadmium-induced oxidative stress and toxicity in human cervical cancer cells.

PubMed

Alvarez-Olmedo, Daiana G; Biaggio, Veronica S; Koumbadinga, Geremy A; Gómez, Nidia N; Shi, Chunhua; Ciocca, Daniel R; Batulan, Zarah; Fanelli, Mariel A; O'Brien, Edward R

2017-05-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a carcinogen with several well-described toxicological effects in humans, but its molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Overexpression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27/HSPB1)-a multifunctional protein chaperone-has been shown to protect cells from oxidative damage and apoptosis triggered by Cd exposure. The aims of this work were to investigate the potential use of extracellular recombinant HSP27 to prevent/counteract Cd-induced cellular toxicity and to evaluate if peroxynitrite was involved in the development of Cd-induced toxicity. Here, we report that the harmful effects of Cd correlated with changes in oxidative stress markers: upregulation of reactive oxygen species, reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, increment in lipid peroxidation, peroxynitrite (PN), and protein nitration; intracellular HSP27 was reduced. Treatments with Cd (100 μM) for 24 h or with the peroxynitrite donor, SIN-1, decreased HSP27 levels (~50%), suggesting that PN formation is responsible for the reduction of HSP27. Pre-treatments of the cells either with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) (a pharmacological inhibitor of NO synthase) or with recombinant HSP27 (rHSP27) attenuated the disruption of the cellular metabolism induced by Cd, increasing in a 55 and 52%, respectively, the cell viability measured by CCK-8. Cd induced necrotic cell death pathways, although apoptosis was also activated; pre-treatment with L-NAME or rHSP27 mitigated cell death. Our findings show for the first time a direct relationship between Cd-induced toxicity and PN production and a role for rHSP27 as a potential therapeutic agent that may counteract Cd toxicity.

Electronic structure robustness and design rules for 2D colloidal heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Audrey; Livache, Clément; Ithurria, Sandrine; Lhuillier, Emmanuel

2018-01-01

Among the colloidal quantum dots, 2D nanoplatelets present exceptionally narrow optical features. Rationalizing the design of heterostructures of these objects is of utmost interest; however, very little work has been focused on the investigation of their electronic properties. This work is organized into two main parts. In the first part, we use 1D solving of the Schrödinger equation to extract the effective masses for nanoplatelets (NPLs) of CdSe, CdS, and CdTe and the valence band offset for NPL core/shell of CdSe/CdS. In the second part, using the determined parameters, we quantize how the spectra of the CdSe/CdS heterostructure get affected by (i) the application of an electric field and (ii) by the presence of a dull interface. We also propose design strategies to make the heterostructure even more robust.

Characteristics of metal-tolerant plant growth-promoting yeast (Cryptococcus sp. NSE1) and its influence on Cd hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola.

PubMed

Liu, Wuxing; Wang, Beibei; Wang, Qingling; Hou, Jinyu; Wu, Longhua; Wood, Jennifer L; Luo, Yongming; Franks, Ashley E

2016-09-01

Plant growth-promoting yeasts are often over looked as a mechanism to improve phytoremediation of heavy metals. In this study, Cryptococcus sp. NSE1, a Cd-tolerant yeast with plant growth capabilities, was isolated from the rhizosphere of the heavy metal hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola. The yeast exhibited strong tolerance to a range of heavy metals including Cd, Cu, and Zn on plate assays. The adsorption rate Cd, Cu, Zn by NSE1 was 26.1, 13.2, and 25.2 %, respectively. Irregular spines were formed on the surface of NSE1 when grown in MSM medium supplemented with 200 mg L(-1) Cd. NSE1 was capable of utilizing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) as a sole nitrogen source and was capable of solubilization of inorganic phosphate at rates of 195.2 mg L(-1). Field experiments demonstrated that NSE1 increased phytoremediation by increasing the biomass of Cd hyperaccumulator S. plumbizincicola (46 %, p < 0.05) during phytoremediation. Overall, Cd accumulation by S. plumbizincicola was increased from 19.6 to 31.1 mg m(-2) though no difference in the concentration of Cd in the shoot biomass was observed between NSE1 and control. A Cd accumulation ratio of 38.0 % for NSE1 and 17.2 % for control was observed. The HCl-extractable Cd and CaCl2-extractable Cd concentration in the soil of the NSE1 treatment were reduced by 39.2 and 29.5 %, respectively. Community-level physiology profiling, assessed using Biolog Eco plates, indicated functional changes to the rhizosphere community inoculated with NSE1 by average well color development (AWCD) and measurement of richness (diversity). Values of Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson index, and McIntosh index showed a slight but no significant increases. These results indicate that inoculation of NSE1 could increase the shoot biomass of S. plumbizincicola, enhance the Cd accumulation in S. plumbizincicola, and decrease the available heavy metal content in soils significantly without overall significant changes to the microbial community.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) leaves ameliorated cadmium-induced alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume of male Wistar rats.

PubMed

Imafidon, Christian Eseigbe; Akomolafe, Rufus Ojo; Sanusi, Abubakar Abefe; Ogundipe, Oluwadare Joshua; Olukiran, Olaoluwa Sesan; Ayowole, Oladele Abraham

2015-01-01

To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) on the feeding pattern of rats that were exposed to cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Thirty male Wistar rats, weighing 160-180 g, were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each as follows; Group 1 received distilled water orally (0.2 ml/100 g), daily, throughout the period of study. Group 2 received Cd alone (in the form of CdSO4) at 5 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 5 consecutive days. Group 3 were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 and thereafter left untreated for a period of 4-week. After the oral lethal dose of PEVA was determined, Groups 4, 5, and 6 were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 after which they received graded doses of PEVA at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day (0.2 ml/100 g), respectively via oral route for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for some plasma biochemical assays while urine samples were collected using metabolic cages. PEVA administration significantly increased (P < 0.05) the body weight and feeding patterns that were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by Cd toxicity. PEVA also significantly reinstated the plasma antioxidant status, as well as glucose and urine volume of the rats toward control values (P < 0.05). PEVA can be an herbal alternative in the treatment or management of subjects manifesting alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume that is Cd-induced.

A Solution Processed Flexible Nanocomposite Electrode with Efficient Light Extraction for Organic Light Emitting Diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lu; Liang, Jiajie; Chou, Shu-Yu; Zhu, Xiaodan; Niu, Xiaofan; Zhibinyu; Pei, Qibing

2014-03-01

Highly efficient organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on multiple layers of vapor evaporated small molecules, indium tin oxide transparent electrode, and glass substrate have been extensively investigated and are being commercialized. The light extraction from the exciton radiative decay is limited to less than 30% due to plasmonic quenching on the metallic cathode and the waveguide in the multi-layer sandwich structure. Here we report a flexible nanocomposite electrode comprising single-walled carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires stacked and embedded in the surface of a polymer substrate. Nanoparticles of barium strontium titanate are dispersed within the substrate to enhance light extraction efficiency. Green polymer OLED (PLEDs) fabricated on the nanocomposite electrode exhibit a maximum current efficiency of 118 cd/A at 10,000 cd/m2 with the calculated external quantum efficiency being 38.9%. The efficiencies of white PLEDs are 46.7 cd/A and 30.5%, respectively. The devices can be bent to 3 mm radius repeatedly without significant loss of electroluminescent performance. The nanocomposite electrode could pave the way to high-efficiency flexible OLEDs with simplified device structure and low fabrication cost.

A solution processed flexible nanocomposite electrode with efficient light extraction for organic light emitting diodes.

PubMed

Li, Lu; Liang, Jiajie; Chou, Shu-Yu; Zhu, Xiaodan; Niu, Xiaofan; ZhibinYu; Pei, Qibing

2014-03-17

Highly efficient organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on multiple layers of vapor evaporated small molecules, indium tin oxide transparent electrode, and glass substrate have been extensively investigated and are being commercialized. The light extraction from the exciton radiative decay is limited to less than 30% due to plasmonic quenching on the metallic cathode and the waveguide in the multi-layer sandwich structure. Here we report a flexible nanocomposite electrode comprising single-walled carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires stacked and embedded in the surface of a polymer substrate. Nanoparticles of barium strontium titanate are dispersed within the substrate to enhance light extraction efficiency. Green polymer OLED (PLEDs) fabricated on the nanocomposite electrode exhibit a maximum current efficiency of 118 cd/A at 10,000 cd/m(2) with the calculated external quantum efficiency being 38.9%. The efficiencies of white PLEDs are 46.7 cd/A and 30.5%, respectively. The devices can be bent to 3 mm radius repeatedly without significant loss of electroluminescent performance. The nanocomposite electrode could pave the way to high-efficiency flexible OLEDs with simplified device structure and low fabrication cost.

A Solution Processed Flexible Nanocomposite Electrode with Efficient Light Extraction for Organic Light Emitting Diodes

PubMed Central

Li, Lu; Liang, Jiajie; Chou, Shu-Yu; Zhu, Xiaodan; Niu, Xiaofan; ZhibinYu; Pei, Qibing

2014-01-01

Highly efficient organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on multiple layers of vapor evaporated small molecules, indium tin oxide transparent electrode, and glass substrate have been extensively investigated and are being commercialized. The light extraction from the exciton radiative decay is limited to less than 30% due to plasmonic quenching on the metallic cathode and the waveguide in the multi-layer sandwich structure. Here we report a flexible nanocomposite electrode comprising single-walled carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires stacked and embedded in the surface of a polymer substrate. Nanoparticles of barium strontium titanate are dispersed within the substrate to enhance light extraction efficiency. Green polymer OLED (PLEDs) fabricated on the nanocomposite electrode exhibit a maximum current efficiency of 118 cd/A at 10,000 cd/m2 with the calculated external quantum efficiency being 38.9%. The efficiencies of white PLEDs are 46.7 cd/A and 30.5%, respectively. The devices can be bent to 3 mm radius repeatedly without significant loss of electroluminescent performance. The nanocomposite electrode could pave the way to high-efficiency flexible OLEDs with simplified device structure and low fabrication cost. PMID:24632742

A new automated assessment method for contrast-detail images by applying support vector machine and its robustness to nonlinear image processing.

PubMed

Takei, Takaaki; Ikeda, Mitsuru; Imai, Kuniharu; Yamauchi-Kawaura, Chiyo; Kato, Katsuhiko; Isoda, Haruo

2013-09-01

The automated contrast-detail (C-D) analysis methods developed so-far cannot be expected to work well on images processed with nonlinear methods, such as noise reduction methods. Therefore, we have devised a new automated C-D analysis method by applying support vector machine (SVM), and tested for its robustness to nonlinear image processing. We acquired the CDRAD (a commercially available C-D test object) images at a tube voltage of 120 kV and a milliampere-second product (mAs) of 0.5-5.0. A partial diffusion equation based technique was used as noise reduction method. Three radiologists and three university students participated in the observer performance study. The training data for our SVM method was the classification data scored by the one radiologist for the CDRAD images acquired at 1.6 and 3.2 mAs and their noise-reduced images. We also compared the performance of our SVM method with the CDRAD Analyser algorithm. The mean C-D diagrams (that is a plot of the mean of the smallest visible hole diameter vs. hole depth) obtained from our devised SVM method agreed well with the ones averaged across the six human observers for both original and noise-reduced CDRAD images, whereas the mean C-D diagrams from the CDRAD Analyser algorithm disagreed with the ones from the human observers for both original and noise-reduced CDRAD images. In conclusion, our proposed SVM method for C-D analysis will work well for the images processed with the non-linear noise reduction method as well as for the original radiographic images.

One-step, low-temperature fabrication of CdS quantum dots by watermelon rind: a green approach

PubMed Central

Lakshmipathy, Rajasekhar; Sarada, Nallani Chakravarthula; Chidambaram, K; Pasha, Sk Khadeer

2015-01-01

We investigated the one-step synthesis of CdS nanoparticles via green synthesis that used aqueous extract of watermelon rind as a capping and stabilizing agent. Preliminary phytochemical analysis depicted the presence of carbohydrates which can act as capping and stabilizing agents. Synthesized CdS nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, EDX, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques. The CdS nanoparticles were found to be size- and shape-controlled and were stable even after 3 months of synthesis. The results suggest that watermelon rind, an agro-waste, can be used for synthesis of CdS nanoparticles without any addition of stabilizing and capping agents. PMID:26491319

Photo current generation in RGO - CdS nanorod thin film device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chakraborty, Koushik; Chakrabarty, Sankalpita; Ibrahim, Sk.

2016-05-23

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) - cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocomposite materials. The reduction of GO, formation of CdS and decoration of CdS onto RGO sheets were done in a one- pot solvothermal process. We have observed that the PL intensity for CdS nanorods remarkably quenched after the attachment of RGO, which established the photo induced charge transformation from the CdS nanorod to RGO sheets through the RGO-CdS interface. The optoelectronic transport properties of our fabricated large area thin film device exhibits excellent photo induced charge generation under simulated solar light illumination. The photomore » sensitivity of the device increases linearly with the increase of illuminated light intensity. The RGO-CdS composite exhibits enhance photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency in compare to control CdS under simulated solar light illumination.« less

Equilibrium and kinetic modelling of Cd(II) biosorption by algae Gelidium and agar extraction algal waste.

PubMed

Vilar, Vítor J P; Botelho, Cidália M S; Boaventura, Rui A R

2006-01-01

In this study an industrial algal waste from agar extraction has been used as an inexpensive and effective biosorbent for cadmium (II) removal from aqueous solutions. This biosorbent was compared with the algae Gelidium itself, which is the raw material for agar extraction. Equilibrium data follow both Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson models. The parameters of Langmuir equilibrium model are q(max)=18.0 mgg(-1), b=0.19 mgl(-1) and q(max)=9.7 mgg(-1), b=0.16 mgl(-1), respectively for Gelidium and the algal waste. Kinetic experiments were conducted at initial Cd(II) concentrations in the range 6-91 mgl(-1). Data were fitted to pseudo-first- and second-order Lagergren models. For an initial Cd(II) concentration of 91 mgl(-1) the parameters of the pseudo-first-order Lagergren model are k(1,ads)=0.17 and 0.87 min(-1); q(eq)=16.3 and 8.7 mgg(-1), respectively, for Gelidium and algal waste. Kinetic constants vary with the initial metal concentration. The adsorptive behaviour of biosorbent particles was modelled using a batch reactor mass transfer kinetic model. The model successfully predicts Cd(II) concentration profiles and provides significant insights on the biosorbents performance. The homogeneous diffusivity, D(h), is in the range 0.5-2.2 x10(-8) and 2.1-10.4 x10(-8)cm(2)s(-1), respectively, for Gelidium and algal waste.

A highly selective and sensitive ultrasonic assisted dispersive liquid phase microextraction based on deep eutectic solvent for determination of cadmium in food and water samples prior to electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Zounr, Rizwan Ali; Tuzen, Mustafa; Deligonul, Nihal; Khuhawar, Muhammad Yar

2018-07-01

A simple, fast, green, sensitive and selective ultrasonic assisted deep eutectic solvent liquid-phase microextraction technique was used for preconcentration and extraction of cadmium (Cd) in water and food samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). In this technique, a synthesized reagent (Z)-N-(3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenyl-2H-pyrrol-2-imine (Azo) was used as a complexing agent for Cd. The main factors effecting the pre-concentration and extraction of Cd such as effect of pH, type and composition of deep eutectic solvent (DES), volume of DES, volume of complexing agent, volume of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and ultrasonication time have been examined in detail. At optimum conditions the value of pH and molar ratio of DES were found to be 6.0 and 1:4 (ChCl:Ph), respectively. The detection limit (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), relative standard deviation (RSD) and preconcentration factor (PF) were observed as 0.023 ng L -1 , 0.161 ng L -1 , 3.1% and 100, correspondingly. Validation of the developed technique was observed by extraction of Cd in certified reference materials (CRMs) and observed results were successfully compared with certified values. The developed procedure was practiced to various food, beverage and water samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved electron density through hetero-junction binary sensitized TiO2/ CdTe / D719 system as photoanode for dye sensitized solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, A. K.; Ahmad, Muhammad Shakeel; Alizadeh, Mahdi; Rahim, Nasrudin Abd

2018-07-01

The combined effect of dual sensitization and hetero-junction symmetry has been investigated on the performance of TiO2 based dye sensitized solar cell. CdTe nanoparticles have been introduced in TiO2 matrix to function as sensitizer as well as act as hetero-junction between D719 dye and TiO2 nanoarchitecture. Four concentrations of CdTe i.e. 0.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 5 wt% and 8 wt% have been investigated. Morphological and compositional studies have been conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. Light absorption characteristics have been investigated by employing Uv-vis spectroscopy and the overall performance has been studied using solar simulator and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Performance has been found to be increased with the addition of CdTe due to high electron density and reduction in recombination reactions. An increase of 41.73% in incident photo conversion efficiency (IPCE) and 75.57% in short circuit current density (Jsc) have been recorded for the specimens containing 5 wt% CdTe compared to bare TiO2 based DSSCs. Further addition of CdTe leads to reduction in overall performance of DSSCs.

Cadmium is deposited in the gut content of larvae of the beetle Tenebrio molitor and involves a Cd-binding protein of the low cysteine type.

PubMed

Pedersen, S A; Kristiansen, E; Andersen, R A; Zachariassen, K E

2008-09-01

Binding of cadmium (Cd) to metallothionein (MT) and non-MT proteins with low contents of cysteine has been observed in terrestrial arthropods. We recently isolated a Cd-binding protein with no cysteine that was induced in Cd-exposed larvae of the beetle Tenebrio molitor. In this study we have examined the molecular distribution of Cd within extracts of different tissues and compartments of Cd-exposed T. molitor larvae. A Cd-peak consistent with the low cysteine Cd-binding protein was induced within the gut content where it could be detected after 4-8 days of exposure. Examination of gut wall tissue revealed no increase in Cd-binding capacity, indicating that no accumulation of MTs was taking place in this tissue. Incorporation of Cd in the gut wall tissue stabilized after 8 days of Cd-exposure at a rather low level compared to the other organs. There was a statistical trend towards Cd being incorporated in the gut content in a manner that was disproportionally high compared to the amount of Cd in the gut wall tissue. The possible role of the low cysteine Cd-binding protein in reducing the uptake of Cd in the tissues is discussed.

From Laboratory to Field: OsNRAMP5-Knockdown Rice Is a Promising Candidate for Cd Phytoremediation in Paddy Fields

PubMed Central

Bashir, Khurram; Senoura, Takeshi; Sugimoto, Kazuhiko; Ono, Kazuko; Suzui, Nobuo; Kawachi, Naoki; Ishii, Satomi; Yin, Yong-Gen; Fujimaki, Shu; Yano, Masahiro; Nishizawa, Naoko K.; Nakanishi, Hiromi

2014-01-01

Previously, we reported that OsNRAMP5 functions as a manganese, iron, and cadmium (Cd) transporter. The shoot Cd content in OsNRAMP5 RNAi plants was higher than that in wild-type (WT) plants, whereas the total Cd content (roots plus shoots) was lower. For efficient Cd phytoremediation, we produced OsNRAMP5 RNAi plants using the natural high Cd-accumulating cultivar Anjana Dhan (A5i). Using a positron-emitting tracer imaging system, we assessed the time-course of Cd absorption and accumulation in A5i plants. Enhanced 107Cd translocation from the roots to the shoots was observed in A5i plants. To evaluate the phytoremediation capability of A5i plants, we performed a field experiment in a Cd-contaminated paddy field. The biomass of the A5i plants was unchanged by the suppression of OsNRAMP5 expression; the A5i plants accumulated twice as much Cd in their shoots as WT plants. Thus, A5i plants could be used for rapid Cd extraction and the efficient phytoremediation of Cd from paddy fields, leading to safer food production. PMID:24901230

Quality of life, immunomodulation and safety of adjuvant mistletoe treatment in patients with gastric carcinoma – a randomized, controlled pilot study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extracts are widely used in complementary cancer therapy. Aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of a standardized mistletoe extract (abnobaVISCUM® Quercus, aVQ) in patients with gastric cancer. Patients and Methods 32 operated gastric cancer patients (stage Ib or II) who were waiting for oral chemotherapy with the 5-FU prodrug doxifluridine were randomized 1:1 to receive additional therapy with aVQ or no additional therapy. aVQ was injected subcutaneously three times per week from postoperative day 7 to week 24 in increasing doses. EORTC QLQ-C30 and -STO22 Quality of Life questionnaire, differential blood count, liver function tests, various cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2), CD 16+/CD56+ and CD 19+ lymphocytes were analyzed at baseline and 8, 16 and 24 weeks later. Results Global health status (p <0.01), leukocyte- and eosinophil counts (p ≤0.01) increased significantly in the treatment group compared to the control group. Diarrhea was less frequently reported (7% vs. 50%, p=0.014) in the intervention group. There was no significant treatment effect on levels of TNF-alpha, IL-2, CD16+/CD56+ and CD 19+ lymphocytes and liver function tests measured by ANOVA. Conclusion Additional treatment with aVQ is safe and was associated with improved QoL of gastric cancer patients. ClinicalTrials.Gov Registration number NCT01401075. PMID:23033982

Surface leakage current in 12.5  μm long-wavelength HgCdTe infrared photodiode arrays.

PubMed

Qiu, Weicheng; Hu, Weida; Lin, Chun; Chen, Xiaoshuang; Lu, Wei

2016-02-15

Long-wavelength (especially >12  μm) focal plane array (FPA) infrared detection is the cutting edge technique for third-generation infrared remote sensing. However, dark currents, which are very sensitive to the growth of small Cd composition HgCdTe, strongly limits the performance of long wavelength HgCdTe photodiode arrays in FPAs. In this Letter, 12.5 μm long-wavelength Hg_1-xCd_xTe (x≈0.219) infrared photodiode arrays are reported. The variable-area and variable-temperature electrical characteristics of the long-wavelength infrared photodiodes are measured. The characteristics of the extracted zero-bias resistance-area product (l/R₀A) varying with the perimeter-to-area (P/A) ratio clearly show that surface leakage current mechanisms severely limit the overall device performance. A sophisticated model has been developed for investigating the leakage current mechanism in the photodiodes. Modeling of temperature-dependent I-V characteristic indicates that the trap-assisted tunneling effect dominates the dark current at 50 K resulting in nonuniformities in the arrays. The extracted trap density, approximately 10¹³-10¹⁴  cm^-3, with an ionized energy of 30 meV is determined by simulation. The work described in this Letter provides the basic mechanisms for a better understanding of the leakage current mechanism for long-wavelength (>12  μm) HgCdTe infrared photodiode arrays.

Phytochemical and Bioactive Potential of in vivo and in vitro Grown Plants of Centaurea ragusina L. - Detection of DNA/RNA Active Compounds in Plant Extracts via Thermal Denaturation and Circular Dichroism.

PubMed

Vujčić, Valerija; Radić Brkanac, Sandra; Radojčić Redovniković, Ivana; Ivanković, Siniša; Stojković, Ranko; Žilić, Irena; Radić Stojković, Marijana

2017-11-01

The phytochemical composition and biological activity of non-volatile components of Centaurea ragusina L. has not been studied previously. Our aim was to evaluate the phytochemical and bioactive potential (including interactions with polynucleotides) of C. ragusina L. depending on the origin of plant material (in vivo - leaves from natural habitats, ex vitro - leaves from plants acclimated from culture media, in vitro - leaves and calli from plants grown in culture media) and polarity of solvents used in extract preparation (80 and 96% ethanol and water combinations or single solvents). The polyphenol composition was determined by spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis. Biological activity of extracts was evaluated by following methods: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods for antioxidative activity, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) microdilution method for antibacterial activity, crystal-violet test for cytotoxic activity and thermal denaturation (TD) and circular dichroism (CD) for DNA/RNA interactions. Conditions for the most efficient polyphenol extraction were determined: the 80% ethanol/water solvent system was the most suitable for callus and leaf ex vitro samples and 80 or 96% ethanol for leaf in vivo samples. Significantly higher levels of chlorogenic acid and naringenin were detected in callus tissue than in vivo plant. Ethanolic extracts exhibited the significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. DNA/RNA active compounds in plant extracts were detected by TD and CD methods. Callus tissue and ex vitro leaves represent a valuable source of polyphenols as in vivo leaves. TD and CD can be applied for detection of DNA/RNA active compounds in extracts from natural resources. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phytoavailability of Cd and Pb in crop straw biochar-amended soil is related to the heavy metal content of both biochar and soil.

PubMed

Shen, Xin; Huang, Dao-You; Ren, Xue-Fei; Zhu, Han-Hua; Wang, Shuai; Xu, Chao; He, Yan-Bing; Luo, Zun-Chang; Zhu, Qi-Hong

2016-03-01

Crop straw biochar incorporation may be a sustainable method of amending soil, but feedstock-related Cd and Pb content is a major concern. We investigated the effects of heavy metal-rich (RC) and -free biochar (FC) on the phytoavailability of Cd and Pb in two acidic metalliferous soils. Biochar significantly increased soil pH and improved plant growth. Pb in soil and plant tissues significantly decreased after biochar application, and a similar pattern was observed for Cd after FC application. RC significantly increased NH4NO3-extractable Cd in both lightly contaminated (YBS) and heavily contaminated soils (RS). The Cd content of plants grown on YBS increased, whereas it decreased on RS. The Cd and Pb input-output balance suggested that RC application to YBS might induce a soil Cd accumulation risk. Therefore, identifying heavy metal contamination in biochar is crucial before it is used as a soil amendment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isolation and preliminary characterization of a Cd-binding protein from Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera).

PubMed

Pedersen, S A; Kristiansen, E; Andersen, R A; Zachariassen, K E

2007-04-01

The effect of cadmium (Cd) exposure on Cd-binding ligands was investigated for the first time in a beetle (Coleoptera), using the mealworm Tenebrio molitor (L) as a model species. Exposure to Cd resulted in an approximate doubling of the Cd-binding capacity of the protein extracts from whole animals. Analysis showed that the increase was mainly explained by the induction of a Cd-binding protein of 7134.5 Da, with non-metallothionein characteristics. Amino acid analysis and de novo sequencing revealed that the protein has an unusually high content of the acidic amino acids aspartic and glutamic acid that may explain how this protein can bind Cd even without cysteine residues. Similarities in the amino acid composition suggest it to belong to a group of little studied proteins often referred to as "Cd-binding proteins without high cysteine content". This is the first report on isolation and peptide sequence determination of such a protein from a coleopteran.

Biochar- and phosphate-induced immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated soil and water: implication on simultaneous remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater.

PubMed

Liang, Yuan; Cao, Xinde; Zhao, Ling; Arellano, Eduardo

2014-03-01

Long-term wastewater irrigation or solid waste disposal has resulted in the heavy metal contamination in both soil and groundwater. It is often separately implemented for remediation of contaminated soil or groundwater at a specific site. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the hypothesis of simultaneous remediation of both heavy metal contaminated soil and groundwater by integrating the chemical immobilization and pump-and-treat methods. To accomplish the objective, three experiments were conducted, i.e., an incubation experiment was first conducted to determine how dairy-manure-derived biochar and phosphate rock tailing induced immobilization of Cd in the Cd-contaminated soils; second, a batch sorption experiment was carried out to determine whether the pre-amended contaminated soil still had the ability to retain Pb, Zn and Cd from aqueous solution. BCR sequential extraction as well as XRD and SEM analysis were conducted to explore the possible retention mechanism; and last, a laboratory-scale model test was undertaken by leaching the Pb, Zn, and Cd contaminated groundwater through the pre-amended contaminated soils to demonstrate how the heavy metals in both contaminated soil and groundwater were simultaneously retained and immobilized. The incubation experiment showed that the phosphate biochar were effective in immobilizing soil Cd with Cd concentration in TCLP (toxicity characteristics leaching procedure) extract reduced by 19.6 % and 13.7 %, respectively. The batch sorption experiment revealed that the pre-amended soil still had ability to retain Pb, Zn, and Cd from aqueous solution. The phosphate-induced metal retention was mainly due to the metal-phosphate precipitation, while both sorption and precipitation were responsible for the metal stabilization in the biochar amendment. The laboratory-scale test demonstrated that the soil amended with phosphate removed groundwater Pb, Zn, and Cd by 96.4 %, 44.6 %, and 49.2 %, respectively, and the soil amended with biochar removed groundwater Pb, Zn, and Cd by 97.4 %, 53.4 %, and 54.5 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the metals from both groundwater and soil itself were immobilized with the amendments, with the leachability of the three metals in the CaCl2 and TCLP extracts being reduced by up to 98.1 % and 62.7 %, respectively. Our results indicate that the integrated chemical immobilization and pump-and-treat method developed in this study provides a novel way for simultaneous remediation of both metal-contaminated soil and groundwater.

Role of freeze-thaw cycles and chlorpyrifos insecticide use on diffuse Cd loss and sediment accumulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fangli; Ouyang, Wei; Hao, Fanghua; Jiao, Wei; Shan, Yushu; Lin, Chunye

2016-06-01

Freeze-thaw cycles are predicted to increase in cold temperate regions. The potential influence of the interactions of freeze-thaw cycles and agrochemicals on the release of Cd into river water is unknown. In this study, the interactions of freeze-thaw cycles and chlorpyrifos (FC) on Cd mobility in soils were analysed. The spatial variability of soil Cd under long-term intensive tillage in a freeze-thaw agro-system was also identified. The temporal variation of sediment Cd was detected based on analysis of the sediment geochemistry. The results showed that FC increased soil Cd mobility, with an increase of approximately 10% in CaCl2-extractable Cd. The increased mobile fractions of water-soluble and exchangeable Cd originated from the decreased fraction of Fe-Mn-oxide-associated Cd and organic matter-bound Cd. The total Cd content in the surface soil followed the zonally decreasing trend of dry land > paddy land > natural land. The Cd concentrations and sedimentation rates of the sediment core generally increased from 1943 to 2013 due to agricultural exploration and farmland irrigation system construction, indicating an increase of the Cd input flux into water. The results provide valuable information about the soil Cd transport response to the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors in cold intensive agro-systems.

Biosynthesis of fluorescent CdS nanocrystals with semiconductor properties: Comparison of microbial and plant production systems.

PubMed

Al-Shalabi, Zahwa; Doran, Pauline M

2016-04-10

This study investigated fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) and hairy roots of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) as in vitro production vehicles for biological synthesis of CdS quantum dots. Cd added during the mid-growth phase of the cultures was detoxified within the biomass into inorganic sulphide-containing complexes with the quantum confinement properties of semiconductor nanocrystals. Significant differences were found between the two host systems in terms of nanoparticle production kinetics, yield and quality. The much slower growth rate of hairy roots compared with yeast is a disadvantage for commercial scaled-up production. Nanoparticle extraction from the biomass was less effective for the roots: 19% of the Cd present in the hairy roots was recovered after extraction compared with 34% for the yeast. The overall yield of CdS quantum dots was also lower for the roots: relative to the amount of Cd taken up into the biomass, 8.5% was recovered in yeast gel filtration fractions exhibiting quantum dot properties whereas the result for hairy roots was only 0.99%. Yeast-produced CdS crystallites were somewhat smaller with diameters of approximately 2-6 nm compared with those of 4-10nm obtained from the roots. The average ratio of inorganic sulphide to Cd for the purified and size-fractionated particles was 0.44 for the yeast and 1.6 for the hairy roots. Despite the limitations associated with hairy roots in terms of culture kinetics and product yield, this system produced CdS nanoparticles with enhanced photostability and 3.7-13-fold higher fluorescence quantum efficiency compared with those generated by yeast. This work demonstrates that the choice of cellular host can have a significant effect on nanoparticle functional properties as well as on the bioprocessing aspects of biological quantum dot synthesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bypass of a 5',8-cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleoside by DNA polymerase β during DNA replication and base excision repair leads to nucleotide misinsertions and DNA strand breaks.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhongliang; Xu, Meng; Lai, Yanhao; Laverde, Eduardo E; Terzidis, Michael A; Masi, Annalisa; Chatgilialoglu, Chryssostomos; Liu, Yuan

2015-09-01

5',8-Cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleosides including 5',8-cyclo-dA (cdA) and 5',8-cyclo-dG (cdG) are induced by hydroxyl radicals resulting from oxidative stress such as ionizing radiation. 5',8-cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleoside lesions are repaired by nucleotide excision repair with low efficiency, thereby leading to their accumulation in the human genome and lesion bypass by DNA polymerases during DNA replication and base excision repair (BER). In this study, for the first time, we discovered that DNA polymerase β (pol β) efficiently bypassed a 5'R-cdA, but inefficiently bypassed a 5'S-cdA during DNA replication and BER. We found that cell extracts from pol β wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts exhibited significant DNA synthesis activity in bypassing a cdA lesion located in replication and BER intermediates. However, pol β knock-out cell extracts exhibited little DNA synthesis to bypass the lesion. This indicates that pol β plays an important role in bypassing a cdA lesion during DNA replication and BER. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pol β inserted both a correct and incorrect nucleotide to bypass a cdA at a low concentration. Nucleotide misinsertion was significantly stimulated by a high concentration of pol β, indicating a mutagenic effect induced by pol β lesion bypass synthesis of a 5',8-cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleoside. Moreover, we found that bypass of a 5'S-cdA by pol β generated an intermediate that failed to be extended by pol β, resulting in accumulation of single-strand DNA breaks. Our study provides the first evidence that pol β plays an important role in bypassing a 5',8-cyclo-dA during DNA replication and repair, as well as new insight into mutagenic effects and genome instability resulting from pol β bypassing of a cdA lesion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Soil solution extraction techniques for microbial ecotoxicity testing: a comparative evaluation.

PubMed

Tiensing, T; Preston, S; Strachan, N; Paton, G I

2001-02-01

The suitability of two different techniques (centrifugation and Rhizon sampler) for obtaining the interstitial pore water of soil (soil solution), integral to the ecotoxicity assessment of metal contaminated soil, were investigated by combining chemical analyses and a luminescence-based microbial biosensor. Two different techniques, centrifugation and Rhizon sampler, were used to extract the soil solution from Insch (a loamy sand) and Boyndie (a sandy loam) soils, which had been amended with different concentrations of Zn and Cd. The concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), major anions (F- , CI-, NO3, SO4(2-)) and major cations (K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) in the soil solutions varied depending on the extraction technique used. Overall, the concentrations of Zn and Cd were significantly higher in the soil solution extracted using the centrifugation technique compared with that extracted using the Rhizon sampler technique. Furthermore, the differences observed between the two extraction techniques depended on the type of soil from which the solution was being extracted. The luminescence-based biosensor Escherichia coli HB101 pUCD607 was shown to respond to the free metal concentrations in the soil solutions and showed that different toxicities were associated with each soil, depending on the technique used to extract the soil solution. This study highlights the need to characterise the type of extraction technique used to obtain the soil solution for ecotoxicity testing in order that a representative ecotoxicity assessment can be carried out.

Size, surface, and compositional tuning of the electronic and photocatalytic properties of II-VI quantum-size semiconductor nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korgel, Brian Allan

1997-11-01

Phosphatidylcholine vesicles provide reaction compartments for synthesis of size-quantized CdS nanocrystals of dimension predicted to within ±2 A based on initial encapsulated CdClsb2 concentration and vesicle diameter. Vesicle formation by detergent dialysis of phosphatidylcholine/hexylglucoside mixed micelles yields highly monodisperse lipid capsules within which monodisperse CdS nanoparticles are precipitated with sulfide. Size-quantized CdS nanocrystals, with diameters ranging from 20 to 60 A, have been produced with typical standard deviations about the mean diameter of ±8% as measured by transmission electron microscopy. By including ZnClsb2 or HgClsb2 in the dialyzate prior to vesicle formation, quantum-sized Znsb{y}Cdsb{1-y}S or Hgsb{y}Cdsb{1-y}S nanocrystal alloys with controlled stoichiometry are generated. Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric measurements are consistent with highly crystalline, monodisperse particles with few core or surface defects. The alloyed nanocrystal spectra shift consistently with composition indicating a high degree of compositional control. Measured exciton energies for CdS show excellent agreement with data in the literature. The empirical pseudopotential model presented by Ramakrishna and Friesner for a cubic CdS lattice, correcting for experimentally measured lattice contractions, best fits the data. Size-quantized CdS nanocrystals serve as photocatalysts for nitrate reduction at neutral pH under conditions that mimic illumination by sunlight with overall product quantum yields of up to 4% for {˜}20 A, amine-terminated particles. Due to the effects of quantum confinement on electron and hole redox potentials, photocatalyzed nitrate reduction rates depend strongly on the particle size, and the fastest reduction rates are observed with the smallest nanocrystals. Using a Tafel plot and the empirical pseudopotential model to estimate electron redox potentials, the apparent electron transfer coefficient and the apparent standard rate constant is estimated at 0.23 and 4.0× 10sp{-12} cm/sec, respectively, for amine-terminated particles. Nitrate adsorption is important in this system and the effect on photoreduction rates is described well by a Langmuir-Hinschelwood expression. Nitrate reduction rates are reduced two-fold or more on negatively charged, carboxy-terminated nanocrystals that electrostatically repel nitrate. Reaction rates are additionally influenced by competetive chloride adsorption and surface charge modification due to solution pH.

Influence of extractable soil manganese on oxidation capacity of different soils in Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chon, Chul-Min; Kim, Jae Gon; Lee, Gyoo Ho; Kim, Tack Hyun

2008-08-01

We examined the relationship between soil oxidation capacity and extractable soil manganese, iron oxides, and other soil properties. The Korean soils examined in this study exhibited low to medium Cr oxidation capacities, oxidizing 0.00-0.47 mmol/kg, except for TG-4 soils, which had the highest capacity for oxidizing added Cr(III) [>1.01 mmol/kg of oxidized Cr(VI)]. TG and US soils, with high Mn contents, had relatively high oxidation capacities. The Mn amounts extracted by dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) (Mnd), NH2OH·HCl (Mnh), and hydroquinone (Mnr) were generally very similar, except for the YS1 soils, and were well correlated. Only small proportions of either total Mn or DCB-extractable Mn were extracted by NH2OH·HCl and hydroquinone in the YS1 soils, suggesting inclusion of NH2OH·HCl and hydroquinone-resistant Mn oxides, because these extractants are weaker reductants than DCB. No Cr oxidation test results were closely related to total Mn concentrations, but Mnd, Mnh, and Mnr showed a relatively high correlation with the Cr tests ( r = 0.655-0.851; P < 0.01). The concentrations of Mnd and Mnh were better correlated with the Cr oxidation tests than was the Mnr concentration, suggesting that the oxidation capacity of our soil samples can be better explained by Mnd and Mnh than by Mnr. The first component in principal components analysis indicated that extractable soil Mn was a main factor controlling net Cr oxidation in the soils. Total soil Mn, Fe oxides, and the clay fraction are crucial for predicting the mobility of pollutants and heavy metals in soils. The second principal component indicated that the presence of Fe oxides in soils had a significant relationship with the clay fraction and total Mn oxide, and was also related to heavy-metal concentrations (Zn, Cd, and Cu, but not Pb).

Antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected individuals with CD4 count below 100 cells/mm3 results in differential recovery of monocyte activation

PubMed Central

Patro, Sean C.; Azzoni, Livio; Joseph, Jocelin; Fair, Matthew G.; Sierra-Madero, Juan G.; Rassool, Mohammed S.; Sanne, Ian; Montaner, Luis J.

2016-01-01

Reversal of monocyte and macrophage activation and the relationship to viral suppression and T cell activation are unknown in patients with advanced HIV-1 infection, initiating antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to determine whether reduction in biomarkers of monocyte and macrophage activation would be reduced in conjunction with viral suppression and resolution of T cell activation. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the addition of CCR5 antagonism (by maraviroc) would mediate greater reduction of monocyte/macrophage activation markers than suppressive antiretroviral therapy alone. In the CCR5 antagonism to decrease the incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome study, antiretroviral therapy-naïve patients received maraviroc or placebo in addition to standard antiretroviral therapy. PBMCs and plasma from 65 patients were assessed during 24 wk of antiretroviral therapy for biomarkers of monocyte and macrophage activation. Markers of monocyte and macrophage activation were reduced significantly by 24 wk, including CD14++CD16+ intermediate monocytes (P < 0.0001), surface CD163 (P = 0.0004), CD169 (P < 0.0001), tetherin (P = 0.0153), and soluble CD163 (P < 0.0001). A change in CD38+, HLA-DR+ CD8 T cells was associated with changes in CD169 and tetherin expression. Maraviroc did not affect biomarkers of monocyte/macrophage activation but resulted in greater percentages of CCR5-positive monocytes in PBMC. HIV-1 suppression after 24 wk of antiretroviral therapy, with or without maraviroc, demonstrates robust recovery in monocyte subset activation markers, whereas soluble markers of activation demonstrate minimal decrease, qualitatively differentiating markers of monocyte/macrophage activation in advanced disease. PMID:26609048

Nitric oxide overcomes Cd and Cu toxicity in in vitro-grown tobacco plants through increasing contents and activities of rubisco and rubisco activase.

PubMed

Khairy, Alaaldin Idris H; Oh, Mi Jeong; Lee, Seung Min; Kim, Da Som; Roh, Kwang Soo

2016-06-01

Toxic heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) are global problems that are a growing threat to the environment. Despite some heavy metals are required for plant growth and development, others are considered toxic elements and do not play any known physiological role in plant cells. Elevated doses of Cd or Cu cause toxicity in plants and generate damages due to the stress condition and eventually cause a significant reduction in quantity and quality of crop plants. The nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is reported to alleviate the toxicity of some heavy metals like Cd and Cu. In the current study, the role of NO in alleviating stresses of Cd and Cu was investigated in in vitro -grown tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ) Based on plant growth, total chlorophyll contents, contents and activities of rubisco and rubisco activase. According to the results of this study, the growth and total chlorophyll contents of Cd/Cu stressed plants were hugely decreased in the absence of SNP, while the supplementation of SNP resulted in a significant increase of both fresh weight and total chlorophyll contents. Remarkable reductions of Rubisco and rubisco activase contents and activities were observed in Cd and Cu-induced plants. SNP supplementation showed the highest contents and activities of rubisco and rubisco activase compared to the control and Cu/Cd-stressed plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that SNP could play a protective role in regulation of plant responses to abiotic stresses such as Cd and Cu by enhancing Rubisco and Rubisco activase.

Immune Dysregulation Following Short versus Long Duration Space Flight. Version 03

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crucian, Brian E.; Stowe, Raymond P.; Pierson, Duane L.; Sams, Clarence F.

2007-01-01

Immune system dysregulation has been demonstrated to occur during spaceflight and has the potential to cause serious health risks to crewmembers participating in exploration-class missions. A comprehensive immune assessment was recently performed on 13 short duration Space Shuttle crewmembers and 8 long duration International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers. Statistically significant post-flight phenotype alterations (as compared to pre-flight baseline) for the Shuttle crewmembers included: granulocytosis, increased percentage of B cells, reduced percentage of NK cells, elevated CD4/CD8 ratio, elevated levels of memory CD4+ T cells, and a CD8+ T cell shift to a less differentiated state. For the Shuttle crewmembers, T cell function was surprisingly elevated post-flight, among both the CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. This is likely an acute stress response in less-deconditioned crewmembers. The percentage of CD4+/IL-2+, CD4+/IFNg+ and CD8+/IFNg+ T cells were all decreased at landing. Culture secreted IFNg production was significantly decreased at landing, whereas production of Th2 cytokines was largely unchanged. It was found that the IFNg:IL-10 ratio was obviously declined in the Shuttle crewmembers immediately post-flight. A similar pattern of alterations were observed for the long duration ISS crewmembers. In contrast to Shuttle crewmembers, the ISS crewmembers demonstrated a dramatic reduction in T cell function immediately post-flight. This may be related to the effect of acute landing stress in conjunction with prolonged deconditioning associated with extended flight. The reduction in IFNg:IL-10 ratio (Th2 shift) was also observed post-flight in the ISS crewmembers to a much higher degree. These data indicate consistent peripheral phenotype changes and altered cytokine production profiles occur following space travel of both short and long duration.

MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism augments thymic regulatory T-cell production and prevents relapse of EAE in mice

PubMed Central

Wu, Limin; Li, Nainong; Zhang, Mingfeng; Xue, Sheng-Li; Cassady, Kaniel; Lin, Qing; Riggs, Arthur D.; Zeng, Defu

2015-01-01

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with demyelination, axon damage, and paralysis. Induction of mixed chimerism with allogeneic donors has been shown to not cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in animal models and humans. We have reported that induction of MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism can cure autoimmunity in autoimmune NOD mice, but this approach has not yet been tested in animal models of MS, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we report that MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism with C57BL/6 (H-2b) donor in SJL/J (H-2s) EAE recipients eliminates clinical symptoms and prevents relapse. This cure is demonstrated by not only disappearance of clinical signs but also reversal of autoimmunity; elimination of infiltrating T, B, and macrophage cells in the spinal cord; and regeneration of myelin sheath. The reversal of autoimmunity is associated with a marked reduction of autoreactivity of CD4+ T cells and significant increase in the percentage of Foxp3+ Treg among host-type CD4+ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. The latter is associated with a marked reduction of the percentage of host-type CD4+CD8+ thymocytes and an increase of Treg percentage among the CD4+CD8+ and CD4+CD8− thymocytes. Thymectomy leads to loss of prevention of EAE relapse by induction of mixed chimerism, although there is a dramatic expansion of host-type Treg cells in the lymph nodes. These results indicate that induction of MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism can restore thymic negative selection of autoreactive CD4+ T cells, augment production of Foxp3+ Treg, and cure EAE. PMID:26647186

Effects of exogenous salinity (NaCl) gradient on Cd release in acidified contaminated brown soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lina; Rong, Yong; Mao, Li; Gao, Zhiyuan; Liu, Xiaoyu; Dong, Zhicheng

2018-02-01

Taking acidified Cd contaminated brown soil in Yantai as the research object, based on different exogenous salinity (NaCl) gradient (0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.5%, 2% and 5%), indoor simulation experiments of Cd release were carried out after field investigation. Results showed that there was a significantly positive relation (r>0.90) between Cd release concentration/amount/ratio and exogenous salt (NaCl). Besides, the more exogenous salt (NaCl) was added; maximum release concentration/amount of Cd appeared the earlier. It was found that exogenous salt (NaCl) addition could obviously promote Cd release from acidified Cd contaminated brown soil. It was believed that this could be mainly due to the cation exchange between Cd2+ and Na+, together with the dissociation and/or complexation between Cl- and Cd2+. In addition, available adsorption sites reduction by exchange base in soil causing Cd changed from solid state to soil solution was also a probable reason.

Biochar and Glomus caledonium Influence Cd Accumulation of Upland Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.) Intercropped with Alfred Stonecrop (Sedum alfredii Hance)

PubMed Central

Hu, Junli; Wu, Fuyong; Wu, Shengchun; Lam, Cheung Lung; Lin, Xiangui; Wong, Ming Hung

2014-01-01

Both biochar application and mycorrhizal inoculation have been proposed to improve plant growth and alter bioaccumulation of toxic metals. A greenhouse pot trial was conducted to investigate growth and Cd accumulation of upland kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.) intercropped with Alfred stonecrop (Sedum alfredii Hance) in a Cd-contaminated soil inoculated with Glomus caledonium and/or applied with biochar. Compared with the monocultural control, intercropping with stonecrop (IS) decreased kangkong Cd acquisition via rhizosphere competition, and also decreased kangkong yield. Gc inoculation (+M) accelerated growth and Cd acquisition of stonecrop, and hence resulted in further decreases in kangkong Cd acquisition. Regardless of IS and +M, biochar addition (+B) increased kangkong yield via elevating soil available P, and decreased soil Cd phytoavailability and kangkong Cd concentration via increasing soil pH. Compared with the control, the treatment of IS + M + B had a substantially higher kangkong yield (+25.5%) with a lower Cd concentration (−62.7%). Gc generated additive effects on soil alkalinization and Cd stabilization to biochar, causing lower DTPA-extractable (phytoavailable) Cd concentrations and post-harvest transfer risks. PMID:24728157

Impact of chelator-induced phytoextraction of cadmium on yield and ionic uptake of maize.

PubMed

Anwar, Sumera; Khan, Shahbaz; Ashraf, M Yasin; Noman, Ali; Zafar, Sara; Liu, Lijun; Ullah, Sana; Fahad, Shah

2017-06-03

Enhanced phytoextraction uses soil chelators to increase the bioavailability of heavy metals. This study tested the effectiveness of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid in enhancing cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction and their effects on the growth, yield, and ionic uptake of maize (Zea mays). Maize seeds of two cultivars were sown in pots treated with 15 (Cd 15 ) or 30 mg Cd kg -1 soil (Cd 30 ). EDTA and citric acid at 0.5 g kg -1 each were applied 2 weeks after germination. Results demonstrated that the growth, yield per plant, and total grain weight were reduced by exposure to Cd. EDTA increased the uptake of Cd in shoots, roots, and grains of both maize varieties. Citric acid did not enhance the uptake of Cd, rather it ameliorated the toxicity of Cd, as shown by increased shoot and root length and biomass. Cadmium toxicity reduced the number of grains, rather than the grain size. The maize cultivar Sahiwal-2002 extracted 1.6% and 3.6% of Cd from soil in both Cd+ EDTA treatments. Hence, our study implies that maize can be used to successfully phytoremediate Cd from soil using EDTA, without reducing plant biomass or yield.

Alleviation of cadmium toxicity to Cole (Brassica campestris L. Cruciferae) by exogenous glutathione

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Huang, Bin; Chen, Xin; Shi, Yi

2017-04-01

In this study, we determined the influence of exogenous GSH on cadmium toxicity to cole. GSH addition had beneficial effect on plant development and growth, especially on aboveground biomass and root length. Despite that exogenous GSH insignificantly promoted Cd uptake by the plant, it could decrease of Cd root-to-shoot transport and ameliorate Cd toxicity to the plant. At 6 mg Cd kg-1 soil, GSH addition well countered the Cd-induced significant reduction in CAT activity, but only insignificantly decreased MDA content, suggesting exogenous GSH might indirectly protect plant against oxidative stress via regulating antioxidative enzyme activities. However, at 12 mg Cd kg-1 soil, GSH application insignificantly increased the antioxidant activities but significantly decreased MDA content, indicating external GSH could directly participate in removing radical oxygen species. The results suggest exogenous GSH may have the potential of decreasing Cd accumulation in the edible parts of cultivars and alleviating Cd toxicity.

Spectrum-per-Pixel Cathodoluminescence Imaging of CdTe Thin-Film Bevels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moseley, John; Al-Jassim, Mowafak M.; Burst, James

2016-11-21

We conduct T=6 K cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging with a nano-scale electron beam on beveled surfaces of CdTe thin-films at different critical stages of standard CdTe device fabrication. The through-thickness total CL intensity profiles are consistent with a reduction in grain boundary recombination due to the CdCl2 treatment. Color-coded maps of the low-temperature luminescence transition energies reveal that CdTe thin films have remarkably non-uniform opto-electronic properties, which depend strongly on sample processing history. The grain-to-grain S content in the interdiffused CdTe/CdS region is estimated from a sample size of thirty-five grains, and the S content in adjacent grains varies significantlymore » in CdCl2-treated samples. A low-temperature luminescence model is developed to interpret spectral behavior at grain boundaries and grain interiors.« less

Screening of a new cadmium hyperaccumulator, Galinsoga parviflora, from winter farmland weeds using the artificially high soil cadmium concentration method.

PubMed

Lin, Lijin; Jin, Qian; Liu, Yingjie; Ning, Bo; Liao, Ming'an; Luo, Li

2014-11-01

A new method, the artificially high soil cadmium (Cd) concentration method, was used to screen for Cd hyperaccumulators among winter farmland weeds. Galinsoga parviflora was the most promising remedial plant among 5 Cd accumulators or hyperaccumulators. In Cd concentration gradient experiments, as soil Cd concentration increased, root and shoot biomass decreased, and their Cd contents increased. In additional concentration gradient experiments, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities increased with soil Cd concentrations up to 75 mg kg(-1) , while expression of their isoenzymes strengthened. Catalase (CAT) activity declined and CAT isoenzyme expression weakened at soil Cd concentrations less than 50 mg kg(-1) . The maxima of Cd contents in shoots and roots were 137.63 mg kg(-1) and 105.70 mg kg(-1) , respectively, at 100 mg kg(-1) Cd in soil. The root and shoot bioconcentration factors exceeded 1.0, as did the translocation factor. In a field experiment, total extraction of Cd by shoots was 1.35 mg m(-2) to 1.43 mg m(-2) at soil Cd levels of 2.04 mg kg(-1) to 2.89 mg kg(-1) . Therefore, the artificially high soil Cd concentration method was effective for screening Cd hyperaccumulators. Galinsoga parviflora is a Cd hyperaccumulator that could be used to efficiently remediate Cd-contaminated farmland soil. © 2014 SETAC.

Anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody enhances the protective efficacy of Schistosoma japonicum GST vaccine via inhibition of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.

PubMed

Tang, Chun-Lian; Yang, Jin; Cheng, Liang-Yu; Cheng, Lan-Fang; Liu, Zhi-Ming

2017-10-01

The effect of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD25 mAb) on the protection efficacy of Schistosoma japonicum 26 kDa GST (glutathione-S-transferase) vaccine was evaluated. Mice were immunized with GST before infection with S. japonicum cercariae and then injected with anti-CD25 mAb. The worm reduction rate was promoted from 24.18% in mice with GST immunization to 47.09% in mice with GST plus anti-CD25 mAb. Compared with the control group, the percentages of splenic CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly lower after administration of anti-CD25 mAb; meanwhile, elevated levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were secreted by splenocytes. These results indicate that the poor protective efficacy of the GST vaccine against S. japonicum results from the presence of CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Tregs, while anti-CD25 mAb can partially block CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Tregs and thus enhance the protective efficacy of the GST vaccine.

Field Evidence of Cadmium Phytoavailability Decreased Effectively by Rape Straw and/or Red Mud with Zinc Sulphate in a Cd-Contaminated Calcareous Soil

PubMed Central

Li, Bo; Yang, Junxing; Wei, Dongpu; Chen, Shibao; Li, Jumei; Ma, Yibing

2014-01-01

To reduce Cd phytoavailability in calcareous soils, the effects of soil amendments of red mud, rape straw, and corn straw in combination with zinc fertilization on Cd extractability and phytoavailability to spinach, tomato, Chinese cabbage and radish were investigated in a calcareous soil with added Cd at 1.5 mg kg−1. The results showed that water soluble and exchangeable Cd in soils was significantly decreased by the amendments themselves from 26% to 70%, which resulted in marked decrease by approximately from 34% to 77% in Cd concentration in vegetables. The amendments plus Zn fertilization further decreased the Cd concentration in vegetables. Also cruciferous rape straw was more effective than gramineous corn straw. In all treatments, rape straw plus red mud combined with Zn fertilization was most effective in decreasing Cd phytoavailability in soils, and it is potential to be an efficient and cost-effective measure to ensure food safety for vegetable production in mildly Cd-contaminated calcareous soils. PMID:25303439

Cadmium Accumulation and Pathological Alterations in the Midgut Gland of Terrestrial Snail Helix pomatia L. from a Zinc Smelter Area: Role of Soil pH.

PubMed

Włostowski, Tadeusz; Kozłowski, Paweł; Łaszkiewicz-Tiszczenko, Barbara; Oleńska, Ewa

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cadmium (Cd) accumulation and toxicity in the midgut gland of Helix pomatia snails living in a Cd-contaminated area were related to soil pH. Toxic responses in the midgut gland (i.e., increased vacuolization and lipid peroxidation) occurred in H. pomatia snails exhibiting the highest Cd levels in the gland (265-274 µg/g dry wt) and living on acidic soil (pH 5.3-5.5), while no toxicity was observed in snails accumulating less Cd (90 µg/g) and ranging on neutral soil (pH 7.0), despite the fact that total soil Cd was similar in the two cases. The accumulation of Cd in the gland was directly related to the water extractable Cd in soil, which in turn correlated inversely with soil pH, indicating that this factor had a significant effect on tissue Cd. It appeared further that the occurrence of Cd toxicity was associated with low levels of metallothionein in the gland of snails ranging on acidic soil.

Geochemical associations and availability of cadmium (Cd) in a paddy field system, northwestern Thailand.

PubMed

Kosolsaksakul, Peerapat; Farmer, John G; Oliver, Ian W; Graham, Margaret C

2014-04-01

The Mae Tao watershed, northwest Thailand, has become contaminated with cadmium (Cd) as a result of zinc ore extraction (Padaeng deposit) in the nearby Thanon-Thongchai mountains. Consumption of contaminated rice has led to documented human health impacts. The aim of this study was to elucidate transfer pathways from creek and canal waters to the paddy field soils near Baan Mae Tao Mai village and to determine the relationship between Cd speciation in the soil and uptake by rice plants. Transfer mainly occurred in association with particulate matter during flooding and channel dredging and, in contrast with many other studies, most of the soil Cd was associated with exchangeable and carbonate-bound fractions. Moreover, there was a linear relationship between soil total Cd and rice grain Cd (R(2) = 0.715), but a stronger relationship between both the Tessier-exchangeable soil Cd and the BCR-exchangeable soil Cd and rice grain Cd (R(2) = 0.898 and 0.862, respectively). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Melatonin: Antioxidant and modulatory properties in age-related changes during Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

PubMed

Brazão, Vânia; Santello, Fabricia H; Colato, Rafaela P; Mazotti, Tamires T; Tazinafo, Lucas F; Toldo, Míriam Paula A; do Vale, Gabriel T; Tirapelli, Carlos R; do Prado, José C

2017-08-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on selected biomarkers of innate and humoral immune response as well as the antioxidant/oxidant status (superoxide dismutase-SOD and reduced glutathione levels (GSH) to understand whether age-related changes would influence the development of acute Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection. Young- (5 weeks) and middle-aged (18 months) Wistar rats were orally treated with melatonin (gavage) (05 mg/kg/day), 9 days after infection. A significant increase in both SOD activity and GSH levels was found in plasma from all middle-aged melatonin-treated animals. Melatonin triggered enhanced expression of major histocompatibility class II (MHC-II) antigens on antigen-presenting cell (APC) and peritoneal macrophages in all treated animals. High levels of CD4 + CD28-negative T cells (*P<.05) were detected in middle-aged control animals. Melatonin induced a significant reduction (***P<.001) in CD28-negative in CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in middle-aged control animals. Contrarily, the same group displayed upregulated CD4 + CD28 + T and CD8 + CD28 + T cells. Melatonin also triggered an upregulation of CD80 and CD86 expression in all young-treated groups. Significant percentages of B and spleen dendritic cells in middle-aged infected and treated animals were observed. Our data reveal new features of melatonin action in inhibiting membrane lipid peroxidation, through the reduction in 8-isoprostane, upregulating the antioxidant defenses and triggering an effective balance in the antioxidant/oxidant status during acute infection. The ability of melatonin to counteract the immune alterations induced by aging added further support to its use as a potential therapeutic target not only for T. cruzi infection but also for other immunocompromised states. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Impact of alemtuzumab on HIV persistence in an HIV-infected individual on antiretroviral therapy with Sezary syndrome.

PubMed

Rasmussen, Thomas A; McMahon, James; Chang, J Judy; Symons, Jori; Roche, Michael; Dantanarayana, Ashanti; Okoye, Afam; Hiener, Bonnie; Palmer, Sarah; Lee, Wen Shi; Kent, Stephen J; Van Der Weyden, Carrie; Prince, H Miles; Cameron, Paul U; Lewin, Sharon R

2017-08-24

To study the effects of alemtuzumab on HIV persistence in an HIV-infected individual on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with Sezary syndrome, a rare malignancy of CD4 T cells. Case report. Blood was collected 30 and 18 months prior to presentation with Sezary syndrome, at the time of presentation and during alemtuzumab. T-cell subsets in malignant (CD7-CD26-TCR-VBeta2+) and nonmalignant cells were quantified by flow cytometry. HIV-DNA in total CD4 T cells, in sorted malignant and nonmalignant CD4 T cells, was quantified by PCR and clonal expansion of HIV-DNA assessed by full-length next-generation sequencing. HIV-hepatitis B virus coinfection was diagnosed and antiretroviral therapy initiated 4 years prior to presentation with Sezary syndrome and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The patient received alemtuzumab 10 mg three times per week for 4 weeks but died 6 weeks post alemtuzumab. HIV-DNA was detected in nonmalignant but not in malignant CD4 T cells, consistent with expansion of a noninfected CD4 T-cell clone. Full-length HIV-DNA sequencing demonstrated multiple defective viruses but no identical or expanded sequences. Alemtuzumab extensively depleted T cells, including more than 1 log reduction in total T cells and more than 3 log reduction in CD4 T cells. Finally, alemtuzumab decreased HIV-DNA in CD4 T cells by 57% but HIV-DNA remained detectable at low levels even after depletion of nearly all CD4 T cells. Alemtuzumab extensively depleted multiple T-cell subsets and decreased the frequency of but did not eliminate HIV-infected CD4 T cells. Studying the effects on HIV persistence following immune recovery in HIV-infected individuals who require alemtuzumab for malignancy or in animal studies may provide further insights into novel cure strategies.

Interactions between ibrutinib and anti-CD20 antibodies; competing effects on the outcome of combination therapy

PubMed Central

Skarzynski, Martin; Niemann, Carsten U; Lee, Yuh Shan; Martyr, Sabrina; Maric, Irina; Salem, Dalia; Stetler-Stevenson, Maryalice; Marti, Gerald E; Calvo, Katherine R; Yuan, Constance; Valdez, Janet; Soto, Susan; Farooqui, Mohammed Z.H.; Herman, Sarah E.M.; Wiestner, Adrian

2015-01-01

Purpose Clinical trials of ibrutinib combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) report encouraging results. Paradoxically, in pre-clinical studies in vitro ibrutinib was reported to decrease CD20 expression and inhibits cellular effector mechanisms. We therefore set out to investigate effects of in vivo ibrutinib treatment that could explain this paradox. Experimental Design Patients received single agent ibrutinib (420mg daily) on an investigator-initiated phase 2 trial. Serial blood samples were collected pre-treatment and during treatment for ex vivo functional assays to examine the effects on CLL cell susceptibility to anti-CD20 mAbs. Results We demonstrate that CD20 expression on ibrutinib was rapidly and persistently down-regulated (median reduction 74%, day 28, P<0.001) compared to baseline. Concomitantly, CD20 mRNA was decreased concurrent with reduced NF-κB signaling. An NF-κB binding site in the promoter of MS4A1 (encoding CD20) and down-regulation of CD20 by NF-κB inhibitors support a direct transcriptional effect. Ex vivo, tumor cells from patients on ibrutinib were less susceptible to anti-CD20 mAb-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity than pre-treatment cells (median reduction 75%, P<0.001); however, opsonization by the complement protein C3d, which targets cells for phagocytosis, was relatively maintained. Expression of decay accelerating factor (CD55) decreased on ibrutinib, providing a likely mechanism for the preserved C3d opsonization. Additionally, ibrutinib significantly inhibited trogocytosis, a major contributor to antigen loss and tumor escape during mAb therapy. Conclusions Our data indicate that ibrutinib promotes both positive and negative interactions with anti-CD20 mAbs, suggesting that successfully harnessing maximal anti-tumor effects of such combinations requires further investigation. PMID:26283682

Biomarkers in the Detection of Prostate Cancer in African Americans

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

externalized 189  phosphatidylserine,  milk   fat  globule‐E8/lactoferrin (MFG‐E8), CD80, CD86, CD96, Rab‐5b and 190  MHC class I and MHC class II complexes (7...aggressive features of PCas. Initially, proteins , mRNA and DNA will be extracted from nitrocellulose blots of biopsies of the prostate which are being...Similarly, proteins associated with racial differences and/or aggressiveness will be identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) and by

Electrochemical EDTA recycling after soil washing of Pb, Zn and Cd contaminated soil.

PubMed

Pociecha, Maja; Kastelec, Damijana; Lestan, Domen

2011-08-30

Recycling of chelant decreases the cost of EDTA-based soil washing. Current methods, however, are not effective when the spent soil washing solution contains more than one contaminating metal. In this study, we applied electrochemical treatment of the washing solution obtained after EDTA extraction of Pb, Zn and Cd contaminated soil. A sacrificial Al anode and stainless steel cathode in a conventional electrolytic cell at pH 10 efficiently removed Pb from the solution. The method efficiency, specific electricity and Al consumption were significantly higher for solutions with a higher initial metal concentration. Partial replacement of NaCl with KNO(3) as an electrolyte (aggressive Cl(-) are required to prevent passivisation of the Al anode) prevented EDTA degradation during the electrolysis. The addition of FeCl(3) to the acidified washing solution prior to electrolysis improved Zn removal. Using the novel method 98, 73 and 66% of Pb, Zn and Cd, respectively, were removed, while 88% of EDTA was preserved in the treated washing solution. The recycled EDTA retained 86, 84 and 85% of Pb, Zn and Cd extraction potential from contaminated soil, respectively. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of cholesterol depletion on membrane nanostructure in MCF-7 cells by atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuhua; Jiang, Ningcheng; Shi, Aisi; Zheng, Liqin; Yang, Hongqin; Xie, Shusen

2017-02-01

The cell membrane is composed of phospholipids, glycolipids, cholesterol and proteins that are dynamic and heterogeneous distributed in the bilayer structure and many researches have showed that the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells contains microdomains termed "lipid raft" in which cholesterol, sphingolipids and specific membrane proteins are enriched. Cholesterol extraction induced lipid raft disruption is one of the most widely used methods for lipid raft research and MβCD is a type of solvent to extract the cholesterol from cell membranes. In this study, the effect of MβCD treatment on the membrane nanostructure in MCF-7 living cells was investigated by atomic force microscopy. Different concentrations of MβCD were selected to deplete cholesterol for 30 min and the viability of cells was tested by MTT assay to obtain the optimal concentration. Then the nanostructure of the cell membrane was detected. The results show that an appropriate concentration of MβCD can induce the alteration of cell membranes nanostructure and the roughness of membrane surface decreases significantly. This may indicate that microdomains of the cell membrane disappear and the cell membrane appears more smoothly. Cholesterol can affect nanostructure and inhomogeneity of the plasma membrane in living cells.

Circular birefringence/dichroism measurement of optical scattering samples using amplitude-modulation polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wei-Chun; Lo, Yu-Lung; Phan, Quoc-Hung

2018-03-01

A method is proposed for extracting the circular birefringence (CB), circular dichroism (CD) and depolarization (Dep) properties of optical scattering samples using an amplitude-modulation polarimetry technique. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated by extracting the CB property of pure glucose aqueous samples, the CB/Dep properties of glucose solutions containing 0.02% lipofundin particles, and the CD/Dep properties of chlorophyllin solutions containing suspended polystyrene microspheres. The results show that the proposed technique has the ability to detect pure glucose with a resolution of 66 mg/dL over a concentration range of 0-500 mg/dL. Moreover, the glucose concentration of the CB/Dep samples can be detected over the same range with a resolution of 168 mg/dL. Finally, the chlorophyllin concentration of the CD/Dep sample can be detected over the range of 0-200 μg/dL with a resolution of 6.5 × 10-5. In general, the results show that the proposed technique provides a reliable and accurate means of measuring the CB/CD properties of optical samples with scattering effects, and thus has significant potential for biological sensing applications.

Mobilization of tissue cadmium in mice and calves and reversal of cadmium induced tissue damage in calves by zinc

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reddy, C.S.; Mohammad, F.K.; Ganjam, V.K.

1987-08-01

Earlier studies demonstrated that simultaneous dietary Zn supplementation to calves fed Cd, significantly decreased the accumulation of Cd in liver, kidney and muscle. However, studies are lacking in evaluating the effectiveness of zinc in reducing Cd-burden in animals with pre-existing tissue Cd-load, a situation encountered in chronic Cd intoxication. This study examined the effects of oral Zn (AnO) on tissue Cd levels in mice. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and sodium sulfate (SS) were also used to evaluate the effects of providing organic and inorganic sources of sulfur on tissue Cd levels. Following demonstration of reduced Cd levels in tissues of mice receivingmore » antidotal Zn, subsequent investigation was aimed at studying the reversal of Cd-induced changes by Zn. The authors also examined whether Cd-induced reduction in epididymal 5 ..cap alpha..-reductase activity could explain previously reported low levels of circulating dihydrotestosterone (DHT) following Cd treatment. The ability of Zn to reverse the inhibition of 5 ..cap alpha..-reductase activity by Cd was also examined.« less

Remediation of uranium contaminated soils with bicarbonate extraction and microbial U(VI) reduction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Philips , Elizabeth J.P.; Landa, Edward R.; Lovely, Derek R.

1995-01-01

A process for concentrating uranium from contaminated soils in which the uranium is first extracted with bicarbonate and then the extracted uranium is precipitated with U(VI)-reducing microorganisms was evaluated for a variety of uranuum-contaminated soils. Bicarbonate (100 mM) extracted 20–94% of the uranium that was extracted with nitric acid. The U(VI)-reducing microorganism,Desulfovibrio desulfuricans reduced the U(VI) to U(IV) in the bicarbonate extracts. In some instances unidentified dissolved extracted components, presumably organics, gave the extract a yellow color and inhibited U(VI) reduction and/or the precipitation of U(IV). Removal of the dissolved yellow material with the addition of hydrogen peroxide alleviated this inhibition. These results demonstrate that bicarbonate extraction of uranium from soil followed by microbial U(VI) reduction might be an effective mechanism for concentrating uranium from some contaminated soils.

Reduction of metal exposure of Daubenton's bats (Myotis daubentonii) following remediation of pond sediment as evidenced by metal concentrations in hair.

PubMed

Flache, Lucie; Ekschmitt, Klemens; Kierdorf, Uwe; Czarnecki, Sezin; Düring, Rolf-Alexander; Encarnação, Jorge A

2016-03-15

Transfer of contaminants from freshwater sediments via aquatic insects to terrestrial predators is well documented in spiders and birds. Here, we analyzed the metal exposure of Myotis daubentonii using an urban pond as their preferred foraging area before and after a remediation measure (sediment dredging) at this pond. Six metal elements (Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni) were measured in the sediment of the pond, in EDTA extracts of the sediment and in hair samples of M. daubentonii foraging at the pond. Samples were taken before remediation in 2011 and after remediation in 2013. Metal concentrations were quantified by ICP-OES after miniaturized microwave assisted extraction. In 2011, the pond sediment exhibited a high contamination with nickel, a moderate contamination with copper and chromium and low contents of zinc, cadmium and lead. While sediment metal contents declined only weakly after remediation, a much more pronounced reduction in the concentrations of zinc, copper, chromium and lead concentrations was observed in bat hair. Our results suggest a marked decline in metal exposure of the bats foraging at the pond as a consequence of the remediation measure. It is concluded that Daubenton's bats are suitable bioindicators of metal contamination in aquatic environments, integrating metal exposure via prey insects over their entire foraging area. We further suggest that bat hair is a useful monitoring unit, allowing a non-destructive and non-invasive assessment of metal exposure in bats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) leaves ameliorated cadmium-induced alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume of male Wistar rats

PubMed Central

Imafidon, Christian Eseigbe; Akomolafe, Rufus Ojo; Sanusi, Abubakar Abefe; Ogundipe, Oluwadare Joshua; Olukiran, Olaoluwa Sesan; Ayowole, Oladele Abraham

2015-01-01

Aim: To determine the effects of a polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) on the feeding pattern of rats that are exposed to cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats, weighing 160-180 g, were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each as follows; Group 1 received distilled water orally (0.2 ml a 100 g rats), daily, throughout the period of study. Group 2 received Cd alone (in the form of CdSO4) at 5 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 5 consecutive days. Group 3 were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2 and thereafter left untreated for a period of 4-week. After the oral lethal dose of PEVA was determined, Groups 4, 5, and 6 received graded doses of PEVA at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day (0.2 ml per 100 g rats), respectively via oral route for 4 weeks after they were pre-treated with Cd as Group 2. Blood samples were collected for some plasma biochemical assays while urine samples were collected using metabolic cages. Results: PEVA administration significantly increased (P < 0.05) the body weight and feeding patterns that were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by Cd toxicity. PEVA also significantly reinstated the plasma antioxidant status, as well as glucose and urine volume of the rats toward control values (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PEVA can be an herbal alternative in the treatment or management of subjects manifesting alterations in feeding pattern and urine volume that is Cd-induced. PMID:26649233

Enhanced phyto-extraction of cadmium and zinc using rapeseed

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghani, M.; Slycken, S.V.; Meers, E.

2013-07-01

In a green house pot experiment, the effects of three amendments, sulphur (S), ammonium sulphate ((NH{sub 4}){sub 2}SO{sub 4}) and ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) were tested for phyto-extraction of Cd and Zn by rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Elemental sulphur was applied as 20.00, 60.00, and 120.00 mg.kg{sup -1} soil. EDTA was tested at a dose of 585.00 mg.kg{sup -1} soil, and (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}SO{sub 4}) at a rate of 0.23 mg.kg{sup -1} soil. All treatments received a base fertilization (Hogland) before sowing. Plants were harvested after 51 days of growth and shoot dry matter and soil samples were analysed for metalmore » contents. All amendments caused a significant increase in Cd and Zn contents in plant shoots of all treatments than control treatment. Further, EDTA was most effective for extraction metals concentrations in shoot biomass but the plants showed significant signs of toxicity and yield were severely depressed. The addition of sulfur favorably influenced plant biomass production. The fertilized ammonium sulfate treatment resulted in the highest phyto-extraction of Cd and Zn and the amounts of these metals accumulated in plant shoot exceeded by a factor of 4 and 3 respectively. Finally, Brassica napus could be used for soil remediation keeping its other uses which will make the contaminated site income generating source for the farmers. (authors)« less

Black bean coats: New source of anthocyanins stabilized by β-cyclodextrin copigmentation in a sport beverage.

PubMed

Aguilera, Yolanda; Mojica, Luis; Rebollo-Hernanz, Miguel; Berhow, Mark; de Mejía, Elvira González; Martín-Cabrejas, María A

2016-12-01

Anthocyanin-rich powders and aqueous extracts, with high antioxidant activities, were obtained from black bean seed coats and applied to colour a sport beverage. Idaho and Otomi bean coats were extracted in water-citric acid 2% (1/50, w/v), stirring for 4h at 40°C. Anthocyanins from Idaho and Otomi extracts (1.83mg and 1.02mg C3G/g, respectively) were applied to a commercially available sport beverage, with and without 2% β-cyclodextrin (βCD) under light and darkness conditions for 10days, and stored at 4°C and 25°C for 6weeks. At different light and storage conditions, anthocyanin degradation fitted a first-order reaction model. All bean coat anthocyanins combined with βCD showed extended half-life (up to 13months), higher D-values (up to 43months) and fewer differences in colourimetric properties (lightness, chroma and hue angle) under darkness and 4°C conditions. These black bean coat aqueous extracts and powders might represent natural alternatives to synthetic colorants, ecologically extracted, and with a high antioxidant potential. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Semiconductor CdF2:Ga and CdF2:In Crystals as Media for Real-Time Holography

PubMed Central

Ryskin, Alexander I.; Shcheulin, Alexander S.; Angervaks, Alexander E.

2012-01-01

Monocrystalline cadmium fluoride is a dielectric solid that can be converted into a semiconductor by doping with donor impurities and subsequent heating in the reduction atmosphere. For two donor elements, Ga and In, the donor (“shallow”) state is a metastable one separated from the ground (“deep”) state by a barrier. Photoinduced deep-to-shallow state transition underlies the photochromism of CdF2:Ga and CdF2:In. Real-time phase holograms are recorded in these crystals capable of following up optical processes in a wide frequency range. The features of photochromic transformations in CdF2:Ga and CdF2:In crystals as well as holographic characteristics of these media are discussed. Exemplary applications of CdF2-based holographic elements are given. PMID:28817009

On-line solid phase selective separation and preconcentration of Cd(II) by solid-phase extraction using carbon active modified with methyl thymol blue.

PubMed

Ensafi, Ali A; Ghaderi, Ali R

2007-09-05

An on-line flow system was used to develop a selective and efficient on-line sorbent extraction preconcentration system for cadmium. The method is based on adsorption of cadmium ions onto the activated carbon modified with methyl thymol blue. Then the adsorbed ions were washed using 0.5M HNO(3) and the eluent was used to determine the Cd(II) ions using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained show that the modified activated carbon has the greatest adsorption capacity of 80 microg of Cd(II) per 1.0 g of the solid phase. The optimal pH value for the quantitative preconcentration was 9.0 and full desorption is achieved by using 0.5M HNO(3) solution. It is established that the solid phase can be used repeatedly without a considerable adsorption capacity loss. The detection limit was less than 1 ngmL(-1) Cd(II), with an enrichment factor of 1000. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 1-2000 ngmL(-1) Cd(II). The developed method has been applied to the determination of trace cadmium (II) in water samples and in the following reference materials: sewage sludge (CRM144R), and sea water (CASS.4) with satisfactory results. The accuracy was assessed through recovery experiments.

EFFECTS OF GESTATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ETHANE DIMETHANESULFONATE IN CD-1 MICE: MICROTIA AND PRELIMINARY HEARING TESTS

EPA Science Inventory

Microtia is a reduction in pinna size, usually seen in humans in conjunction with other medical conditions. Here we report microtia in CD-1 mice following gestational exposure to ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS), an alkylating agent and adult rat Leydig cell toxicant. Methods...

Vitamin E, signalosomes and gene expression in T cells

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

CD4+T cells from aged humans or mice show significant reductions in IL-2 production upon activation. The resulting decreased proliferation is linked to higher risks of infection in the elderly. Several lines of evidence indicate that intrinsic defects preferentially affecting the naïve subset of CD4...

Fluorescence biosensor based on CdTe quantum dots for specific detection of H5N1 avian influenza virus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoa Nguyen, Thi; Dieu Thuy Ung, Thi; Hien Vu, Thi; Tran, Thi Kim Chi; Quyen Dong, Van; Khang Dinh, Duy; Liem Nguyen, Quang

2012-09-01

This report highlights the fabrication of fluorescence biosensors based on CdTe quantum dots (QDs) for specific detection of H5N1 avian influenza virus. The core biosensor was composed of (i) the highly luminescent CdTe/CdS QDs, (ii) chromatophores extracted from bacteria Rhodospirillum rubrum, and (iii) the antibody of β-subunit. This core part was linked to the peripheral part of the biosensor via a biotin-streptavidin-biotin bridge and finally connected to the H5N1 antibody to make it ready for detecting H5N1 avian influenza virus. Detailed studies of each constituent were performed showing the image of QDs-labeled chromatophores under optical microscope, proper photoluminescence (PL) spectra of CdTe/CdS QDs, chromatophores and the H5N1 avian influenza viruses.

Experimental investigation of shock-cell noise reduction for dual-stream nozzles in simulated flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janardan, B. A.; Yamamoto, K.; Majjigi, R. K.; Brausch, J. F.

1984-01-01

Six scale-model nozzles were tested in an anechoic facility to evauate the effectiveness of convergent-divergent (C-D) terminations in reducing shock-cell noise of unsuppressed and mechanically suppressed coannular plug nozzles. One hundred fifty-three acoustic test points with inverted velocity profiles were conducted under static and simulated flight conditions. Diagnostic flow visualization with a shadowgraph and velocity measurements with a laser velocimeter were performed on selected plumes. Shock-cells were identified on the plug and downstream of the plug of the unsuppressed convergent coannular nozzle with truncated plug. Broadband peak frequencies predicted with the two shock-cell structures were correlated with the observed spectra using the measured shock-cell spacings. Relative to a convergent circular nozzle, the perceived noise level (PNL) data at an observer angle of 60 deg relative to inlet, indicated a reduction of (1) 6.5 dB and 9.2 dB with unsuppressed C-D coannular nozzle with truncated plug and (2) 7.7 dB and 8.3 dB with suppressed C-D coannular nozzle under static and simulated flight conditions, espectively. The unsuppressed C-D coannular nozzle with truncated plug, operating at the C-D design condition, had shock-cells downstream of the plug with no shock-cells on the plug. The downstream shock-cells were eliminated by replacing the truncated plug with a smooth extension to obtain an additional 2.4 dB and 3 dB front quadrant PNL reduction, under static and simulated flight conditions, respectively. Other results are discussed.

Detergentless ultrasound-assisted extraction of trace elements from edible oils using lipase as an extractant.

PubMed

Kara, Derya; Fisher, Andrew; Hill, Steve

2015-11-01

A new method for the extraction and preconcentration of trace elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ti, V and Zn) from edible oils by producing detergentless micro-emulsions via an ultrasound-assisted extraction using a water phase containing Lipase at pH 3 as an extractant was developed. The trace elements in the water phase post-extraction were determined against matrix matched standards using ICP-MS. In the first step of the work, the parameters that affect extraction, such as pH, the volume of 1% lipase in the water phase and the ultrasonic and centrifugation times were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits (µg kg(-1)) were 0.46, 0.03, 0.007, 0.028, 0.67, 0.038, 0.022, 0.14, 0.17, 0.05 and 0.07 for Al, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ti, V and Zn respectively for edible oils (3 Sb/m). A certified reference material (EnviroMAT HU-1 Used oil) was analysed to check the accuracy of the developed method. Results obtained were in agreement with certified values with a t-test showing that no significant differences at the 95% confidence levels were found. The proposed method was applied to different edible oils such as sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil and salmon oil. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Secondary-volatiles linked metallic iron in eucrites: The dual-origin metals of Camel Donga

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, Paul H.; Isa, Junko; Ebihara, Mitsuru; Yamaguchi, Akira; Baecker, Bastian

2017-04-01

The unique occurrence of abundant ( 1 vol%) near-pure-Fe metal in the Camel Donga eucrite is more complicated than previously believed. In addition to that component of groundmass metal, scattered within the meteorite are discrete nodules of much higher kamacite abundance. We have studied the petrology and composition of two of these nodules in the form of samples we call CD2 and CD3. The nodules are ovoids 11 (CD2) to 15 (CD3) mm across, with metal, or inferred preweathering metal, abundances of 12-17 vol% (CD2 is unfortunately quite weathered). The CD3 nodule also includes at its center a 5 mm ovoid clumping (6 vol%) of F-apatite. Both nodules are fine-grained, so the high Fe metal and apatite contents are clearly not flukes of inadequate sampling. The metals within the nodules are distinctly Ni-rich (0.3-0.6 wt%) compared to the pure-Fe (Ni generally 0.01 wt%) groundmass metals. Bulk analyses of three pieces of the CD2 nodule show that trace siderophile elements Ir, Os, and Co are commensurately enriched; Au is enriched to a lesser degree. The siderophile evidence shows the nodules did not form by in situ reduction of pyroxene FeO. Moreover, the nodules do not show features such as silica-phase enrichment or pyroxene with reduced FeO (as constrained by FeO/MgO and especially FeO/MnO) predicted by the in situ reduction model. The oxide minerals, even in groundmass samples well away from the nodules, also show little evidence of reduction. Although the nodule boundaries are generally sharp, groundmass-metal Ni content is anti-correlated with distance from the CD3 nodule. We infer that the nodules represent materials that originated within impactors into the Camel Donga portion of the eucrite crust, but probably were profoundly altered during later metamorphism/metasomatism. Origin of the pure-Fe groundmass metal remains enigmatic. In situ reduction probably played an important role, and association in the same meteorite of the Fe-nodules is probably significant. But the fluid during alteration was probably not (as previously modeled) purely S and O, of simple heat-driven internal derivation. We conjecture a two-stage metasomatism, as fluids passed through Camel Donga after impact heating of volatile-rich chondritic masses (survivors of gentle accretionary impacts) within the nearby crust. First, reduction to form troilite may have been triggered by fluids rich in S2 and CO (derived from the protonodules?), and then in a distinct later stage, fluids were (comparatively) H2O-rich, and thus reacted with troilite to form pure-Fe metal along with H2S and SO2. The early eucrite crust was in places a dynamic fluid-bearing environment that hosted complex chemical processes, including some that engendered significant diversity among metal+sulfide alterations.

Foliar zinc biofortification effects in Lolium rigidum and Trifolium subterraneum grown in cadmium-contaminated soil

PubMed Central

Damon, Paul; Rengel, Zed

2017-01-01

Zinc (Zn) is an important micronutrient that can alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity to plants and limit Cd entry into the food chain. However, little is known about the Zn-Cd interactions in pasture plants. We characterized the effects of foliar Zn application and Cd uptake by ryegrass (Lolium rigidum L.) and clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) grown on Cd-contaminated soils; all combinations of foliar Zn applications (0, 0.25 and 0.5% (w/v) ZnSO4·7H2O) and soil Cd concentrations (0, 2.5 and 5 mg Cd kg-1) were tested. For both plant species, soil concentrations of DTPA-extractable Cd and Zn increased with an increase in the Cd and Zn treatments, respectively. Compared with L. rigidum, T. subterraneum accumulated, respectively, 3.3- and 4.1-fold more Cd in the 2.5-Cd and 5-Cd treatments and about 1.3-, 2.3- and 2.8-fold more Zn in the No-Zn, 0.25-Zn and 0.5-Zn treatments. Also, DTPA-Zn concentration was higher in soil after T. subterraneum than L. rigidum growth regardless of Zn applications. Foliar application of 0.25% (w/v) Zn significantly decreased the total Cd concentration in shoots of both species grown in the Cd-contaminated soil and ameliorated the adverse effects of Cd exposure on root growth, particularly in T. subterraneum. PMID:28950025