Simultaneous determination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Bispo, Marcia S; Veloso, Márcia Cristina C; Pinheiro, Heloísa Lúcia C; De Oliveira, Rodolfo F S; Reis, José Oscar N; De Andrade, Jailson B

2002-01-01

This work relates the development of an analytical methodology to simultaneously determine three methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline) in beverages and urine samples based on reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Separation is made with a Bondesil C18 column using methanol-water-acetic acid or ethanol-water-acetic acid (20:75:5, v/v/v) as the mobile phase at 0.7 mL/min. Identification is made by absorbance detection at 273 nm. Under optimized conditions, the detection limit of the HPLC method is 0.1 pg/mL for all three methylxanthines. This method is applied to urine and to 25 different beverage samples, which included coffee, tea, chocolate, and coconut water. The concentration ranges determined in the beverages and urine are: < 0.1 pg/mL to 350 microg/mL and 3.21 microg/mL to 71.2 microg/mL for caffeine; < 0.1 pg/mL to 32 microg mL and < 0.1 pg/mL to 13.2 microg/mL for theobromine; < 0.1 pg/mL to 47 microg/mL and < 0.1 pg/mL to 66.3 microg/mL for theophylline. The method proposed in this study is rapid and suitable for the simultaneous quantitation of methylxanthines in beverages and human urine samples and requires no extraction step or derivatization.

Concentrations and variability of organophosphate esters, halogenated flame retardants, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor and outdoor air in Stockholm, Sweden.

PubMed

Wong, Fiona; de Wit, Cynthia A; Newton, Seth R

2018-05-10

We investigated the concentrations and temporal variability of organophospate esters (OPEs), halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in indoor and outdoor urban air in Stockholm, Sweden over one year (2014-2015) period. The median concentrations of the three target chemical groups (OPEs, HFRs, PBDEs) were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher in indoor air than outdoor urban air. OPEs were the most abundant target FRs with median concentrations in indoor (Σ 10 OPE = 340 000 pg/m 3 ) and outdoor urban (Σ 10 OPEs = 3100 pg/m 3 ) air, being 3 orders of magnitude greater than for HFRs in indoor (Σ 15 HFRs = 120 pg/m 3 ) and outdoor urban (Σ 15 HFRs = 1.6 pg/m 3 ) air. In indoor air, PBDE concentrations (Σ 17 PBDEs = 33 pg/m 3 ) were lower than for the HFRs, but in outdoor urban air, concentrations (Σ 17 PBDEs = 1.1 pg/m 3 ) were similar to HFRs. The most abundant OPEs in both the indoor and outdoor urban air were tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBOEP), tris(chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP), tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP), tri-n-butyl-phosphate (TnBP), triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) and tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl)phosphate (TDCIPP). TCIPP in indoor air was found in the highest concentrations and showed the greatest temporal variability, which ranged from 85 000 to 1 900 000 pg/m 3 during the one-year sampling period. We speculate that activities in the building, e.g. floor cleaning, polishing, construction, introduction of new electronics and changes in ventilation rate could explain its variation. Some OPEs (TnBP, TCEP, TCIPP, TDCIPP and TPhP), HFRs/PBDEs (pentabromotoluene, 2, 3-dibromopropyl 2, 4, 6-tribromophenyl ether, hexabromobenzene, BDE-28, -47, and -99) in outdoor urban air showed seasonality, with increased concentrations during the warm period (p < 0.05, Pearson's r ranged from -0.45 to -0.91). The observed seasonality for OPEs was probably due to changes in primary emission, and those for the HFRs and PBDEs was likely due to re-volatilization from contaminated surfaces. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-10 in breast milk and development of atopic diseases in infants.

PubMed

Rigotti, E; Piacentini, G L; Ress, M; Pigozzi, R; Boner, A L; Peroni, D G

2006-05-01

Precise relationship between breastfeeding and infant allergy is poorly understood. Objective Aim was to quantify TGF-beta(1) and IL-10 in colostrum and mature milk from allergic and non-allergic mothers and to verify relationship with allergic disease development. Mothers (13 allergics, nine controls) of 22 newborns participated to prospective study on development of children atopy. Colostrum and mature milk were assayed for TGF-beta(1) and IL-10 by ELISA. Children underwent paediatrician evaluation at 6 months of life. Data are presented as median values and range. A significant difference in concentration of TGF-beta(1) between colostrum (330, range 0-3400 pg/mL) and mature milk (215, range 0-2400 pg/mL) was observed in samples from allergic mothers (P=0.015). In mature milk TGF-beta(1) was significantly lower in allergic (215, range 0-2400 pg/mL) than in non-allergic mothers (1059, range 0-6250 pg/mL) (P=0.015). IL-10 was weakly expressed without significant differences between allergic (4.8, range 0-42 and 9.5, range 0-42 pg/mL in colostrum and in mature milk) and non-allergic mothers (0, range 0-42 pg/mL in colostrum and 0, range 0-42 pg/mL in mature milk). After 6 months 46% infants from allergic mothers, but none from controls, presented atopic dermatitis. TGF-beta(1) was significantly less secreted in mature milk of allergic mothers, while no difference in IL-10 was found. Particular cytokine patterns in milk could influence development of atopic diseases. Further immunological studies in this field are necessary.

Polyglycerol-functionalized nanodiamond as a platform for gene delivery: Derivatization, characterization, and hybridization with DNA

PubMed Central

Zhao, Li; Nakae, Yuki; Qin, Hongmei; Ito, Tadamasa; Kimura, Takahide; Kojima, Hideto; Chan, Lawrence

2014-01-01

Summary A gene vector consisting of nanodiamond, polyglycerol, and basic polypeptide (ND-PG-BPP) has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. The ND-PG-BPP was synthesized by PG functionalization of ND through ring-opening polymerization of glycidol on the ND surface, multistep organic transformations (–OH → –OTs (tosylate) → –N3) in the PG layer, and click conjugation of the basic polypeptides (Arg8, Lys8 or His8) terminated with propargyl glycine. The ND-PG-BPP exhibited good dispersibility in water (>1.0 mg/mL) and positive zeta potential ranging from +14.2 mV to +44.1 mV at neutral pH in Milli-Q water. It was confirmed by gel retardation assay that ND-PG-Arg8 and ND-PG-Lys8 with higher zeta potential hybridized with plasmid DNA (pDNA) through electrostatic attraction, making them promising as nonviral vectors for gene delivery. PMID:24778723

Prolonged use of the etonogestrel implant and levonorgestrel intrauterine device: 2 years beyond Food and Drug Administration-approved duration.

PubMed

McNicholas, Colleen; Swor, Erin; Wan, Leping; Peipert, Jeffrey F

2017-06-01

The subdermal contraceptive implant and the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine device are currently Food and Drug Administration approved for 3 and 5 years of use, respectively. Limited available data suggested both of these methods are effective beyond that time. Demonstration of prolonged effectiveness will improve the cost-effectiveness of the device, and potentially patient continuation and satisfaction. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the contraceptive implant and the 52-mg hormonal intrauterine device in women using the method for 2 years beyond the current Food and Drug Administration-approved duration. We initiated this ongoing prospective cohort study in January 2012. We are enrolling women using the contraceptive implant or 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine device for a minimum of 3 and 5 years, respectively (started intrauterine device in ≥2007 or implant in ≥2009). Demographic and reproductive health histories, as well as objective body mass index, were collected. Implant users were offered periodic venipuncture for analysis of serum etonogestrel levels. The primary outcome, unintended pregnancy rate, was calculated per 100 woman-years. We analyzed baseline demographic characteristics using χ 2 test and Fisher exact test, and compared serum etonogestrel levels stratified by body mass index using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Implant users (n = 291) have contributed 444.0 woman-years of follow-up. There have been no documented pregnancies in implant users during the 2 years of postexpiration follow-up. Calculated failure rates in the fourth and fifth years for the implant are calculated as 0 (1-sided 97.5% confidence interval, 0-1.48) per 100 woman-years at 4 years and 0 (1-sided 97.5% confidence interval, 0-2.65) per 100 woman-years at 5 years. Among 496 levonorgestrel intrauterine device users, 696.9 woman-years of follow-up have been completed. Two pregnancies have been reported. The failure rate in the sixth year of use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device is calculated as 0.25 (95% confidence interval, 0.04-1.42) per 100 woman-years; failure rate during the seventh year is 0.43 (95% confidence interval, 0.08-2.39) per 100 woman-years. Among implant users with serum etonogestrel results, the median etonogestrel level was 207.7 pg/mL (range 63.8-802.6 pg/mL) at the time of method expiration, 166.1 pg/mL (range 67.9 25.0-470.5 pg/mL) at the end of the fourth year, and 153.0 pg/mL (range 72.1-538.8 pg/mL) at the end of the fifth year. Median etonogestrel levels were compared by body mass index at each time point and a statistical difference was noted at the end of 4 years of use with overweight women having the highest serum etonogestrel (195.9; range 25.0-450.5 pg/mL) when compared to normal (178.9; range 87.0-463.7 pg/mL) and obese (137.9; range 66.0-470.5 pg/mL) women (P = .04). This study indicates that the contraceptive implant and 52-mg hormonal intrauterine device continue to be highly effective for at least 2 additional years of use. Serum etonogestrel evaluation demonstrates median levels remain above the ovulation threshold of 90 pg/mL for women in all body mass index classes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polychlorinated dioxins and furans from the World Trade Center attacks in exterior window films from lower Manhattan in New York City.

PubMed

Rayne, Sierra; Ikonomou, Michael G; Butt, Craig M; Diamond, Miriam L; Truong, Jennifer

2005-04-01

Samples of ambient organic films deposited on exterior window surfaces from lower Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City were collected six weeks after the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center (WTC) on September 11, 2001 and analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Total tetra- through octa-CDD/F concentrations in window films within 1 km of the WTC site in lower Manhattan ranged up to 630,000 pg/m2 (estimated as a mass concentration of ca. 1,300,000 pg/ g) and a maximum toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentration of 4700 TEQ/m2 (ca. 10 000 pg TEQ/g). Measurements at a background site 3.5 km away in Brooklyn showed lower concentrations at 130 pg TEQ/m2 (260 pg TEQ/g). Ambient gas-phase PCDD/F concentrations estimated for each site using an equilibrium partitioning model suggested concentrations ranging from ca. 2700 fg-TEQ/m3 near the WTC site to the more typical urban concentration of 20 fg-TEQ/m3 atthe Brooklyn site. Multivariate analyses of 2,3,7,8-substitued congeners and homologue group profiles suggested unique patterns in films near the WTC site compared to that observed at background sites in the study area and in other literature-derived combustion source profiles. Homologue profiles near the WTC site were dominated by tetra-, penta-, and Hexa-CDD/Fs, and 2,3,7,8-substituted profiles contained mostly octa- and hexachlorinated congeners. In comparison, profiles in Brooklyn and near mid-Manhattan exhibited congener and homologue patterns comprised mainly of hepta- and octa-CDDs, similar to that commonly reported in background air and soil.

Atmospheric behaviors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at a Japanese remote background site, Noto peninsula, from 2004 to 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Ning; Hakamata, Mariko; Sato, Kousuke; Okada, Yumi; Yang, Xiaoyang; Tatematsu, Michiya; Toriba, Akira; Kameda, Takayuki; Hayakawa, Kazuichi

2015-11-01

Total suspended particulates were collected at a Japanese remote background site (Noto Air Monitoring Station; NAMS) on the Noto Peninsula from September 2004 to June 2014. Nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the particulates (fluoranthene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[ghi]perylene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The mean total concentrations of the nine PAHs in the cold season (November to May for the years 2004-2014) was 670 pg m-3 (range 37-4100 pg m-3). The mean total concentration in the warm season (June to October for the same period) was 170 pg m-3 (range 31-960 pg m-3). The atmospheric PAH level at NAMS decreased in recent years, although no significant change was found in the warm season. An analysis of meteorological conditions showed that the atmospheric PAHs at NAMS were long range transported from Northeast China in the cold seasons and were contributed to by Japanese domestic sources in the warm seasons. Lower concentration ratios of reactive PAHs to their isomers at NAMS also supported these results. Activities associated with the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2008 and reconstruction after the 2007 Noto Hanto earthquake may have contributed to the yearly variations of atmospheric PAH levels at NAMS during the period 2007-2009. Source control measures implemented by the Chinese and Japanese governments appear to have been effective in decreasing the atmospheric PAH levels at NAMS in recent years.

Long-range atmospheric transport of PAHs, PCBs and PBDEs to the central and eastern Mediterranean and changes of PCB and PBDE congener patterns in summer 2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulder, Marie D.; Heil, Angelika; Kukučka, Petr; Kuta, Jan; Přibylová, Petra; Prokeš, Roman; Lammel, Gerhard

2015-06-01

The central and eastern Mediterranean is a receptor area for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) emitted in western, central and eastern Europe, particularly during summer. Atmospheric concentrations of PCBs, DDXs, PBDEs, penta- and hexachlorobenzene were measured during a ship-borne survey in the summer of 2010. The concentration of PCBs (sum of 7 congeners) was 3.61 (2.08-7.72) pg m-3, of which 6.7% was associated with the particulate phase. The mean concentration of DDT isomers and their metabolites, DDE and DDD, was 2.60 (0.46-7.60) pg m-3 (particulate mass fraction θ = 0.097), of penta- and hexachlorobenzene 0.22 (<0.39-2.80) pg m-3 and 6.29 (2.48-24.16) pg m-3, respectively, and of PBDEs (sum of 8 congeners) 7.31 (2.80-19.89) pg m-3. The air masses studied had been transported mostly across central Europe, some crossing western Europe. The observed changes of PCB congener patterns along transport routes are in agreement with the perception that the reaction with the OH radical is dominating PCB atmospheric lifetime, and indicate an overestimation of the second order gas-phase reaction rate coefficient of PCB153 with OH by structure-activity relationship.

Reprint of: Long-range atmospheric transport of PAHs, PCBs and PBDEs to the central and eastern Mediterranean and changes of PCB and PBDE congener patterns in summer 2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulder, Marie D.; Heil, Angelika; Kukučka, Petr; Kuta, Jan; Přibylová, Petra; Prokeš, Roman; Lammel, Gerhard

2015-11-01

The central and eastern Mediterranean is a receptor area for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) emitted in western, central and eastern Europe, particularly during summer. Atmospheric concentrations of PCBs, DDXs, PBDEs, penta- and hexachlorobenzene were measured during a ship-borne survey in the summer of 2010. The concentration of PCBs (sum of 7 congeners) was 3.61 (2.08-7.72) pg m-3, of which 6.7% was associated with the particulate phase. The mean concentration of DDT isomers and their metabolites, DDE and DDD, was 2.60 (0.46-7.60) pg m-3 (particulate mass fraction θ = 0.097), of penta- and hexachlorobenzene 0.22 (<0.39-2.80) pg m-3 and 6.29 (2.48-24.16) pg m-3, respectively, and of PBDEs (sum of 8 congeners) 7.31 (2.80-19.89) pg m-3. The air masses studied had been transported mostly across central Europe, some crossing western Europe. The observed changes of PCB congener patterns along transport routes are in agreement with the perception that the reaction with the OH radical is dominating PCB atmospheric lifetime, and indicate an overestimation of the second order gas-phase reaction rate coefficient of PCB153 with OH by structure-activity relationship.

Initial genetic dissection of serum neuroactive steroids following chronic intermittent ethanol across BXD mouse strains

PubMed Central

Porcu, Patrizia; O’Buckley, Todd K.; Lopez, Marcelo F.; Becker, Howard C.; Miles, Michael F.; Williams, Robert W.; Morrow, A. Leslie

2016-01-01

Neuroactive steroids modulate alcohol’s impact on brain function and behavior. Ethanol exposure alters neuroactive steroid levels in rats, humans, and some mouse strains. We conducted an exploratory analysis of the neuroactive steroids (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP), (3α,5α)-3,21-dihydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THDOC), and pregnenolone across 126–158 individuals and 19 fully inbred strains belonging to the BXD family, which were subjected to air exposure, or chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure. Neuroactive steroids were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in serum following five cycles of CIE or air exposure (CTL). Pregnenolone levels in CTLs range from 272 to 578 pg/mL (strain variation of 2.1-fold with p = 0.049 for strain main effect), with heritability of 0.20 ± 0.006 (SEM), whereas in CIE cases values range from 304 to 919 pg/mL (3.0-fold variation, p = 0.007), with heritability of 0.23 ± 0.005. 3α,5α-THP levels in CTLs range from 375 to 1055 pg/mL (2.8-fold variation, p = 0.0007), with heritability of 0.28 ± 0.01; in CIE cases they range from 460 to 1022 pg/mL (2.2-fold variation, p = 0.004), with heritability of 0.23 ± 0.005. 3α,5α-THDOC levels in CTLs range from 94 to 448 pg/mL (4.8-fold variation, p = 0.002), with heritability of 0.30 ± 0.01, whereas levels in CIE cases do not differ significantly. However, global averages across all BXD strains do not differ between CTL and CIE for any of the steroids. 3α,5α-THDOC levels were lower in females than males in both groups (CTL −53%, CIE −55%, p < 0.001). Suggestive quantitative trait loci are identified for pregnenolone and 3α,5α-THP levels. Genetic variation in 3α,5α-THP was not correlated with two-bottle choice ethanol consumption in CTL or CIE-exposed animals. However, individual variation in 3α,5α-THP correlated negatively with ethanol consumption in both groups. Moreover, strain variation in neuroactive steroid levels correlated with numerous behavioral phenotypes of anxiety sensitivity accessed in GeneNetwork, consistent with evidence that neuroactive steroids modulate anxiety-like behavior. PMID:27884493

Levels, sources and chemical fate of persistent organic pollutants in the atmosphere and snow along the western Antarctic Peninsula.

PubMed

Khairy, Mohammed A; Luek, Jenna L; Dickhut, Rebecca; Lohmann, Rainer

2016-09-01

The Antarctic continent is among the most pristine regions; yet various organic contaminants have been measured there routinely. Air and snow samples were collected during the austral spring (October-November, 2010) along the western Antarctic Peninsula and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) to assess the relative importance of long-range transport versus local primary or secondary emissions. Highest concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs and DDTs were observed in the glacier's snow sample, highlighting the importance of melting glaciers as a possible secondary source of legacy pollutants to the Antarctic. In the atmosphere, contaminants were mainly found in the vapor phase (>65%). Hexachlorobenzene (33.6 pg/m(3)), PCBs (11.6 pg/m(3)), heptachlor (5.64 pg/m(3)), PBDEs (4.22 pg/m(3)) and cis-chlordane (2.43 pg/m(3)) were the most abundant contaminants. In contrast to other compounds, PBDEs seem to have originated from local sources, possibly the research station itself. Gas-particle partitioning for analytes were better predicted using the adsorption partitioning model than an octanol-based absorption approach. Diffusive flux calculations indicated that net deposition is the dominant pathway for PBDEs and chlordanes, whereas re-volatilization from snow (during melting or metamorphosis) was observed for PCBs and some OCPs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of exemestane and letrozole therapy on plasma concentrations of estrogens in a randomized trial of postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

PubMed

Robarge, Jason D; Desta, Zereunesay; Nguyen, Anne T; Li, Lang; Hertz, Daniel; Rae, James M; Hayes, Daniel F; Storniolo, Anna M; Stearns, Vered; Flockhart, David A; Skaar, Todd C; Henry, N Lynn

2017-02-01

Inter-individual differences in estrogen concentrations during treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) may contribute to therapeutic response and toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine plasma concentrations of estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estrone sulfate (E1S) in a large cohort of AI-treated breast cancer patients. In a randomized, multicenter trial of postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer starting treatment with letrozole (n = 241) or exemestane (n = 228), plasma estrogen concentrations at baseline and after 3 months were quantitated using a sensitive mass spectrometry-based assay. Concentrations and suppression below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were compared between estrogens and between drugs. The ranges of baseline estrogen concentrations were

Levels and spatial distribution of gaseous polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated naphthalenes in the air over the northern South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qilu; Xu, Yue; Li, Jun; Pan, Xiaohui; Liu, Xiang; Zhang, Gan

2012-09-01

Monitoring marine persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is important because oceans play a significant role in the cycling of POPs. The South China Sea (SCS) is surrounded by developing countries in Southeast Asia which are centers of e-waste recycling and the ship dismantling industry. In this study, shipboard air samples collected over the SCS between September 6 and 22, 2005 were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). The levels of ∑12PCBs ranged from 32.3 to 167 pg m-3, with a mean value of 98.4 ± 36.0 pg m-3. Tetra-CBs were the predominant congeners. The concentrations of ∑18PCNs ranged from N.D. to 26.0 pg m-3, with a mean value of 10.5 ± 7.16 pg m-3, and tri-CNs were predominant. The gaseous concentrations of PCBs and PCNs over the SCS were consistent with those over other seas and oceans. Compared with previous studies, it was found that the concentrations of PCBs exhibited an obviously declining trend. The measured PCB and PCN concentrations in the atmosphere over the SCS were influenced by their proximity to source regions and air mass origins. The highest gaseous PCB and PCN concentrations were found at sampling sites adjacent to the continental South China. E-waste recycling, ship dismantling and combustion in South China and some Southeast Asian countries might contribute PCBs and PCNs to the atmosphere of the SCS.

Occurrence and gas/particle partitioning of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in the atmosphere of Fildes Peninsula of Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xindong; Zhang, Haijun; Zhou, Hongqiang; Na, Guangshui; Wang, Zhen; Chen, Chen; Chen, Jingwen; Chen, Jiping

2014-06-01

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) were measured in air samples at a remote air monitoring site established in Georgia King Island, Fildes Peninsula of Antarctica (Great Wall Station, China) to study the long-range atmospheric transport of these anthropogenic pollutants to the Antarctic. Gas- and particle-phase CPs were collected using polyurethane foam plugs (PUF) and glass fiber filters (GFF) respectively during summertime of 2012. The total atmospheric levels of SCCPs and MCCPs ranged from 9.6 to 20.8 pg m-3 (average: 14.9 pg m-3) and 3.7-5.2 pg m-3 (average: 4.5 pg m-3), respectively. C10 and C11 carbon chain homologues with Cl5 and Cl6 chlorine atoms predominated in SCCP formula groups both in gas- and particle-phase. Significant linear correlation was found between gas/particle partition coefficients (KP) and sub-cooled liquid vapor pressures (pL°) (R2 = 0.437, p < 0.01), as well as KP and octanol-air partition coefficients (KOA) (R2 = 0.442, p < 0.01). Absolute slope values of two regression models (0.31 and 0.39) were less than 0.6 indicating that the way of absorption into organic matter of aerosol played a more important role on atmospheric partitioning and transferring of CPs in remote Antarctic area. Both the Junge-Pankow model and the KOA-based model tended to underestimate the sorption of lower chlorinated CPs and overestimate the sorption of highly chlorinated CPs.

Neutral poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in air and seawater of the North Sea.

PubMed

Xie, Zhiyong; Zhao, Zhen; Möller, Axel; Wolschke, Hendrik; Ahrens, Lutz; Sturm, Renate; Ebinghaus, Ralf

2013-11-01

Concentrations of neutral poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), such as fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs), perfluoroalkane sufonamidoethanols (FASEs), and fluorotelomer acrylates (FTACs), have been simultaneously determined in surface seawater and the atmosphere of the North Sea. Seawater and air samples were taken aboard the German research vessel Heincke on the cruise 303 from 15 to 24 May 2009. The concentrations of FTOHs, FASAs, FASEs, and FTACs in the dissolved phase were 2.6-74, <0.1-19, <0.1-63, and <1.0-9.0 pg L(-1), respectively. The highest concentrations were determined in the estuary of the Weser and Elbe rivers and a decreasing concentration profile appeared with increasing distance from the coast toward the central part of the North Sea. Gaseous FTOHs, FASAs, FASEs, and FTACs were in the range of 36-126, 3.1-26, 3.7-19, and 0.8-5.6 pg m(-3), which were consistent with the concentrations determined in 2007 in the North Sea, and approximately five times lower than those reported for an urban area of Northern Germany. These results suggested continuous continental emissions of neutral PFASs followed by transport toward the marine environment. Air-seawater gas exchanges of neutral PFASs were estimated using fugacity ratios and the two-film resistance model based upon paired air-seawater concentrations and estimated Henry's law constant values. Volatilization dominated for all neutral PFASs in the North Sea. The air-seawater gas exchange fluxes were in the range of 2.5×10(3)-3.6×10(5) pg m(-2) for FTOHs, 1.8×10(2)-1.0×10(5) pg m(-2) for FASAs, 1.1×10(2)-3.0×10(5) pg m(-2) for FASEs and 6.3×10(2)-2.0×10(4) pg m(-2) for FTACs, respectively. These results suggest that the air-seawater gas exchange is an important process that intervenes in the transport and fate for neutral PFASs in the marine environment.

Addison's disease concomitant with corticotropin deficiency and pituitary CRH resistance - a case report.

PubMed

Lewandowski, Krzysztof C; Malicka, Katarzyna; Dąbrowska, Katarzyna; Lewiński, Andrzej

2017-01-01

A 36-year-old woman was found to have a low morning ACTH concentration despite a history of Addison's disease. Past medical history: At the age of 23 years the subject developed Graves's disease, which was treated with radioiodine. At about the same time, she claimed to have two episodes of pancreatitis treated with cholecystectomy. About seven months later she was euthyroid on L-thyroxine (TSH 1.51 mIU/mL) but was admitted with hypotension, hyponatraemia (sodium 109 mmol/L), and low morning cortisol (119 nmol/L). Further investigations confirmed primary adrenal failure with ACTH concentration of 779 pg/mL (ref. range 0-60) prior to the dose of hydrocortisone. About nine years later she complained about tiredness. Clinically she was normotensive and not pigmented. BMI 22.3 kg/m². Periods were regular. ACTH concentration was surprisingly low (ACTH 8.53 pg/mL, ref. range 0-46), despite very low cortisol (3.37 nmol/L). She was admitted for further assessment. Pituitary MRI scan was unremarkable. An insulin tolerance test was performed and showed a clear increase of ACTH (from 15.2 to 165 pg/mL). There was, however, hardly any increase of ACTH after CRH stimulation (from 6.05 pg/mL to 10.2 pg/mL), thus demonstrating central CRH resistance. In summary, this patient developed secondary adrenal failure in the setting of previous Addison's disease. Interestingly, hypoglycaemia (but not CRH) provided a stimulus for ACTH release, thus demonstrating CRH resistance. The case confirms that besides CRH, other factors are responsible for stimulation of the ACTH-cortisol axis during insulin tolerance test.

Distribution and fate of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor environments of elementary schools.

PubMed

Wu, Q; Baek, S-Y; Fang, M; Chang, Y-S

2010-06-01

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are considered harmful to human health because of their toxicities and persistence in environments. In the current study, the distribution and fate of PBDEs in classrooms and computer rooms in 17 elementary schools in South Korea have been described. Eight congeners (brominated diphenyl ether-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, and -209) in air, floor dust, and product surface dust were measured. While Sigma(8)PBDEs in the air in classrooms showed considerable variations (0.659-1600 pg/m(3), arithmetic mean +/- s.d.: 377 +/- 441 pg/m(3)), those in computer rooms were somewhat similar (134-220 pg/m(3), arithmetic mean +/- s.d.: 169 +/- 40 pg/m(3)). Sigma(8)PBDEs in floor dust varied over a wide range, from 453 to 45,700 ng/g, for all rooms. Based on congener patterns, two groups were created--CL-1 that is dominated by high-brominated congeners and CL-2 primarily comprising low-brominated congeners--for both air and floor dust of classrooms. Surface dust had low concentrations, ranged from ND to 181, from ND to 128, and from ND to 256 pg/cm(2) for desk/chair sets, lockers, and playing tools, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated individually for air, floor dust, and surface dust. The results indicate that both surface dust and floor dust may act as a secondary source of PBDEs in indoor environments after emission from facilities. Children have been estimated to have a higher potential exposure to PBDEs than adults. Since children spend most of their day time at school, PBDE distributions in school environments should be a matter of great concern.

Placental protein-13 (PP13) in combination with PAPP-A and free leptin index (fLI) in first trimester maternal serum screening for severe and early preeclampsia.

PubMed

De Villiers, Carin P; Hedley, Paula L; Placing, Sophie; Wøjdemann, Karen R; Shalmi, Anne-Cathrine; Carlsen, Anting L; Rode, Line; Sundberg, Karin; Tabor, Ann; Christiansen, Michael

2017-11-27

Placental protein-13 (PP13) is involved in placental invasion and has been suggested as a maternal serum marker of preeclampsia (PE) development. However, the discriminatory ability of PP13 in first trimester has not been completely clarified. PP13 was measured in first trimester (week 10+3-13+6) maternal serum from 120 PE pregnancies and 267 control pregnancies and was correlated with clinical parameters. The population screening performance of PP13 in combination with the PE markers pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) and free leptin index (fLI) was assessed by Monte Carlo simulation. In severe PE (including HELLP) cases (n=26) the median PP13 concentration was 35.8 pg/mL (range: 17.8-85.5 pg/mL) and in PE pregnancies (n=10) with birth prior to week 34, the median PP13 concentration was 30.6 pg/mL (13.1-50.1 pg/mL), compared to controls with a median of 54.8 pg/mL (range: 15.4-142.6 pg/mL) (p<0.04). The population screening detection rate (DR) for a false-positive rate of 10% for severe PE and HELLP was 26% for PP13, 28% for PP13+PAPP-A, 33% for PP13+fLI, and 40% for PP13+PAPP-A+fLI. PP13 is a marker of severe PE and HELLP syndrome. The screening performance of PP13 can be markedly improved by combining it with fLI and PAPP-A.

[Pollution of Halogenated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Atmospheric Particulate Matters of Shenzhen].

PubMed

Sun, Jian-lin; Chang, Wen-jing; Chen, Zheng-xia; Zeng, Hui

2015-05-01

Concentrations of halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( HPAHs) in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 samples collected from Shenzhen were determined using GC-MS. Total concentrations of nine HPAHs in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 samples ranged from 118 to 1,476 pg · m(-3) and 89 to 407 pg · m(-3), respectively. In PM10 and PM(2.5) samples, the concentration of 9-BrAnt was the highest, followed by 7-BrBaA and 9, 10-Br2Ant. Seasonal levels of total HPAHs in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 samples in Shenzhen decreased in the following order: winter > autumn > spring > summer, whereas concentrations of individual HPAHs showed different seasonal levels. Meteorological conditions, including temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity, might be important factors affecting the seasonal levels of HPAHs in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 In addition, there were significant correlations between concentrations of HPAHs and parent PAHs. Finally, the toxic equivalency quotients (TEQs) of HPAHs were estimated. The TEQs of HPAHs in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 samples ranged from 17.6 to 86.2 pg · m(-3) and 14.6 to 70.4 pg · m(-3), respectively. Among individual HPAHs, 7-BrBaA contributed greatly to the total TEQs of HPAHs. Our results indicated that the total TEQs of HPAHs were lower than parent PAHs in atmospheric PM10 and PM2.5 samples in Shenzhen.

Ion-channel genosensor for the detection of specific DNA sequences derived from Plum Pox Virus in plant extracts.

PubMed

Malecka, Kamila; Michalczuk, Lech; Radecka, Hanna; Radecki, Jerzy

2014-10-09

A DNA biosensor for detection of specific oligonucleotides sequences of Plum Pox Virus (PPV) in plant extracts and buffer is proposed. The working principles of a genosensor are based on the ion-channel mechanism. The NH2-ssDNA probe was deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode surface to form an amide bond between the carboxyl group of oxidized electrode surface and amino group from ssDNA probe. The analytical signals generated as a result of hybridization were registered in Osteryoung square wave voltammetry in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- as a redox marker. The 22-mer and 42-mer complementary ssDNA sequences derived from PPV and DNA samples from plants infected with PPV were used as targets. Similar detection limits of 2.4 pM (31.0 pg/mL) and 2.3 pM (29.5 pg/mL) in the concentration range 1-8 pM were observed in the presence of the 22-mer ssDNA and 42-mer complementary ssDNA sequences of PPV, respectively. The genosensor was capable of discriminating between samples consisting of extracts from healthy plants and leaf extracts from infected plants in the concentration range 10-50 pg/mL. The detection limit was 12.8 pg/mL. The genosensor displayed good selectivity and sensitivity. The 20-mer partially complementary DNA sequences with four complementary bases and DNA samples from healthy plants used as negative controls generated low signal.

A PCR-aided transcript titration assay (PATTY) to measure topoisomerase I gene expression in human tumor specimens.

PubMed

Meersma, G J; Bakker, M; Groen, H J; Van der Zee, A G; Jensen, P B; Giaccone, G; De Vries, E G; Smit, E F

1999-01-01

Topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitors are promising anticancer agents with demonstrated activity against a wide range of solid tumors. Quantitative information on topol mRNA levels in tumor biopsies may predict response to topo I inhibitors. A polymerase chain reaction aided transcript titration assay (PATTY) was developed to allow quantitation of topol mRNA in small samples. Concentrations of topol mRNA in total RNA samples were estimated by RT-PCR analysis in a human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line (GLC,) and its topotecan (GL2C/SK and F) and camptothecin (GL2C/Campt) resistant sublines, human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ovarian carcinoma samples. Topol PATTY showed a decreased topo I mRNA level in GLC2/SK and F (4.5 pg/100 ng total RNA) and GLC,/Campt (2.2 pg/100 ng total RNA), respectively, compared to the parent cell line GLC2 (5.4 pg/100 ng total RNA). Topol protein levels as measured by Western blotting were compatible with topol mRNA levels. Median (range) topol mRNA levels were 3.23 (2.33-5.10) pg/100 ng total RNA in resected NSCLC specimen (n = 6), and 2.03 (0.54-0.95) pg/100 ng total RNA in resected ovarian cancer specimen (n = 6). We conclude that topol PATTY is a new assay that quantitates topol mRNA levels in cell lines and small tumor samples.

Ovarian response to recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone in luteinizing hormone-depleted women: examination of the two cell, two gonadotropin theory.

PubMed

Ben-Chetrit, A; Gotlieb, L; Wong, P Y; Casper, R F

1996-04-01

To evaluate the relative contribution of FSH to ovarian estrogen production. Nonrandomized, prospective study. University of Toronto teaching hospital reproductive biology unit. Five women who had been treated with depot GnRH agonist with hormonal add-back for 4 to 48 months and who were confirmed to be gonadotropin depleted by both bioassay and RIA. Subjects received 75 IU SC recombinant human FSH daily for 7 days followed by 150 IU daily for 7 days and 225 IU daily for the third week. Serum steroid determination and vaginal sonography for follicle size and endometrial thickness were performed serially and follicular fluid hormone levels were measured in two subjects. Bioactive LH and FSH activity were less than the detection limit of the assay (0.1 mIU/mL; conversion factor to SI units, 1.00 for LH and FSH) before recombinant FSH treatment in all five women. In all subjects, at least one preovulatory follicle developed by the end of two to three weeks. Endometrial thickness increased to between 7 and 9 mm in four women. Mean serum E2 in the five subjects increased from 17 pg/mL (range: 5 to 33 pg/mL; conversion factor to SI unit, 3.671) at baseline to 230 pg/mL (range: 37 to 489 pg/mL) at the end of the study. Follicular fluid E2 concentrations ranged from 44,296 to 69,367 pg/mL in the four follicles aspirated. Our results indicate that LH is not necessary for ovarian E2 production. We speculate that the granulosa cells, in the absence of detectable LH bioactivity, can use circulating adrenal androgens or constitutive or FSH-stimulated thecal androgens, to produce intrafollicular E2.

CSF Histamine Contents in Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Kanbayashi, Takashi; Kodama, Tohru; Kondo, Hideaki; Satoh, Shinsuke; Inoue, Yuichi; Chiba, Shigeru; Shimizu, Tetsuo; Nishino, Seiji

2009-01-01

Study Objective: To (1) replicate our prior result of low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) histamine levels in human narcolepsy in a different sample population and to (2) evaluate if histamine contents are altered in other types of hypersomnia with and without hypocretin deficiency. Design: Cross sectional studies. Setting and Patients: Sixty-seven narcolepsy subjects, 26 idiopathic hypersomnia (IHS) subjects, 16 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) subjects, and 73 neurological controls were included. All patients were Japanese. Diagnoses were made according to ICSD-2. Results: We found significant reductions in CSF histamine levels in hypocretin deficient narcolepsy with cataplexy (mean ± SEM; 176.0 ± 25.8 pg/mL), hypocretin non-deficient narcolepsy with cataplexy (97.8 ± 38.4 pg/mL), hypocretin non-deficient narcolepsy without cataplexy (113.6 ± 16.4 pg/mL), and idiopathic hypersomnia (161.0 ± 29.3 pg/mL); the levels in OSAS (259.3 ± 46.6 pg/mL) did not statistically differ from those in the controls (333.8 ± 22.0 pg/mL). Low CSF histamine levels were mostly observed in non-medicated patients; significant reductions in histamine levels were evident in non-medicated patients with hypocretin deficient narcolepsy with cataplexy (112.1 ± 16.3 pg/mL) and idiopathic hypersomnia (143.3 ± 28.8 pg/mL), while the levels in the medicated patients were in the normal range. Conclusion: The study confirmed reduced CSF histamine levels in hypocretin-deficient narcolepsy with cataplexy. Similar degrees of reduction were also observed in hypocretin non-deficient narcolepsy and in idiopathic hypersomnia, while those in OSAS (non central nervous system hypersomnia) were not altered. The decrease in histamine in these subjects were more specifically observed in non-medicated subjects, suggesting CSF histamine is a biomarker reflecting the degree of hypersomnia of central origin. Citation: Kanbayashi T; Kodama T; Kondo H; Satoh S; Inoue Y; Chiba S; Shimizu T; Nishino S. CSF histamine contents in narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. SLEEP 2009;32(2):181–187. PMID:19238805

Changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and incidence of diabetes: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

PubMed Central

Sanchez, O.A.; Duprez, D.A.; Bahrami, H.; Peralta, C.A.; Daniels, L.B.; Lima, J.A.; Maisel, A.; Folsom, A.R.; Jacobs, D.R.

2016-01-01

Aims This study looked at whether the inverse association of circulating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with incident diabetes is modified by changes in NT-proBNP (ΔNT-proBNP) levels. Methods lasma NT-proBNP was assayed at baseline and 3.2 years later (visit 3) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).ΔNT-proBNP was calculated as NT-proBNPvisit3 − NT-proBNPbaseline. A Poisson distribution was fitted to determine the incidence density of diabetes, adjusted for age, race, gender, educational attainment, antihypertensive medication, total intentional exercise and plasma IL-6 levels. In the primary analysis (n = 3236 without diabetes up to visit 3, followed for a mean of 6.3 years), incidence density was regressed for the following categories of baseline NT-proBNP: (1) <54.4 pg/mL; (2) 54.4–85.9 pg/mL; and (3) 86–54.2 pg/mL. This was crossed with categories of ΔNT-proBNP as medians (ranges): (1) −6.2 (−131–11.7) pg/mL; (2) 19.8 (11.8–30.1) pg/mL; (3) 44.0 (30.2–67.9) pg/mL; and (4) 111.2 (68.0–3749.9) pg/mL. Results The incidence density of diabetes followed a U-shaped association across categories of ΔNT-proBNP within categories of baseline NT-proBNP after adjusting for other covariates (P = 0.02). At each level of baseline NT-proBNP, the incidence density of diabetes was lowest for small-to-moderate increases in NT-proBNP. Conclusion This analysis suggests that NT-proBNP has a biphasic association with diabetes in which the risk of incident diabetes decreases within a ‘physiological range’ of ΔNT-proBNP, and plateaus or increases as NT-proBNP concentrations increase, probably in response to pathophysiological conditions leading to high levels of NT-proBNP. PMID:26047677

The first countrywide monitoring of selected POPs: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the atmosphere of Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurt-Karakus, Perihan Binnur; Ugranli-Cicek, Tugba; Sofuoglu, Sait C.; Celik, Halil; Gungormus, Elif; Gedik, Kadir; Sofuoglu, Aysun; Okten, Hatice Eser; Birgul, Askın; Alegria, Henry; Jones, Kevin C.

2018-03-01

Atmospheric levels of 43 PCBs, 22 OCPs, and 14 PBDEs were determined in 16 cities at urban and rural sites by passive sampling to generate the first large-scale nationwide dataset of POP residues in Turkey's atmosphere. Sampling campaign was performed from May 2014 to April 2015 with three-month sampling periods at locations on east-west and north-south transects through the country to investigate seasonal and spatial variations, including long range atmospheric transport (LRAT). Factor analysis was conducted to infer on the potential sources. Overall average Σ43PCBs concentration was 108 ± 132 pg/m3. PCB-118 (26.3 ± 44.6 pg/m3) was the top congener, and penta-CBs had the highest contribution with 54.3%. ΣDDTs had the highest annual mean concentration with 134 ± 296 pg/m3 among the OCP groups among which the highest concentration compound was p'p-DDE (97.6 ± 236 pg/m3). Overall average concentration of Σ14PBDEs was 191 ± 329 pg/m3 with the highest contribution from BDE-190 (42%). Comparison of OCPs and PCBs concentrations detected at temperatures which were above and below annual average temperature indicated higher concentrations in the warmer periods, hence significance of secondary emissions for several OCPs and Σ43PCBs, as well as inference as LRAT from secondary emissions. The first nationwide POPs database constructed in this study, point to current use, local secondary emissions, and LRAT for different individual compounds, and indicate the need for regular monitoring.

Initial genetic dissection of serum neuroactive steroids following chronic intermittent ethanol across BXD mouse strains.

PubMed

Porcu, Patrizia; O'Buckley, Todd K; Lopez, Marcelo F; Becker, Howard C; Miles, Michael F; Williams, Robert W; Morrow, A Leslie

2017-02-01

Neuroactive steroids modulate alcohol's impact on brain function and behavior. Ethanol exposure alters neuroactive steroid levels in rats, humans, and some mouse strains. We conducted an exploratory analysis of the neuroactive steroids (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP), (3α,5α)-3,21-dihydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THDOC), and pregnenolone across 126-158 individuals and 19 fully inbred strains belonging to the BXD family, which were subjected to air exposure, or chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure. Neuroactive steroids were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in serum following five cycles of CIE or air exposure (CTL). Pregnenolone levels in CTLs range from 272 to 578 pg/mL (strain variation of 2.1 fold with p = 0.049 for strain main effect), with heritability of 0.20 ± 0.006 (SEM), whereas in CIE cases values range from 304 to 919 pg/mL (3.0-fold variation, p = 0.007), with heritability of 0.23 ± 0.005. 3α,5α-THP levels in CTLs range from 375 to 1055 pg/mL (2.8-fold variation, p = 0.0007), with heritability of 0.28 ± 0.01; in CIE cases they range from 460 to 1022 pg/mL (2.2-fold variation, p = 0.004), with heritability of 0.23 ± 0.005. 3α,5α-THDOC levels in CTLs range from 94 to 448 pg/mL (4.8-fold variation, p = 0.002), with heritability of 0.30 ± 0.01, whereas levels in CIE cases do not differ significantly. However, global averages across all BXD strains do not differ between CTL and CIE for any of the steroids. 3α,5α-THDOC levels were lower in females than males in both groups (CTL -53%, CIE -55%, p < 0.001). Suggestive quantitative trait loci are identified for pregnenolone and 3α,5α-THP levels. Genetic variation in 3α,5α-THP was not correlated with two-bottle choice ethanol consumption in CTL or CIE-exposed animals. However, individual variation in 3α,5α-THP correlated negatively with ethanol consumption in both groups. Moreover, strain variation in neuroactive steroid levels correlated with numerous behavioral phenotypes of anxiety sensitivity accessed in GeneNetwork, consistent with evidence that neuroactive steroids modulate anxiety-like behavior. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aromatic organosulfates in atmospheric aerosols: synthesis, characterization, and abundance.

PubMed

Staudt, Sean; Kundu, Shuvashish; Lehmler, Hans-Joachim; He, Xianran; Cui, Tianqu; Lin, Ying-Hsuan; Kristensen, Kasper; Glasius, Marianne; Zhang, Xiaolu; Weber, Rodney J; Surratt, Jason D; Stone1, Elizabeth A

2014-09-01

Aromatic organosulfates are identified and quantified in fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) from Lahore, Pakistan, Godavari, Nepal, and Pasadena, California. To support detection and quantification, authentic standards of phenyl sulfate, benzyl sulfate, 3-and 4-methylphenyl sulfate and 2-, 3-, and 4-methylbenzyl sulfate were synthesized. Authentic standards and aerosol samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to negative electrospray ionization (ESI) quadrupole time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometry. Benzyl sulfate was present in all three locations at concentrations ranging from 4 - 90 pg m -3 . Phenyl sulfate, methylphenyl sulfates and methylbenzyl sulfates were observed intermittently with abundances of 4 pg m -3 , 2-31 pg m -3 , 109 pg m -3 , respectively. Characteristic fragment ions of aromatic organosulfates include the sulfite radical ( • SO 3 - , m/z 80) and the sulfate radical ( • SO 4 - , m/z 96). Instrumental response factors of phenyl and benzyl sulfates varied by a factor of 4.3, indicating that structurally-similar organosulfates may have significantly different instrumental responses and highlighting the need to develop authentic standards for absolute quantitation organosulfates. In an effort to better understand the sources of aromatic organosulfates to the atmosphere, chamber experiments with the precursor toluene were conducted under conditions that form biogenic organosulfates. Aromatic organosulfates were not detected in the chamber samples, suggesting that they form through different pathways, have different precursors (e.g. naphthalene or methylnaphthalene), or are emitted from primary sources.

Aromatic organosulfates in atmospheric aerosols: Synthesis, characterization, and abundance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staudt, Sean; Kundu, Shuvashish; Lehmler, Hans-Joachim; He, Xianran; Cui, Tianqu; Lin, Ying-Hsuan; Kristensen, Kasper; Glasius, Marianne; Zhang, Xiaolu; Weber, Rodney J.; Surratt, Jason D.; Stone, Elizabeth A.

2014-09-01

Aromatic organosulfates are identified and quantified in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from Lahore, Pakistan, Godavari, Nepal, and Pasadena, California. To support detection and quantification, authentic standards of phenyl sulfate, benzyl sulfate, 3- and 4-methylphenyl sulfate and 2-, 3-, and 4-methylbenzyl sulfate were synthesized. Authentic standards and aerosol samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to negative electrospray ionization (ESI) quadrupole time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometry. Benzyl sulfate was present in all three locations at concentrations ranging from 4 to 90 pg m-3. Phenyl sulfate, methylphenyl sulfates and methylbenzyl sulfates were observed intermittently with abundances of 4 pg m-3, 2-31 pg m-3, 109 pg m-3, respectively. Characteristic fragment ions of aromatic organosulfates include the sulfite radical (rad SO3-, m/z 80) and the sulfate radical (rad SO4-, m/z 96). Instrumental response factors of phenyl and benzyl sulfates varied by a factor of 4.3, indicating that structurally-similar organosulfates have significantly different instrumental responses and highlighting the need to develop authentic standards for absolute quantitation organosulfates. In an effort to better understand the sources of aromatic organosulfates to the atmosphere, chamber experiments with the precursor toluene were conducted under conditions that form biogenic organosulfates. Aromatic organosulfates were not detected in the chamber samples, suggesting that they form through different pathways, have different precursors (e.g. naphthalene or methylnaphthalene), or are emitted from primary sources.

Sensitized chemiluminescence of 2-phenyl-4,5-di(2-furyl)-1H-imidazole/K₃Fe(CN)₆/propyl gallate system combining with solid-phase extraction for the determination of propyl gallate in edible oil.

PubMed

Kang, Jing; Han, Lu; Chen, Zhonglin; Shen, Jimin; Nan, Jun; Zhang, Yihua

2014-09-15

In this paper, a novel chemiluminescence (CL) method has been developed for the determination of propyl gallate (PG). The proposed method was based on the enhancing effect of PG on the CL signal of 2-phenyl-4,5-di(2-furyl)-1H-imidazole (PDFI) and K3Fe(CN)6 reaction in an alkaline solution. Under the optimum conditions, the enhanced CL intensity was linearly related to the concentration of PG. The linear range of the calibration curve was 0.05-8 μg/mL, and the corresponding detection limit (3σ) was 0.036 μg/mL. The relative standard deviation for determining 1.0 μg/mL PG was 2.8% (n=11). The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of PG in edible oil. The edible oil samples were prepared by the solid-phase extraction (SPE) with a C18 column served as the stationary phase. Furthermore, the possible CL mechanism was also discussed briefly based on the photoluminescence (PL) and CL spectra. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experience with a third-generation parathyroid hormone assay (BIO-PTH) in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism in a Brazilian population.

PubMed

Bonanséa, Teresa Cristina P; Ohe, Monique Nakayama; Brandão, Cynthia; Ferrer, Cláudia de Francischi; Santos, Lívia Marcela; Lazaretti-Castro, Marise; Vieira, José Gilberto Henriques

2016-10-01

To evaluate the usefulness of a third-generation PTH assay in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Forty-one PHPT patients (4 men and 37 women) with 61.2 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD) years, were studied and had PTH levels measured with two different methods using the same immunochemiluminescent assay plataform (Elecsys 2010 System, Roche). We compared a second-generation assay (I-PTH) with a third-generation PTH assay (Bio-PTH). Two populations of 423 and 120 healthy adults with serum 25OHD levels above 25 ng/mL were used to define normal values in the I-PTH and Bio-PTH assays respectively. Normal PTH values based in the healthy adults population were 24.2-78.0 pg/mL for the I-PTH assay and 19.9-58.5 pg/mL for Bio-PTH assay. In PHPT patients, PTH values ranged from 67 to 553 pg/mL (median: 168 pg/mL) using the I-PTH assay and from 55 to 328 pg/mL (median: 111 pg/mL) using the Bio-PTH assay. Results obtained with the Bio-PTH assay were significantly lower (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon). In general I-PTH and Bio-PTH showed highly significant correlation (r = 0.952, p < 0.0001). Passing-Bablok analysis gave a regression equation of Bio PTH = 13.44 + 0.59 x intact PTH. PHPT patients had 25OHD levels ranging from 4 to 36 ng/mL (mean 16.2 ng/mL); 35 subjects (85.3%) had values bellow 25 ng/mL. Our results demonstrate that both second and third generation PTH methods are strongly correlated in PHPT patients and control subjects. Lower results with Bio-PTH tests are expected in function of the assay specificity determined by the amino-terminal antibody used.

Landfills as sources of polyfluorinated compounds, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and musk fragrances to ambient air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinberg, Ingo; Dreyer, Annekatrin; Ebinghaus, Ralf

2011-02-01

In order to investigate landfills as sources of polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and synthetic musk fragrances to the atmosphere, air samples were simultaneously taken at two landfills (one active and one closed) and two reference sites using high volume air samplers. Contaminants were accumulated on glass fiber filters (particle phase) and PUF/XAD-2/PUF cartridges (gas phase), extracted by methyl-tert butyl ether/acetone (neutral PFCs), methanol (ionic PFCs) or hexane/acetone (PBDEs, musk fragrances), and detected by GC-MS (neutral PFCs, PBDEs, musk fragrances) or HPLC-MS/MS (ionic PFCs). Total concentrations ranged from 84 to 706 pg m -3 (volatile PFCs, gas phase), from

Development of ochratoxin a in cereal by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Min; Liu, Renrong; Zhu, Lixin; Chen, Zhenzhen

2017-11-01

A rapid, simple and sensitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay method (CLEIA) was established to detect ochratoxin A (OTA) in cereal. Optimal conditions including antibody dilution ratio and enzyme conjugate, ionic strength, pH value and organic solvent. Established indirect competition inhibition curve to determine the linear working range, detection limit and recovery rate. Results: The 50% inhibitory concentration and the detection limit of the CLEIA were78.8pg/mL and 14.86 pg/mL, respectively, with a linear range of 0.015-0.4ng/mL. At 1∼4μpg/kg fortified levels in wheat, mean recoveries ranged from 67.47% to100.35%.

Phase I safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic study of the thrombospondin-1-mimetic angiogenesis inhibitor ABT-510 in patients with advanced cancer.

PubMed

Hoekstra, Ronald; de Vos, Filip Y F L; Eskens, Ferry A L M; Gietema, Jourik A; van der Gaast, Ate; Groen, Harry J M; Knight, Raymond A; Carr, Robert A; Humerickhouse, Rod A; Verweij, Jaap; de Vries, Elisabeth G E

2005-08-01

ABT-510 is an angiogenesis inhibitor derived from thrombospondin-1, a naturally occurring inhibitor of angiogenesis. We investigated ABT-510, which was administered subcutaneously in patients with advanced solid malignancies, to assess safety, pharmacokinetics, and serum markers of angiogenesis. ABT-510 was administered subcutaneously as a continuous infusion (100 mg/24 h) and bolus injections (100, 200, and 260 mg once daily; 50 and 100 mg twice daily) in 28-day cycles. Thirty-nine patients received a total of 144 treatment cycles. Administration by continuous infusion was hampered by the onset of painful skin infiltrates at the injection site. In the bolus injection regimens, the most common toxicities observed were mild injection-site reactions and fatigue. Maximum-tolerated dose was not defined, but 260 mg was defined as the maximum clinically practical dose. ABT-510 pharmacokinetics were linear across the dosage ranges tested, and the potential therapeutic threshold (plasma concentrations > 100 ng/mL > 3 h/d) was achieved with all dose regimens. Median serum basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels decreased from 14.1 pg/mL (range, 0.5 to 77.7 pg/mL) at baseline to 3.2 pg/mL (range, 0.2 to 29.4 pg/mL) after 56 days of treatment (P = .003). No correlations with time on study or ABT-510 dose or exposure were observed for individual changes in bFGF. Stable disease lasting for six cycles or more was seen in six patients. ABT-510 demonstrated a favorable toxicity profile and linear and time-independent pharmacokinetics with biologically relevant plasma concentrations. The significant number of patients with prolonged stable disease and the convenient method of dosing merit further studies with this angiogenesis inhibitor.

Occurrence and impact of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans in the air and soil around a municipal solid waste incinerator.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhiguang; Ren, Yue; Chu, Jiazhi; Li, Nan; Zhen, Sen; Zhao, Hu; Fan, Shuang; Zhang, Hui; Xu, Pengjun; Qi, Li; Liang, Shuting; Zhao, Bin

2016-06-01

To assess the influence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) on the environment in the vicinity of municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs), we determined the levels of PCDD/Fs in air and soil samples collected around a MSWI, which is the largest in China. The International Toxicity Equivalency Quantity (I-TEQ) concentrations of PCDD/Fs in air samples were from 0.0300 to 1.03pgI-TEQ/m(3) (0.445-13.6pg/m(3)), with an average of 0.237pgI-TEQ/m(3), while in soil samples they ranged from 0.520 to 3.40pgI-TEQ/g (2.41-88.7pg/g) with an average of 1.49pgI-TEQ/g. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in air and soil samples were comparable to other areas, and PeCDFs were the dominant contributors, which was different from stack gas homologue patterns. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that PCDD/Fs emission from the MSWI did not directly affect the profiles of PCDD/Fs in air and soils, so that vehicles and unidentified emission sources should be considered. The daily inhalation levels of PCDD/Fs for children (0.0110 to 0.392pgI-TEQ/(kg·day) and adults (0.00600 to 0.221pgI-TEQ/(kg·day) near the MSWI were lower than the tolerable daily intake of 1.00 to 4.00pg WHO-TEQ/(kg·day), but in winter the values were higher than in summer. These results can be used as basic data for assessing the risk of PCDD/Fs exposure in residents living around this MSWI, and more monitoring programs and studies should be carried out around MSWIs. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Occurrence and source apportionment of halogenated flame retardants in the indoor air of Nepalese cities: Implication on human health

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Ishwar Chandra; Devi, Ningombam Linthoingmabi; Li, Jun; Zhang, Gan

2017-07-01

Elevated level of brominated- and chlorinated-flame retardants (FRs) have been accounted in ambient air across the globe. Despite what might be expected, restricted information is available on PBDEs and other halogenated FR contained indoor air in whole of Indian sub-continent especially in case of Nepal, sandwiched between two most populous countries i.e. India and China. It was conjectured that the level of halogenated flame retardant (HFRs) in Nepalese air would be high because they have not been liable to control in Nepal; and henceforth there is more plausibility of HFRs to be available in a diverse array of goods and consumer products. This study therefore aims to measure the occurrence, spatial distributions and sources of 15 brominated- and 2 chlorinated-FRs in indoor air from four major cities of Nepal. The overall concentrations of HFRs ranged from 16.1 to 6750 pg/m3 (median 334 pg/m3). The total concentrations of novel brominated fire retardants (NBFRs) were 20 and 100 times (13.2-6270 pg/m3) higher than PBDEs (2.2-353 pg/m3) and DPs (0.67-129 pg/m3), respectively indicating much higher usages of NBFRs in Nepal. The level of ∑PBDEs in air is identified with utilization of wide variety of consumers products and building materials containing FRs in Nepalese houses, while higher concentration of BDE-209 were subject to emission from materials containing deca-BDE formulation. Significantly higher concentrations of DBDPE than BDE-209 in air demonstrated a move to more prominent use of DBDPE as alternative to BDE-209. The lower fanti ratios suggests the DP level in this study was essentially affected by the long range atmospheric transport from remote DP source instead of commercial products. The exposure to BDE-47, -99, -153, -209 and HBB via inhalation was 3-4 orders of magnitude lower than corresponding RfD values, suggesting insignificant risk to Nepalese population. However, other modes of human exposure might still be significant in Nepal.

Highly exposed Pt nanoparticles supported on porous graphene for electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide in living cells.

PubMed

Liu, Jian; Bo, Xiangjie; Zhao, Zheng; Guo, Liping

2015-12-15

In this study, we developed a novel biosensor based on highly exposed Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) decorated porous graphene (PG) for the reliable detection of extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released from living cells. The commercially available low-cost hydrophilic CaCO3 spheres were used as template for preparing PG. The porous structure provided larger surface area and more active sites. Due to the porous structure of PG, the Pt NPs supported on PG were not secluded by aggregated graphene layers and were highly exposed to target molecules. Ultrafine Pt NPs were well dispersed and loaded on PG by a method of microwave assistance. Electrochemical performances of the Pt/PG nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) were investigated. The electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2 showed a wide linear range from 1 to 1477 μM, with a high sensitivity of 341.14 μA mM(-1) cm(-2) and a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.50 μM. Moreover, the Pt/PG/GCE exhibited excellent anti-interference property, reproducibility and long-term storage stability. Because of these remarkable analytical advantages, the constructed sensor was used to determine H2O2 released from living cells with satisfactory results. The superior catalytic activity makes Pt/PG nanocomposites a promising candidate for electrochemical sensors and biosensors design. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ochratoxin A in grain dust--estimated exposure and relations to agricultural practices in grain production.

PubMed

Halstensen, Anne Straumfors; Nordby, Karl-Christian; Elen, Oleif; Eduard, Wijnand

2004-01-01

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxin frequently contaminating grains. OTA inhalation during grain handling may therefore represent a health risk to farmers, and was the subject of this study. Airborne and settled grain dust was collected during grain work on 84 Norwegian farms. Climate and agricultural practices on each farm were registered. Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. and OTA in settled dust were measured. Settled dust contained median 4 microg OTA/kg dust (range 2-128), correlating with Penicillium spp. (median 40 cfu/mg; range 0-32000, rs =0.33; p < 0.01). Similar levels were found across grain species, districts and agricultural practices. Penicillium levels, but not OTA levels, were higher in storage than in threshing dust (p=0.003), and increased with storage time (rs =0.51, p < 0.001). Farmers were exposed to median 1 mg/m3 (range 0.2-15) dust during threshing and median 7 mg/m3 (range 1-110) dust during storage work, equalling median 3.7 pg/m3 (range 0.6-200) and median 40 pg/m3 (range 2-14000) OTA, respectively (p < 0.001). Agricultural practices could not predict OTA, Penicillium or Aspergillus contamination. Compared to oral intake of OTA, the inhalant exposure during grain work was low, although varying by more than 1,000-fold. However, the farmers may occasionally be highly exposed, particularly during handling of stored grain.

Atmospheric chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate and ionic perfluoroalkyl acids in 2006 to 2014 in Dalian, China.

PubMed

Liu, Wei; Qin, Hui; Li, Jingwen; Zhang, Qian; Zhang, Huanhuan; Wang, Zaoshi; He, Xin

2017-10-01

Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (Cl-PFESA; trade name F-53B) is an alternative product for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) used in metal plating; little is known about its levels in the environment and its risks. To our knowledge, the present study constitutes the first report of Cl-PFESA in the atmosphere. In 2006 to 2014, C8 Cl-PFESA, along with ionic perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), was detected in atmospheric particulate matter in Dalian, China. Concentrations of C8 Cl-PFESA increased from 140 pg/m 3 in 2007 to 722 pg/m 3 in 2014. Levels of 11 (total) ionic PFAAs increased in 2006 to 2008 and decreased afterward, with a range of 35.7 to 860 pg/m 3 . The PFAAs in the particulate matter were dominated by perfluorocarboxylates, with perfluorooctanoate detected at the highest concentration at a mean level of 71.7 pg/m 3 , followed by perfluoroheptanoate and perfluorohexanoate. Perfluorosulfonates were detected at lower levels, with mean concentrations of PFOS, perfluorobutanesulfonate, and perfluorohexane sulfonate of 5.73, 1.64, and 1.24 pg/m 3 , respectively. Back-trajectory analysis suggested that the air mass approaching Dalian during the sampling originated from the northwest, where fluorochemical industry parks and metal plating industries are densely located. No significant correlation was observed between Cl-PFESA and the ionic PFAAs. The relatively high Cl-PFESA concentrations suggested that it possibly contributed largely to the previously reported exposure to undefined organic fluorine compounds, for which further research on emission and environmental risks is needed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2581-2586. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

[Influence of age and gender on plasma norepinephrine changes produced by orthostatic stress].

PubMed

Arata de Bellabarba, G; Molina, C; Dávila Spinetti, D; Villarroel, V; Bellabarba, S A; Torres, A

2001-01-01

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of aging and gender on plasma norepinephrine (NE) response to orthostatic stress. Fifty-six men and sixty women non-smokers, sedentary, non-obese, were studied at supine and standing positions. On the basis of the age of the subjects, they were divided into three groups of either men or women. Group A, young, range 17-34 years, Group B, middle-age, range 40-60 years, and Group C: senescent, range 61-91 years. Senescent subjects had the highest absolute supine values of NE and significant differences between women and men were found in groups B Men: 298 +/- 15 pg/mL; Women: 348 +/- 14 pg/mL), and C (M: 386 +/- 29 pg/mL; W: 473 +/- 19 pg/mL), but not between young (M: 246 +/- 21 pg/mL; W: 261 +/- 18 pg/mL). NE increased markedly in response to the orthostatic stress but the relative (percentage) increases were smaller in the older subjects perhaps related to their elevated baseline levels. The highest percent positive variation was observed in group A (M: 85%; W: 82%). The oldest group (C), had the lowest variation (M: 23%; W: 21%). The relative increases in NE responses were not different in men and women. The orthostatic-induced variation in NE was negatively related to aging in both men and women (M: r = -0.654; p < 0.0001; W: r = -0.557; p < 0.0001). It is concluded that orthostatic stress induced rise of blood NE is attenuated by age but does not appear to be dependent on gender.

Influence of the Southeast Asian biomass burnings on the atmospheric persistent organic pollutants observed at near sources and receptor site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Shun-Shiang; Lee, Wen-Jhy; Wang, Lin-Chi; Lin, Neng-Huei; Chang-Chien, Guo-Ping

2013-10-01

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDD/Fs, PBBs and PBDEs are bio-accumulative, toxic, and susceptible to long-range transport (LRT). This study is the first that comprehensively discusses the long-range atmospheric transport behavior of these five groups of POPs. The main goal is to investigate the atmospheric characteristics of these POPs at the biomass burning sites of Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Da Nang in Vietnam, as well as the influence of the Southeast Asian biomass burnings on the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS) in Taiwan. Biomass burning in Southeast Asia is usually carried to remove the residues of agricultural activities. The ambient air in Da Nang seems to be more seriously affected by the local biomass burnings than that in Chiang Mai. The elevated atmospheric brominated POP (PBDD/Fs, PBBs and PBDEs) concentrations in Da Nang were attributed to the biomass burning and viewed as mostly unrelated to the local use of brominated flame retardants. In the spring of 2010, the mean atmospheric concentrations in LABS during the first and second Intensive Observation Periods (IOPs) were 0.00428 and 0.00232 pg I-TEQ Nm-3 for PCDD/Fs, 0.000311 and 0.000282 pg WHO-TEQ m-3 for PCBs, 0.000379 and 0.000449 pg TEQ Nm-3 for total PBDD/Fs, 0.0208 and 0.0163 pg Nm-3 for total PBBs, and 109 and 18.2 pg Nm-3 for total PBDEs, respectively. These values represent the above concentrations due to the Southeast Asian biomass burnings. The affected atmospheric POP concentrations at the LABS were still at least one order lower than those in other atmospheric environments, except for the PBDE concentrations during the first IOP (109 pg Nm-3), which was surprisingly higher than those in Taiwanese metal complex areas (93.9 pg Nm-3) and urban areas (34.7 pg Nm-3). Atmospheric POP concentrations do not seem to dramatically decrease during long-range transport, and the reasons for this need to be further investigated.

Analysis of Parent/Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Particulate Matter 2.5 Based on Femtosecond Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Itouyama, Noboru; Matsui, Taiki; Yamamoto, Shigekazu; Imasaka, Tomoko; Imasaka, Totaro

2016-02-01

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), collected from ambient air in Fukuoka City, was analyzed by gas chromatography combined with multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry using an ultraviolet femtosecond laser (267 nm) as the ionization source. Numerous parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs) were observed in a sample extracted from PM2.5, and their concentrations were determined to be in the range from 30 to 190 pg/m(3) for heavy PPAHs. Standard samples of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) were examined, and the limits of detection were determined to be in the picogram range. The concentration of NPAH adsorbed on PM2.5 in the air was less than 900-1300 pg/m(3). Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Breath condenser coatings affect measurement of biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate.

PubMed

Rosias, P P; Robroeks, C M; Niemarkt, H J; Kester, A D; Vernooy, J H; Suykerbuyk, J; Teunissen, J; Heynens, J; Hendriks, H J; Jöbsis, Q; Dompeling, E

2006-11-01

Exhaled breath condensate collection is not yet standardised and biomarker measurements are often close to lower detection limits. In the current study, it was hypothesised that adhesive properties of different condenser coatings interfere with measurements of eicosanoids and proteins in breath condensate. In vitro, condensate was derived from a collection model using two test solutions (8-isoprostane and albumin) and five condenser coatings (silicone, glass, aluminium, polypropylene and Teflon). In vivo, condensate was collected using these five coatings and the EcoScreen condenser to measure 8-isoprostane, and three coatings (silicone, glass, EcoScreen) to measure albumin. In vitro, silicone and glass coatings had significantly higher albumin recovery compared with the other coatings. A similar trend was observed for 8-isoprostane recovery. In vivo, median (interquartile range) 8-isoprostane concentrations were significantly higher using silicone (9.2 (18.8) pg.mL(-1)) or glass (3.0 (4.5) pg.mL(-1)) coating, compared with aluminium (0.5 (2.4) pg.mL(-1)), polypropylene (0.5 (0.5) pg.mL(-1)), Teflon (0.5 (0.0) pg.mL(-1)), and EcoScreen (0.5 (2.0) pg.mL(-1)). Albumin in vivo was mainly detectable using glass coating. In conclusion, a condenser with silicone or glass coating is more efficient for measurement of 8-isoprostane or albumin in exhaled breath condensate, than EcoScreen, aluminium, polypropylene or Teflon. Guidelines for exhaled breath condensate standardisation should include the most valid condenser coating to measure a specific biomarker.

Occurrence and air/sea-exchange of novel organic pollutants in the marine environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebinghaus, R.; Xie, Z.

2006-12-01

A number of studies have demonstrated that several classes of chemicals act as biologically relevant signalling substances. Among these chemicals, many, including PCBs, DDT and dioxins, are semi-volatile, persistent, and are capable of long-range atmospheric transport via atmospheric circulation. Some of these compounds, e.g. phthalates and alkylphenols (APs) are still manufactured and consumed worldwide even though there is clear evidence that they are toxic to aquatic organisms and can act as endocrine disruptors. Concentrations of NP, t-OP and NP1EO, DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP have been simultaneously determined in the surface sea water and atmosphere of the North Sea. Atmospheric concentrations of NP and t-OP ranged from 7 to 110 pg m - 3, which were one to three orders of magnitude below coastal atmospheric concentrations already reported. NP1EO was detected in both vapor and particle phases, which ranged from 4 to 50 pg m - 3. The concentrations of the phthalates in the atmosphere ranged from below the method detection limit to 3.4 ng m - 3. The concentrations of t-OP, NP, and NP1EO in dissolved phase were 13-300, 90-1400, and 17-1660 pg L - 1. DBP, BBP, and DEHP were determined in the water phase with concentrations ranging from below the method detection limit to 6.6 ng L - 1. This study indicates that atmospheric deposition of APs and phthalates into the North Sea is an important input pathway. The net fluxes indicate that the air sea exchange is significant and, consequently the open ocean and polar areas will be an extensive sink for APs and phthalates.

Scavengers modifying the phototoxicity induced by ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Adriana; Perotti, Christian; Fukuda, Haydee; Batlle, Alcira

2001-04-01

The exogenously stimulated formation of intracellularly generated Protoporphyrin IX, a precursor of heme, is becoming one of the fastest developing areas in the field of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). We have examined the degree of protection of several scavengers, aminoacids and compounds related to glutathione metabolism, to the photodamage induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated PDT, employing the LM2 cell line, derived from a mammary murine adenocarcinoma. We have exposed the cells to different concentrations of the scavengers, 24 before PDT, during PDT, and 19 hr after treatment. We defined the protection grade (PG) as the ratio between cell survival after ALA-PDT treatment in the presence of the protector and cell survival after ALA-PDT treatment. We found that L-tryptophan (PG=8.3 at 2mM), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (PG= 7.9 at 30 mM), L-cysteine (PG=7.81 at 8mM), S-adenosyl-L-methionine (PG= 7.86 at 8mM), melatonin (PG=6.81 at 8mM) and glycine (PG=6.8 at 40 mM) are the best protectors to PDT damage, followed by L-methionine (PG=4.38 at 0.8 mM), mannitol (PG=2.32 at 2 mM) and reduced glutathione (PG=3.41 at 0.8 mM), whereas oxidized glutathione does not exert any protection. The implications of these results in the photodamage induced by ALA-PDT is discussed.

Preparation of pristine graphene in ethanol assisted by organic salts for nonenzymatic detection of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Hou, Bingjie; Liu, Huaizhi; Qi, Shaopeng; Zhu, Yinyan; Zhou, Bo; Jiang, Xiaoqing; Zhu, Lihua

2018-01-15

High quality pristine graphene (PG) dispersions are prepared conveniently via an organic salts assisted exfoliation method in a green, non-toxic, cheap and low boiling point solvent: ethanol. The PG is characterized by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, the PG is used as an electrode material for fabrication of nonenzymatic sensor of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). This nonenzymatic sensor shows enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards H 2 O 2 and displays two linear ranges from 2.0 to 37.0μM and 37.0 to 437.0μM with a detection limit of 0.19μM (S/N=3), which is comparable to those electrochemical sensors based on metal oxide or noble metal/graphene composites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Blood (1→3)-β-D-Glucan as a Diagnostic Test for HIV-Related Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia

PubMed Central

Komarow, Lauren; Finkelman, Malcolm A.; Grant, Philip M.; Andersen, Janet; Scully, Eileen; Powderly, William G.; Zolopa, Andrew R.

2011-01-01

(See the editorial commentary by Morris and Masur, on pages 203–204.) Background. Improved noninvasive diagnostic tests for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) are needed. We evaluated the test characteristics of plasma (1→3)-β-D-glucan (β-glucan) for HIV-related PCP among a large group of patients presenting with diverse opportunistic infections (OIs). Methods. The study population included all 282 participants in AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5164, a study of early versus deferred antiretroviral therapy in conjunction with initial therapy of acute OIs. Baseline plasma samples were assayed for β-glucan, with standard assay reference values defining ≥80 pg/mL as positive. Before this analysis, diagnosis of PCP was independently adjudicated by 2 study investigators after reviewing reports from study sites. Results. A total of 252 persons had a β-glucan result that could be analyzed, 173 (69%) of whom had received a diagnosis of PCP. Median β-glucan with PCP was 408 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 209–500 pg/mL), compared with 37 pg/mL (IQR, 31–235 pg/mL) without PCP (P < .001). The sensitivity of β-glucan dichotomized at 80 pg/mL for the diagnosis of PCP was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87%–96%), and the specificity was 65% (95% CI, 53%–75%); positive and negative predictive values were 85% (95% CI, 79%–90%) and 80% (95% CI, 68%–89%) respectively, based on the study prevalence of 69% of patients with PCP. Rates of abnormal lactate dehyrogenase levels did not differ significantly between those with and without PCP. Conclusions. Blood (1→3)-β-D-glucan is strongly correlated with HIV-related PCP. In some clinical centers, this may be a more sensitive test than the induced sputum examination and could reduce the need for both bronchoscopy and empirical therapy of PCP. PMID:21690628

Targeted analysis of 116 drugs in hair by UHPLC-MS/MS and its application to forensic cases.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Johansen, Sys Stybe; Nielsen, Marie Katrine Klose; Linnet, Kristian

2017-08-01

A multi-target method that can detect a broad range of drugs in human hair, such as hypnotics, anxiolytics, analgesics, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants, was developed based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The drugs were extracted from 10 mg of washed hair by incubation for 18 h in a 25:25:50 (v/v/v) mixture of methanol/acetonitrile/2 mM ammonium formate (8% acetonitrile, pH 5.3). For 51% of the basic drugs, the lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) were in the range of 0.05-0.5 pg/mg, and the majority (98%) were ≤ 5 pg/mg. Linearity ranged from LLOQs to 100-500 pg/mg for all the basic drugs. For acid and neutral drugs, the LLOQs ranged from 0.4 to 500 pg/mg, and linearity ranged from LLOQs to 80-40 000 pg/mg. According to published reports on concentrations attained in single dose control studies, the present method is sensitive enough to detect single-dose drug exposure for many of the drugs. The accuracy was within 75-125% for the majority of drugs. Good precision was observed (relative standard deviations [RSD%] < 25%) for most of the compounds, including the prepared quality control (QC) hair samples. The method was applied to forensic cases and concentrations of rarely reported drugs in hair in 25 post-mortem forensic cases were presented. Hair concentrations of amisulpride, gabapentin, mianserin, mepyramine, orphenadrine, and xylometazoline have not been previously reported. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A circumpolar perspective of atmospheric organochlorine pesticides (OCPs): Results from six Arctic monitoring stations in 2000-2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Yushan; Hung, Hayley; Blanchard, Pierrette; Patton, Gregory W.; Kallenborn, Roland; Konoplev, Alexei; Fellin, Phil; Li, Henrik; Geen, Charles; Stern, Gary; Rosenberg, Bruno; Barrie, Leonard A.

Air concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured on a weekly basis in 2000-2003 at six Arctic stations, which include Alert, Kinngait, and Little Fox Lake in Canada; Point Barrow in the USA; Valkarkai in Russia; and Zeppelin in Norway. These stations cover a large region in the Arctic, providing a comprehensive perspective on OCPs in the circumpolar atmosphere. Currently used pesticide endosulfan I had similar concentrations across the stations in November-May, whereas large spatial divergence was found in June-October. This implies the extensive usage of endosulfan during summertime followed by long-range transport to the Arctic. The median air concentration of endosulfan I was 3.2 pg m -3 ( n=245). Seasonally and spatially uniform concentrations of legacy chlordane-related compounds indicated that the influence of primary emissions on Arctic air has become less important than volatilization emissions. Median air concentrations (pg m -3) of trans-chlordane, cis-chlordane, trans-nonachlor, oxychlordane, and heptachlor exo-epoxide were 0.20 ( n=413), 0.58 ( n=413), 0.44 ( n=413), 0.30 ( n=245), and 0.54 ( n=244), respectively. Although extensive usage was banned in the 1970s, large spatial variations reflected that DDT-related compounds were not well mixed in Arctic air. Concentrations of DDT-related compounds were low in general, and median concentrations of p, p'-DDT, o, p'-DDT, p, p'-DDE, o, p'-DDE, and ∑ 4DDT were 0.10, 0.18, 0.37, 0.10, and 0.79 pg m -3 ( n=418), respectively. Air concentrations of pentachloroanisole and dieldrin showed strong seasonal/spatial variations with median values of 3.8 and 0.48 pg m -3 ( n=245). Uniform concentrations were observed for octachlorostyrene with a median of 0.32 pg m -3 ( n=245). Arctic air concentrations of other measured OCPs, such as endrin, heptachlor, methoxychlor, mirex, photomirex, tetrachloroveratrole, trichloroveratrol, and trifluralin, were generally low and mostly below method detection limits.

UPLC-MS/MS assay for the simultaneous determination of ethinyl estradiol, norgestimate and 17-Desacetyl norgestimate at low pg/mL in human plasma.

PubMed

Huang, Mike-Qingtao; Kang, Lijuan; Wang, Weimin; Skee, Donna; Chen, Mu; Lin, Zhongping John; Verhaeghe, Tom; Weng, Naidong

2016-04-01

Previously, because of the difficulty of measuring very low levels (pg/mL) of norgestimate (NGM) due to rapid metabolism to its active and major metabolite, 17-Desacetyl norgestimate (DNGM), only DNGM and the co-administered ethinyl estradiol (EE2) were required to be analyzed in bioequivalence (BE) studies for oral contraceptive NGM/EE2 tablets. Recently, with more sensitive assays available, health authorities have requested that bioequivalence of NGM be also demonstrated in addition to DNGM and EE2. Therefore, it was important to establish a 3-in-1 method for the quantitation of EE2, NGM and DNGM in human plasma. Here a UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of EE2, NGM and DNGM in human plasma at low pg/mL range is described. EE2, NGM, DNGM and their isotopic labeled internal standards (IS) EE2-d4, NGM-d6 and DNGM-d6 in 0.4mL of human plasma were extracted with hexane/ethyl acetate. The extracts were evaporated to dryness and derivatized with dansyl chloride, to enhance the mass spec response. The derivatives were reconstituted with methanol and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. In order to minimize the ex-vivo conversion of NGM to DNGM, sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate was used as anti-coagulant. To achieve desirable throughput for sample analysis, UPLC-MS/MS with a run time of 4.4min was utilized. The calibration curve ranges were 5-500pg/mL for EE2 and NGM, and 25-2500pg/mL for DNGM, respectively. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 (100×2.1mm, 1.8μm) column with a gradient elution. Assay accuracy, precision, linearity, selectivity, sensitivity and analyte stability covering sample storage and analysis were established. This validated UPLC-MS/MS method has been applied to a BE study for the determination of EE2, NGM and DNGM concentrations in human plasma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

IB-11PSEUDO-PROGRESSION (PsdPg) IS A HARBINGER OF A MORE EFFECTIVE ANTI-TUMOR RESPONSE

PubMed Central

Sturla, Lisa; Donahue, John; Machan, Jason; Delamonte, Suzanne; Jeyapalan, Suriya

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND: PsdPg is the increased contrast enhancement, high choline/creatine ratio and increased perfusion observed in the residual tumor bed of high-grade glioma patients after completion of temozolomide/radiation. It resolves within 3-6 months and incidence ranges from 10 - 31%. Though correlated with longer patient survival, its pathological basis is unclear. We used a cytokine/chemokine focused approach to compare the tumor microenvironment in pre- and post-treatment tumor tissue from patients with PsdPg to patients with true progression (TP). METHODS: We obtained pre-treatment formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue from 35 GBM patients and post-treatment FFPE tissue from five patients with PsdPg and TP. A quantitative PCR array and custom Quantigene 2.0 multiplex was used to quantify gene expression corresponding to major cytokines/chemokines. An 18-gene signature was used to determine the macrophage polarization score (cumulative M2-associated cytokine expression - cumulative M1-associated cytokine expression). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to confirm significantly different targets at the protein level. RESULTS: IHC revealed 7-fold higher B-cell infiltration in TP patients as compared to patients with PsdPg (p = 0.003). Macrophage and T-cell infiltration were not significantly different between the two groups. Nevertheless, the cytokines associated with macrophage polarization indicated pro-tumorigenic (M2) polarization in TP patients while PsdPg patients exhibited classical anti-tumorigenic (M1) polarization. TP patients had a 10-fold higher M2 score (p = 0.03) compared to PsdPg patients. The M1 score of tissue from PsdPg patients post-treatment was 25-fold higher than their pre-treatment tissue (p = 0.01). Analysis of a 7-gene signature associated with natural killer (NK) cell recruitment and activation showed a 8-fold higher expression in pre-treatment tissue from PsdPg patients compared to TP patients (p = 0.009) suggesting that NK cells, which are mediators of anti-tumor immunity, play an important role in pseudo-progression. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a more effective anti-tumor immune response in PsdPg patients, which may explain their longer overall survival.

Cytoplasmic peptidoglycan intermediate levels in Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Vemula, Harika; Ayon, Navid J; Gutheil, William G

2016-02-01

Intracellular cytoplasmic peptidoglycan (PG) intermediate levels were determined in Staphylococcus aureus during log-phase growth in enriched media. Levels of UDP-linked intermediates were quantitatively determined using ion pairing LC-MS/MS in negative mode, and amine intermediates were quantitatively determined stereospecifically as their Marfey's reagent derivatives in positive mode. Levels of UDP-linked intermediates in S. aureus varied from 1.4 μM for UDP-GlcNAc-Enolpyruvyate to 1200 μM for UDP-MurNAc. Levels of amine intermediates (L-Ala, D-Ala, D-Ala-D-Ala, L-Glu, D-Glu, and L-Lys) varied over a range of from 860 μM for D-Ala-D-Ala to 30-260 mM for the others. Total PG was determined from the D-Glu content of isolated PG, and used to estimate the rate of PG synthesis (in terms of cytoplasmic metabolite flux) as 690 μM/min. The total UDP-linked intermediates pool (2490 μM) is therefore sufficient to sustain growth for 3.6 min. Comparison of UDP-linked metabolite levels with published pathway enzyme characteristics demonstrates that enzymes on the UDP-branch range from >80% saturation for MurA, Z, and C, to <5% saturation for MurB. Metabolite levels were compared with literature values for Escherichia coli, with the major difference in UDP-intermediates being the level of UDP-MurNAc, which was high in S. aureus (1200 μM) and low in E. coli (45 μM). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

Change of Peripheral Blood Treg/Thl7 in Cognitive Impairment with Chronic Renal Failure Patients.

PubMed

Wang, Jie; Li, Xue-Bin; Huang, Peng; Huang, Mei-Ying; Gu, Xian-Jun

2018-01-01

To investigate the changes in peripheral blood Treg/Th17 cell balance and its significance in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and cognitive impairment. A total of 71 patients with CRF were enrolled as a study group. The patients were divided into a cognitive impairment group and a normal cognitive function group according to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Peripheral blood Treg and Th17 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and their relevant cytokines (IL-17, IL-10 and TGF-β) and other biochemical indicators, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6, were determined by ELISA. Thepatients with both CRF and cognitive impairment were older than the cognitive normal groups. Peripheral blood Treg cells by Flow cytometry (the CRF cognitive impairment group 5.57±1.3%, CRF group with normal cognitive function 7.5 ± 0.9% and normal control group 9.7 ± 1.7%,P<0.05) and its related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) by ELISA detection were lower in the group with cognitive impairment than in the group without cognitive impairment ( IL-10, 7.4±4.2 pg/mL, 13.8±3.9 pg/mL, 18.3±3.2 pg/mL; TGF-β 335.6±175.3 pg/mL, 512.7 ± 114.6 pg/mL, 953.8±373.4 pg/mL P < 0.05, respectively).However, Th17 cell numbers (the CRF cognitive impairment group 3.3 ± 0.7%, CRF group with normal cognitive function2.2 ± 0.5% and normal control group 1.5 ± 0.3%),and cytokine levels (IL-17, IL-6 and CRP) were higher in the group with cognitive impairment IL-6 (21.3 ± 5.1 pg/mL), IL-17 (18.5 ± 4.2 pg/mL) and CRP (20.3 ± 5.9 mg/L) in the CRF group with cognitive impairment when compared with the CRF group and normal cognitive function (12.2 ± 4.5 pg/mL, 12.1 ± 3.7 pg/mL and 13.5 ± 4.6 mg/L, respectively) or the normal control group (9.2 ± 5.8 pg/mL, 7.4 ± 2.6 pg/mL and 3.2 ± 1.3 mg/L, respectively, P<0.05). The frequencies of Treg in patients with CRF were positively correlated with the MMSE scores ((r = 0.518, P < 0.05), but the Th17 numbers were negatively correlated (r = -0.435, P < 0.05). An imbalance of peripheral blood Treg/Th17 cells is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with CRF. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Forest filter effect versus cold trapping effect on the altitudinal distribution of PCBs: a case study of Mt. Gongga, eastern Tibetan Plateau.

PubMed

Liu, Xin; Li, Jun; Zheng, Qian; Bing, Haijian; Zhang, Ruijie; Wang, Yan; Luo, Chunling; Liu, Xiang; Wu, Yanhong; Pan, Suhong; Zhang, Gan

2014-12-16

Mountains are observed to preferentially accumulate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at higher altitude due to the cold condensation effect. Forest soils characterized by high organic carbon are important for terrestrial storage of POPs. To investigate the dominant factor controlling the altitudinal distribution of POPs in mountainous areas, we measured concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in different environmental matrices (soil, moss, and air) from nine elevations on the eastern slope of Mt. Gongga, the highest mountain in Sichuan Province on the Tibetan Plateau. The concentrations of 24 measured PCBs ranged from 41 to 510 pg/g dry weight (dw) (mean: 260 pg/g dw) in the O-horizon soil, 280 to 1200 pg/g dw (mean: 740 pg/g dw) in moss, and 33 to 60 pg/m(3) (mean: 47 pg/m(3)) in air. Soil organic carbon was a key determinant explaining 75% of the variation in concentration along the altitudinal gradient. Across all of the sampling sites, the average contribution of the forest filter effect (FFE) was greater than that of the mountain cold trapping effect based on principal components analysis and multiple linear regression. Our results deviate from the thermodynamic theory involving cold condensation at high altitudes of mountain areas and highlight the importance of the FFE.

Global distribution of soil organic carbon - Part 1: Masses and frequency distributions of SOC stocks for the tropics, permafrost regions, wetlands, and the world

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köchy, M.; Hiederer, R.; Freibauer, A.

2015-04-01

The global soil organic carbon (SOC) mass is relevant for the carbon cycle budget and thus atmospheric carbon concentrations. We review current estimates of SOC stocks and mass (stock × area) in wetlands, permafrost and tropical regions and the world in the upper 1 m of soil. The Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD) v.1.2 provides one of the most recent and coherent global data sets of SOC, giving a total mass of 2476 Pg when using the original values for bulk density. Adjusting the HWSD's bulk density (BD) of soil high in organic carbon results in a mass of 1230 Pg, and additionally setting the BD of Histosols to 0.1 g cm-3 (typical of peat soils), results in a mass of 1062 Pg. The uncertainty in BD of Histosols alone introduces a range of -56 to +180 Pg C into the estimate of global SOC mass in the top 1 m, larger than estimates of global soil respiration. We report the spatial distribution of SOC stocks per 0.5 arcminutes; the areal masses of SOC; and the quantiles of SOC stocks by continents, wetland types, and permafrost types. Depending on the definition of "wetland", wetland soils contain between 82 and 158 Pg SOC. With more detailed estimates for permafrost from the Northern Circumpolar Soil Carbon Database (496 Pg SOC) and tropical peatland carbon incorporated, global soils contain 1325 Pg SOC in the upper 1 m, including 421 Pg in tropical soils, whereof 40 Pg occurs in tropical wetlands. Global SOC amounts to just under 3000 Pg when estimates for deeper soil layers are included. Variability in estimates is due to variation in definitions of soil units, differences in soil property databases, scarcity of information about soil carbon at depths > 1 m in peatlands, and variation in definitions of "peatland".

Benzene formation in electronic cigarettes.

PubMed

Pankow, James F; Kim, Kilsun; McWhirter, Kevin J; Luo, Wentai; Escobedo, Jorge O; Strongin, Robert M; Duell, Anna K; Peyton, David H

2017-01-01

The heating of the fluids used in electronic cigarettes ("e-cigarettes") used to create "vaping" aerosols is capable of causing a wide range of degradation reaction products. We investigated formation of benzene (an important human carcinogen) from e-cigarette fluids containing propylene glycol (PG), glycerol (GL), benzoic acid, the flavor chemical benzaldehyde, and nicotine. Three e-cigarette devices were used: the JUULTM "pod" system (provides no user accessible settings other than flavor cartridge choice), and two refill tank systems that allowed a range of user accessible power settings. Benzene in the e-cigarette aerosols was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Benzene formation was ND (not detected) in the JUUL system. In the two tank systems benzene was found to form from propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (GL), and from the additives benzoic acid and benzaldehyde, especially at high power settings. With 50:50 PG+GL, for tank device 1 at 6W and 13W, the formed benzene concentrations were 1.9 and 750 μg/m3. For tank device 2, at 6W and 25W, the formed concentrations were ND and 1.8 μg/m3. With benzoic acid and benzaldehyde at ~10 mg/mL, for tank device 1, values at 13W were as high as 5000 μg/m3. For tank device 2 at 25W, all values were ≤~100 μg/m3. These values may be compared with what can be expected in a conventional (tobacco) cigarette, namely 200,000 μg/m3. Thus, the risks from benzene will be lower from e-cigarettes than from conventional cigarettes. However, ambient benzene air concentrations in the U.S. have typically been 1 μg/m3, so that benzene has been named the largest single known cancer-risk air toxic in the U.S. For non-smokers, chronically repeated exposure to benzene from e-cigarettes at levels such as 100 or higher μg/m3 will not be of negligible risk.

General trends of atmospheric mercury concentrations in urban and rural areas in Korea and characteristics of high-concentration events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Young-Ji; Kim, Jung-Eun; Kim, Pyung-Rae; Kim, Woo-Jin; Yi, Seung-Muk; Seo, Yong-Seok; Kim, Seung-Hee

2014-09-01

Long-term measurement of speciated Hg concentrations is the first step toward identifying the seasonal and spatial characteristics of Hg concentrations; however, atmospheric Hg research is scarce in Korea. In this study, total gaseous mercury (TGM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) were measured in urban (Seoul) and rural (Chuncheon) areas over a more than 3 year period in order to improve the understanding of speciated Hg transport. The mean concentrations of TGM, GOM and PBM were 3.72 ± 2.96 (0.19-149.84) ng m-3, 11.3 ± 9.5 (0.9-57.3) pg m-3, and 13.4 ± 12.0 (2.1-64.3) pg m-3 at the Seoul site and 2.12 ± 1.47 (0.26-10.75) ng m-3, 2.7 ± 2.7 (0.1-16.9) pg m-3, and 3.7 ± 5.7 (0.1-30.0) pg m-3 in Chuncheon. Both long-range transport and local sources caused high TGM concentration events, while local coal combustion was a main cause of enhancing the GOM and PBM concentrations in Seoul. However, there was no correlation between the pollutants emitted from coal combustion and the speciated Hg concentration in Chuncheon, indicating that other mechanisms were involved in the Hg increase. We found a positive correlation between the GOM and the O3 concentrations and a negative correlation between the GEM and the GOM concentrations, especially on foggy days, suggesting that the oxidation of GEM was an important source for GOM in Chuncheon. In addition, the ratio of PBM/GOM was inversely proportional to the atmospheric temperature and directly proportional to the relative humidity, which suggests that the in-situ formation of PBM through gas-particle partitioning of GOM was important in rural areas.

Impact of sample extraction on the accurate measurement of progesterone in human serum by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ke, Yuyong; Gonthier, Renaud; Labrie, Fernand

2017-05-01

In the present study, the impact of the extraction solvent on the accuracy of endogenous progesterone assay in human serum has been investigated using two selective reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions (315>97 & 315>109). Higher levels of noise and more interference were observed when more polar solvents were used for extraction, thus resulting in serious bias of the measured values of progesterone in serum. This is confirmed by monitoring the ion ratio of 315>97-315>109. This issue could not be easily resolved by changes in MS/MS transitions or chromatography conditions. More bias was observed with the SRM transition 315>109 for the polar solvent extraction. Hexane and 1-chlorobutane (polarity index of 0 and 1, respectively) did provide the cleanest samples with a lower noise level in the chromatograms. Moreover, the measured values of progesterone were not changed with different SRM transitions or longer retention time in search of an improved separation. Recovery tests of progesterone have been performed with 1-chlorobutane in matrices with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) 1x, PBS 1×3% bovine serum albumin (BSA), stripped serum/H 2 O (1:1) and unstripped serum. The recovery (70%∼80%) consistency is observed not only at different levels but also in different matrices. The equivalent recovery between PBS 1x, PBS 1×3% BSA and unstripped serum shows that the impact of progesterone binding to serum proteins on the measurement accuracy can be avoided with this sample preparation procedure. No significant matrix effect on the determination of progesterone was observed with 1-chlorobutane. Within the range of 12.5-2000pg/mL, a good linearity is observed with R>0.99 and weighting factor 1/X. Bias and covariance efficiency of QCs are within 10%. With 1-chlorobutane as the extraction solvent, the concentration of progesterone was measured where the range for postmenopausal serum is 5.74∼91.7pg/mL, which is well below the reported concentrations of 314 pg/mL∼942pg/mL in postmenopausal serum by immunoassay-based techniques, while the range in premenopausal serum is 12.8 pg/mL∼18.6ng/mL. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of serum hormone levels of captive and free-living maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus.

PubMed

Maia, O B; Jácomo, A T A; Bringel, B A; Kashivakura, C K; Oliveira, C A; Teodoro, L O F; Silveira, L; Teixeira da Costa, M E L; Malta, M C C; Furtado, M M; Torres, N M; Mattos, P S R; Viau, P; Lima, T F G; Morato, R G

2008-02-01

Serum hormone levels were compared between captive and free-living maned wolves and seasonal variations of sex hormones were studied. Blood samples were collected from 16 male and 26 female adult animals from Brazilian zoos, and from 30 male and 24 female free-living adults to determine serum progesterone and testosterone by radioimmunoassay. Serum testosterone concentrations varied (P < 0.05) across seasons for 16 captive males, being higher in autumn (2184.7 +/- 355.1 pg/mL) than in summer (1080.7 +/- 205.4 pg/mL), winter (1270.1 +/- 276.6 pg/mL) and spring (963.9 +/- 248.1 pg/mL), although they did not differ between summer, winter and spring. Testosterone concentration of 30 free-living males differed (P < 0.05) between autumn (824.1 +/- 512.2 pg/mL), winter (14.4 +/- 8.0 pg/mL) and spring (151.9 +/- 90.5 pg/mL). Comparison between captive and free-living animals showed no difference in autumn (P > 0.05). Sixteen captive males showed higher testosterone concentration during winter and spring compared with 30 free-living animals (P < 0.05). Progesterone concentration varied among seasons in 26 captive females (P < 0.05), being higher in autumn (15.3 +/- 3.1 ng/mL) than in summer (6.6 +/- 1.5 ng/mL), winter (5.3 +/- 3.1 ng/mL) and spring (4.3 +/- 0.7 ng/mL). Progesterone concentration of 24 free-living females varied between autumn (17.1 +/- 6.0 ng/mL) and winter (1.7 +/- 0.3 ng/mL) (P < 0.05), but we could not obtain data for spring or summer. No difference in progesterone levels was observed between captive and free-living females in autumn and winter.

Atmospheric concentrations of persistent organic pollutants over the Pacific Ocean near southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines.

PubMed

Chao, How-Ran; Lin, Ding-Yan; Chen, Kuang-Yu; Gou, Yan-Yu; Chiou, Tsyr-Huei; Lee, Wen-Jhy; Chen, Shui-Jen; Wang, Lin-Chi

2014-09-01

This study investigates the atmospheric occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) over the Pacific Ocean near southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines. We determined sixty-six compounds, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DLPCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), as well as polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), in air samples simultaneously collected from the offshore oceanic atmosphere (n=6) and over a rural area (n=2). We calculated the atmospheric World Health Organization 2005 toxic equivalency levels (WHO2005-TEQ), for the total dioxin-like POPs, including PCDD/Fs, DLPCBs, and PBDD/Fs, being 0.00612 pg WHO2005-TEQ/m(3) and 0.0138 pg WHO2005-TEQ/m(3) over the ocean and land, respectively. We found unexpected lower averaged atmospheric PBDE concentrations in the rural area (15.9 pg/m(3)) than over the ocean (31.1 pg/m(3)) due to higher levels of the BDE209 congener, although the difference was not statistically significant. We have compared and reported our field results with previously published datasets over the global oceans, which suggest PCBs and PBDEs are the dominant chemical contaminants in the global oceanic atmosphere among these halogenated POPs (e.g. PCBs and Σdi-hepta PBDEs could be found in the range of 0.09-48.7 and 8.07-94.0 pg/m(3), respectively, including our dataset). However, there are still very few investigations on the global atmospheric levels of PBDD/Fs, PCDEs and PBBs and our data sums to these earlier studies. Finally, we point out that the halogenated POPs originated from Taiwan or the continental East Asia which could easily reach remote ocean sites via atmospheric transport. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of oridonin-mediated hallmark changes on inflammatory pathways in human pancreatic cancer (BxPC-3) cells.

PubMed

Chen, Ru-Yi; Xu, Bin; Chen, Su-Feng; Chen, Si-Si; Zhang, Ting; Ren, Jun; Xu, Jian

2014-10-28

To investigate the effect of oridonin on nuclear transcription factors and to study the relationship between biological behavior and inflammatory factors in human pancreatic cancer (BxPC-3) cells. BxPC-3 cells were treated with various concentrations of oridonin, and viability curves were generated to test for inhibitory effects of the drug on cells. The expression of cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, or IL-33 was detected in BxPC-3 cell supernatants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein expression of nuclear transcription factors including nuclear factor κB, activating protein-1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, bone morphogenetic protein 2, transforming growth factor β1 and sma and mad homologues in BxPC-3 cells was detected using Western blot. Carcinoma hallmark-related proteins such as survivin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metallopeptidase 2 were also detected using immunoblotting, and intra-nuclear IL-33 expression was detected using immunofluorescent staining. Treatment with oridonin reduced the viability of BxPC-3 cells in a dose dependent manner. The cells exhibited reduced growth following treatment with 8 μg/mL oridonin (13.05% ± 3.21%, P < 0.01), and the highest inhibitory ratio was 90.64% ± 0.70%, which was achieved with oridonin at a dose of 32 μg/mL. The IC50 value of oridonin in BxPC-3 cells was 19.32 μg/mL. ELISA analysis revealed that oridonin down-regulated the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-33 in a dose-dependent manner. IL-1β expression was significantly reduced in the 16 and 32 μg/mL treatment groups compared to the control group (12.97 ± 0.45 pg/mL, 11.17 ± 0.63 pg/mL vs 14.40 ± 0.38 pg/mL, P < 0.01). Similar trends were observed for IL-6 expression, which was significantly reduced in the 16 and 32 μg/mL treatment groups compared to the control group (4.05 ± 0.14 pg/mL vs 4.45 ± 0.43 pg/mL, P < 0.05; 3.95 ± 0.13 pg/mL vs 4.45 ± 0.43 pg/mL, P < 0.01). IL-33 expression was significantly reduced in the 8, 16, and 32 μg/mL treatment groups compared to the control group (911.05 ± 14.18 pg/mL vs 945.25 ± 12.09 pg/mL, P < 0.05; 802.70 ± 11.88 pg/mL, 768.54 ± 10.98 pg/mL vs 945.25 ± 12.09 pg/mL, P < 0.01). Western blot and immunofluorescent staining analyses suggested that oridonin changed the hallmarks and regulated the expression of various nuclear transcription factors. The results obtained suggest that oridonin alters the hallmarks of pancreatic cancer cells through the regulation of nuclear transcription factors.

Gas and particle size distributions of polychlorinated naphthalenes in the atmosphere of Beijing, China.

PubMed

Zhu, Qingqing; Zhang, Xian; Dong, Shujun; Gao, Lirong; Liu, Guorui; Zheng, Minghui

2016-05-01

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were listed as persistent organic pollutants in the Stockholm Convention in 2015. Despite numerous studies on PCNs, little is known about their occurrence in atmospheric particulate matter of different sizes. In this study, 49 PCN congeners were investigated for their concentrations and size-specific distributions in an urban atmosphere, and preliminary exposure assessments were conducted. Ambient air samples were collected using a high-volume cascade impactor for division into a gas fraction and four particle size fractions. Samples were collected from October 2013 to June 2014 at an urban site in Beijing, China. The concentration range for PCNs in the atmosphere (gas + particle fractions) was 6.77-25.90 pg/m(3) (average 16.28 pg/m(3)). The particle-bound concentration range was 0.17-2.78 pg/m(3) (average 1.73 pg/m(3)). Therefore, PCNs were mainly found in the gas phase. The concentrations of PCNs in a fraction increased as the particle size decreased (dae > 10 μm, 10 μm ≥ dae > 2.5 μm, 2.5 μm ≥ dae > 1.0 μm and dae ≤ 1.0 μm). Consequently, PCNs were ubiquitous in inhalable fine particles, and the ΣPCNs associated with PM1.0 and PM2.5 reached 68.4% and 84.3%, respectively. Tetra-CNs and penta-CNs (the lower chlorinated homologues) predominated in the atmosphere. The homologue profiles in different size particles were almost similar, but the particulate profiles were different from those in the gas phase. Among the individual PCNs identified, CN38/40, CN52/60 and CN75 were the dominant compounds in the atmosphere. CN66/67 and CN73 collectively accounted for most of the total dioxin-like TEQ concentrations of the PCNs. Exposure to toxic compounds, such as PCNs present in PM1.0 or PM2.5, may affect human health. This work presents the first data on size-specific distributions of PCNs in the atmosphere. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in urban areas of Nepal: spatial variation, sources, temporal trends, and long-range transport potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pokhrel, Balram; Gong, Ping; Wang, Xiaoping; Nath Khanal, Sanjay; Ren, Jiao; Wang, Chuanfei; Gao, Shaopeng; Yao, Tandong

2018-02-01

The study of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in low-latitude tropical and subtropical urban cities is necessary to assess their local and global impacts on ecosystems and human health. Despite studies on levels of POPs in water, soils, and sediments, analysis of the distribution patterns, seasonality, and sources of POPs in urban regions of Nepal remain limited. Polyurethane foam (PUF)-based passive air samplers were deployed in three major cities in Nepal: Kathmandu (the capital city), Pokhara, and Hetauda (agricultural cities). Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were the dominant organochlorine pesticides in the atmosphere at all sites. The average concentrations of POPs were ∑ DDTs, 8.7-1.0 × 103 pg m-3; ∑ HCHs, 5.3-3.3 × 103 pg m-3; HCB, 5.8-3.4 × 102 pg m-3; ∑ endosulfan, BDL-51 pg m-3; and ∑ 6PCBs, 1.4-47 pg m-3. Isomer and metabolite ratio analyses suggested that the concentrations present were from both new and historical applications of the POPs. Vegetable production sites and their market places appeared to be the major DDT and HCH source areas. Higher atmospheric concentrations of DDT and HCH occurred during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, and winter, respectively, closely associated with their local application for soil preparation and vegetable spraying. The estimated travel distances of the POPs (HCB, α-HCH, γ-HCH, and p, p'-DDT) under the Nepalese tropical climate were all above 1000 km, suggesting that high precipitation levels in the tropical climate were not enough to scavenge the POPs and that Nepal could be an important source region for POPs. Due to their close proximity and cold trapping (driven by low temperatures), the high Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau are likely the key receptors of POPs emitted in Nepal. These results add to the information available on POPs from tropical developing countries.

TU-FG-BRB-05: A 3 Dimensional Prompt Gamma Imaging System for Range Verification in Proton Radiotherapy

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

Draeger, E; Chen, H; Polf, J

2016-06-15

Purpose: To report on the initial developments of a clinical 3-dimensional (3D) prompt gamma (PG) imaging system for proton radiotherapy range verification. Methods: The new imaging system under development consists of a prototype Compton camera to measure PG emission during proton beam irradiation and software to reconstruct, display, and analyze 3D images of the PG emission. For initial test of the system, PGs were measured with a prototype CC during a 200 cGy dose delivery with clinical proton pencil beams (ranging from 100 MeV – 200 MeV) to a water phantom. Measurements were also carried out with the CC placedmore » 15 cm from the phantom for a full range 150 MeV pencil beam and with its range shifted by 2 mm. Reconstructed images of the PG emission were displayed by the clinical PG imaging software and compared to the dose distributions of the proton beams calculated by a commercial treatment planning system. Results: Measurements made with the new PG imaging system showed that a 3D image could be reconstructed from PGs measured during the delivery of 200 cGy of dose, and that shifts in the Bragg peak range of as little as 2 mm could be detected. Conclusion: Initial tests of a new PG imaging system show its potential to provide 3D imaging and range verification for proton radiotherapy. Based on these results, we have begun work to improve the system with the goal that images can be produced from delivery of as little as 20 cGy so that the system could be used for in-vivo proton beam range verification on a daily basis.« less

Interleukins in gingival crevicular fluid in patients with definitive full-coverage restorations.

PubMed

Chang, Kai-Chiao J; Wheater, Michelle A; Cabanilla Jacobs, Levyee; Litonjua, Luis A

2014-04-01

The objective of this study was to determine interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-8 levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with different levels of crown margin placements. Samples of GCF were obtained from 12 study participants with definitive full-coverage restorations with supragingival or equigingival crown margin placements. The periodontal status of the volunteers ranged from healthy to generalized severe periodontitis. Pocket depth and bleeding on probing were assessed at the clinical examination, and interleukin concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to statistically compare interleukin concentrations between the control, supragingival, and equigingival GCF samples. Compared to controls (60.4 ± 8.9 pg/mL), the average IL-1α concentration in the GCF samples surrounding the supragingival margins was 53.8 ± 9.7 pg/mL and was 110.5 ± 23.3 pg/mL in the equigingival margins. Compared to controls (59.0 ± 14.1 pg/mL), the average IL-8 concentration in the supragingival margins was 46.9 ± 9.7 pg/mL and was 131.4 ± 27.5 pg/mL in the equigingival margins. The trend of higher levels of interleukins in GCF corresponding to equigingival margins was consistent, as was the trend of lower concentrations in supragingival margins compared to the controls; however, statistical significance was not achieved because of the wide biological variation within and between patients. In conclusion, differences in GCF IL-1α and IL-8 concentrations were observed when comparing fixed crown restorations with equigingival and supragingival margins. Gingival inflammation may be dependent on the periodontal condition in addition to restoration or margin placement.

Polygalacturonase Gene Expression in Rutgers, rin, nor, and Nr Tomato Fruits 1

PubMed Central

DellaPenna, Dean; Kates, David S.; Bennett, Alan B.

1987-01-01

Polygalacturonase (PG) gene expression was studied in normally ripening tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, cv Rutgers) and in three ripening-impaired mutants, rin, nor, and Nr. Normal and mutant fruit of identical chronological age were analyzed at 41, 49, and 62 days after pollination. These stages corresponded to mature-green, ripe, and overripe, respectively, for Rutgers. The amount of PG mRNA in Rutgers was highest at 49 days and accounted for 2.3% of the total mRNA mass but at 62 days had decreased to 0.004% of the total mRNA mass. In Nr, the amount of PG mRNA steadily increased between 41 and 62 days after pollination, reaching a maximum level of 0.5% of the total mRNA mass. The mutant nor exhibited barely detectable levels of PG mRNA at all stages tested. Surprisingly, PG mRNA, comprising approximately 0.06% of the mRNA mass, was detected in 49 day rin fruit. This mRNA accumulation occurred in the absence of elevated ethylene production by the fruit and resulted in the synthesis of enzymically active PG I. The different patterns of PG mRNA accumulation in the three mutants suggests that distinct molecular mechanisms contribute to reduced PG expression in each ripening-impaired mutant. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 PMID:16665727

DNA accumulation on ventilation system filters in university buildings in Singapore

PubMed Central

Luhung, Irvan; Wu, Yan; Xu, Siyu; Yamamoto, Naomichi; Nazaroff, William W.

2017-01-01

Introduction Biological particles deposit on air handling system filters as they process air. This study reports and interprets abundance and diversity information regarding biomass accumulation on ordinarily used filters acquired from several locations in a university environment. Methods DNA-based analysis was applied both to quantify (via DNA fluorometry and qPCR) and to characterize (via high-throughput sequencing) the microbial material on filters, which mainly processed recirculated indoor air. Results were interpreted in relation to building occupancy and ventilation system operational parameters. Results Based on accumulated biomass, average DNA concentrations per AHU filter surface area across nine indoor locations after twelve weeks of filter use were in the respective ranges 1.1 to 41 ng per cm2 for total DNA, 0.02 to 3.3 ng per cm2 for bacterial DNA and 0.2 to 2.0 ng DNA per cm2 for fungal DNA. The most abundant genera detected on the AHU filter samples were Clostridium, Streptophyta, Bacillus, Acinetobacter and Ktedonobacter for bacteria and Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Nigrospora, Rigidoporus and Lentinus for fungi. Conditional indoor airborne DNA concentrations (median (range)) were estimated to be 13 (2.6–107) pg/m3 for total DNA, 0.4 (0.05–8.4) pg/m3 for bacterial DNA and 2.3 (1.0–5.1) pg/m3 for fungal DNA. Conclusion Conditional airborne concentrations and the relative abundances of selected groups of genera correlate well with occupancy level. Bacterial DNA was found to be more responsive than fungal DNA to differences in occupancy level and indoor environmental conditions. PMID:29023520

Intensive atmospheric mercury measurements at Terra Nova Bay in Antarctica during November and December 2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sprovieri, F.; Pirrone, N.; Hedgecock, I. M.; Landis, M. S.; Stevens, R. K.

2002-12-01

It is well known that due to its long atmospheric residence time, mercury is distributed on a global scale and aeolian transport is believed to be the major contributor to mercury in polar environments. No measurements of reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) at all have ever been performed in the Antarctic before. Hg0(g) concentrations were in the range 0.29 to 2.3 ng m-3, with an average value of 0.9 ± 0.3 ng m-3. RGM was measured using KCl-coated annular denuders and a speciation unit coupled to a TGM analyzer; concentrations ranged from 10.5 to 334 pg m-3, with an average of 116.2 ± 77.8 pg m-3. The Hg0(g) measurements are in good agreement with the few data available for such southerly latitudes. The RGM concentrations are as high as those found in some industrial environments; the high concentrations in the absence of local sources (anthropogenic or natural) show that in situ gas phase oxidation of Hg0 is the most important factor influencing RGM production and therefore also Hg deposition. The toxicity of Hg means that the consequences of high concentrations of oxidized and soluble Hg species depositing in the fragile Antarctic environment could be serious indeed.

A Comprehensive Review of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Properties in Toxicological, Pharmacological, Cellular and Molecular Biology Researches

PubMed Central

Rahimi, Hamid Reza; Arastoo, Mohammad; Ostad, Seyed Nasser

2012-01-01

Punica granatum (Pg), commonly known as pomegranate (Pg), is a member of the monogeneric family, Punicaceae, and is mainly found in Iran which is considered to be its primary centre of origin. Pg and its chemical components possess various pharmacological and toxicological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory (by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines), anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis activities. They also show inhibitory effects on invasion/motility, cell cycle, apoptosis, and vital enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX), lipooxygenase (LOX), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), carbonic anhydrase (CA), 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSDs) and serine protease (SP). Furthermore, they can stimulate cell differentiation and possess anti-mutagenic effects. Pg can also interfere with several signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, mTOR, PI3K, Bcl-X, Bax, Bad, MAPK, ERK1/2, P38, JNK, and caspase. However, the exact mechanisms for its pharmacological and toxicological properties remain to be unclear and need further evaluation. These properties strongly suggest a wide range use of Pg for clinical applications. This review will discuss the areas for which Pg has shown therapeutic properties in different mechanisms. PMID:24250463

Hyperthyroidism secondary to hysterosalpingography: an extremely rare complication: A case report.

PubMed

Ma, Guotao; Mao, Rui; Zhai, Haixin

2016-12-01

Hysterosalpingography (HSG), a standard procedure for the evaluation of women with infertility and repetitive pregnancy loss, is associated with complications such as uterine perforation, infection, allergic reactions, syncope, hemorrhage and shock, and pulmonary or retinal embolus. However, hyperthyroidism has not been reported as one of its complications. We report the case of a 33-year-old euthyroid woman who presented to our hospital with palpitation, hand tremor, fatigue, and excessive sweating after HSG. Thyroid function tests revealed a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 0.012 μIU/mL (range 0.38-4.34 μIU/mL), free T4 of 2.886 ng/dL (range 0.81-1.89 ng/dL), and free T3 levels of 9.4 pg/mL (range 1.80-4.10 pg/mL), and antithyroglobulin antibody of 31.78 IU/mL (range <115 IU/mL). The triiodothyronine uptake was 3.057 ng/mL (range 0.66-1.92 ng/mL). Serum iodine (SI) and urinary iodine (UI) levels: SI of 4717.748 μg/L (range 45-90 μg/L) and UI of 18069.336 μg/L (range 26-705 μg/L). The patient was diagnosed with iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (IIH), but was not treated with antithyroid drugs. She has spontaneously recovered and is pregnant currently. This is the first reported case of overt IIH caused by HSG in a euthyroid patient without risk factors. It suggests that HSG also leads to excessive iodine absorption, which induces secondary hyperthyroidism.

Towards a global harmonized permafrost soil organic carbon stock estimates.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hugelius, G.; Mishra, U.; Yang, Y.

2017-12-01

Permafrost affected soils store disproportionately large amount of organic carbon stocks due to multiple cryopedogenic processes. Previous permafrost soil organic carbon (SOC) stock estimates used a variety of approaches and reported substantial uncertainty in SOC stocks of permafrost soils. Here, we used spatially referenced data of soil-forming factors (topographic attributes, land cover types, climate, and bedrock geology) and SOC pedon description data (n = 2552) in a regression kriging approach to predict the spatial and vertical heterogeneity of SOC stocks across the Northern Circumpolar and Tibetan permafrost regions. Our approach allowed us to take into account both environmental correlation and spatial autocorrelation to separately estimate SOC stocks and their spatial uncertainties (95% CI) for three depth intervals at 250 m spatial resolution. In Northern Circumpolar region, our results show 1278.1 (1009.33 - 1550.45) Pg C in 0-3 m depth interval, with 542.09 (451.83 - 610.15), 422.46 (306.48 - 550.82), and 313.55 (251.02 - 389.48) Pg C in 0 - 1, 1 - 2, and 2 - 3 m depth intervals, respectively. In Tibetan region, our results show 26.68 (9.82 - 79.92) Pg C in 0 - 3 m depth interval, with 13.98 (6.2 - 32.96), 6.49 (1.73 - 25.86), and 6.21 (1.889 - 20.90) Pg C in 0 - 1, 1 - 2, and 2 - 3 m depth intervals, respectively. Our estimates show large spatial variability (50 - 100% coefficient of variation, depending upon the study region and depth interval) and higher uncertainty range in comparison to existing estimates. We will present the observed controls of different environmental factors on SOC at the AGU meeting.

Two types of nanoparticle-based bio-barcode amplification assays to detect HIV-1 p24 antigen.

PubMed

Dong, Huahuang; Liu, Jianli; Zhu, Hong; Ou, Chin-Yih; Xing, Wenge; Qiu, Maofeng; Zhang, Guiyun; Xiao, Yao; Yao, Jun; Pan, Pinliang; Jiang, Yan

2012-08-31

HIV-1 p24 antigen is a major viral component of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) which can be used to identify persons in the early stage of infection and transmission of HIV-1 from infected mothers to infants. The detection of p24 is usually accomplished by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with low detection sensitivity. Here we report the use of two bio-barcode amplification (BCA) assays combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis to quantify HIV-1 p24 antigen. A pair of anti-p24 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were used in BCA assays to capture HIV-1 p24 antigen in a sandwich format and allowed for the quantitative measurement of captured p24 using PCR and gel electrophoresis. The first 1 G12 mAb was coated on microplate wells or magnetic microparticles (MMPs) to capture free p24 antigens. Captured p24 in turn captured 1D4 mAb coated gold nanoparticle probes (GNPs) containing double-stranded DNA oligonucleotides. One strand of the oligonucleotides was covalently immobilized whereas the unbound complimentary bio-barcode DNA strand could be released upon heating. The released bio-barcode DNA was amplified by PCR, electrophoresed in agarose gel and quantified. The in-house ELISA assay was found to quantify p24 antigen with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1,000 pg/ml and a linear range between 3,000 and 100,000 pg/ml. In contrast, the BCA-based microplate method yielded an LOD of 1 pg/ml and a linear detection range from 1 to 10,000 pg/ml. The BCA-based MMP method yielded an LOD of 0.1 pg/ml and a linear detection range from 0.1 to 1,000 pg/ml. When combined with PCR and simple gel electrophoresis, BCA-based microplate and MMPs assays can be used to quantify HIV-1 p24 antigen. These methods are 3-4 orders of magnitude more sensitive than our in-house ELISA-based assay and may provide a useful approach to detect p24 in patients newly infected with HIV.

An LC-MS/MS methodological approach to the analysis of hair for amphetamine-type-stimulant (ATS) drugs, including selected synthetic cathinones and piperazines.

PubMed

Lendoiro, Elena; Jiménez-Morigosa, Cristian; Cruz, Angelines; Páramo, Mario; López-Rivadulla, Manuel; de Castro, Ana

2017-01-01

Amphetamine-type-stimulants (ATS) are the second most commonly used group of illicit drugs worldwide. However, in the last few years, new psychoactive substances (NPS) with stimulant effects have appeared on the illegal market, which are not detected with traditional analytical methods. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination in hair of classic ATS (amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), synthetic cathinones (methylone, methedrone, mephedrone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone, (±)-4-fluoromethamphetamine and 4-fluoromethcathinone), synthetic piperazines (1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) and 3-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine), and medicines (trazodone and phenazone) that produce mCPP as a metabolite, was developed and fully validated. Hair samples (30 mg) were incubated in acid methanol (0.1% HCl) and extracted by a mixed-mode solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was performed using an Atlantis T3 (3 µm; 2.1x50 mm) analytical column, and ammonium formate 2 mM pH 3 and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The method was validated, including selectivity (no endogenous or exogenous interferences); linearity (2-20 to 2000-4000 pg/mg); limits of detection (0.2 to 5 pg/mg) and quantification (2 to 20 pg/mg); accuracy (93.4-109.4% of target concentration); imprecision (%CV<11.6%); extraction recovery (40.5-92.1%); matrix effect (24.1-227.2%); process efficiency (9.8-165.7%) and stability in the autosampler (-14.5% of loss). The method was applied to the analysis of 16 hair samples. Amphetamine (n=7; 69.1-777.1 pg/mg), methamphetamine (n=3; 120.4-1,538.9 pg/mg), MDA (n=2; 27.8-135.4 pg/mg) and MDMA (n=8; 73.4-3,654.5 pg/mg) were found. Moreover, 10 positive results for mCPP were detected (341.7->4000 pg/mg); however, in all cases trazodone identification (2085.3->4000 pg/mg) probed a licit origin of mCPP. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Graves' disease in Albanian children.

PubMed

Gjikopulli, A; Tomori, Sonila; Kollçaku, L; Hoxha, P; Grimci, Lindita; Ylli, Zamira

2014-01-01

Graves' disease (GD) accounts for 10-15% of thyroid disorders in patients less than 18 years of age. It is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis in children and accounts for at least 95% of cases in children. Pediatric Treatment of Graves' disease consists of anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodide and thyroidectomy but the optimal treatment of GD in children is still controversial. To review treatment outcome of pediatric Graves' disease in Albania. Descriptive review of 15 children with Graves' disease, diagnosed from Jan.2007 to Dec. 2013, at the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Centre "Mother Teresa", Albania was performed. All patients, mean age 10.56 ± 3.37 years, (range 2.02-16.09 years) were presented with goiter and increased serum FT4, mean 39.80 ± 16.02 ng/mL, (range 21.0-74.70 ng/mL), serum FT3, mean 12.98 ± 3.45 pg/mL, (range 6.90 -17.90 pg/mL) and suppressed TSH levels, mean 0.02 ± 0.01 mUI/L, (range 0.01-0.05 mUI/L). Anti TSH Receptor were positive in 100% of patients mean value 6.51 ± 3.61 UI/mL (range 1.63 - 14.10 UI/mL). Anti-thyroglobulin and Anti-TPO antibodies were positive in 60% and 46.6% respectively. Clinical course of 15 patients after treatment with anti-thyroid drugs mainly MMI for 3.19 ± 1.48 (range 0.60 - 6.20) years is as follows: seven (46.66%) underwent remission, five out of seven (71.41%) who underwent remission, relapsed. Three of them (20%) were treated with I(131), and two (13.3%) underwent to total thyroidectomy. MMI was the most common first line therapy in the presented patients with Graves' disease. Remission rate was 46.66% after an average 1.48 ± 0.71 years (range 0.60 - 2.70 years) of treatment with anti-thyroid drugs. Remission period was 2.70 ± 0.36 years (2.1 - 3.1 years) Relapse occurred in 71.41% of patient. I(131) and thyroidectomy were used as second line therapy in the present study.

Changes in plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Nishimura, Koichi; Nishimura, Takashi; Onishi, Katsuya; Oga, Toru; Hasegawa, Yoshinori; Jones, Paul W

2014-01-01

Elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and their association with heart failure have been reported in subjects with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). To examine and compare plasma BNP levels and diastolic and systolic dysfunction in subjects with AECOPD and stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In all, 87 unselected consecutive hospitalizations due to AECOPD in 61 subjects and a total of 190 consecutive subjects with stable COPD were recruited. Plasma BNP levels were compared cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were also performed in the hospitalized subjects. In the hospitalized subjects, the median plasma BNP level (interquartile range) was 55.4 (26.9-129.3) pg/mL and was higher than that of patients with stable COPD: 18.3 (10.0-45.3) for Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease grade I; 25.8 (11.0-53.7) for grade II; 22.1 (9.1-52.6) for grade III; and 17.2 (9.6-22.9) pg/mL for grade I V, all P<0.001. In 15 subjects studied prospectively, the median plasma BNP level was 19.4 (9.8-32.2) pg/mL before AECOPD, 72.7 (27.7-146.3) pg/mL during AECOPD, and 14.6 (12.9-39.0) pg/mL after AECOPD (P<0.0033 and P<0.0013, respectively). Median plasma BNP levels during AECOPD were significantly higher in ten unsuccessfully discharged subjects 260.5 (59.4-555.0) than in 48 successfully discharged subjects 48.5 (24.2-104.0) pg/mL (P=0.0066). Only 5.6% of AECOPD subjects were associated with systolic dysfunction defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%; a further 7.4% were considered to have impaired relaxation defined as an E/A wave velocity ratio <0.8 and a deceleration time of E >240 ms. BNP levels were weakly correlated with the E/peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (Ea) ratio (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient =0.353, P=0.018), but they were not correlated with the LVEF (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient =-0.221, P=0.108). A modest elevation of plasma BNP is observed during AECOPD. It appears that AECOPD may have an impact on plasma BNP levels that is not attributable to heart failure.

Higher biomolecules yield in phytoplankton under copper exposure.

PubMed

Silva, Jaqueline Carmo; Echeveste, Pedro; Lombardi, Ana Teresa

2018-05-30

Copper is an important metal for industry, and its toxic threshold in natural ecosystems has increased since the industrial revolution. As an essential nutrient, it is required in minute amounts, being toxic in slightly increased concentrations, causing great biochemical transformation in microalgae. This study aimed at investigating the physiology of Scenedesmus quadricauda, a cosmopolitan species, exposed to copper concentrations including those that trigger intracellular biochemical modifications. The Cu exposure concentrations tested ranged from 0.1 to 25 µM, thus including environmentally important levels. Microalgae cultures were kept under controlled environmental conditions and monitored daily for cell density, in vivo chlorophyll a, and photosynthetic quantum yield (Φ M ). After 24 h growth, free Cu 2+ ions were determined, and after 96 h, cellular Cu concentration, total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and cell volume were determined. The results showed that both free Cu 2+ ions and cellular Cu increased with Cu increase in culture medium. Microalgae cell abundance and in vivo chlorophyll a were mostly affected at 2.5 µM Cu exposure (3.8 pg Cu cell -1 ) and above. Approximately 31% decrease of photosynthetic quantum yield was obtained at the highest Cu exposure concentration (25 µM; 25 pg Cu cell -1 ) in comparison with the control. However, at environmentally relevant copper concentrations (0.5 µM Cu; 0.4 pg Cu cell -1 ) cell volume increased in comparison with the control. Considering biomolecules accumulation per unit cell volume, the highest carbohydrates and proteins yield was obtained at 1.0 µM Cu (1.1 pg Cu cell -1 ), while for lipids higher Cu was necessary (2.5 µM Cu; 3.8 pg Cu cell -1 ). This study is a contribution to the understanding of the effects of environmentally significant copper concentrations in the physiology of S. quadricauda, as well as to biotechnological approach to increase biomolecule yield in microalgae production. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between self-report adherence measures and oestrogen suppression among breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors.

PubMed

Brier, Moriah J; Chambless, Dianne; Gross, Robert; Su, H Irene; DeMichele, Angela; Mao, Jun J

2015-09-01

Poor adherence to oral adjuvant hormonal therapy for breast cancer is a common problem, but little is known about the relationship between self-report adherence measures and hormonal suppression. We evaluated the relationship of three self-report measures of medication adherence and oestrogen among patients on aromatase inhibitors (AIs). We recruited 235 women with breast cancer who were prescribed AI therapy. Participants self-reported AI adherence by completing the following: (1) a single item asking whether they took an AI in the last month, (2) a modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and (3) the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Serum estrone and estradiol were analysed using organic solvent extraction and Celite column partition chromatography, followed by radioimmunoassay. Ten percent of participants reported they had not taken an AI in the last month and among this group, median estrone (33.2 pg/ml [interquartile range (IQR)=22.3]) and estradiol levels (7.2 pg/mL [IQR=3.3]) were significantly higher than those in participants who reported AI use (median estrone=11.5 pg/mL [IQR=4.9]; median estradiol=3.4 pg/mL [IQR=2.1]; p<0.001). This relationship held when controlling for race and AI drug type. A single-item monthly-recall adherence measure for AIs was associated with oestrogen serum levels. This suggests that patient-reported monthly adherence may be a useful measure to identify early non-adherence behaviour and guide interventions to improve patient adherence to hormonal treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitation of Melatonin and N-acetylserotonin in Human Plasma by Nanoflow LC-MS/MS and Electrospray LC-MS/MS

PubMed Central

Carter, Melissa D.; Calcutt, M. Wade; Malow, Beth A.; Rose, Kristie L.; Hachey, David L.

2012-01-01

Melatonin (MEL) and its chemical precursor N-acetylserotonin (NAS) are believed to be potential biomarkers for sleep-related disorders. Measurement of these compounds, however, has proven to be difficult due to their low circulating levels, especially that of NAS. Few methods offer the sensitivity, specificity and dynamic range needed to monitor MEL and its precursors and metabolites in small blood samples, such as those obtained from pediatric patients. In support of our ongoing study to determine the safety, tolerability, and PK dosing strategies for MEL in treating insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder, two highly sensitive LC-MS/MS assays were developed for the quantitation of MEL and precursor NAS at pg/mL levels in small volumes of human plasma. A validated electrospray ionization (ESI) method was used to quantitate high levels of MEL in PK studies and a validated nanospray (nESI) method was developed for quantitation of MEL and NAS at endogenous levels. In both assays plasma samples were processed by centrifugal membrane dialysis after addition of stable isotopic internal standards, and the components were separated by either conventional LC using a Waters SymmetryShield RP18 column (2.1×100 mm, 3.5 μm) or on a polyimide-coated, fused-silica capillary self-packed with 17 cm AquaC18 (3 μm, 125 Å). Quantitation was done using the SRM transitions m/z 233→174 and m/z 219→160 for MEL and NAS, respectively. The analytical response ratio vs. concentration curves were linear for MEL (nanoflow LC: 11.7–1165 pg/mL, LC: 1165–116500 pg/mL) and for NAS (nanoflow LC: 11.0–1095 pg/mL). PMID:22431453

Circulating MKRN3 Levels Decline During Puberty in Healthy Boys.

PubMed

Busch, Alexander S; Hagen, Casper P; Almstrup, Kristian; Juul, Anders

2016-06-01

Initiation and progression of puberty requires concerted action of hypothalamic activating and inhibiting factors. Recently, cases of familial central precocious puberty have been linked to loss-of-function mutations of makorin RING-finger protein 3 (MKRN3) indicating a pivotal inhibitory role of the protein on GnRH secretion. To investigate peripubertal circulating MKRN3 levels in healthy boys. Population-based longitudinal study in healthy Danish boys. General community. Healthy boys (n = 60) aged (median [range]) 9.3 (5.8-11.8) years at baseline followed for 6.0 (0.5-7.6) years (2006-2014) with blood sampling every 6 months. None. Serum levels of MKRN3: 623 samples, median (range) 12 (2-14) per boy. MKRN3 levels declined before onset of puberty; the geometric mean (95% confidence interval) 5 years before onset of puberty vs last visit before onset of puberty was 216 (169-272) pg/mL vs 128 (118-139) pg/mL (P < .001), respectively. MKRN3 levels continued to decrease as puberty progressed. MKRN3 levels were not associated with age at onset of puberty. Declining MKRN3 before pubertal onset support MKRN3 as an inhibitor of GnRH secretion during midchildhood.

A simple, specific high-throughput enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitative determination of melatonin in cell culture medium.

PubMed

Li, Ye; Cassone, Vincent M

2015-09-01

A simple, specific, high-throughput enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitative determination of melatonin was developed for directly measuring melatonin in cell culture medium with 10% FBS. This assay adopts a commercial monoclonal melatonin antibody and melatonin-HRP conjugate, so it can be applied in multiple labs rapidly with low cost compared with commercial RIA and ELISA kits. In addition, the procedure is much simpler with only four steps: 1) sample/conjugate incubation, 2) plate washing, 3) TMB color reaction and 4) reading of results. The standards of the assay cover a wide working range from 100 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL. The sensitivity was 68 pg/mL in cell culture medium with 10% FBS and 26 pg/mL in PBS with as little as 25 μL sample volume. The recovery of melatonin from cell culture medium was 101.0%. The principal cross-reacting compound was 5-methoxytryptophol (0.1%). The variation coefficients of the assay, within and between runs, ranged between 6.68% and 15.76% in cell culture medium. The mean linearity of a series diluted cell culture medium sample was 105% (CV=5%), ranging between 98% and 111%, y=5.5263x+0.0646, R(2)=0.99. The assay enables small research and teaching labs to reliably measure this important neurohormone. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

B-type and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptides are equally useful in assessing patent ductus arteriosus in very preterm infants.

PubMed

König, Kai; Guy, Katelyn J; Drew, Sandra M; Barfield, Charles P

2015-04-01

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NTproBNP) have been shown to correlate with the size of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. We investigated whether BNP or NTproBNP was more closely correlated with PDA size. This prospective observational study included preterm infants born <32 weeks' gestation who had an echocardiogram performed within the first four days of life. Blood samples were taken simultaneously for BNP and NTproBNP measurements prior to echocardiographic examination. Of the 60 infants recruited, 58 had complete data sets. The cohort's mean and standard deviation (SD) gestational age was 27(+3) (2(+2)) weeks, the mean (SD) birthweight was 1032 (315) grams, and 46 (79.3%) infants had a PDA with a mean (SD) diameter of 3.2 (0.9) mm. Median and interquartile range (IQR) BNP levels were 486.5 (219-1316) pg/mL for infants with a PDA and 190 (95.5-514.5) pg/mL for infants without a PDA. Median (IQR) NTproBNP levels were 10 858.5 (6319-42 108) pg/mL for infants with a PDA and 7488 (3363-14 227.5) pg/mL for infants without a PDA. Both BNP (R = 0.35, p = 0.0066) and NTproBNP (R = 0.31, p = 0.018) were significantly correlated with PDA size. BNP and NTproBNP are similarly useful for assessing PDA size in preterm infants. ©2014 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cortisol levels in hair of East Greenland polar bears

PubMed Central

Bechshøft, TØ; Sonne, C; Dietz, R; Born, EW; Novak, MA; Henchey, E; Meyer, JS

2010-01-01

To demonstrate the ability to assess long-term hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity in polar bears (Ursus maritimus), a pilot study was conducted in which cortisol concentrations was analyzed in hair from 7 female (3–19 years) and 10 male (6-19 years) East Greenland polar bears sampled 1994–2006. Hair was chosen as matrix as it is non-invasive, seasonally harmonized, and has been validated as an index of long-term changes in cortisol levels. Samples were categorized according to contamination: Eight were clean (2 females, 6 males), 5 had been contaminated with bear blood (2 F, 3 M), and 4 with bear fat (3 F, 1 M). There was no significant difference in cortisol concentration between the three categories after external contamination was removed. However, contaminated hair samples should be cleaned before cortisol determination. Average hair cortisol concentration was 8.90 pg/mg (range: 5.5 to 16.4 pg/mg). There was no significant correlation between cortisol concentration and age (p = 0.81) or sampling year (p = 0.11). However, females had higher mean cortisol concentration than males (females mean: 11.0 pg/mg, males: 7.3 pg/mg; p = 0.01). The study showed that polar bear hair contains measurable amounts of cortisol and that cortisol in hair may be used in studies of long-term stress in polar bears. PMID:21144554

Cortisol levels in hair of East Greenland polar bears.

PubMed

Bechshøft, T Ø; Sonne, C; Dietz, R; Born, E W; Novak, M A; Henchey, E; Meyer, J S

2011-01-15

To demonstrate the ability to assess long-term hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity in polar bears (Ursus maritimus), a pilot study was conducted in which cortisol concentrations was analyzed in hair from 7 female (3-19 years) and 10 male (6-19 years) East Greenland polar bears sampled in 1994-2006. The hair was chosen as matrix as it is non-invasive, seasonally harmonized, and has been validated as an index of long-term changes in cortisol levels. The samples were categorized according to contamination: eight were clean (2 females, 6 males), 5 had been contaminated with bear blood (2 F, 3 M), and 4 with bear fat (3 F, 1 M). There was no significant difference in cortisol concentration between the three categories after external contamination was removed. However, contaminated hair samples should be cleaned before cortisol determination. Average hair cortisol concentration was 8.90 pg/mg (range: 5.5 to 16.4 pg/mg). There was no significant correlation between cortisol concentration and age (p=0.81) or sampling year (p=0.11). However, females had higher mean cortisol concentration than males (females mean: 11.0 pg/mg, males: 7.3 pg/mg; p=0.01). The study showed that polar bear hair contains measurable amounts of cortisol and that cortisol in hair may be used in studies of long-term stress in polar bears. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Production and mechanism of CCL5 by macrophages in U14 cervical cancer-bearing mice during infection].

PubMed

Ren, Hong; Ren, Guoli; Sun, Limin; Fan, Xiuhua; Wang, Yuran; Li, Xiaoxi

2015-05-01

To investigate the production and mechanism of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) by macrophages in U14 cervical cancer-bearing mice during infection. The U14 cervical cancer cells were injected in C57BL/6 mice to induce tumor-bearing condition. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected into C57BL/6 mice to induce infection. The protein expression of CCL5 in the serum and the CCL5 mRNA expression in inflammatory cells were measured by ELISA and fluorescence quantitative-PCR in four groups. Macrophages were induced in the tumor conditioned medium (TCM) which extracted from mice serum. The protein expression levels of CCL5, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the medium and CCL5, PGE2 and cAMP mRNA expression in the macrophages were detected in different groups. In order to determine whether the inhibition was related to PGE2, selective cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2) inhibitor NS398 was used to reverse this phenomenon and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 demonstrated the mechanism through blocking cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. (1) The protein and mRNA level of CCL5 in tumor-bearing mice were respectively (151 ± 35) pg/ml and 1.0, which were lower than those in the tumor-free mice (691 ± 85) pg/ml and 4.5 ± 0.8, there were significant difference between them (all P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of PGE2 in tumor-bearing mice were (1 198 ± 83) pg/ml and 5.8 ± 0.8, which were higher than those in the tumor-free mice (187 ± 25) pg/ml and 1.0, the difference were significant (all P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of CCL5 in tumor-free + LPS mice were (4 049 ± 141) pg/ml and 31.5 ± 2.0, which were higher than those in the tumor-bearing + LPS mice (1 951 ± 71) pg/ml and 12.1 ± 2.8, the difference were also significant (P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of PGE2 in tumor-free + LPS mice were (676 ± 70) pg/ml and 3.4 ± 0.4, which were lower than those in tumor-bearing + LPS mice (2 550 ± 382) pg/ml and 11.6 ± 0.9, the difference were also significant (all P < 0.05). (2) Macrophages were cultured in vitro using TCM derived from mice. The protein and mRNA level of CCL5 in tumor-bearing mice TCM were respectively (1 626 ± 177) pg/ml and 28.6 ± 1.2, which were higher than those in the tumor-free mice TCM [(27 ± 3) pg/ml and 1.0], there were significant difference (P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of PGE2 in tumor-bearing mice TCM were (790 ± 156) pg/ml and 1.7 ± 0.3, which were higher than those in the tumor-free mice TCM [(448 ± 115) pg/ml, 1.0], the difference were significant (all P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of cAMP in tumor-bearing mice TCM were (164 ± 30) pg/ml and 1.6 ± 0.3, which weres higher than those in the tumor-free mice TCM [(118 ± 25) pg/ml,1.0], the difference were significant (all P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of CCL5 in tumor-free + LPS mice TCM were (10 475 ± 742) pg/ml and 212.0 ± 5.7, which were higher than those in the tumor-bearing + LPS mice TCM [(6 375 ± 530) pg/ml, 142.3 ± 2.5], the difference were significant (all P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of PGE2 in tumor-free + LPS mice TCM were (2 438 ± 95) pg/ml and 4.3 ± 0.7, which weres lower than those in the tumor-bearing + LPS mice TCM [(3 441 ± 163) pg/ml, 5.9 ± 0.3], the difference were significant (all P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA level of cAMP in tumor-free + LPS mice TCM were (340 ± 13) pg/ml and 4.1 ± 0.4, which were lower than those in the tumor-bearing + LPS mice TCM [(542 ± 42) pg/ml, 5.4 ± 0.5], the difference were significant (all P < 0.05). (3) Using COX-2 inhibitor NS398 in the tumor-bearing + LPS mice, the protein and mRNA level of CCL5, PGE2 and cAMP were (7 691 ± 269) pg/ml and 159.0 ± 8.9, (2 820 ± 152) pg/ml and 4.9 ± 0.3, (465 ± 8) pg/ml and 4.3 ± 0.4, respectively, and there were significant difference (all P < 0.05), compared to before treatment. Using PKA inhibitor H89 in the tumor-bearing + LPS mice, the protein and mRNA level of CCL5, PGE2 and cAMP were (8 375 ± 520) pg/ml and 177.0 ± 8.8, (2 650 ± 35) pg/ml and 4.7 ± 0.4, (368 ± 13) pg/ml and 3.1 ± 0.7, respectively, and there were significant difference (all P < 0.05), compared to before treatment. TCM of U14 cells activated macrophages to release PGE2 could inhibit the expression of CCL5 levels by cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.

Quantification of PAHs and oxy-PAHs on airborne particulate matter in Chiang Mai, Thailand, using gas chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walgraeve, Christophe; Chantara, Somporn; Sopajaree, Khajornsak; De Wispelaere, Patrick; Demeestere, Kristof; Van Langenhove, Herman

2015-04-01

An analytical method using gas chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 12 oxygenated PAHs (of which 4 diketones, 3 ketones, 4 aldehydes and one anhydride) on atmospheric particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10). The magnetic sector mass spectrometer was run in multiple ion detection mode (MID) with a mass resolution above 10 000 (10% valley definition) and allows for a selective accurate mass detection of the characteristic ions of the target analytes. Instrumental detection limits between 0.04 pg and 1.34 pg were obtained for the PAHs, whereas for the oxy-PAHs they ranged between 0.08 pg and 2.13 pg. Pressurized liquid extraction using dichloromethane was evaluated and excellent recoveries ranging between 87% and 98% for the PAHs and between 74% and 110% for 10 oxy-PAHs were obtained, when the optimum extraction temperature of 150 °C was applied. The developed method was finally used to determine PAHs and oxy-PAHs concentration levels from particulate matter samples collected in the wet season at 4 different locations in Chiang Mai, Thailand (n = 72). This study brings forward the first concentration levels of oxy-PAHs in Thailand. The median of the sum of the PAHs and oxy-PAHs concentrations was 3.4 ng/m3 and 1.1 ng/m3 respectively, which shows the importance of the group of the oxy-PAHs as PM10 constituents. High molecular weight PAHs contributed the most to the ∑PAHs. For example, benzo[ghi]perylene was responsible for 30-44% of the ∑PAHs. The highest contribution to ∑oxy-PAHs came from 1,8-napthalic anhydride (26-78%), followed by anthracene-9,10-dione (4-27%) and 7H-benzo[de]anthracene-7-one (6-26%). Indications of the degradation of PAHs and/or formation of oxy-PAHs were observed.

Spatial Distribution and Air-Water Exchange of Organic Flame Retardants in the Lower Great Lakes.

PubMed

McDonough, Carrie A; Puggioni, Gavino; Helm, Paul A; Muir, Derek; Lohmann, Rainer

2016-09-06

Organic flame retardants (OFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel halogenated flame retardants (NHFRs) are ubiquitous, persistent, and bioaccumulative contaminants that have been used in consumer goods to slow combustion. In this study, polyethylene passive samplers (PEs) were deployed throughout the lower Great Lakes (Lake Erie and Lake Ontario) to measure OFRs in air and water, calculate air-water exchange fluxes, and investigate spatial trends. Dissolved Σ12BDE was greatest in Lake Ontario near Toronto (18 pg/L), whereas gaseous Σ12BDE was greatest on the southern shoreline of Lake Erie (11 pg/m(3)). NHFRs were generally below detection limits. Air-water exchange was dominated by absorption of BDEs 47 and 99, ranging from -964 pg/m(2)/day to -30 pg/m(2)/day. Σ12BDE in air and water was significantly correlated with surrounding population density, suggesting that phased-out PBDEs continued to be emitted from population centers along the Great Lakes shoreline in 2012. Correlation with dissolved Σ12BDE was strongest when considering population within 25 km while correlation with gaseous Σ12BDE was strongest when using population within 3 km to the south of each site. Bayesian kriging was used to predict dissolved Σ12BDE over the lakes, illustrating the utility of relatively highly spatially resolved measurements in identifying potential hot spots for future study.

Semi-volatile organic compounds in the particulate phase in dwellings: A nationwide survey in France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandin, Corinne; Mercier, Fabien; Ramalho, Olivier; Lucas, Jean-Paul; Gilles, Erwann; Blanchard, Olivier; Bonvallot, Nathalie; Glorennec, Philippe; Le Bot, Barbara

2016-07-01

Sixty-six semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)-phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one pyrethroid, organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides, alkylphenols, synthetic musks, tri-n-butylphosphate and triclosan-were measured on PM10 filters collected over 7 days during a nationwide survey of 285 French dwellings, representative of nearly 25 million housing units. Thirty-five compounds were detected in more than half of the dwellings. PAHs, phthalates and triclosan were the major particle-bound SVOCs, with a median concentration greater than 1 ng m-3 for butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) (median: 1.6 ng m-3), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (46 ng m-3) and di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DiNP) (7.9 ng m-3), and greater than 0.1 ng m-3 for triclosan (114 pg m-3), benzo(a)pyrene (138 pg m-3), benzo(b)fluoranthene (306 pg m-3), benzo(g,h,i)perylene (229 pg m-3), and indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (178 pg m-3). For most of the SVOCs, higher concentrations were found in the dwellings of smokers and during the heating season. The concentrations of banned SVOCs-namely, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides-were correlated. Permethrin, 4-tert-butylphenol and bisphenol-A showed no correlation with the other SVOCs and seemed to have their own specific sources. Most SVOCs were positively associated with PM10 concentration, suggesting that any factor that raises the mass of indoor airborne particles also increases the exposure to SVOCs through inhalation.

A Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence Immunoassay Method for the Measurement of Compound W

PubMed Central

Huang, Biao; Yu, Huixin; Bao, Jiandong; Zhang, Manda; Green, William L; Wu, Sing-Yung

2018-01-01

Objective: Using compound W (a 3,3′-diiodothyronine sulfate [T2S] immuno-crossreactive material)-specific polyclonal antibodies and homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay assay techniques (AlphaLISA) to establish an indirect competitive compound W (ICW) quantitative detection method. Method: Photosensitive particles (donor beads) coated with compound W or T2S and rabbit anti-W antibody were incubated with biotinylated goat anti-rabbit antibody. This constitutes a detection system with streptavidin-coated acceptor particle. We have optimized the test conditions and evaluated the detection performance. Results: The sensitivity of the method was 5 pg/mL, and the detection range was 5 to 10 000 pg/mL. The intra-assay coefficient of variation averages <10% with stable reproducibility. Conclusions: The ICW-AlphaLISA shows good stability and high sensitivity and can measure a wide range of compound W levels in extracts of maternal serum samples. This may have clinical application to screen congenital hypothyroidism in utero. PMID:29449777

A Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence Immunoassay Method for the Measurement of Compound W.

PubMed

Huang, Biao; Yu, Huixin; Bao, Jiandong; Zhang, Manda; Green, William L; Wu, Sing-Yung

2018-01-01

Using compound W (a 3,3'-diiodothyronine sulfate [T 2 S] immuno-crossreactive material)-specific polyclonal antibodies and homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay assay techniques (AlphaLISA) to establish an indirect competitive compound W (ICW) quantitative detection method. Photosensitive particles (donor beads) coated with compound W or T 2 S and rabbit anti-W antibody were incubated with biotinylated goat anti-rabbit antibody. This constitutes a detection system with streptavidin-coated acceptor particle. We have optimized the test conditions and evaluated the detection performance. The sensitivity of the method was 5 pg/mL, and the detection range was 5 to 10 000 pg/mL. The intra-assay coefficient of variation averages <10% with stable reproducibility. The ICW-AlphaLISA shows good stability and high sensitivity and can measure a wide range of compound W levels in extracts of maternal serum samples. This may have clinical application to screen congenital hypothyroidism in utero.

[Seasonal variation and spatial distribution of typical organochlorine pesticides in the atmosphere of Hexi Corridor and Lanzhou, northwest China].

PubMed

Ding, Zhong-Yuan; Mao, Xiao-Xuan; Ma, Zi-Long; Tian, Hui; Guo, Qiang; Huang, Tao; Gao, Hong; Li, Jun; Zhang, Gan

2013-04-01

Air samples were seasonally collected in Hexi Corridor and Lanzhou, Gansu province, using polyurethane foam (PUF) based passive air samplers for a year and determined hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs). Atmospheric concentrations of sigma HCHs (alpha-HCH +beta-HCH +gamma-HCH +delta-HCH) and sigma DDTs (p,p'-DDT + o,p'-DDT + p,p'-DDE + p,p'-DDD) were 86.22 pg x m(-3) and 34.06 pg x m(-3) in Hexi Corridor and Lanzhou with background concentrations of 54.41 pg x m(-3) and 21.56 pg x m(-3), respectively, which were lower than previously reported values elsewhere. In general, the seasonal pollution characteristics of sigma HCHs and sigma DDTs exhibited higher levels with the average concentrations of 127.4 pg x m(-3) and 47.06 pg x m(-3) in autumn, respectively. Furthermore, relatively higher residual concentrations of HCHs and DDTs were found in Jiuquan, Anxi and Zhangye, relating to their more arable lands and more intensively historical usage. Source apportionment indicated HCHs were mainly originated from historical technical-HCHs residues and recent Lindane usage. Recently introduced technical-DDTs was highly responsible for DDTs contamination, whereas the higher concentrations of o,p'-DDT observed in Jiuquan and Anxi may be attributed to dicofol usage. In addition, human exposure to HCHs and DDTs in Hexi Corridor and Lanzhou via inhalation could be relatively low.

Vapor-phase concentrations of PAHs and their derivatives determined in a large city: correlations with their atmospheric aerosol concentrations.

PubMed

Barrado, Ana Isabel; García, Susana; Sevillano, Marisa Luisa; Rodríguez, Jose Antonio; Barrado, Enrique

2013-11-01

Thirteen PAHs, five nitro-PAHs and two hydroxy-PAHs were determined in 55 vapor-phase samples collected in a suburban area of a large city (Madrid, Spain), from January 2008 to February 2009. The data obtained revealed correlations between the concentrations of these compounds and a series of meteorological factors (e.g., temperature, atmospheric pressure) and physical-chemical factors (e.g., nitrogen and sulfur oxides). As a consequence, seasonal trends were observed in the atmospheric pollutants. A "mean sample" for the 14-month period would contain a total PAH concentration of 13835±1625 pg m(-3) and 122±17 pg m(-3) of nitro-PAHs. When the data were stratified by season, it emerged that a representative sample of the coldest months would contain 18900±2140 pg m(-3) of PAHs and 150±97 pg m(-3) of nitro-PAHs, while in an average sample collected in the warmest months, these values drop to 9293±1178 pg m(-3) for the PAHs and to 97±13 pg m(-3) for the nitro-PAHs. Total vapor phase concentrations of PAHs were one order of magnitude higher than concentrations detected in atmospheric aerosol samples collected on the same dates. Total nitro-PAH concentrations were comparable to their aerosol concentrations whereas vapor phase OH-PAHs were below their limits of the detection, indicating these were trapped in airborne particles. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Perfluorinated compounds in some terrestrial and aquatic wildlife species from Poland.

PubMed

Falandysz, J; Taniyasu, S; Yamashita, N; Rostkowski, P; Zalewski, K; Kannan, K

2007-05-01

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) at 1.6-39 ng/g ww and 4.8-200 pg/mL, respectively, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) at 0.06-0.28 ng/g ww and<0.05-1.8 pg/mL, and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) at 0.13-0.57 ng/g ww and 0.05-1.8 pg/mL, were detected in all specimens of European Beaver's (Castor fiber) liver as well as in whole blood of Cod (Gadus morhua), Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca), Eider Duck (Sommateria mollisima), Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), Razorbill (Alca torda), Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) sampled in Poland. At smaller concentrations and at less frequency was perfluorononanoate (PFNA) at 0.05-1.4 ng/g ww and<0.2-2 pg/mL, perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA) at 0.03-0.23 ng/g ww and<0.05-0.69 pg/mL, while perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) at 0.05-4.3 pg/mL and perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetate (PFOSA) at 0.1-13 pg/mL were also found in Cod as well as in molluscivorous diving-ducks and fish-eating birds but not in Beaver, while perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA) at<0.05-0.74 pg/mL was found only in Cod.

Plasma substance-P in neuroendocrine tumors and idiopathic flushing: the value of pentagastrin stimulation tests and the effects of somatostatin analog.

PubMed

Vinik, A I; Gonin, J; England, B G; Jackson, T; McLeod, M K; Cho, K

1990-06-01

We examined the role of the potent vasoactive kinin substance-P (SP) in flushing derived from various causes. SP was measured in plasma after acetone/ether extraction using an antiserum directed at the carboxy-terminal 5-11 amino acid region of undecapeptide SP. The antiserum had less than 1% cross-reaction with the other neurokinins, neurokinin-A and neuropeptide-K, that derive from the beta-preprotachykinin gene and share carboxy-terminal residues. Basal and pentagastrin-stimulated SP levels were measured in 22 healthy controls, 11 patients with histologically proven carcinoid tumors, 8 patients with tumors other than carcinoid, and 7 patients with idiopathic flushing (IF). Basal SP levels were less than 10 pg/mL in normal subjects. All patients with midgut carcinoid tumors had SP levels greater than 25 pg/mL, as did 7 of 8 patients with noncarcinoid tumors and 5 of 7 patients with IF. Using 50 pg/mL as the cutoff point, the sensitivity was 63% for detection of a tumor, and 100% of nontumor patients were excluded. Pentagastrin administration uniformly induced flushing and caused a rise in SP levels greater than 150 pg/mL in 5 of 10 patients with carcinoid tumors, 3 of 8 with noncarcinoid tumors, and 0 of 7 with IF, i.e. a SP rise of more than 100 pg/mL suggests a tumor. Administration of somatostatin (150 micrograms) 0.5 h before the pentagastrin abolished flushing in all carcinoid patients and reduced SP levels, but not into the normal range. Long term treatment with SMS significantly reduced flushing and lowered SP levels, but did not restore these to normal. We conclude that 90% of patients with carcinoid/noncarcinoid tumor have raised COOH-terminal SP levels. A basal level above 50 pg/mL or a pentagastrin-stimulated rise of more than 100 pg/mL distinguishes carcinoid from IF. The dissociation between SP concentrations and flushing suggests that SP may not be the only kinin involved in the flushing associated with carcinoid tumors.

Patchy gold coated Fe3O4 nanospheres with enhanced catalytic activity applied for paper-based bipolar electrode-electrochemiluminescence aptasensors.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Bao, Ning; Luo, Xiliang; Ding, Shou-Nian

2018-05-10

In this work, novel multifunctional patchy gold coated Fe 3 O 4 hybrid nanoparticles (PG-Fe 3 O 4 NPs) have been successfully synthesized in aqueous medium via a facile adsorption-reduction method. A rational formation mechanism has been proposed by monitoring the morphological evolution. The PG-Fe 3 O 4 NPs retained the good magnetic property and exhibited excellent catalytical effeciency towards the electrochemical reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Chronoamperometric and amperometric experiments indicated a relatively high catalytic rate constant of 3.13 × 10 5 M -1 s -1 , a high sensitivity of 578.87 µA mM -1 cm -2 and a low Michaelis-Menten constant of 462 µM. Meanwhile, the introduction of patchy gold could help biofunctionalization via Au-S bond for different biodetection and biosensing purposes. Here, as an example, thiol-terminated aptamers were immobilized onto the patchy gold part as a signal probe to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). A related paper-based bipolar electrode-electrochemiluminescence (pBPE-ECL) aptasensor was fabricated as the low-cost, disposable and miniature platform. To improve the sensitivity, Au nanodendrites were electrodeposited at the BPE cathode as the matrix for Apt1 immobilization. This aptasensor showed a wide linear range of 0.1 pg mL -1 -15 ng mL -1 with a low detection limit of 0.03 pg mL -1 , remaining competitive against other ones, and also demonstrating the PG-Fe 3 O 4 NPs have promising potential for catalysis and bioassays. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Right heart overload contributes to cardiac natriuretic hormone elevation in patients with heart failure.

PubMed

Passino, Claudio; Maria Sironi, Anna; Favilli, Brunella; Poletti, Roberta; Prontera, Concetta; Ripoli, Andrea; Lombardi, Massimo; Emdin, Michele

2005-09-15

Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) plasma concentration increases and holds a prognostic significance in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. We assessed the hypothesis that right ventricular (RV) overload might significantly contribute to plasma elevation of cardiac natriuretic hormones in patients with heart failure. Forty-one patients with cardiomyopathy and depressed left ventricular (LV) function (ejection fraction, EF, <40%), underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting plasma determination of ANP and BNP. Nineteen healthy subjects were also studied as control group. Ventricular volumes and function were assessed by MRI. In the group of patients, LVEF was 22.6+/-1.2% (controls: 61.2+/-1.3%, P<0.001, mean+/-S.E.M.), while RVEF was 48.2+/-2.5% (controls: 66.7+/-1.6%, P<0.001); LV and RV end diastolic/systolic volumes, corrected by body surface area, were 143+/-7/114+/-7 ml/m2 (controls 70+/-3/27+/-2 ml/m2, both P<0.001) and 66+/-3/37+/-4 ml/m2 (controls: 63+/-4/21+/-2 ml/m2, P<0.01 only for end-systolic volume). BNP plasma value was on average 324+/-39 pg/ml (range: 23-1280, controls 10+/-2 pg/ml), ANP value was 144+/-17 pg/ml (range: 26-534, controls 15+/-1 pg/ml). BNP positively correlated with either end-diastolic or end-systolic RV volume in patients, less with LV systolic, and not with LV diastolic volume. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between BNP and either LVEF or RVEF. Conversely, ANP showed a significant correlation only with end-systolic RV volume and with both RVEF and LVEF. When multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was applied LVEF resulted the only independent predictor for ANP plasma values (R=0.591, P<0.001), while LVEF and RV end-diastolic volume for BNP (R=0.881, P<0.001, and R=0.881, P=0.035, respectively). Right heart overload contributes independently to plasma elevation of natriuretic peptides. RV involvement, which is known to independently worsen prognosis in patients with cardiomyopathy, might contribute to their established prognostic power, inducing compensatory secretion of plasma cardiac natriuretic hormones.

B-type natriuretic peptide-guided management and outcome in patients with obesity and dyspnea--results from the BASEL study.

PubMed

Noveanu, Markus; Breidthardt, Tobias; Cayir, Sevgi; Potocki, Mihael; Laule, Kirsten; Mueller, Christian

2009-09-01

Obesity may reduce diagnostic accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and affect long-term outcome. This study evaluated patients included in the BASEL study (N = 452). We compared BNP levels in patients with (n = 86) and without (n = 366) obesity (body mass index <30 and >30 kg/m(2)) and determined sensitivities and specificities of BNP in both patient groups by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Impact of BNP measurements on patient management and outcome in obesity, as well as 360-day mortality, was assessed. The BNP levels were lower in obese patients (172 pg/mL [interquartile range 31-515] vs 306 [interquartile range 75-1,040]). The optimal BNP cut-point to detect heart failure was 182 pg/mL in obese patients and 298 pg/mL nonobese patients. Obese patients had lower in-hospital mortality (3.5% vs 8.5%, P = .045) and 360-day mortality (15% vs 30%, P = .001). In obese patients, the determination of BNP levels reduced time to initiation of the appropriate treatment (96 +/- 98 vs 176 +/- 230, P < .05) without impacting other end points. Adjustment of BNP values in the assessment of obese patients presenting with acute dyspnea seems necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management. Obese patients had half the short- and long-term mortality of nonobese patients, independent of their final discharge diagnosis.

Polyphenols from Lonicera caerulea L. Berry Inhibit LPS-Induced Inflammation through Dual Modulation of Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mediators.

PubMed

Wu, Shusong; Yano, Satoshi; Chen, Jihua; Hisanaga, Ayami; Sakao, Kozue; He, Xi; He, Jianhua; Hou, De-Xing

2017-06-28

Lonicera caerulea L. berry polyphenols (LCBP) are considered as major components for bioactivity. This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms by monitoring inflammatory and antioxidant mediator actions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse paw edema and macrophage cell model. LCBP significantly attenuated LPS-induced paw edema (3.0 ± 0.1 to 2.8 ± 0.1 mm, P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1, 100.9 ± 2.3 to 58.3 ± 14.5 ng/mL), interleukin (IL)-10 (1596.1 ± 424.3 to 709.7 ± 65.7 pg/mL), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α (1761.9 ± 208.3 to 1369.1 ± 56.4 pg/mL), IL-6 (1262.8 ± 71.7 to 499.0 ± 67.1 pg/mL), IL-4 (93.3 ± 25.7 to 50.7 ± 12.5 pg/mL), IL-12(p-70) (580.4 ± 132.0 to 315.2 ± 35.1 pg/mL), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 2045.5 ± 264.9 to 1270.7 ± 158.6 pg/mL). Cell signaling analysis revealed that LCBP inhibited transforming growth factor β activated kinase-1 (TAK1)-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways, and enhanced the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in earlier response. Moreover, cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) and (-)-epicatechin (EC), two major components of LCBP, directly bound to TAK1. These data demonstrated that LCBP might inhibit LPS-induced inflammation by modulating both inflammatory and antioxidant mediators.

New magnetic graphene-based inorganic-organic sol-gel hybrid nanocomposite for simultaneous analysis of polar and non-polar organophosphorus pesticides from water samples using solid-phase extraction.

PubMed

Rashidi Nodeh, Hamid; Wan Ibrahim, Wan Aini; Kamboh, Muhammad Afzal; Sanagi, Mohd Marsin

2017-01-01

A new graphene-based tetraethoxysilane-methyltrimethoxysilane sol-gel hybrid magnetic nanocomposite (Fe 3 O 4 @G-TEOS-MTMOS) was synthesised, characterized and successfully applied in magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) for simultaneous analysis of polar and non-polar organophosphorus pesticides from several water samples. The Fe 3 O 4 @G-TEOS-MTMOS nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Separation, determination and quantification were achieved using gas chromatography coupled with micro electron capture detector. Adsorption capacity of the sorbent was calculated using Langmuir equation. MSPE was linear in the range 100-1000 pg mL -1 for phosphamidon and dimethoate, and 10-100 pg mL -1 for chlorpyrifos and diazinon, with limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 19.8, 23.7, 1.4 and 2.9 pg mL -1 for phosphamidon, dimethoate, diazinon and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The LODs obtained is well below the maximum residual level (100 pg mL -1 ) as set by European Union for pesticides in drinking water. Acceptable precision (%RSD) was achieved for intra-day (1.3-8.7%, n = 3) and inter-day (7.6-17.8%, n = 15) analyses. Fe 3 O 4 @G-TEOS-MTMOS showed high adsorption capacity (54.4-76.3 mg g -1 ) for the selected OPPs. No pesticide residues were detected in the water samples analysed. Excellent extraction recoveries (83-105%) were obtained for the spiked OPPs from tap, river, lake and sea water samples. The newly synthesised Fe 3 O 4 @G-TEOS-MTMOS showed high potential as adsorbent for OPPs analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ozone and haze pollution weakens net primary productivity in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Xu; Unger, Nadine; Harper, Kandice; Xia, Xiangao; Liao, Hong; Zhu, Tong; Xiao, Jingfeng; Feng, Zhaozhong; Li, Jing

2017-05-01

Atmospheric pollutants have both beneficial and detrimental effects on carbon uptake by land ecosystems. Surface ozone (O3) damages leaf photosynthesis by oxidizing plant cells, while aerosols promote carbon uptake by increasing diffuse radiation and exert additional influences through concomitant perturbations to meteorology and hydrology. China is currently the world's largest emitter of both carbon dioxide and short-lived air pollutants. The land ecosystems of China are estimated to provide a carbon sink, but it remains unclear whether air pollution acts to inhibit or promote carbon uptake. Here, we employ Earth system modeling and multiple measurement datasets to assess the separate and combined effects of anthropogenic O3 and aerosol pollution on net primary productivity (NPP) in China. In the present day, O3 reduces annual NPP by 0.6 Pg C (14 %) with a range from 0.4 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 0.8 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). In contrast, aerosol direct effects increase NPP by 0.2 Pg C (5 %) through the combination of diffuse radiation fertilization, reduced canopy temperatures, and reduced evaporation leading to higher soil moisture. Consequently, the net effects of O3 and aerosols decrease NPP by 0.4 Pg C (9 %) with a range from 0.2 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 0.6 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). However, precipitation inhibition from combined aerosol direct and indirect effects reduces annual NPP by 0.2 Pg C (4 %), leading to a net air pollution suppression of 0.8 Pg C (16 %) with a range from 0.6 Pg C (low O3 sensitivity) to 1.0 Pg C (high O3 sensitivity). Our results reveal strong dampening effects of air pollution on the land carbon uptake in China today. Following the current legislation emission scenario, this suppression will be further increased by the year 2030, mainly due to a continuing increase in surface O3. However, the maximum technically feasible reduction scenario could drastically relieve the current level of NPP damage by 70 % in 2030, offering protection of this critical ecosystem service and the mitigation of long-term global warming.

Proteomic Analysis of Kveim Reagent Identifies Targets of Cellular Immunity in Sarcoidosis

PubMed Central

Parker, Robert; Siddiqui, Nazneen; Potiphar, Lee; Goldin, Rob; Timms, John F.; Wells, Athol U.; Kon, Onn M.; Wickremasinghe, Melissa; Mitchell, Donald; Weeks, Mark E.; Lalvani, Ajit

2017-01-01

Background Kveim-reagent (Kv) skin testing was a historical method of diagnosing sarcoidosis. Intradermal injection of treated sarcoidosis spleen tissue resulted in a granuloma response at injection site by 4–6 weeks. Previous work indicates proteins as the possible trigger of this reaction. We aimed to identify Kv-specific proteins and characterise the ex vivo response of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and healthy control patients when stimulated with both Kv and selected Kv-specific proteins. Methods Kv extracts were separated by 1D-SDS-PAGE and 2D-DIGE and then underwent mass spectrometric analysis for protein identification. Sarcoidosis and control PBMCs were first stimulated with Kv and then with three selected recombinant protein candidates which were identified from the proteomic analysis. PBMC secreted cytokines were subsequently measured by Multiplex Cytokine Assay. Results We observed significantly increased IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion from Kv-stimulated PBMCs of sarcoidosis patients vs. PBMCs from healthy volunteers (IFN-γ: 207.2 pg/mL vs. 3.86 pg/mL, p = 0.0018; TNF-α: 2375 pg/mL vs. 42.82 pg/mL, p = 0.0003). Through proteomic approaches we then identified 74 sarcoidosis tissue-specific proteins. Of these, 3 proteins (vimentin, tubulin and alpha-actinin-4) were identified using both 1D-SDS-PAGE and 2D-DIGE. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005150. Increased cytokine secretion was subsequently observed with vimentin stimulation of sarcoidosis PBMCs vs. tuberculosis PBMCs (IFN-γ: 396.6 pg/mL vs 0.1 pg/mL, p = 0.0009; TNF-α: 1139 pg/mL vs 0.1 pg/mL, p<0.0001). This finding was also observed in vimentin stimulation of sarcoidosis PBMCs compared to PBMCs from healthy controls (IFN-γ: 396.6 pg/mL vs. 0.1 pg/mL, p = 0.014; TNF-α: 1139 pg/mL vs 42.29 pg/mL, p = 0.027). No difference was found in cytokine secretion between sarcoidosis and control PBMCs when stimulated with either tubulin or alpha-actinin-4. Conclusions Stimulation with both Kveim reagent and vimentin induces a specific pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from sarcoidosis PBMCs. Further investigation of cellular immune responses to Kveim-specific proteins may identify novel biomarkers to assist the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. PMID:28114394

Atmospheric mercury speciation in Yellowstone National Park

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hall, B.D.; Olson, M.L.; Rutter, A.P.; Frontiera, R.R.; Krabbenhoft, D.P.; Gross, D.S.; Yuen, M.; Rudolph, T.M.; Schauer, J.J.

2006-01-01

Atmospheric concentrations of elemental mercury (Hg0), reactive gaseous Hg (RGM), and particulate Hg (pHg) concentrations were measured in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), U.S.A. using high resolution, real time atmospheric mercury analyzers (Tekran 2537A, 1130, and 1135). A survey of Hg0 concentrations at various locations within YNP showed that concentrations generally reflect global background concentrations of 1.5-2.0 ng m- 3, but a few specific locations associated with concentrated geothermal activity showed distinctly elevated Hg0 concentrations (about 9.0 ng m- 3). At the site of intensive study located centrally in YNP (Canyon Village), Hg0 concentrations did not exceed 2.5 ng m- 3; concentrations of RGM were generally below detection limits of 0.88 pg m- 3 and never exceeded 5 pg m- 3. Concentrations of pHg ranged from below detection limits to close to 30 pg m-3. RGM and pHg concentrations were not correlated with any criteria gases (SO2, NOx, O3); however pHg was weakly correlated with the concentration of atmospheric particles. We investigated three likely sources of Hg at the intensive monitoring site: numerous geothermal features scattered throughout YNP, re-suspended soils, and wildfires near or in YNP. We examined relationships between the chemical properties of aerosols (as measured using real time, single particle mass spectrometry; aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer; ATOFMS) and concentrations of atmospheric pHg. Based on the presence of particles with distinct chemical signatures of the wildfires, and the absence of signatures associated with the other sources, we concluded that wildfires in the park were the main source of aerosols and associated pHg to our sampling site. ?? 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Atmospheric organochlorine pollutants and air-sea exchange of hexachlorocyclohexane in the Bering and Chukchi Seas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hinckley, D.A.; Bidleman, T.F.; Rice, C.P.

1991-01-01

Organochlorine pesticides have been found in Arctic fish, marine mammals, birds, and plankton for some time. The lack of local sources and remoteness of the region imply long-range transport and deposition of contaminants into the Arctic from sources to the south. While on the third Soviet-American Joint Ecological Expedition to the Bering and Chukchi Seas (August 1988), high-volume air samples were taken and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides. Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated camphenes, and chlordane (listed in order of abundance, highest to lowest) were quantified. The air-sea gas exchange of HCH was estimated at 18 stations during the cruise. Average alpha-HCH concentrations in concurrent atmosphere and surface water samples were 250 pg m-3 and 2.4 ng L-1, respectively, and average gamma-HCH concentrations were 68 pg m-3 in the atmosphere and 0.6 ng L-1 in surface water. Calculations based on experimentally derived Henry's law constants showed that the surface water was undersaturated with respect to the atmosphere at most stations (alpha-HCH, average 79% saturation; gamma-HCH, average 28% saturation). The flux for alpha-HCH ranged from -47 ng m-2 day-1 (sea to air) to 122 ng m-2 d-1 (air to sea) and averaged 25 ng m-2 d-1 air to sea. All fluxes of gamma-HCH were from air to sea, ranged from 17 to 54 ng m-2 d-1, and averaged 31 ng m-2 d-1.

The associations between metabolic variables and NT-proBNP are blunted at pathological ranges: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Sanchez, Otto A.; Duprez, Daniel A.; Bahrami, Hossein; Daniels, Lori B.; Folsom, Aaron R.; Lima, Joao A.; Maisel, Alan; Peralta, Carmen A.; Jacobs, David R.

2014-01-01

Objective Under physiological conditions brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is inversely associated with metabolic risk factors, but under pathological conditions these associations may tend to plateau. Material end methods 5597 individuals in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), 45–84 years of age, free of overt cardiovascular disease in 2000–02 and then again in 2003–05 participated in this study. Associations between NT-proBNP and BMI, blood lipids, homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) using linear regression models were adjusted for age, race, sex, BMI, % of energy from saturated fats, intentional exercise, statin use, antihypertensive medication use, diabetes and glomerular filtration rate. The inflection points (IP) at which these associations became nonlinear were determined using linear splines with knots at different levels of NT-proBNP. Results Participants with NT-proBNP ≥100 pg/mL (29%) tended to be older, on statins and anti-hypertensive medications vs. those with NT-proBNP <100 pg/mL. The IP point varies among variables and ranged from 50–120 pg/mL. NT-proBNP

Measurement of neosaxitoxin in human plasma using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: Proof of concept for a pharmacokinetic application.

PubMed

Peake, Roy W A; Zhang, Victoria Y; Azcue, Nina; Hartigan, Christina E; Shkreta, Aida; Prabhakara, Jasmina; Berde, Charles B; Kellogg, Mark D

2016-11-15

Neosaxitoxin, a member of the saxitoxin family of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, has shown potential as an effective, long-acting, anesthetic. We describe the development and validation of a highly sensitive method for measurement of neosaxitoxin in human plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and provide evidence for its use in a human pharmacokinetic study. Samples were prepared using cation exchange solid phase extraction followed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and MS/MS detection in positive electrospray ionization mode. Multiple reaction monitoring was used to monitor neosaxitoxin (m/z 316.17>220.07) and the internal standard analogue decarbamoylneosaxitoxin (m/z 273.12>180.00). The method was validated for lower limit of quantification, precision, accuracy, linearity and matrix effect. The stability of neosaxitoxin in plasma matrix at various storage conditions was also investigated. Standard curves for calibration were linear (r>0.995) across the assay calibration range, 10 to 1000pg/mL. The analytical measurable range of the assay was 10-10,000pg/mL in plasma matrix. This method has demonstrated excellent sensitivity demonstrating a lower limit of quantification in human plasma of 10pg/mL. The mean, inter-batch variation was <5.2% across the concentration range 30 to 800pg/mL. This method was successfully used in a phase 1 trial to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of neosaxitoxin in humans following the intravenous administration of the drug at a range of doses up to 40μg. We conclude that our high-sensitivity method for measurement of neosaxitoxin in human plasma is capable of supporting future clinical trials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-performance and versatile electrochemical aptasensor based on self-supported nanoporous gold microelectrode and enzyme-induced signal amplification.

PubMed

Shi, Lei; Rong, Xiaojiao; Wang, Yan; Ding, Shiming; Tang, Wanying

2018-04-15

Herein, novel and versatile electrochemical aptasensors were constructed on a self-supported nanoporous gold (np-Au) microelectrode, integrating with an exonuclease III (Exo III) induced signal amplification strategy. Self-supported np-Au microelectrode with 3D bicontinuous nanoporous structures possesses tremendously large specific area, clean surface, high stability and biocompatibility, bringing about significant advantages in both molecular recognition and signal response. As paradigms, two analytes of bisphenol A (BPA) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were selected to demonstrate the superiority and versatility of designed aptasensors. Trace amounts of mDNA (associated with BPA or OTA concentration) hybridized with cDNA strands assembled on np-Au microelectrode, activating the cleavage reaction with Exo III. Thus, cDNA was digested and mDNA was released to undergo a new hybridization and cleavage cycle. Finally, residual cDNA strands were recognized by methylene blue labelled rDNA/AuNPs with the assistance of hDNA to generate the electrochemical signals, which were used to quantitatively monitor targets. Under the optimized conditions, prepared aptasensors exhibited wide linear ranges (25pg/mL to 2ng/mL for BPA, 10pg/mL to 5ng/mL for OTA) with ultralow detection limits (10pg/mL for BPA, 5pg/mL for OTA), excellent selectivity and stability, and reliable detection in real samples. This work opens a new horizon for constructing promising electrochemical aptasensors for environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics and food safety. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Particulate mercury in ambient air in Shanghai, China: Size-specific distribution, gas-particle partitioning, and association with carbonaceous composition.

PubMed

Han, Deming; Zhang, Jiaqi; Hu, Zihao; Ma, Yingge; Duan, Yusen; Han, Yan; Chen, Xiaojia; Zhou, Yong; Cheng, Jinping; Wang, Wenhua

2018-07-01

Mercury (Hg) has a complex atmospheric transformation cycle and acts as a global pollutant. Size-specific particle bound mercury (PBM) was implemented in different functional (industrial, urban and suburban) areas in Shanghai, China. The total concentration of 13-staged PBM (rang of 0.01-18.0 μm) varied of 99.0-611 pg/m 3 , with an average value of 318 ± 144 pg/m 3 . The Gaoqiao petrochemical industry (GQPI) site showed the highest concentrations, whereas the suburban Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) displayed the lowest. The PBM in nucleation, accumulation and coarse modes were 7.63-96.7, 69.5-455, and 9.43-176 pg/m 3 , respectively, and the fractions of 0.56-1.00 and 0.32-0.56 μm were the two most abundant. Both OC and EC displayed unimodal distribution patterns (peak of 0.56-1.00 μm) at GQPI, while bimodal distributions were observed at urban and suburban sites. Statistically positive correlations between the overall PBM and the corresponding PM and carbonaceous compounds (r = 0.38-0.54, p < 0.01), indicating their similar origins and OC/EC enhanced gaseous mercury forming PBM. The gas-particle partition model predicted gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) were 253 ± 133, 237 ± 122, and 257 ± 144 pg/m 3 for GQPI, SAES and SJTU, respectively. The particle proportions of divalent mercury in the fraction of 0.32-1.00 μm were substantial (>80%), but smaller (<50%) for nucleation and coarse modes. The fraction of 9.90-18.00 μm occupied nearly 50% of the overall dry deposition fluxes of mercury. These finding highlight the emissions from different mercury and OC/EC origins, caused different size-specific distributions of PBM, which further affect their gas-particle partitioning and dry deposition of mercury species. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environmental health risk assessment of dioxin in foods at the two most severe dioxin hot spots in Vietnam.

PubMed

Tuyet-Hanh, Tran Thi; Minh, Nguyen Hung; Vu-Anh, Le; Dunne, Michael; Toms, Leisa-Maree; Tenkate, Thomas; Thi, Minh-Hue Nguyen; Harden, Fiona

2015-07-01

Bien Hoa and Da Nang airbases were bulk storages for Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and currently are the two most severe dioxin hot spots. This study assesses the health risk of exposure to dioxin through foods for local residents living in seven wards surrounding these airbases. This study follows the Australian Environmental Health Risk Assessment Framework to assess the health risk of exposure to dioxin in foods. Forty-six pooled samples of commonly consumed local foods were collected and analyzed for dioxin/furans. A food frequency and Knowledge-Attitude-Practice survey was also undertaken at 1000 local households, various stakeholders were involved and related publications were reviewed. Total dioxin/furan concentrations in samples of local "high-risk" foods (e.g. free range chicken meat and eggs, ducks, freshwater fish, snail and beef) ranged from 3.8 pg TEQ/g to 95 pg TEQ/g, while in "low-risk" foods (e.g. caged chicken meat and eggs, seafoods, pork, leafy vegetables, fruits, and rice) concentrations ranged from 0.03 pg TEQ/g to 6.1 pg TEQ/g. Estimated daily intake of dioxin if people who did not consume local high risk foods ranged from 3.2 pg TEQ/kg bw/day to 6.2 pg TEQ/kg bw/day (Bien Hoa) and from 1.2 pg TEQ/kg bw/day to 4.3 pg TEQ/kg bw/day (Da Nang). Consumption of local high risk foods resulted in extremely high dioxin daily intakes (60.4-102.8 pg TEQ/kg bw/day in Bien Hoa; 27.0-148.0 pg TEQ/kg bw/day in Da Nang). Consumption of local "high-risk" foods increases dioxin daily intakes far above the WHO recommended TDI (1-4 pg TEQ/kg bw/day). Practicing appropriate preventive measures is necessary to significantly reduce exposure and health risk. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Response to parenteral iron therapy distinguish unexplained refractory iron deficiency anemia from iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia.

PubMed

Akin, M; Sarbay, H; Guler, S; Balci, Y I; Polat, A

2016-04-01

We evaluated that response to parenteral iron therapy could be helpful in distinguishing the types of iron deficiency anemia. This study analyzed responses to IV iron sucrose therapy of 15 children with unexplained refractory iron deficiency anemia (URIDA). We compared the results at diagnosis, 6 weeks and 6 months after the therapy. Results were compared with responses of 11 patients' results with iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) from our previous study. Six weeks after the start of treatment, ferritin, MCV, MCH and Hb values were in normal range in 10 patients. The increase in Hb, MCH, MCV, and ferritin values ranged 2.6-3.5 g/dL, 1.7-4.2 pg, 2-9 fL, and 13-25 ng/mL, respectively. In five patients, Hb, MCH, and MCV mean (range) values [11.2 g/dL (11-12.2), 24.5 pg (24-25.6), and 67 fL (65-70)] were nearly normal but ferritin mean (range) values [9.8 ng/mL (8-11)] were below normal. Six weeks after the start of treatment, Hb, MCH, MCV and ferritin values of patients with IRIDA were increased. The increase in Hb, MCH, MCV, and ferritin values ranged 0.8-2.7 g/dL, 1.7-4.2 pg, 2-9 fL, and 13-25 ng/mL, respectively. IRIDA is only partially responsive to parenteral iron supplementation. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the response to intravenous iron therapy for the URIDA cases improved blood parameters more effectively than hereditary IRIDA. Response to parenteral iron therapy would be helpful to distinguish unexplained refractory IDA from hereditary IRIDA for clinicians who do not have access to hepcidin or TMPRS6 mutation analysis. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Polarization gating of high harmonic generation in the water window

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

Li, Jie; Ren, Xiaoming; Yin, Yanchun

2016-06-06

We implement the polarization gating (PG) technique with a two-cycle, 1.7 μm driving field to generate an attosecond supercontinuum extending to the water window spectral region. The ellipticity dependence of the high harmonic yield over a photon energy range much broader than previous work is measured and compared with a semi-classical model. When PG is applied, the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) is swept to study its influence on the continuum generation. PG with one-cycle (5.7 fs) and two-cycle (11.3 fs) delay are tested, and both give continuous spectra spanning from 50 to 450 eV under certain CEP values, strongly indicating the generation ofmore » isolated attosecond pulses in the water window region.« less

Establishment of sandwich ELISA for soluble alpha-Klotho measurement: Age-dependent change of soluble alpha-Klotho levels in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Yuji; Imura, Akihiro; Urakawa, Itaru; Shimada, Takashi; Murakami, Junko; Aono, Yukiko; Hasegawa, Hisashi; Yamashita, Takeyoshi; Nakatani, Kimihiko; Saito, Yoshihiko; Okamoto, Nozomi; Kurumatani, Norio; Namba, Noriyuki; Kitaoka, Taichi; Ozono, Keiichi; Sakai, Tomoyuki; Hataya, Hiroshi; Ichikawa, Shoji; Imel, Erik A; Econs, Michael J; Nabeshima, Yo-Ichi

2010-07-30

Alpha-Klotho (alphaKl) regulates mineral metabolism such as calcium ion (Ca(2+)) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in circulation. Defects in mice result in clinical features resembling disorders found in human aging. Although the importance of transmembrane-type alphaKl has been demonstrated, less is known regarding the physiological importance of soluble-type alphaKl (salphaKl) in circulation. The aims of this study were: (1) to establish a sandwich ELISA system enabling detection of circulating serum salphaKl, and (2) to determine reference values for salphaKl serum levels and relationship to indices of renal function, mineral metabolism, age and sex in healthy subjects. We successively developed an ELISA to measure serum salphaKl in healthy volunteers (n=142, males 66) of ages (61.1+/-18.5year). The levels (mean+/-SD) in these healthy control adults were as follows: total calcium (Ca; 9.46+/-0.41mg/dL), Pi (3.63+/-0.51mg/dL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 15.7+/-4.3mg/dL), creatinine (Cre; 0.69+/-0.14mg/dL), 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D; 54.8+/-17.7pg/mL), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH; 49.2+/-20.6pg/mL), calcitonin (26.0+/-12.3pg/mL) and intact fibroblast growth factor (FGF23; 43.8+/-17.6pg/mL). Serum levels of salphaKl ranged from 239 to 1266pg/mL (mean+/-SD; 562+/-146pg/mL) in normal adults. Although salphaKl levels were not modified by gender or indices of mineral metabolism, salphaKl levels were inversely related to Cre and age. However, salphaKl levels in normal children (n=39, males 23, mean+/-SD; 7.1+/-4.8years) were significantly higher (mean+/-SD; 952+/-282pg/mL) than those in adults (mean+/-SD; 562+/-146, P<0.001). A multivariate linear regression analysis including children and adults in this study demonstrated that salphaKl correlated negatively with age and Ca, and positively with Pi. Finally, we measured a serum salphaKl from a patient with severe tumoral calcinosis derived from a homozygous missense mutation of alpha-klotho gene. In this patient, salphaKl level was notably lower than those of age-matched controls. We established a detection system to measure human serum salphaKl for the first time. Age, Ca and Pi seem to influence serum salphaKl levels in a normal population. This detection system should be an excellent tool for investigating salphaKl functions in mineral metabolism. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An improved amperometric triglyceride biosensor based on co-immobilization of nanoparticles of lipase, glycerol kinase and glycerol 3-phosphate oxidase onto pencil graphite electrode.

PubMed

Narwal, Vinay; Pundir, C S

2017-05-01

Nanoparticles (NPs) of commercial lipase from Candida rugosa, of glycerol kinase (GK) from Cellulomonas species, of glycerol-3- phosphate oxidase (GPO) from Aerococcus viridans were prepared, characterized and co-immobilized onto a pencil graphite (PG) electrode. The morphological and electrochemical characterization of PG electrode was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) before and after co-immobilization of enzyme nanoparticles (ENPs). An improved amperometric triglyceride (TG) biosensor was fabricated using Lipase NPs/GKNPs/GPONPs/PG electrode as the working electrode, Ag/AgCl as the standard electrode and Pt wire as auxiliary electrode. The biosensor showed optimum response within 2.5s at a pH 7.0 and temperature of 35°C. The biosensor measured current due to electrons generated at 0.1V against Ag/AgCl, from H 2 O 2 , which is produced from triolein by co-immobilized ENPs. A linear relationship was obtained over between a wide triolein concentration range (0.1mM-45mM) and current (mA) under optimal conditions. The Lipase NPs/GKNPs/GPONPs/PG electrode showed high sensitivity (1241±20mAcm -2 mM -1 ); a lower detection limit (0.1nM) and good correlation coeficient (R 2 =0.99) with a standard enzymic colorimetric method. Analytical recovery of added triolein in serum was 98.01%, within and between batch coefficients of variation (CV) were 0.05% and 0.06% respectively. The biosensor was evaluated and employed for determination of TG in the serum of apparently healthy subject and persons suffering from hypertriglyceridemia. The biosensor lost 20% of its initial activity after its continued uses over a period of 240days, while being stored at 4°C. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Production, purification, and characterization of a polygalacturonase from a new strain of Kluyveromyces marxianus isolated from coffee wet-processing wastewater.

PubMed

Serrat, Manuel; Bermúdez, Rose Catalina; Villa, Tomás Gonzáles

2002-03-01

A new high polygalacturonase (PG)-producing Kluyveromyces marxianus strain was isolated from coffee wet-processing wastewater. PG production in this strain is not repressed in the presence of 100 g/L of glucose and, being growth-associated, reached its maximum accumulation in the culture medium at the beginning of the stationary phase. Oxygen and galacturonic acid negatively regulated enzyme synthesis, and glucose as the carbon source afforded better enzyme yields than lactose. The data reported here show that this strain exhibits the highest index of PG production among the wild-type strains reported so far (18.8 U/mL). PG was readily purified by ion-exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose FF. The activity corresponded to a single protein with an M(r) of 41.7kDa according to sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was stable in the pH range of 3.0-5.0 and displayed an optimal temperature of 55 degrees C; it showed a typical endosplitting way of substrate hydrolysis and exhibited a fair degree of activity on pectin with a high degree of esterification.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration Are Decreased or Normal in Narcolepsy.

PubMed

Jørgen Jennum, Poul; Østergaard Pedersen, Lars; Czarna Bahl, Justyna Maria; Modvig, Signe; Fog, Karina; Holm, Anja; Rahbek Kornum, Birgitte; Gammeltoft, Steen

2017-01-01

To investigate whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of neurodegeneration are altered in narcolepsy in order to evaluate whether the hypocretin deficiency and abnormal sleep-wake pattern in narcolepsy leads to neurodegeneration. Twenty-one patients with central hypersomnia (10 type 1 narcolepsy, 5 type 2 narcolepsy, and 6 idiopathic hypersomnia cases), aged 33 years on average and with a disease duration of 2-29 years, and 12 healthy controls underwent CSF analyses of the levels of β-amyloid, total tau protein (T-tau), phosphorylated tau protein (P-tau181), α-synuclein, neurofilament light chain (NF-L), and chitinase 3-like protein-1 (CHI3L1). Levels of β-amyloid were lower in patients with type 1 narcolepsy (375.4 ± 143.5 pg/mL) and type 2 narcolepsy (455.9 ± 65.0 pg/mL) compared to controls (697.9 ± 167.3 pg/mL, p < .05). Furthermore, in patients with type 1 narcolepsy, levels of T-tau (79.0 ± 27.5 pg/mL) and P-tau181 (19.1 ± 4.3 pg/mL) were lower than in controls (162.2 ± 49.9 pg/mL and 33.8 ± 9.2 pg/mL, p < .05). Levels of α-synuclein, NF-L, and CHI3L1 in CSF from narcolepsy patients were similar to those of healthy individuals. Six CSF biomarkers of neurodegeneration were decreased or normal in narcolepsy indicating that taupathy, synucleinopathy, and immunopathy are not prevalent in narcolepsy patients with a disease duration of 2-29 years. Lower CSF levels of β-amyloid, T-tau protein, and P-tau181 in narcolepsy may indicate that hypocretin deficiency and an abnormal sleep-wake pattern alter the turnover of these proteins in the central nervous system. © Sleep Research Society 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Binding study of lysozyme with Al(III) using chemiluminescence analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Jiangman; Luo, Kai; Song, Zhenghua

2014-09-01

The binding behavior of lysozyme with Al(III) is described using luminol as a luminescence probe by flow injection-chemiluminescence (FI-CL) analysis. It was found that the CL intensity of the luminol-lysozyme reaction could be markedly enhanced by Al(III), and the increase in CL intensity was linear with the Al(III) concentration over the range 0.3-30.0  pg  mL(-1) , with a detection limit of 0.1 pg  mL(-1) (3σ). Based on the interaction model of lysozyme with Al(III), lg[(I - I0 )/(2I0  - I)] = lgK + nlg[M], the binding constant K = 6.84 × 10(6)  L mol(-1) and the number of binding sites (n) = 0.76. The relative standard deviations were 3.2, 2.4 and 2.0% for 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0  pg  mL(-1) Al(III) (n = 7), respectively. This new method was successfully applied to continuous, quantitative monitoring of picogram level Al(III) in human saliva following oral intake of compound aluminum hydroxide tablets. It was found that Al(III) in saliva reached a maximum of 101.2  ng  mL(-1) at 3.0 h. The absorption rate constant ka , elimination rate constant k and half-life time t1/2 of Al(III) were 1.378  h(-1) , 0.264  h(-1) and 2.624  h, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

High Peak Estradiol/Mature Oocyte Ratio Predicts Lower Clinical Pregnancy, Ongoing Pregnancy, and Live Birth Rates in GnRH Antagonist Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles.

PubMed

Sandoval, Juan S; Steward, Ryan G; Chen, Chen; Li, Yi-Ju; Price, Thomas M; Muasher, Suheil J

2016-01-01

To define the relationship between peak estradiol (E2)/mature oocyte ratio and pregnancy outcomes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Retrospective cohort study in the setting of an academic reproductive medicine practice. Records from 162 fresh, autologous, GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles performed between 2009 and 2012 .were analyzed. The main outcome measures were rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR), ongoing pregnancy (OPR), and live birth (LBR). For the primary analysis, 4 groups were created based on peak E2/mature oocyte ratio (group 1: <200, group 2: 200-300, group 3: 300-400, and group 4: >400 pg/mL/oocyte). After adjusting for age, basal FSH, and the number of mature oocytes, a significantly lower OPR was seen in group 4 as compared to group I (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.86; p=0.032) and group 3 (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03-0.98; p=0.048), respectively. The adjusted LBR was also significantly lower in group 4 as compared to group 1 (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.83; p=0.030). In a secondary analysis, 3 ranges of peak E2/ mature oocyte ratio (<200, 200-400, and >400 pg/ mL/oocyte) were compared between low, normal, and high responders (<6, 6-15, and >15 mature oocytes, respectively). Clinical pregnancy rate, OPR, and LBR were all lower in normal responders when the E2/oocyte ratio exceeded 400 pg/mL/oocyte as compared to <200 pg/mL/oocyte and 200-300 pg/mL/oocyte (CPR 1% vs. 16% and 32%, respectively, p=0.017; OPR 0 vs. 15% and 27%, respectively, p=0.011; and LBR 0 vs. 13% and 26%, respectively, p=0.018). Very elevated peak E2/mature oocyte ratio is associated with a lower CPR, OPR, and LBR in fresh, autologous, GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles.

Highly sensitive detection of quantal dopamine secretion from pheochromocytoma cells using neural microelectrode array electrodeposited with polypyrrole graphene.

PubMed

Wang, Li; Xu, Huiren; Song, Yilin; Luo, Jinping; Wei, Wenjing; Xu, Shengwei; Cai, Xinxia

2015-04-15

For the measurement of events of dopamine (DA) release as well as the coordinating neurotransmission in the nerve system, a neural microelectrode array (nMEA) electrodeposited directionally with polypyrrole graphene (PG) nanocomposites was fabricated. The deposited graphene significantly increased the surface area of working electrode, which led to the nMEA (with diameter of 20 μm) with excellent selectivity and sensitivity to DA. Furthermore, PG film modification exhibited low detection limit (4 nM, S/N = 3.21), high sensitivity, and good linearity in the presence of ascorbic acid (e.g., 13933.12 μA mM(-1) cm(-2) in the range of 0.8-10 μM). In particular, the nMEA combined with the patch-clamp system was used to detect quantized DA release from pheochromocytoma cells under 100 mM K(+) stimulation. The nMEA that integrates 60 microelectrodes is novel for detecting a large number of samples simultaneously, which has potential for neural communication research.

Recent decline of DDTs among several organochlorine pesticides in background air in East Asia.

PubMed

Takazawa, Yoshikatsu; Takasuga, Takumi; Doi, Kenji; Saito, Mick; Shibata, Yasuyuki

2016-10-01

Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes (CHLs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in air-mass outflows from East Asia were recorded monthly from April 2009 to March 2014 at Cape Hedo in Japan. These organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were collected by a high volume air sampler equipped with a quartz fiber filter, a polyurethane foam plug, and activated carbon fiber and analyzed by using a gas chromatograph-high resolution mass spectrometer. The overall (and geometric mean ± SD) concentration over the period was 4.9-43 pg m(-3) (15 ± 7.8 pg m(-3)) in HCHs (sum of α-/β-/γ-/δ-HCH), 1.5-83 pg m(-3) (8.8 ± 11 pg m(-3)) in CHLs (sum of cis-/trans-chlordane, cis-/trans-nonachlor, and oxychlordane), and 0.71-16 pg m(-3) (2.5 ± 2.0 pg m(-3)) in DDTs (sum of o,p'-/p,p'-DDD, o,p'-/p,p'-DDE, and o,p'-/p,p'-DDT). Clear seasonal changes, i.e. higher in summer and lower in winter, were observed in HCHs and CHLs, suggesting the dominant effect of temperature-dependence, secondary sources in these OCPs. DDT concentration as well as the ratio of (o,p'-DDT + p,p'-DDT) to total DDTs, on the other hand, showed clear a declining trend during the five year sampling period, suggesting the decrease of input of newly produced DDTs in the regional environment by reflecting recent activities in the East Asian region to eliminate production and use of DDTs under the Stockholm Convention. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lipocalin 2 in cerebrospinal fluid as a marker of acute bacterial meningitis

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Early differential diagnosis between acute bacterial and viral meningitis is problematic. We aimed to investigate whether the detection of lipocalin 2, a protein of the acute innate immunity response, may be used as a marker for acute bacterial meningitis. Methods Transgenic mice expressing the human transferrin were infected by intraperitoneal route and were imaged. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was sampled up to 48hours post- infection to measure lipocalin 2. We also tested a collection of 90 and 44 human CSF with confirmed acute bacterial or acute viral meningitis respectively. Results Lipocalin 2 was detected after 5 h in CSF during experimental infection in mice. Lipocalin 2 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in patients with confirmed acute bacterial meningitis (mean 125 pg/mL, range 106–145 pg/mL) than in patients with acute viral meningitis (mean 2 pg/mL, range 0–6 pg/mL) with a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 96% and a negative predictive value of 71% in diagnosing acute bacterial meningitis. Conclusions Increased levels of lipocalin 2 in cerebrospinal fluid may discriminate between acute bacterial and viral meningitis in patients with clinical syndrome of meningitis. PMID:24885531

Fast liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method using mixed-mode phase chromatography and solid phase extraction for the determination of 12 mono-hydroxylated brominated diphenyl ethers in human serum.

PubMed

Petropoulou, Syrago-Styliani E; Duong, Wendy; Petreas, Myrto; Park, June-Soo

2014-08-22

Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) are formed from the oxidative metabolism of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in humans, rats and mice, but their quantitation in human blood and other matrices with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric techniques has been a challenge. In this study, a novel analytical method was developed and validated using only 250 μL of human serum for the quantitation of twelve OH-PBDEs, fully chromatographically separated in a 15 min analytical run. This method includes two novel approaches: an enzymatic hydrolysis procedure and a chromatographic separation using a mixed mode chromatography column. The enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) was found critical for 4'-OH-BDE17, which was not detectable without it. For the sample clean up, a solid phase extraction protocol was developed and validated for the extraction of the 12 congeners from human serum. In addition, for the first time baseline resolution of two components was achieved that correspond to a single peak previously identified as 6'-OH-BDE99. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, matrix effects, limit of quantification, limit of detection, sample stability and overall efficiency. Recoveries (absolute and relative) ranged from 66 to 130% with relative standard deviations <21% for all analytes. Limit of detection and quantitation ranged from 4 to 90 pg mL(-1) and 6-120 pg mL(-1), respectively, with no carry over effects. This method was applied in ten commercially available human serum samples from the general US population. The mean values of the congeners detected in all samples are 4'-OH-BDE17 (34.2 pg mL(-1)), 4-OH-BDE42 (33.9 pg mL(-1)), 5-OH-BDE47 (17.5 pg mL(-1)) and 4'-OH-BDE49 (12.4 pg mL(-1)). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for analyzing LSD, iso-LSD, nor-LSD, and O-H-LSD in blood and urine.

PubMed

Chung, Angela; Hudson, John; McKay, Gordon

2009-06-01

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Forensic Science and Identification Services was looking for a confirmatory method for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). As a result, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was validated for the confirmation and quantitation of LSD, iso-LSD, N-demethyl-LSD (nor-LSD), and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD (O-H-LSD). Relative retention time and ion ratios were used as identification parameters. Limits of detection (LOD) in blood were 5 pg/mL for LSD and iso-LSD and 10 pg/mL for nor-LSD and O-H-LSD. In urine, the LOD was 10 pg/mL for all analytes. Limits of quantitation (LOQ) in blood and urine were 20 pg/mL for LSD and iso-LSD and 50 pg/mL for nor-LSD and O-H-LSD. The method was linear, accurate, and precise from 10 to 2000 pg/mL in blood and 20 to 2000 pg/mL in urine for LSD and iso-LSD and from 20 to 2000 pg/mL in blood and 50 to 2000 pg/mL in urine for nor-LSD and O-H-LSD with a coefficient of determination (R(2)) > or = 0.99. The method was applied to blinded biological control samples and biological samples taken from a suspected LSD user. This is the first reported detection of O-H-LSD in blood from a suspected LSD user.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans detected in bivalve samples from the NOAA National Status and Trends Program.

PubMed

Wade, Terry L; Sweet, Stephen T; Sericano, José L; Defreitas, Debra A; Lauenstein, Gunnar G

2014-04-30

Bivalve samples from 142 sites were analyzed to determine the concentration and toxicity equivalents (TEQ) of dioxins and furans (D/F) as part of the NOAA National Status and Trends Program. The total concentration of 17 D/F ranged from not detected to 203 pg/g wet weight of tissue. Octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin, OCDD, had a concentration range from not detected to 189 pg/g and a mean concentration of 8.65 pg/g. OCDD was the dominant D/F compound detected and accounted for, on average, over 70% of the total D/F concentration. The TEQ (compared to 2,3,7,8-TCDD) ranged from 0.12 to 7.32 pg TEQ/g. The TEQ for 39% of the bivalves analyzed were below 0.238 pg TEQ/g. TEQ above human consumption advisory concentration of 1.2 pg TEQ/g were found in 9.3% of the samples analyzed. TEQ for D/F indicate very limited human health concerns from consumption of bivalves at most of the locations sampled. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression and inhibition in uveal melanoma cell lines

PubMed Central

Logan, Patrick; Burnier, Julia; Burnier, Miguel N.

2013-01-01

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a disease that affects approximately five people per million in the United States. This disease metastasises predominantly to the liver, and treatment options following the clinical detection of these sequelae are limited. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is the primary activator of tumour angiogenesis and functions by binding to VEGF-Receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) and is often required for tumour growth beyond 2–3 mm. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of VEGF-A and the primary VEGF-R2 in three UM cell lines. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of VEGF-A inhibition on receptor activation and production of other cytokines. Finally, the effects of VEGF-A inhibition on the proliferation, migration, and invasion in the cell lines were ascertained. Materials: Three UM cell lines (92.1, OCM-1, and UW-1) were incubated with and without the addition of 100 μg/mL of bevacizumab. VEGF-A expression under both conditions was determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and phosphorylated VEGF-R2 expression was determined using western blot. The effects of VEGF-A inhibition on 20 cytokines (IL-1a, IL-2, IL-5, IL-8, IL-12p70, GM-CSF, IFNy, CCL3, MMP-9, TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, GRO, MCP-1, MIP-1b, and RANTES) were determined using a multiplex sandwich ELISA. Proliferation rates before and after treatment were evaluated via sulforhodamine B assay, and migration and invasion assays implementing the Boyden chamber technique, the latter with artificial extracellular matrix, were used to assess their respective abilities. The Student’s t-test was used to compare changes in cytokine expression following VEGF-A inhibition. Analysis of variance was used to compare changes in the functional abilities of three uveal melanoma cell lines following VEGF-A inhibition. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All three cell lines produced copious amounts of VEGF-A in culture (92.1, 11785.5 ± 231.8 pg/μL; OCM-1, 4608.0 ± 324.0 pg/μL; UW-1, 8309.3 ± 634.5 pg/μL), which was reduced to undetectable levels following the administration of bevacizumab (P< 0.05). Similarly, detectable phosphorylated VEGF-R2 was present in all cells, which was reduced significantly in all cell lines following bevacizumab treatment (107525.2 ± 8602.0 versus 1024.5 ± 98.2, 46587.3 ± 4192.9 versus 12821.1 ± 1666.7, and 60394.3 ± 4026.4 versus 6908.2 ± 607.2; 92.1, OCM-1, and UW-1, respectively; P< 0.05). Of the cytokines investigated, only MMP-9 and CCL3 were ubiquitously altered across all three cell lines following bevacizumab treatment; they were upregulated (CCL3: 1072.50 ± 18.77 pg/mL versus 1281.00 ± 72.34 pg/mL; 22.5 ± 7.85 pg/mL versus 62.00 ± 9.16 pg/mL; 20.33 ± 6.35 pg/mL versus 35.00 ± 6.22 pg/mL; control versus bevacizumab; MMP-9: 25.50 ± 5.47 pg/mL versus 88.25 ± 13.38 pg/mL; 19.75 ± 4.14 pg/mL versus 45.25 ± 8.36 pg/mL; 3.25 ± 1.09 pg/mL versus 19.25 ± 3.77 pg/mL; control versus bevacizumab; 92.1, OCM-1, and UW-1, respectively; P< 0.05). Bevacizumab significantly reduced the proliferation of one cell line (92.1: 0.405 ± 0.012 versus 0.509 ± 0.033; bevacizumab versus control; values OD; P< 0.05), the migration of two cell lines (92.1: 0.071 ± 0.003 versus 0.115 ± 0.003; OCM-1: 0.049 ± 0.005 versus 0.117 ± 0.014; bevacizumab versus control; values OD; P< 0.05), and did not significantly affect invasion. Conclusion: Despite the significant reduction in phosphorylated VEGF-R2 levels, bevacizumab did not have a dramatic impact on the functional abilities of the three UM cell lines studied. Our results indicate that compensatory mechanisms, such as the upregulation of MMP-9 and CCL-3, following bevacizumab administration may mitigate its effects on these abilities. PMID:23914254

Monitoring Procalcitonin in Febrile Neutropenia: What Is Its Utility for Initial Diagnosis of Infection and Reassessment in Persistent Fever?

PubMed Central

Bally, Frank; Knaup, Marlies; Calandra, Thierry; Marchetti, Oscar

2011-01-01

Background Management of febrile neutropenic episodes (FE) is challenged by lacking microbiological and clinical documentation of infection. We aimed at evaluating the utility of monitoring blood procalcitonin (PCT) in FE for initial diagnosis of infection and reassessment in persistent fever. Methods PCT kinetics was prospectively monitored in 194 consecutive FE (1771 blood samples): 65 microbiologically documented infections (MDI, 33.5%; 49 due to non-coagulase-negative staphylococci, non-CNS), 68 clinically documented infections (CDI, 35%; 39 deep-seated), and 61 fever of unexplained origin (FUO, 31.5%). Results At fever onset median PCT was 190 pg/mL (range 30–26'800), without significant difference among MDI, CDI and FUO. PCT peak occurred on day 2 after onset of fever: non-CNS-MDI/deep-seated-CDI (656, 80–86350) vs. FUO (205, 33–771; p<0.001). PCT >500 pg/mL distinguished non-CNS-MDI/deep-seated-CDI from FUO with 56% sensitivity and 90% specificity. PCT was >500 pg/ml in only 10% of FUO (688, 570–771). A PCT peak >500 pg/mL (1196, 524–11950) occurred beyond 3 days of persistent fever in 17/21 (81%) invasive fungal diseases (IFD). This late PCT peak identified IFD with 81% sensitivity and 57% specificity and preceded diagnosis according to EORTC-MSG criteria in 41% of cases. In IFD responding to therapy, median days to PCT <500 pg/mL and defervescence were 5 (1–23) vs. 10 (3–22; p = 0.026), respectively. Conclusion While procalcitonin is not useful for diagnosis of infection at onset of neutropenic fever, it may help to distinguish a minority of potentially severe infections among FUOs on day 2 after onset of fever. In persistent fever monitoring procalcitonin contributes to early diagnosis and follow-up of invasive mycoses. PMID:21541027

Monitoring procalcitonin in febrile neutropenia: what is its utility for initial diagnosis of infection and reassessment in persistent fever?

PubMed

Robinson, James Owen; Lamoth, Frédéric; Bally, Frank; Knaup, Marlies; Calandra, Thierry; Marchetti, Oscar

2011-04-25

Management of febrile neutropenic episodes (FE) is challenged by lacking microbiological and clinical documentation of infection. We aimed at evaluating the utility of monitoring blood procalcitonin (PCT) in FE for initial diagnosis of infection and reassessment in persistent fever. PCT kinetics was prospectively monitored in 194 consecutive FE (1771 blood samples): 65 microbiologically documented infections (MDI, 33.5%; 49 due to non-coagulase-negative staphylococci, non-CNS), 68 clinically documented infections (CDI, 35%; 39 deep-seated), and 61 fever of unexplained origin (FUO, 31.5%). At fever onset median PCT was 190 pg/mL (range 30-26'800), without significant difference among MDI, CDI and FUO. PCT peak occurred on day 2 after onset of fever: non-CNS-MDI/deep-seated-CDI (656, 80-86350) vs. FUO (205, 33-771; p<0.001). PCT >500 pg/mL distinguished non-CNS-MDI/deep-seated-CDI from FUO with 56% sensitivity and 90% specificity. PCT was >500 pg/ml in only 10% of FUO (688, 570-771). A PCT peak >500 pg/mL (1196, 524-11950) occurred beyond 3 days of persistent fever in 17/21 (81%) invasive fungal diseases (IFD). This late PCT peak identified IFD with 81% sensitivity and 57% specificity and preceded diagnosis according to EORTC-MSG criteria in 41% of cases. In IFD responding to therapy, median days to PCT <500 pg/mL and defervescence were 5 (1-23) vs. 10 (3-22; p = 0.026), respectively. While procalcitonin is not useful for diagnosis of infection at onset of neutropenic fever, it may help to distinguish a minority of potentially severe infections among FUOs on day 2 after onset of fever. In persistent fever monitoring procalcitonin contributes to early diagnosis and follow-up of invasive mycoses.

A comparison using Faraday cups with 1013 Ω amplifiers and a secondary electron multiplier to measure Os isotopes by negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, G. Q.; Xu, J. F.

2017-12-01

According to the Johnson-Nyquist noise equation, the value of electron noise is proportional to the square root of the resistor value. This ralationship gives a theoretical improvement of in the signal/noise ratio by going from 1011 Ω to 1013 Ω amplifiers for Faraday detection in thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). We measured Os isotopes using static Faraday cups with 1013 Ω amplifiers in a negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (NTIMS) and compared the results with those obtained with 1011 Ω amplifiers and by peak hopping on a single secondary electron multiplier (SEM). We analysed large loads of Os (1 μg) at a range of intensities of 187OsO3 (0.02 - 10 mV) in addition to small loads of Os (5 - 500 pg) to compare the results of the three methods. Using 1013 Ω amplifiers, the long time reproducibility determined from Merck Os was 187Os/188Os = 0.1211 ±0.0086 and 0.120229 ±0.000034 at 0.02 mV and 10 mV of 187OsO3 intensities. Meanwhile, the analysed JMC Os loading 5 and 500 pg showed 187Os/188Os = 0.10669 ±0.00036 and 0.106807 ± 0.000023. In comparison, the values measured by SEM were 187Os/188Os = 0.10704 ± 0.00056 and 0.10690 ± 0.00013. All errors are in 2 SD. Both the accuracy and precision analysed using the 1013 Ω amplifiers and SEM are identical when the Os amounts are within 10 - 50 pg. However, the former analysis time can be shortened by approximately 2/3. SEM measurement is still the most precise method for Os amounts 10 pg, but the analyses of 1013 Ω amplifiers suggest they are significantly better than SEM for Os amounts > 50 pg.

Factors determining extreme brain natriuretic peptide elevation.

PubMed

Guglin, Maya; Hourani, Rayan; Pitta, Sridevi

2007-01-01

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is elevated in heart failure and reflects its severity. It is unknown why some patients have extremely high BNP levels. The authors retrospectively reviewed data on 179 consecutive patients whose BNP levels fell within one of several predetermined ranges: mild elevation, 500 to 1000 pg/mL (n=82); moderate elevation, 2000 to 3000 pg/mL (n=48); and high elevation, 4000 to 20,000 pg/mL (n=49). The statistical analysis was conducted with the unpaired t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Adjustments were made for age, sex, and serum creatinine level. Patients with moderate BNP elevation were more symptomatic and had more advanced structural and hemodynamic changes than did patients with lower BNP elevation. Characteristics of the high BNP level group did not differ from those of the moderate BNP level group. Serum creatinine level correlated with BNP level, but neither age nor sex did. High BNP level (4000-20,000 pg/mL) is determined more by renal dysfunction than by the severity of heart failure.

Measuring levels of biogenic amines and their metabolites in rat brain tissue using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection.

PubMed

Gu, Min-Jung; Jeon, Ji-Hyun; Oh, Myung Sook; Hong, Seon-Pyo

2016-01-01

We developed a method to detect biogenic amines and their metabolites in rat brain tissue using simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatography and a photodiode array detection. Measurements were made using a Hypersil Gold C-18 column (250 × 2.1 mm, 5 µm). The mobile phase was 5 mM perchloric acid containing 5 % acetonitrile. The correlation coefficient was 0.9995-0.9999. LODs (S/N = 3) and LOQs (S/N = 10) were as follows: dopamine 0.4 and 1.3 pg, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid 8.4 and 28.0 pg, serotonin 0.4 and 1.3 pg, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid 3.4 and 11.3 pg, and homovanillic acid 8.4 and 28.0 pg. This method does not require derivatization steps, and is more sensitive than the widely used HPLC-UV method.

Heart failure in patients with aortic stenosis: clinical and prognostic significance of carbohydrate antigen 125 and brain natriuretic peptide measurement.

PubMed

Antonini-Canterin, Francesco; Popescu, Bogdan A; Popescu, Andreea C; Beladan, Carmen C; Korcova, Renata; Piazza, Rita; Cappelletti, Piero; Rubin, Daniela; Cassin, Matteo; Faggiano, Pompilio; Nicolosi, Gian Luigi

2008-08-29

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is related to symptomatic status and outcome in aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) demonstrated recently a BNP-like behaviour in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) but has never been studied in AS patients. We aimed to assess the role of CA125 and BNP in AS patients. CA125 and BNP blood levels, transthoracic echocardiography and independent evaluation of CHF symptoms were obtained in 64 consecutive patients (76+/-9 years; 35 males) with AS (valve area 0.9+/-0.3 cm(2)). A pre-specified combined end-point consisting of cardiac mortality, urgent aortic valve replacement and hospitalization for CHF was considered. The median follow-up was 8 months (interquartile range 4.5-10 months). Both CA125 and BNP have accurately identified patients with III-IV NYHA class: area under the ROC curve was 0.85 for CA125 and 0.78 for BNP (best cut-offs of 10.3 U/mL and 254.64 pg/mL respectively) and were independently correlated to left ventricular ejection fraction. Fifty-two percent of patients with CA125>or=10.3 U/mL vs. 13% with CA125<10.3 U/mL (p<0.01) and 65% patients with BNP>or=254 pg/mL vs. 7% with BNP<254 pg/mL (p<0.001) have reached the end-point. Both CA125 and BNP levels are significantly correlated with NYHA class and outcome in patients with AS. CA125 blood level assessment (less expensive) may improve the clinical management in this setting.

Assessing levels and seasonal variations of current-use pesticides (CUPs) in the Tuscan atmosphere, Italy, using polyurethane foam disks (PUF) passive air samplers.

PubMed

Estellano, Victor H; Pozo, Karla; Efstathiou, Christos; Pozo, Katerine; Corsolini, Simonetta; Focardi, Silvano

2015-10-01

Polyurethane foam disks (PUF) passive air samplers (PAS) were deployed over 4 sampling periods of 3-5-months (≥ 1 year) at ten urban and rural locations throughout the Tuscany Region. The purpose was to assess the occurrence and seasonal variations of ten current-use pesticides (CUPs). PUF disk extracts were analyzed using GC-MS. The organophosphates insecticides; chlorpyrifos (3-580 pg m(-3)) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (below detection limit - to 570 pg m(-3)) presented the highest levels in air, and showed seasonal fluctuation coinciding with the growing seasons. The relative proportion urban/(urban + rural) ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 showing no differences between urban and rural concentrations. Air back trajectories analysis showed air masses passing over agricultural fields and potentially enhancing the drift of pesticides into the urban sites. This study represents the first information regarding CUPs in the atmosphere of Tuscany region using PAS-PUF disk. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Field information links permafrost carbon to physical vulnerabilities of thawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harden, Jennifer W.; Koven, Charles D.; Ping, Chien-Lu; Hugelius, Gustaf; David McGuire, A.; Camill, Phillip; Jorgenson, Torre; Kuhry, Peter; Michaelson, Gary J.; O'Donnell, Jonathan A.; Schuur, Edward A. G.; Tarnocai, Charles; Johnson, Kristopher; Grosse, Guido

2012-08-01

Deep soil profiles containing permafrost (Gelisols) were characterized for organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) stocks to 3 m depths. Using the Community Climate System Model (CCSM4) we calculate cumulative distributions of active layer thickness (ALT) under current and future climates. The difference in cumulative ALT distributions over time was multiplied by C and N contents of soil horizons in Gelisol suborders to calculate newly thawed C and N. Thawing ranged from 147 PgC with 10 PgN by 2050 (representative concentration pathway RCP scenario 4.5) to 436 PgC with 29 PgN by 2100 (RCP 8.5). Organic horizons that thaw are vulnerable to combustion, and all horizon types are vulnerable to shifts in hydrology and decomposition. The rates and extent of such losses are unknown and can be further constrained by linking field and modelling approaches. These changes have the potential for strong additional loading to our atmosphere, water resources, and ecosystems.

Field information links permafrost carbon to physical vulnerabilities of thawing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harden, Jennifer W.; Koven, Charles; Ping, Chien-Lu; Hugelius, Gustaf; McGuire, A. David; Camill, P.; Jorgenson, Torre; Kuhry, Peter; Michaelson, Gary; O'Donnell, Jonathan A.; Schuur, Edward A.G.; Tamocai, Charles; Johnson, Kevin; Grosse, G.

2012-01-01

Deep soil profiles containing permafrost (Gelisols) were characterized for organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) stocks to 3m depths. Using the Community Climate System Model (CCSM4) we calculate cumulative probability functions (PDFs) for active layer depths under current and future climates. The difference in PDFs over time was multiplied by C and N contents of soil horizons in Gelisol suborders to calculate newly thawed C and N, Thawing ranged from 147 PgC with 10 PgN by 2050 (representative concentration pathway RCP scenario 4.5) to 436 PgC with 29 PgN by 2100 (RCP 8.5). Organic horizons that thaw are vulnerable to combustion, and all horizon types are vulnerable to shifts in hydrology and decomposition. The rates and extent of such losses are unknown and can be further constrained by linking field and modelling approaches. These changes have the potential for strong additional loading to our atmosphere, water resources, and ecosystems.

Evaluation of the release of dioxins and PCBs during kiln-firing of ball clay.

PubMed

Broadwater, Kendra; Meeker, John D; Luksemburg, William; Maier, Martha; Garabrant, David; Demond, Avery; Franzblau, Alfred

2014-01-01

Ball clay is known to be naturally contaminated with high levels of polychlorinated di-benzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs). This study evaluated the potential for PCDD, polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) release during the kiln firing of ball clay in an art studio. Toxic equivalence (TEQ) were calculated using World Health Organization (WHO) 2005 toxic equivalence factors (TEF) and congener concentrations. Ten bags of commercial ball clay were found to have an average TEQ of 1,370 nanograms/kilogram (ng kg(-1)) dry weight (dw), almost exclusively due to PCDDs (99.98% of TEQ). After firing, none of the 29 dioxin-like analytes was measured above the limits of detection (LOD) in the clay samples. Air samples were taken during firings using both low-flow and high-flow air samplers. Few low-flow air samples contained measurable levels of dioxin congeners above the LOD. The mean TEQ in the high volume air samples ranged from 0.07 pg m(-3) to 0.21 pg m(-3) when firing ball clay, and was 0.11 pg m(-3) when no clay was fired. These concentrations are within the range measured in typical residences and well-controlled industrial settings. The congener profiles in the high-flow air samples differed from the unfired clay; the air samples had a considerable contribution to the TEQ from PCDFs and PCBs. Given that the TEQs of all air samples were very low and the profiles differed from the unfired clay, it is likely that the PCDDs in dry ball clay were destroyed during kiln firing. These results suggest that inhalation of volatilized dioxins during kiln firing of dry ball clay is an unlikely source of exposure for vocational and art ceramicists. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative Study of Protein Immobilization Properties on Calixarene Monolayers

PubMed Central

Chen, Hongxia; Lee, Minsu; Choi, Sungwook; Kim, Jae-Ho; Choi, Heung-Jin; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Lee, Jeabeom; Koh, Kwangnak

2007-01-01

Three calix[4]arene (Cal-4) derivatives of which contain ethylester (1), carboxylic acid (2), and crownether (3) at the lower rim with a common reactive thiol at the upper rim were synthesized and constructed to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au films. After spectroscopic characterization of monolayers, the interaction between Cal-4 and surface confined bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the SAMs was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The estimated surface concentration of BSA on the Cal-4 SAM with crownether group was the highest among the three Cal-4 derivatives. Anti-hIgG and hIgG pair was employed for the investigation of protein-protein interaction. Molecular interaction between anti-hIgG and hIgG can be detected in a concentration range of 10 pg/mL to 200 pg/mL on the Cal-4 derivative 3 SAM modified SPR chip.

PG&E's Seismic Network Goes Digital With Strong Motion: Successes and Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanton, M. A.; Cullen, J.; McLaren, M. K.

2008-12-01

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is in year 3 of a 5-year project to upgrade the Central Coast Seismic Network (CCSN) from analog to digital. Located along the south-central California coast, the CCSN began operation in 1987, with 20 analog stations; 15 vertical component and 5 dual gain 3-component S-13 sensors. The analog signals travel over FM radio telemetry links and voice channels via PG&E's microwave network to our facility in San Francisco (SF), where the A/D conversion is performed on a computer running Earthworm v7.1, which also transmits the data to the USGS in Menlo Park. At the conversion point the dynamic ranges of the vertical and dual-gain sensors are 40-50dB and 60-70dB, respectively. Dynamic range exceedance (data clipping) generally occurs for a M2.5 or greater event within about 40 km of a station. The motivations to upgrade the seismic network were the need for higher dynamic range and to retire obsolete analog transmission equipment. The upgraded digital stations consist of the existing velocity sensors, a 131A-02/3 accelerometer and a Reftek 130-01 Broadband Seismic Recorder for digital data recording and transmission to SF. Vertical only stations have one component of velocity and 3 components of acceleration. Dual gain sites have 3 components of velocity and 3 of acceleration. To date we have successfully upgraded 6 sites; 3 more will be installed by the end of 2008. Some of the advantages of going digital are 1) data is recorded at each site and in SF, 2) substantially increased dynamic range of the velocity sensors to 120dB, as observed by on scale, close-by recordings from a M3.9 San Simeon aftershock on 04/29/2008, 3) accelerometers for on scale recording of large earthquakes, and 4) ability to contribute our strong motion data to USGS ShakeMaps. A significant challenge has been consistent radio communications. To resolve this issue we are installing point-to-multipoint Motorola Canopy spread spectrum radios at the stations and communication towers.

Global distribution of soil organic carbon, based on the Harmonized World Soil Database - Part 1: Masses and frequency distribution of SOC stocks for the tropics, permafrost regions, wetlands, and the world

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köchy, M.; Hiederer, R.; Freibauer, A.

2014-09-01

The global soil organic carbon (SOC) mass is relevant for the carbon cycle budget. We review current estimates of soil organic carbon stocks (mass/area) and mass (stock × area) in wetlands, permafrost and tropical regions and the world in the upper 1 m of soil. The Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD) v.1.2 provides one of the most recent and coherent global data sets of SOC, giving a total mass of 2476 Pg. Correcting the HWSD's bulk density of organic soils, especially Histosols, results in a mass of 1062 Pg. The uncertainty of bulk density of Histosols alone introduces a range of -56 to +180 Pg for the estimate of global SOC in the top 1 m, larger than estimates of global soil respiration. We report the spatial distribution of SOC stocks per 0.5 arc minutes, the areal masses of SOC and the quantiles of SOC stocks by continents, wetland types, and permafrost types. Depending on the definition of "wetland", wetland soils contain between 82 and 158 Pg SOC. Incorporating more detailed estimates for permafrost from the Northern Circumpolar Soil Carbon Data Base (496 Pg SOC) and tropical peatland carbon, global soils contain 1324 Pg SOC in the upper 1 m including 421 Pg in tropical soils, whereof 40 Pg occur in tropical wetlands. Global SOC amounts to just under 3000 Pg when estimates for deeper soil layers are included. Variability in estimates is due to variation in definitions of soil units, differences in soil property databases, scarcity of information about soil carbon at depths > 1 m in peatlands, and variation in definitions of "peatland".

Purification and partial characterization of an exo-polygalacturonase from Paecilomyces variotii liquid cultures.

PubMed

de Lima Damásio, Andre Ricardo; da Silva, Tony Márcio; Maller, Alexandre; Jorge, João Atílio; Terenzi, Hector Francisco; Polizeli, Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes

2010-03-01

An extracellular polygalacturonase (PG) produced from Paecilomyces variotii was purified to homogeneity through two chromatography steps using DEAE-Fractogel and Sephadex G-100. The molecular weight of P. variotii PG was 77,300 Da by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE. PG had isoelectric point of 4.37 and optimum pH 4.0. PG was very stable from pH 3.0 to 6.0. The extent of hydrolysis of different pectins by the purified enzyme was decreased with an increase in the degree of esterification. PG had no activity toward non-pectic polysaccharides. The apparent K(m) and V(max) values for hydrolyzing sodium polypectate were 1.84 mg/mL and 432 micromol/min/mg, respectively. PG was found to have temperature optimum at 65 degrees Celsius and was totally stable at 45 degrees Celsius for 90 min. Half-life at 55 degrees Celsius was 50.6 min. Almost all the examined metal cations showed partial inhibitory effects under enzymatic activity, except for Na(+1), K(+1), and Co(+2) (1 mM) and Cu(+2) (1 and 10 mM).

PCDD/Fs atmospheric deposition fluxes and soil contamination close to a municipal solid waste incinerator.

PubMed

Vassura, Ivano; Passarini, Fabrizio; Ferroni, Laura; Bernardi, Elena; Morselli, Luciano

2011-05-01

Bulk depositions and surface soil were collected in a suburban area, near the Adriatic Sea, in order to assess the contribution of a municipal solid waste incinerator to the area's total contamination with polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDDs and PCDFs). Samples were collected at two sites, situated in the area most affected by plant emissions (according to the results of the Calpuff air dispersion model), and at an external site, considered as a reference. Results show that the studied area is subject to low contamination, as far as these compounds are concerned. Deposition fluxes range from 14.3 pg m(-2)d(-1) to 89.9 pg m(-2)d(-1) (0.75 pg-TEQ m(-2)d(-1) to 3.73 pg-TEQ m(-2)d(-1)) and no significant flow differences are observed among the three monitored sites. Total soil concentration amounts to 93.8 ng kg(-1) d.w. and 1.35 ng-TEQ kg(-1)d.w, on average, and confirms a strong homogeneity in the studied area. Furthermore, from 2006 to 2009, no PCDD/Fs enrichment in the soil was noticed. Comparing the relative congener distributions in environmental samples with those found in stack emissions from the incineration plant, significant differences are observed in the PCDD:PCDF ratio and in the contribution of the most chlorinated congeners. From this study we can conclude that the incineration plant is not the main source of PCDD/Fs in the studied area, which is apparently characterized by a homogeneous and widespread contamination situation, typical of an urban area. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and cycling of atmospheric mercury along the central US Gulf Coast

USGS Publications Warehouse

Engle, M.A.; Tate, M.T.; Krabbenhoft, D.P.; Kolker, A.; Olson, M.L.; Edgerton, E.S.; DeWild, J.F.; McPherson, A.K.

2008-01-01

Concentrations of atmospheric Hg species, elemental Hg (Hg{ring operator}), reactive gaseous Hg (RGM), and fine particulate Hg (Hg-PM2.5) were measured at a coastal site near Weeks Bay, Alabama from April to August, 2005 and January to May, 2006. Mean concentrations of the species were 1.6 ?? 0.3 ng m-3, 4.0 ?? 7.5 pg m-3 and 2.7 ?? 3.4 pg m-3, respectively. A strong diel pattern was observed for RGM (midday maximum concentrations were up to 92.7 pg m-3), but not for Hg{ring operator} or Hg-PM2.5. Elevated RGM concentrations (>25 pg m-3) in April and May of 2005 correlated with elevated average daytime O3 concentrations (>55 ppbv) and high light intensity (>500 W m-2). These conditions generally corresponded with mixed continental-Gulf and exclusively continental air mass trajectories. Generally lower, but still elevated, RGM peaks observed in August, 2005 and January-March, 2006 correlated significantly (p 2.5 ??m). A potential source of the large fraction of coarse particulate Hg in the study area is sequestration of RGM within sea salt aerosols. The presence of rapidly depositing RGM and coarse particulate Hg may be important sources of Hg input along the Gulf Coast. However, the impact of these species on deposition rates is yet to be determined. ?? 2008.

Pyrogallol, an absorbable microbial gallotannins-metabolite and mango polyphenols (Mangifera Indica L.) suppress breast cancer ductal carcinoma in situ proliferation in vitro.

PubMed

Nemec, Matthew J; Kim, Hyemee; Marciante, Alexandria B; Barnes, Ryan C; Talcott, Stephen T; Mertens-Talcott, Susanne U

2016-09-14

Mango is rich in bioactive absorbable polyphenols, but also contains considerable amounts of unabsorbable gallotannins at varying degrees of polymerization. Gallotannins are not absorbable upon consumption and have rarely been considered in the discussion of health benefits of polyphenols. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the anti-proliferative activities of the major microbial metabolite of gallotannins, pyrogallol (PG) and a low molecular weight fraction of mango (Mangifera Indica L.) polyphenols (ML) and involved pathways including the AKT/mTOR signaling axis in an in situ breast cancer cell line, MCF10DCIS.COM. Fluorouracil (5-FU), a widely used genotoxic cancer therapeutic, was used a positive control and in combination with ML and PG to assess potential interactions. Concentrations that were non-cytotoxic in non-cancer cells were identified in non-cancer mammary fibroblasts (MCF-12F) and only non-cytotoxic dietarily relevant concentrations were selected for the investigation in MCF10DCIS.COM cancer cells. In addition to proliferation and viability, mRNA and expression of total and phosphorylated protein were investigated. Results show that both, ML and PG significantly reduced proliferation in MCF10DCIS.COM, but did not significantly reduce viability following a 48 h exposure. ML significantly reduced mRNA expression of mTOR and HIF-1α, while PG significantly reduced mRNA of IGF-1R, AKT, mTOR and HIF-1α. ML and PG reduced total protein expression of IGF-1R, IR, AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K. In addition, PG reduced IRS protein. Both treatments also had an effect on phosphorylated protein levels, with PG significantly reducing IGF-1R, AKT, and P70S6K levels. ML had a similar effect and significantly decreased IR, AKT, and P70S6K phosphorylation levels. Within the low concentration-range, ML and PG did not interact with the cytotoxic activities of 5-FU. Overall, the AKT/mTOR signaling axis appears to be implicated as causal in decreased proliferation induced by diet-relevant concentrations of ML and PG.

A novel electrochemical immunosensor based on PG for early screening of depression markers-heat shock protein 70.

PubMed

Sun, Bolu; Cai, Jinying; Li, Wuyan; Gou, Xiaodan; Gou, Yuqiang; Li, Dai; Hu, Fangdi

2018-07-15

In this study, a novel electrochemical immunosensor for early screening of depression markers-heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was successfully developed based on the porous graphene (PG) with huge specific surface area and excellent structure. Benefiting from the strong adsorption and good bioactivity of PG which was initially prepared via a simple pyrolysis process, a variety of heat shock protein70 (HSP70) can be firmly loaded on the PG to construct the basic electrode (HSP70/PG/GCE)，which was characterized by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. Due to the HSP70 fixed on the surface of basic electrode and the HSP70 in the samples can competitively combine with the horseradish peroxidase labeled human HSP 70 antibody (HRP-Strept-Biotin-Ab). As a result, it presented a negative correlation between the concentration of HSP70 in samples and the detection signal of the proposed electrochemical immunosensor (HRP-Strept-Biotin-Ab-HSP70/PG/GCE) in the test liquid. The application of PG with excellent electrical conductivity in construction of immunosensor remarkably improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor for detection of HSP70. The proposed immunosensor demonstrated a wide linear range of 0.0448 ~ 100 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.02 ng/mL at 3σ. Moreover, the proposed immunosensor could be applied for the sensitive and efficient detection of HSP70 in real samples with good precision, acceptable stability, reproducibility and satisfactory results. Therefore, the HSP70 immunosensor provides a novel and convenient method for early clinical screening of depression markers-heat shock protein 70. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma MIC-1 correlates with systemic inflammation but is not an independent determinant of nutritional status or survival in oesophago-gastric cancer.

PubMed

Skipworth, R J E; Deans, D A C; Tan, B H L; Sangster, K; Paterson-Brown, S; Brown, D A; Hunter, M; Breit, S N; Ross, J A; Fearon, K C H

2010-02-16

Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1(MIC-1) is a potential modulator of systemic inflammation and nutritional depletion, both of which are adverse prognostic factors in oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC). Plasma MIC-1, systemic inflammation (defined as plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) of > or =10 mg l(-1) or modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) of > or =1), and nutritional status were assessed in newly diagnosed OGC patients (n=293). Healthy volunteers (n=35) served as controls. MIC-1 was elevated in patients (median=1371 pg ml(-1); range 141-39 053) when compared with controls (median=377 pg ml(-1); range 141-3786; P<0.001). Patients with gastric tumours (median=1592 pg ml(-1); range 141-12 643) showed higher MIC-1 concentrations than patients with junctional (median=1337 pg ml(-1); range 383-39 053) and oesophageal tumours (median=1180 pg ml(-1); range 258-31 184; P=0.015). Patients showed a median weight loss of 6.4% (range 0.0-33.4%), and 42% of patients had an mGPS of > or =1 or plasma CRP of > or =10 mg l(-1) (median=9 mg l(-1); range 1-200). MIC-1 correlated positively with disease stage (r(2)=0.217; P<0.001), age (r(2)=0.332; P<0.001), CRP (r(2)=0.314; P<0.001), and mGPS (r(2)=0.336; P<0.001), and negatively with Karnofsky Performance Score (r(2)=-0.269; P<0.001). However, although MIC-1 correlated weakly with dietary intake (r(2)=0.157; P=0.031), it did not correlate with weight loss, BMI, or anthropometry. Patients with MIC-1 levels in the upper quartile showed reduced survival (median=204 days; 95% CI 157-251) when compared with patients with MIC-1 levels in the lower three quartiles (median=316 days; 95% CI 259-373; P=0.036), but MIC-1 was not an independent prognostic indicator. There is no independent link between plasma MIC-1 levels and depleted nutritional status or survival in OGC.

Polyhydroquinone-graphene composite as new redox species for sensitive electrochemical detection of cytokeratins antigen 21-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huiqiang; Rong, Qinfeng; Ma, Zhanfang

2016-07-01

Polyhydroquinone-graphene composite as a new redox species was synthesized simply by a microwave-assisted one-pot method through oxidative polymerization of hydroquinone by graphene oxide, which exhibited excellent electrochemical redox activity at 0.124 V and can remarkably promote electron transfer. The as-prepared composite was used as immunosensing substrate in a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of cytokeratins antigen 21-1, a kind of biomarker of lung cancer. The proposed immunosensor showed wide liner range from 10 pg mL-1 to 200 ng mL-1 with a detection limit 2.3 pg mL-1, and displayed a good stability and selectivity. In addition, this method has been used for the analysis of human serum sample, and the detection results showed good consistence with those of ELISA. The present substrate can be easily extended to other polymer-based nanocomposites.

Buprenorphine and nor-buprenorphine levels in head hair samples from former heroin users under Suboxone® treatment.

PubMed

Belivanis, Stamatis; Tzatzarakis, Manolis N; Vakonaki, Elena; Kovatsi, Leda; Mantsi, Mary; Alegakis, Athanasios; Kavvalakis, Matthaios P; Vynias, Dionisios; Tsatsakis, Aristidis M

2014-06-01

In the current study, buprenorphine (BUP) and its major metabolite, nor-buprenorphine (NBUP), were determined in hair samples from former heroin users following Suboxone® treatment. Hair samples from 36 subjects were analyzed. The drugs of interest were isolated from hair by solid-liquid extraction with methanol and were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, using an electrospray ionization interface. The analytical parameters of the method (such as linearity, limits of quantification, recovery, accuracy, and precision) were determined. The inter-quartile range of BUP levels was from 11.4 to 37.4 pg/mg (mean value 56.6 pg/mg) for the proximal hair segment, from 5.8 to 43.3 pg/mg for the middle hair segment (mean value 25.3 pg/mg), while a range from 4.3 to 33.9 pg/mg (mean value 105.2 pg/mg) for the distant to the root hair segment was determined. For NBUP the corresponding inter-quartile range was from 27.0 to 147.6 for the proximal segment (mean value 95.4 pg/mg), from 21.5 to 164.7 pg/mg for the middle segment (mean value 102.0 pg/mg) and from 20.4 to 103.6 pg/mg for the distant segment (mean value 156.8 pg/mg). The mean BUP/NBUP concentration ratio was 0.5. The daily dose of Suboxone® correlated significantly with BUP and NBUP levels in hair (p = 0.001 and p = 0.023) as well as with the BUP/NBUP ratio (p = 0.010). No significant correlation was found between the levels of BUP and NBUP and the duration of Suboxone® administration. The developed and validated method was successfully used for the determination of BUP and NBUP in hair samples collected from former heroin users under Suboxone® treatment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Decrease in B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Successful Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heart Failure.

PubMed

Yanagisawa, Satoshi; Inden, Yasuya; Kato, Hiroyuki; Fujii, Aya; Mizutani, Yoshiaki; Ito, Tadahiro; Kamikubo, Yosuke; Kanzaki, Yasunori; Hirai, Makoto; Murohara, Toyoaki

2016-03-01

Little is known about the association between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure. This study aimed to examine the impact of elimination of AF by catheter ablation on BNP levels in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Fifty-four AF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50%, who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy of AF, were included. BNP sampling was performed at baseline, 3 days, and 1 month after ablation. After a follow-up period of 6 months, the BNP levels decreased significantly in the nonrecurrence group (n = 35; median 126.3 [interquartile 57.2-206.5] pg/mL, 63.5 [23.9-180.2] pg/mL, and 45.9 [21.9-160.3] pg/mL, P < 0.001, respectively), but not in the recurrence group (n = 19; 144.7 [87.1-217.3] pg/mL, 88.8 [12.9-213.2] pg/mL, and 118.5 [51.6-298.2] pg/mL, P = 0.368, respectively). The patients in the nonrecurrence group had a higher percentage relative reduction in BNP levels from baseline to 1 month after ablation than those in the recurrence group (56.5 [-9.0-77.4]% vs -2.4 [-47.1-60.9]%, P = 0.027). Additionally, a relative reduction in BNP levels significantly correlated with an increase in LVEF after ablation (r = 0.486, P < 0.001). Plasma BNP levels decreased significantly with successful catheter ablation of AF in patients with impaired LVEF. The decrease in BNP levels might be associated with early recovery of cardiac function and subsequent maintenance of sinus rhythm at follow-up. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electrochemical dopamine sensor based on P-doped graphene: Highly active metal-free catalyst and metal catalyst support.

PubMed

Chu, Ke; Wang, Fan; Zhao, Xiao-Lin; Wang, Xin-Wei; Tian, Ye

2017-12-01

Heteroatom doping is an effective strategy to enhance the catalytic activity of graphene and its hybrid materials. Despite a growing interest of P-doped graphene (P-G) in energy storage/generation applications, P-G has rarely been investigated for electrochemical sensing. Herein, we reported the employment of P-G as both metal-free catalyst and metal catalyst support for electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA). As a metal-free catalyst, P-G exhibited prominent DA sensing performances due to the important role of P doping in improving the electrocatalytic activity of graphene toward DA oxidation. Furthermore, P-G could be an efficient supporting material for loading Au nanoparticles, and resulting Au/P-G hybrid showed a dramatically enhanced electrocatalytic activity and extraordinary sensing performances with a wide linear range of 0.1-180μM and a low detection limit of 0.002μM. All these results demonstrated that P-G might be a very promising electrode material for electrochemical sensor applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Establishment of sandwich ELISA for soluble alpha-Klotho measurement: Age-dependent change of soluble alpha-Klotho levels in healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Yamazaki, Yuji; Imura, Akihiro; Urakawa, Itaru; Shimada, Takashi; Murakami, Junko; Aono, Yukiko; Hasegawa, Hisashi; Yamashita, Takeyoshi; Nakatani, Kimihiko; Saito, Yoshihiko; Okamoto, Nozomi; Kurumatani, Norio; Namba, Noriyuki; Kitaoka, Taichi; Ozono, Keiichi; Sakai, Tomoyuki; Hataya, Hiroshi; Ichikawa, Shoji; Imel, Erik A.; Econs, Michael J.; Nabeshima, Yo-ichi

2014-01-01

Background α-Klotho (αKl) regulates mineral metabolism such as calcium ion (Ca2+) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in circulation. Defects in mice result in clinical features resembling disorders found in human aging. Although the importance of transmembrane-type αKl has been demonstrated, less is known regarding the physiological importance of soluble-type αKl (sαKl) in circulation. Objectives The aims of this study were: 1) to establish a sandwich ELISA system enabling detection of circulating serum sαKl, and 2) to determine reference values for sαKl serum levels and relationship to indices of renal function, mineral metabolism, age and sex in healthy subjects. Results We successively developed an ELISA to measure serum sαKl in healthy volunteers (n=142, males 66) of ages (61.1 ± 18.5 yr). The levels (mean ± SD) in these healthy control adults were as follows: total calcium (Ca; 9.46 ± 0.41 mg/dL), Pi (3.63 ± 0.51 mg/dL), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 15.7 ± 4.3 mg/dL), creatinine (Cre; 0.69 ± 0.14 mg/dL), 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D; 54.8 ± 17.7 pg/mL), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH; 49.2 ± 20.6 pg/mL), calcitonin (26.0 ± 12.3 pg/mL) and intact Fibroblast growth factor (FGF23; 43.8 ± 17.6 pg/mL). Serum levels of sαKl ranged from 239 to 1266 pg/mL (mean ± SD; 562 ± 146 pg/mL) in normal adults. Although sαKl levels were not modified by gender or indices of mineral metabolism, sαKl levels were inversely related to Cre and age. However, sαKl levels in normal children (n=39, males 23, mean ± SD; 7.1 ± 4.8 years) were significantly higher (mean ± SD; 952 ± 282 pg/mL) than those in adults (mean ± SD; 562 ± 146, P<0.001). A multivariate linear regression analysis including children and adults in this study demonstrated that sαKl correlated negatively with age and Ca, and positively with Pi. Finally, we measured a serum sαKl from a patient with severe tumoral calcinosis derived from a homozygous missense mutation of α-klotho gene. In this patient, sαKl level was notably lower than those of age matched controls. Conclusion We established a detection system to measure human serum sαKl for the first time. Age, Ca and Pi seem to influence serum sαKl levels in a normal population. This detection system should be an excellent tool for investigating sαKl functions in mineral metabolism. PMID:20599764

Quantitation of melatonin and n-acetylserotonin in human plasma by nanoflow LC-MS/MS and electrospray LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Carter, Melissa D; Calcutt, M Wade; Malow, Beth A; Rose, Kristie L; Hachey, David L

2012-03-01

Melatonin (MEL) and its chemical precursor N-acetylserotonin (NAS) are believed to be potential biomarkers for sleep-related disorders. Measurement of these compounds, however, has proven to be difficult due to their low circulating levels, especially that of NAS. Few methods offer the sensitivity, specificity and dynamic range needed to monitor MEL and its precursors and metabolites in small blood samples, such as those obtained from pediatric patients. In support of our ongoing study to determine the safety, tolerability and PK dosing strategies for MEL in treating insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder, two highly sensitive LC-MS/MS assays were developed for the quantitation of MEL and precursor NAS at pg/mL levels in small volumes of human plasma. A validated electrospray ionization (ESI) method was used to quantitate high levels of MEL in PK studies, and a validated nanospray (nESI) method was developed for quantitation of MEL and NAS at endogenous levels. In both assays, plasma samples were processed by centrifugal membrane dialysis after addition of stable isotopic internal standards, and the components were separated by either conventional LC using a Waters SymmetryShield RP18 column (2.1 × 100  mm, 3.5 µm) or on a polyimide-coated, fused-silica capillary self-packed with 17 cm AquaC18 (3 µm, 125 Å). Quantitation was done using the SRM transitions m/z 233 → 174 and m/z 219 → 160 for MEL and NAS, respectively. The analytical response ratio versus concentration curves were linear for MEL (nanoflow LC: 11.7-1165  pg/mL, LC: 1165-116,500  pg/mL) and for NAS (nanoflow LC: 11.0-1095  pg/mL). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Amniotic fluid angiopoietin-2 in term and preterm parturition, and intra-amniotic infection/inflammation

PubMed Central

Pacora, Percy; Romero, Roberto; Chaiworapongsa, Tinnakorn; Kusanovic, Juan Pedro; Erez, Offer; Vaisbuch, Edi; Mazaki-Tovi1, Shali; Gotsch, Francesca; Kim, Chong Jai; Than, Nandor Gabor; Yeo, Lami; Mittal1, Pooja; Hassan, Sonia S.

2012-01-01

Objective Recent observations have revealed an interaction between inflammation and angiogenesis, which may be mediated by angiopoietins and chemokines. Given the importance of inflammation in parturition, we sought to determine whether angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is present in amniotic fluid (AF) and if its concentration changes with gestational age, labor, and in intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) in patients with spontaneous preterm labor and intact membranes. Study design This cross-sectional study included 486 patients in the following groups: 1) women in the midtrimester of pregnancy (14–18 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis for genetic indications and delivered a normal neonate at term (n=52); 2) normal pregnant women at term with (n=48) and without (n=45) spontaneous labor; 3) patients with an episode of spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) and intact membranes who were classified into: a) PTL without IAI who delivered at term (n=152); b) PTL without IAI who delivered preterm (<37 weeks gestation; n=107); and c) PTL with IAI (n=82). Ang-2 concentration in AF was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Results 1) Ang-2 was detected in all AF samples; 2) the median AF Ang-2 concentration at term was significantly lower than that in the mid-trimester (1877.4 pg/mL vs. 3525.2 pg/mL; P<0.001); 3) among patients with PTL, the median AF Ang-2 concentration was significantly higher in patients with IAI than in those without IAI (4031.3 pg/mL vs. 2599.4 pg/mL; P<0.001) and those with PTL without IAI who delivered at term (4031.3 pg/mL vs. 2707.3 pg/mL; P<0.001); and 4) no significant differences were observed in the median AF Ang-2 concentration between patients with spontaneous labor at term and those at term not in labor (1722.9 pg/mL vs. 1877.4 pg/mL; P=0.6). Conclusions 1) Ang-2, a protein involved in the process of vascular remodeling, is a physiologic constituent of the amniotic fluid and its concentration decreased with advancing gestation; 2) the median Ang-2 concentration in amniotic fluid is higher in patients with IAI than in those without; and 3) spontaneous parturition at term is not associated with changes in the AF concentration of Ang-2. These findings support the view of a link between angiopoietins and inflammation. PMID:19435449

Urban-rural differences in atmospheric mercury speciation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bian; Keeler, Gerald J.; Timothy Dvonch, J.; Barres, James A.; Lynam, Mary M.; Marsik, Frank J.; Morgan, Joy Taylor

2010-05-01

Measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate mercury (Hg p), and reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) were concurrently recorded at an urban site in Detroit and a rural site in Dexter, both in Michigan for the calendar year 2004. Their average concentrations (±standard deviation) for the urban area were 2.5 ± 1.4 ng m -3, 18.1 ± 61.0 pg m -3, and 15.5 ± 54.9 pg m -3, respectively, while their rural counterparts were 1.6 ± 0.6 ng m -3, 6.1 ± 5.5 pg m -3, and 3.8 ± 6.6 pg m -3, respectively. The medians of urban-to-rural ratios of Hg concentrations indicate approximately 1-fold, 2-fold, and 3-fold gradients between Detroit and Dexter for GEM, Hg p, and RGM, respectively. The urban-rural differences in Hg also varied considerably on different temporal scales and with wind flow patterns, which was most evident in RGM. Our results show that while Hg at both sites was impacted by regional sources, meteorological conditions, and photochemical transformations, the extent of variations in the observed urban-to-rural gradients, particularly in RGM, cannot be fully accounted for by these processes. Both analyses of the annual data and case studies indicate that the more variable and episodic nature of Hg, particularly RGM, seen in Detroit compared with Dexter, was the result of direct impact from local anthropogenic sources.

PG1258+593 and its common proper motion magnetic white dwarf counterpart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girven, J.; Gänsicke, B. T.; Külebi, B.; Steeghs, D.; Jordan, S.; Marsh, T. R.; Koester, D.

2010-05-01

We confirm SDSSJ130033.48+590407.0 as a common proper motion companion to the well-studied hydrogen-atmosphere (DA) white dwarf PG1258+593 (GD322). The system lies at a distance of 68 +/- 3pc, where the angular separation of 16.1 +/- 0.1arcsec corresponds to a minimum binary separation of 1091 +/- 7au. SDSSJ1300+5904 is a cool (Teff = 6300 +/- 300K) magnetic white dwarf (B ~= 6mG). PG1258+593 is a DA white dwarf with Teff = 14790 +/- 77K and logg = 7.87 +/- 0.02. Using the white dwarf mass-radius relation implies the masses of SDSSJ1300+5904 and PG1258+593 are 0.54 +/- 0.06 and 0.54 +/- 0.01Msolar, respectively, and therefore a cooling age difference of 1.67 +/- 0.05Gyr. Adopting main-sequence lifetimes from stellar models, we derive an upper limit of 2.2Msolar for the mass of the progenitor of PG1258+593. A plausible range of initial masses is 1.4-1.8 Msolar for PG1258+593 and 2-3 Msolar for SDSSJ1300+5904. Our analysis shows that white dwarf common proper motion binaries can potentially constrain the white dwarf initial mass-final mass relation and the formation mechanism for magnetic white dwarfs. The magnetic field of SDSSJ1300+5904 is consistent with an Ap progenitor star. A common envelope origin of the system cannot be excluded, but requires a triple system as progenitor.

The Importance of Explicitly Representing Soil Carbon with Depth over the Permafrost Region in Earth System Models: Implications for Atmospheric Carbon Dynamics at Multiple Temporal Scales between 1960 and 2300.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, A. D.

2014-12-01

We conducted an assessment of changes in permafrost area and carbon storage simulated by process-based models between 1960 and 2300. The models participating in this comparison were those that had joined the model integration team of the Vulnerability of Permafrost Carbon Research Coordination Network (see http://www.biology.ufl.edu/permafrostcarbon/). Each of the models in this comparison conducted simulations over the permafrost land region in the Northern Hemisphere driven by CCSM4-simulated climate for RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Among the models, the area of permafrost (defined as the area for which active layer thickness was less than 3 m) ranged between 13.2 and 20.0 million km2. Between 1960 and 2300, models indicated the loss of permafrost area between 5.1 to 6.0 million km2 for RCP 4.5 and between 7.1 and 15.2 million km2 for RCP 8.5. Among the models, the density of soil carbon storage in 1960 ranged between 13 and 42 thousand g C m-2; models that explicitly represented carbon with depth had estimates greater than 27 thousand g C m-2. For the RCP 4.5 scenario, changes in soil carbon between 1960 and 2300 ranged between losses of 32 Pg C to gains of 58 Pg C, in which models that explicitly represent soil carbon with depth simulated losses or lower gains of soil carbon in comparison with those that did not. For the RCP 8.5 scenario, changes in soil carbon between 1960 and 2300 ranged between losses of 642 Pg C to gains of 66 Pg C, in which those models that represent soil carbon explicitly with depth all simulated losses, while those that do not all simulated gains. These results indicate that there are substantial differences in responses of carbon dynamics between model that do and do not explicitly represent soil carbon with depth in the permafrost region. We present analyses of the implications of the differences for atmospheric carbon dynamics at multiple temporal scales between 1960 and 2300.

Diagnostic performance of the (1-3)-β-D-glucan assay in patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii compared with those with candidiasis, aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and tuberculosis, and healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Son, Hyo-Ju; Sung, Heungsup; Park, Se Yoon; Kim, Taeeun; Lee, Hyun Jeong; Kim, Sun-Mi; Chong, Yong Pil; Lee, Sang-Oh; Choi, Sang-Ho; Kim, Yang Soo; Woo, Jun Hee; Kim, Sung-Han

2017-01-01

Diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) relies on microscopic visualization of P. jirovecii, or detection of Pneumocystis DNA in respiratory specimens, which involves invasive procedures such as bronchoalveolar lavage. The (1-3)-β-D-glucan (BG) assay has been proposed as a less invasive and less expensive diagnostic test to rule out PCP. We therefore compared blood levels of BG in patients with PCP with those of patients with candidemia, chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC), invasive aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and tuberculosis and those of healthy volunteers. Adult patients who were diagnosed with PCP, candidemia, CDC, invasive aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and tuberculosis whose blood samples were available, and healthy volunteers were enrolled in a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea, during a 21-month period. The blood samples were assayed with the Goldstream Fungus (1-3)-β-D-glucan test (Gold Mountain River Tech Development, Beijing, China). A total of 136 individuals including 50 patients P. jirovecii,15 candidemia, 6 CDC, 15 invasive aspergillosis, 10 mucormycosis, and 40 controls (20 TB and 20 healthy volunteers) were included. The mean±SD of the concentration of 1-3-β-D-glucan in the patients with PCP (290.08 pg/mL±199.98) were similar to those of patients with candidemia (314.14 pg/mL±205.60, p = 0.90 at an α = 0.005) and CDC (129.74 pg/mL±182.79, p = 0.03 at an α = 0.005), but higher than those of patients with invasive aspergillosis (131.62 pg/mL±161.67, p = 0.002 at an α = 0.005), mucormycosis (95.08 pg/mL±146.80, p<0.001 at an α = 0.005), and tuberculosis (103.31 pg/mL±140.81, p<0.001 at an α = 0.005) as well as healthy volunteers (101.18 pg/mL±197.52, p<0.001 at an α = 0.005). At a cut-off value > 31.25 pg/mL, which is highly sensitive for PCP versus tuberculosis plus healthy volunteers at the expense of specificity, the BG assay had a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI 81%-98%) and a specificity of 55% (95% CI 39%-71%). The BG assay appears to be a useful adjunct test for PCP.

An ultrasensitive sandwich type electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for triiodothyronine detection using silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide as a nanocarrier.

PubMed

Chou, Hung-Tao; Fu, Chien-Yu; Lee, Chi-Young; Tai, Nyan-Hwa; Chang, Hwan-You

2015-09-15

An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was constructed to detect 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3). The system employed T3-conjugated, silver nanoparticle-decorated carboxylic graphene oxide (Ag@fGO-T3) as a carrier and anti-T3 antibody-tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3(2+)) as a probe. The Ag@fGO-T3 and Ru(bpy)3(2+) complex could be mobilized rapidly to the anode in the reaction chamber through electrophoresis. The fGO is reduced electrochemically at the electrode, and the electrons could transfer from an anode to the Ru(bpy)3(2+). The complex is excited at the electrode and an ECL signal is produced upon reacting with tripropylamine (TPrA). Because of its large surface area and excellent conductivity, Ag@fGO could enhance ECL signal significantly in the system. Quantitative measurement of T3 could be achieved in the range from 0.1 pg/mL to 0.8 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.05 pg/mL. In addition, the novel immunosensor showed good specificity in the presence of serum, indicating its high potential in clinical use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on the Levels of Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and Their Value for Predicting Short-Term Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Barcelo, Antonia; Bauça, Josep Miquel; Yañez, Aina; Fueyo, Laura; Gomez, Cristina; de la Peña, Monica; Pierola, Javier; Rodriguez, Alberto; Sanchez-de-la-Torre, Manuel; Abad, Jorge; Mediano, Olga; Amilibia, Jose; Masdeu, Maria Jose; Teran, Joaquin; Montserrat, Josep Maria; Mayos, Mercè; Sanchez-de-la-Torre, Alicia; Barbé, Ferran

2016-01-01

Background Placental growth factor (PlGF) induces angiogenesis and promotes tissue repair, and plasma PlGF levels change markedly during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Currently, the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with AMI is a subject of debate. Our objective was to evaluate the relationships between PlGF levels and both the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and short-term outcomes after ACS in patients with and without OSA. Methods A total of 538 consecutive patients (312 OSA patients and 226 controls) admitted for ACS were included in this study. All patients underwent polygraphy in the first 72 hours after hospital admission. The severity of disease and short-term prognoses were evaluated during the hospitalization period. Plasma PlGF levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results Patients with OSA were significantly older and more frequently hypertensive and had higher BMIs than those without OSA. After adjusting for age, smoking status, BMI and hypertension, PlGF levels were significantly elevated in patients with OSA compared with patients without OSA (19.9 pg/mL, interquartile range: 16.6–24.5 pg/mL; 18.5 pg/mL, interquartile range: 14.7–22.7 pg/mL; p<0.001), and a higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was associated with higher PlGF concentrations (p<0.003). Patients with higher levels of PlGF had also an increased odds ratio for the presence of 3 or more diseased vessels and for a Killip score>1, even after adjustment. Conclusions The results of this study show that in patients with ACS, elevated plasma levels of PlGF are associated with the presence of OSA and with adverse outcomes during short-term follow-up. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01335087 PMID:26930634

Synthesis, properties, and biological activity of boranophosphate analogs of the mRNA cap: versatile tools for manipulation of therapeutically relevant cap-dependent processes

PubMed Central

Kowalska, Joanna; Wypijewska del Nogal, Anna; Darzynkiewicz, Zbigniew M.; Buck, Janina; Nicola, Corina; Kuhn, Andreas N.; Lukaszewicz, Maciej; Zuberek, Joanna; Strenkowska, Malwina; Ziemniak, Marcin; Maciejczyk, Maciej; Bojarska, Elzbieta; Rhoads, Robert E.; Darzynkiewicz, Edward; Sahin, Ugur; Jemielity, Jacek

2014-01-01

Modified mRNA cap analogs aid in the study of mRNA-related processes and may enable creation of novel therapeutic interventions. We report the synthesis and properties of 11 dinucleotide cap analogs bearing a single boranophosphate modification at either the α-, β- or γ-position of the 5′,5′-triphosphate chain. The compounds can potentially serve either as inhibitors of translation in cancer cells or reagents for increasing expression of therapeutic proteins in vivo from exogenous mRNAs. The BH3-analogs were tested as substrates and binding partners for two major cytoplasmic cap-binding proteins, DcpS, a decapping pyrophosphatase, and eIF4E, a translation initiation factor. The susceptibility to DcpS was different between BH3-analogs and the corresponding analogs containing S instead of BH3 (S-analogs). Depending on its placement, the boranophosphate group weakened the interaction with DcpS but stabilized the interaction with eIF4E. The first of the properties makes the BH3-analogs more stable and the second, more potent as inhibitors of protein biosynthesis. Protein expression in dendritic cells was 2.2- and 1.7-fold higher for mRNAs capped with m27,2′-OGppBH3pG D1 and m27,2′-OGppBH3pG D2, respectively, than for in vitro transcribed mRNA capped with m27,3′-OGpppG. Higher expression of cancer antigens would make mRNAs containing m27,2′-OGppBH3pG D1 and m27,2′-OGppBH3pG D2 favorable for anticancer immunization. PMID:25150148

Trends in serum relaxin concentration among elite collegiate female athletes

PubMed Central

Dragoo, Jason L; Castillo, Tiffany N; Korotkova, Tatiana A; Kennedy, Ashleigh C; Kim, Hyeon Joo; Stewart, Dennis R

2011-01-01

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between serum relaxin concentration (SRC) and menstrual history and hormonal contraceptive use among elite collegiate female athletes. Evaluation of SRC in athletes is necessary, because relaxin has been associated with increased knee joint laxity and decreased anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) strength in animal models. Methods: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes participating in sports at high risk for ACL tears – basketball, field hockey, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball – were invited to participate. All participants completed a questionnaire about their menstrual history and hormonal contraceptive use. Venipuncture was performed to obtain samples of serum progesterone and relaxin. Samples were obtained during the mid-luteal phase from ovulating participants, and between the actual or projected cycle days 21 to 24, from anovulatory participants. Serum concentration of relaxin and progesterone was determined by ELISA and the data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software with significance set at P = 0.05. Results: 169 female athletes participated. The mean SRC among all participants was 3.08 ± 6.66 pg/mL). The mean SRC differed significantly between those participants using hormonal contraceptives (1.41 pg/mL) and those not using hormonal contraceptives (3.08 pg/mL, P = 0.002). Mean SRC was lowest among amenorrheic participants (1.02 pg/mL) and highest among oligomenorrheic participants (3.71 pg/mL) and eumenorrheic participants (3.06 pg/mL); these differences were not significant (P = 0.53). Mean serum progesterone concentration (SPC) differed significantly between those participants using hormonal contraceptives (2.80 ng/mL), and those not using hormonal contraceptives (6.99 ng/mL, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between serum progesterone and SRC and an attenuation of SRC with hormonal contraceptive use. Our results underscore the significant role that hormonal contraceptives can play in decreasing relaxin levels, if future investigations establish a link between relaxin levels and ligamentous injury among female athletes. PMID:21339934

Calculating the dim light melatonin onset: the impact of threshold and sampling rate.

PubMed

Molina, Thomas A; Burgess, Helen J

2011-10-01

The dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) is the most reliable circadian phase marker in humans, but the cost of assaying samples is relatively high. Therefore, the authors examined differences between DLMOs calculated from hourly versus half-hourly sampling and differences between DLMOs calculated with two recommended thresholds (a fixed threshold of 3 pg/mL and a variable "3k" threshold equal to the mean plus two standard deviations of the first three low daytime points). The authors calculated these DLMOs from salivary dim light melatonin profiles collected from 122 individuals (64 women) at baseline. DLMOs derived from hourly sampling occurred on average only 6-8 min earlier than the DLMOs derived from half-hourly saliva sampling, and they were highly correlated with each other (r ≥ 0.89, p < .001). However, in up to 19% of cases the DLMO derived from hourly sampling was >30 min from the DLMO derived from half-hourly sampling. The 3 pg/mL threshold produced significantly less variable DLMOs than the 3k threshold. However, the 3k threshold was significantly lower than the 3 pg/mL threshold (p < .001). The DLMOs calculated with the 3k method were significantly earlier (by 22-24 min) than the DLMOs calculated with the 3 pg/mL threshold, regardless of sampling rate. These results suggest that in large research studies and clinical settings, the more affordable and practical option of hourly sampling is adequate for a reasonable estimate of circadian phase. Although the 3 pg/mL fixed threshold is less variable than the 3k threshold, it produces estimates of the DLMO that are further from the initial rise of melatonin.

Estradiol and testosterone concentrations increase with fasting in weaned pups of the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris).

PubMed

Sherman-Cooney, R A; Ortiz, R M; Noren, D P; Pagarigan, L; Ortiz, C L; Talamantes, F

2005-01-01

Although neonatal development is generally associated with increased levels of circulating testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), food deprivation may inhibit steroidogenesis. Therefore, these potentially conflicting stimuli were examined in fasting weaned northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups by measuring serum concentrations of T, E2, progesterone (P4), and luteinizing hormone (LH) by either radioimmunoassay (P4, LH) or enzymeimmunoassay (T, E2). Blood samples were obtained from 20 male and 20 female pups at both early (<1 wk postweaning) and late (6-8 wk postweaning) periods during their natural postweaning fast. T in males (early: 2.9 +/- 0.4 ng/mL; late: 16 +/- 2 ng/mL; P < 0.0001) and E2 in females (early: 42 +/- 6 pg/mL; late: 67 +/- 5 pg/mL; P < 0.01) increased between the two measurement periods, while P4 (early: 2.5 +/- 0.3 ng/mL; late: 2.1 +/- 0.3 ng/mL; P > 0.05) did not. LH increased (early: 46 +/- 4 pg/mL; late: 65 +/- 6 pg/mL; P < 0.05) in males but not in females (early: 69 +/- 9 pg/mL; late: 65 +/- 6 pg/mL; P > 0.05). Increases in LH and T suggest that LH may stimulate T secretion. Alternatively, relatively low concentrations of LH in both males and females may reflect negative feedback inhibition imposed by elevated T and E2 concentrations. Despite the inherent postweaning fast, concentrations of T and E2 increased, suggesting that they may be critical for the continued development of pups. Therefore, compensatory mechanisms may exist that alleviate the fasting-induced inhibition of gonadal steroidogenesis during neonatal development in elephant seal pups.

Cytokine expression in severe pneumonia: a bronchoalveolar lavage study.

PubMed

Montón, C; Torres, A; El-Ebiary, M; Filella, X; Xaubet, A; de la Bellacasa, J P

1999-09-01

To assess the cytokine expression (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin [IL]-1beta, and IL-6) in severe pneumonia, both locally (in the lungs) and systemically (in blood). Prospective sequential study with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blood sampling. Six-bed respiratory intensive care unit of a 1,000-bed teaching hospital. Thirty mechanically ventilated patients (>48 hrs) were allocated to either the pneumonia group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 10). Protected specimen brush and BAL samples for quantitative cultures, and serum and BAL fluid TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 levels were measured on days 1, 3, and 7. In the control group, the procedure was done on day 1 only. Serum TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia compared with controls (35 +/- 4 vs. 17 +/- 3 pg/mL, respectively, p = .001). IL-6 levels in serum and BAL fluid were higher in pneumonia than in control patients (serum, 837 +/- 260 vs. 94 +/- 35 pg/mL, respectively, p = .017; BAL fluid, 1176 +/- 468 vs. 234 +/- 83 pg/mL, respectively, p = .05). On days 1, 3, and 7 in patients with pneumonia, IL-1beta levels turned out to be higher in BAL fluid than in serum (71 +/- 17 vs. 2 +/-1 pg/mL on day 1; 49 +/- 8 vs. 6 +/- 2 pg/mL on day 3; and 47 +/- 16 vs. 3 +/- 2 pg/mL on day 7 for BAL fluid and serum, respectively, p < .05). No significant correlation between BAL fluid cytokine levels and lung bacterial burden was shown in presence of antibiotic treatment. Although no clear relationship was found between BAL fluid and serum cytokines and mortality, there was a trend toward higher serum IL-6 levels in nonsurvivors (1209 +/- 433 pg/mL) with pneumonia compared with survivors (464 +/- 260 pg/mL). In addition, serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 correlated with multiple organ failure score (r2 = .36, p = .004 for both) and with lung injury score (r2 = .30, p = .01, and r2 = .22, p = .03, for TNF-alpha and IL-6, respectively). The present study describes the lung and systemic inflammatory response in severe pneumonia. The lung cytokine expression seems to be independent from the lung bacterial burden in the presence of antibiotic treatment. Because of the limited sample size, we did not find a clear relationship between serum and BAL fluid cytokine levels and outcome.

Air-Water Exchange of Legacy and Emerging Organic Pollutants across the Great Lakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohmann, R.; Ruge, Z.; Khairy, M.; Muir, D.; Helm, P.

2014-12-01

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are transported to great water bodies via long-range atmospheric transport and released from the surface water as air concentrations continue to diminish. As the largest fresh water bodies in North America, the Great Lakes have both the potential to accumulate and serve as a secondary source of persistent bioaccumulative toxins. OCP and PCB concentrations were sampled at 30+ sites across Lake Superior, Ontario and Erie in the summer of 2011. Polyethylene passive samplers (PEs) were simultaneously deployed in surface water and near surface atmosphere to determine air-water gaseous exchange of OCPs and PCBs. In Lake Superior, surface water and atmospheric concentrations were dominated by α-HCH (average 250 pg/L and 4.2 pg/m3, respectively), followed by HCB (average 17 pg/L and 89 pg/m3, respectively). Air-water exchange varied greatly between sites and individual OCPs, however α-endosulfan was consistently deposited into the surface water (average 19 pg/m2/day). PCBs in the air and water were characterized by penta- and hexachlorobiphenyls with distribution along the coast correlated with proximity to developed areas. Air-water exchange gradients generally yielded net volatilization of PCBs out of Lake Superior. Gaseous concentrations of hexachlorobenzene, dieldrin and chlordanes were significantly higher (p < 0.05) at Lake Erie than Lake Ontario. A multiple linear regression that incorporated meteorological, landuse and population data was used to explain variability in the atmospheric concentrations. Results indicated that landuse (urban and/or cropland) greatly explained the variability in the data. Freely dissolved concentrations of OCPs (

Gaseous and Freely-Dissolved PCBs in the Lower Great Lakes Based on Passive Sampling: Spatial Trends and Air-Water Exchange.

PubMed

Liu, Ying; Wang, Siyao; McDonough, Carrie A; Khairy, Mohammed; Muir, Derek C G; Helm, Paul A; Lohmann, Rainer

2016-05-17

Polyethylene passive sampling was performed to quantify gaseous and freely dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the air and water of Lakes Erie and Ontario during 2011-2012. In view of differing physical characteristics and the impacts of historical contamination by PCBs within these lakes, spatial variation of PCB concentrations and air-water exchange across these lakes may be expected. Both lakes displayed statistically similar aqueous and atmospheric PCB concentrations. Total aqueous concentrations of 29 PCBs ranged from 1.5 pg L(-1) in the open lake of Lake Erie (site E02) in 2011 spring to 105 pg L(-1) in Niagara (site On05) in 2012 summer, while total atmospheric concentrations were 7.7-634 pg m(-3) across both lakes. A west-to-east gradient was observed for aqueous PCBs in Lake Erie. River discharge and localized influences (e.g., sediment resuspension and regional alongshore transport) likely dominated spatial trends of aqueous PCBs in both lakes. Air-water exchange fluxes of Σ7PCBs ranged from -2.4 (±1.9) ng m(-2) day(-1) (deposition) in Sheffield (site E03) to 9.0 (±3.1) ng m(-2) day(-1) (volatilization) in Niagara (site On05). Net volatilization of PCBs was the primary trend across most sites and periods. Almost half of variation in air-water exchange fluxes was attributed to the difference in aqueous concentrations of PCBs. Uncertainty analysis in fugacity ratios and mass fluxes in air-water exchange of PCBs indicated that PCBs have reached or approached equilibrium only at the eastern Lake Erie and along the Canadian shore of Lake Ontario sites, where air-water exchange fluxes dominated atmospheric concentrations.

DYSREGULATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS INCREASES CENTRAL BODY FAT ACCUMULATION IN MALES AFFECTED BY DIABETES MELLITUS AND LATE-ONSET HYPOGONADISM.

PubMed

Tirabassi, Giacomo; Muscogiuri, Giovanna; Colao, Annamaria; Balercia, Giancarlo

2016-04-01

Functional hypercortisolism (FH) is a condition which occurs in some clinical states, such as major depression, eating disorders, numerous psychiatric conditions, and diabetes mellitus (DM) and which exerts several negative systemic effects. No data exist on the potentially harmful role of FH on body composition. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the influence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation on body composition in men affected by DM-associated late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). Fourteen subjects affected by FH (FH-LOH) and 18 subjects not affected (N-LOH) were studied. Clinical, hormonal, and body composition measures were considered. The 2 groups had comparable age and weight. FH-LOH patients had lower levels of total (2 ± 0.27 ng/mL versus 2.31 ± 0.26 ng/mL; P = .003) and free (39.5 ± 6.44 pg/mL versus 46.8 ± 7.23 pg/mL; P = .005) (median, 38.7 [interquartile range, 36.1 to 41.3] pg/mL versus median, 46.1 [interquartile range, 40.4 to 52.7] pg/mL) testosterone compared to N-LOH patients. Abdominal fat amount was greater in FH-LOH than in N-LOH patients, even after adjustment for total testosterone. None of the bivariate correlations between body composition measures and hormonal variables were significant in N-LOH. Conversely, in FH-LOH, cortisol area under the curve (AUC) was found to be positively and significantly correlated with trunk (r = 0.933; P<.001) and abdominal fat (r = 0.852; P<.001) and negatively with lean leg (r = -0.607; P = .021). All of these associations were further confirmed upon linear regression analysis in FH-LOH (respectively, unstandardized β = 10.988 [P<.001]; β = 1.156 [P<.001]; β = -7.675 [P = .021]). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed AUC cortisol as a predictor of trunk and abdominal fat in FH-LOH. Dysregulation of the HPA axis in LOH-associated DM seems to be involved in abdominal fat accumulation.

[Effect of vitamin D deficiency on hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy due to benign goitre].

PubMed

Díez, Manuel; Vera, Cristina; Ratia, Tomás; Diego, Lucía; Mendoza, Fernando; Guillamot, Paloma; San Román, Rosario; Mugüerza, José M; Rodríguez, Angel; Medina, Carlos; Gómez, Beatriz; Granell, Javier

2013-04-01

The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between preoperative serum levels of vitamin D and postoperative hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy. A prospective observational study was conducted on 113 patients treated by total thyroidectomy due to benign disease. Preoperative vitamin D serum levels and postoperative albumin-corrected calcium and parathormone (PTH) levels were determined. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of vitamin D and PTH levels, respectively, in the diagnosis of postoperative hypocalcaemia were calculated. Hypocalcaemia was diagnosed in 44 (38.9%) patients. Vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the group of patients with normal postoperative calcium (median: 25.4pg/mL; range: 4-60), compared to those who developed hypocalcaemia (median: 16.4pg/mL; range: 6.3-46.9) (P=.001). Postoperative hypocalcaemia was more frequent in patients with vitamin D < 30ng/mL (39/78) (50%), than among those with normal levels (5/35) (14.2%) (P=.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 88% and 68%, 43% and 82%, 50% and 71%, and 85% and 80% for vitamin D and PTH, respectively. Vitamin D and PTH showed independent prognostic values on the risk of hypocalcaemia. The OR associated with vitamin D < 30ng/mL was 4.25 (95% CI: 1.31-13.78) (P=.016), and the OR of PTH<13pg/mL was 15.4 (95% CI: 4.83-49.1) (P<.001). Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy for benign goitre. The vitamin D level provides independent prognostic information, which is complementary to that given by PTH. Copyright © 2012 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation, toxic brain damage, and neurodegeneration in acute methanol poisoning.

PubMed

Zakharov, Sergey; Kotikova, Katerina; Nurieva, Olga; Hlusicka, Jiri; Kacer, Petr; Urban, Pavel; Vaneckova, Manuela; Seidl, Zdenek; Diblik, Pavel; Kuthan, Pavel; Navratil, Tomas; Pelclova, Daniela

2017-04-01

The role of neuroinflammation in methanol-induced toxic brain damage has not been studied. We studied acute concentrations and the dynamics of leukotrienes (LT) in serum in hospitalized patients with acute methanol poisoning and in survivors. Series of acute cysteinyl-LT and LTB4 concentration measurements were performed in 28/101 hospitalized patients (mean observation time: 88 ± 20 h). In 36 survivors, control LT measurements were performed 2 years after discharge. The acute maximum (C max ) LT concentrations were higher than concentrations in survivors: C max for LTC4 was 80.7 ± 5.6 versus 47.9 ± 4.5 pg/mL; for LTD4, 51.0 ± 6.6 versus 23.1 ± 2.1 pg/mL; for LTE4, 64.2 ± 6.0 versus 26.2 ± 3.9 pg/mL; for LTB4, 59.8 ± 6.2 versus 27.2 ± 1.4 pg/mL (all p < 0.001). The patients who survived had higher LT concentrations than those who died (all p < 0.01). Among survivors, patients with CNS sequelae had lower LTE4 and LTB4 than did those without sequelae (both p < 0.05). The LT concentrations increased at a rate of 0.4-0.5 pg/mL/h and peaked 4-5 days after admission. The patients with better outcomes had higher cys-LTs (all p < 0.01) and LTB4 (p < 0.05). More severely poisoned patients had lower acute LT concentrations than those with minor acidemia. The follow-up LT concentrations in survivors with and without CNS sequelae did not differ (all p > 0.05). The mean decrease in LT concentration was 30.9 ± 9.0 pg/mL for LTC4, 26.3 ± 8.6 pg/mL for LTD4, 37.3 ± 6.4 pg/mL for LTE4, and 32.0 ± 8.8 pg/mL for LTB4. Our findings suggest that leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation may play an important role in the mechanisms of toxic brain damage in acute methanol poisoning in humans. Acute elevation of LT concentrations was moderate, transitory, and was not followed by chronic neuroinflammation in survivors.

Copper-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles as dual-functional labels for fabrication of electrochemical immunosensors.

PubMed

Zhang, Sen; Ma, Hongmin; Yan, Liangguo; Cao, Wei; Yan, Tao; Wei, Qin; Du, Bin

2014-09-15

Constructions of versatile electroactive labels are key issues in the development of electrochemical immunosensors. In this study, copper-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticle (Cu@TiO2) was synthesized and used as labels for fabrication of sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensors on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Due to the presence of copper ions, Cu@TiO2 shows a strong response current when coupled to an electrode. The prepared nanocomposite also shows high electrocatalytic activity towards reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The dual functionality of Cu@TiO2 enables the fabrication of immunosensor using different detection modes, that is, square wave voltammetry (SWV) or chronoamperometry (CA). While Cu@TiO2 was used as labels of secondary antibodies (Ab2), carboxyl functionalized graphene oxide (CFGO) was used as electrode materials to immobilize primary antibodies (Ab1). Using human immunoglobulin G (IgG) as a model analyte, the immunosensor shows high sensitivity, acceptable stability and good reproducibility for both detection modes. Under optimal conditions, a linear range from 0.1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.052 pg/mL was obtained for SWV analysis. For CA analysis, a wider linear range from 0.01 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL and a lower detection limit of 0.0043 pg/mL were obtained. The proposed metal ion-based enzyme-free and noble metal-free immunosensor may have promising applications in clinical diagnoses and many other fields. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elimination of 7-aminoclonazepam in urine after a single dose of clonazepam.

PubMed

Negrusz, Adam; Bowen, Andrew M; Moore, Christine M; Dowd, Sheila M; Strong, Mary Jane; Janicak, Philip G

2003-08-01

The objective of this paper was to determine how long after administration of benzodiazepine clonazepam (CLO), its major metabolite 7-aminoclonazepam (7-ACLO) could be detected in urine collected from 10 healthy volunteers who received a single 3-mg dose of Klonopin (clonazepam). Such data would be of great importance to law enforcement agencies trying to determine the best time interval for urine collection from a victim of drug-facilitated sexual assault in order to reveal drug use. A highly sensitive NCI-GC-MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of CLO and its major metabolite 7-ACLO in urine was developed and validated. The following urine samples were collected from each volunteer: one before CLO administration, and 6 h, and 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days after. All urine samples (1 mL) were extracted following addition of the internal standard (D(5)-diazepam) and enzymatic hydrolysis ( beta-glucuronidase) using solid-phase extraction columns. Standard curves for CLO (500-4000 pg x mL(-1)) and 7-ACLO (50-2000 pg x mL(-1)) were prepared by spiking aliquots of negative urine. The urine from every subject was still positive for 7-ACLO 14 days after administration of the drug. Eight of the ten volunteers had measurable amounts of the metabolite 21 days after administration. One volunteer was still positive 28 days after administration. Six of the volunteers had urine concentrations of 7-ACLO that peaked at 1 day after administration. One volunteer had the highest concentration of 7-ACLO at 3 days, two volunteers at 5 days, and one at 8 days. The range of concentrations detected was from 73.0 pg x mL(-1) to 183.2 ng x mL(-1). CLO was not detected in any of the samples.

Automation of serum (1→3)-beta-D-glucan testing allows reliable and rapid discrimination of patients with and without candidemia.

PubMed

Prüller, Florian; Wagner, Jasmin; Raggam, Reinhard B; Hoenigl, Martin; Kessler, Harald H; Truschnig-Wilders, Martie; Krause, Robert

2014-07-01

Testing for (1→3)-beta-D-glucan (BDG) is used for detection of invasive fungal infection. However, current assays lack automation and the ability to conduct rapid single-sample testing. The Fungitell assay was adopted for automation and evaluated using clinical samples from patients with culture-proven candidemia and from culture-negative controls in duplicate. A comparison with the standard assay protocol was made in order to establish analytical specifications. With the automated protocol, the analytical measuring range was 8-2500 pg/ml of BDG, and precision testing resulted in coefficients of variation that ranged from 3.0% to 5.5%. Samples from 15 patients with culture-proven candidemia and 94 culture-negative samples were evaluated. All culture-proven samples showed BDG values >80 pg/ml (mean 1247 pg/ml; range, 116-2990 pg/ml), which were considered positive. Of the 94 culture-negative samples, 92 had BDG values <60 pg/ml (mean, 28 pg/ml), which were considered to be negative, and 2 samples were false-positive (≥80 pg/ml; up to 124 pg/ml). Results could be obtained within 45 min and showed excellent agreement with results obtained with the standard assay protocol. The automated Fungitell assay proved to be reliable and rapid for diagnosis of candidemia. It was demonstrated to be feasible and cost efficient for both single-sample and large-scale testing of serum BDG. Its 1-h time-to-result will allow better support for clinicians in the management of antifungal therapy. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide concentration in beta-thalassaemia patients.

PubMed

Aessopos, Athanasios; Farmakis, Dimitrios; Polonifi, Aikaterini; Tsironi, Maria; Fragodimitri, Christina; Hatziliami, Antonia; Karagiorga, Markisia; Diamanti-Kandarakis, Evanthia

2007-05-01

Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration has significant diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value in various forms of heart disease. Whether BNP is also useful in the evaluation and management of thalassaemia heart disease remains to be determined. Eighty three thalassaemia major patients; 8 with acutely decompensated heart failure (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III or IV, group A), 25 with NYHA class II symptoms and impaired systolic left ventricular function (ejection fraction<55% or fractional shortening<30%, group B) and 50 with normal systolic function (group C), as well as 50 healthy controls, were studied. Assessment included history, physical examination, Doppler echocardiography and plasma BNP determination. Mean BNP levels were 431+/-219 pg/mL (range, 283-890 pg/mL) in group A, 158+/-31 pg/mL in group B, 176+/-54 pg/mL in group C and 43+/-24 pg/mL in controls. BNP levels were significantly higher in group A (p<0.001), but did not differ between groups B and C. Moreover, BNP was not correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular mass, right ventricular diameter index, Doppler diastolic indexes (except in group C), the mean 2-year serum ferritin concentration or the peak serum ferritin concentration in any of the three patient groups. A potential deficiency of BNP-related neurohormonal mechanisms may impair its clinical usefulness in thalassaemia major.

Low free triiodothyronine predicts poor functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Suda, Satoshi; Muraga, Kanako; Kanamaru, Takuya; Okubo, Seiji; Abe, Arata; Aoki, Junya; Suzuki, Kentaro; Sakamoto, Yuki; Shimoyama, Takashi; Nito, Chikako; Kimura, Kazumi

2016-09-15

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of admission serum thyroid hormone concentration with clinical characteristics and functional outcomes in patients after acute ischemic stroke. We retrospectively enrolled 398 consecutive patients admitted to our stroke center between July 2010 and April 2012. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were evaluated upon admission. Neurological severity was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) upon admission and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) upon discharge. Poor outcome was defined as a mRS score of 3-5 or death (mRS score 6). Separate analyses were conducted according to outcome and quartile serum FT3 concentration. In total, 164 patients (41.2%) demonstrated a poor outcome. Age, male gender, blood glucose level, arterial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, smoking, NIHSS score, cardioembolic stroke type, and periventricular hyperintensities, but not FT4 or TSH, were significantly associated with poor functional outcome. Furthermore, poor functional outcome was independently associated with low FT3 (<2.29pg/mL). In comparisons between FT3 quartiles (Q1 [≤2.11pg/mL], Q2 [2.12-2.45pg/mL], Q3 [2.46-2.77pg/mL], Q4 [≥2.78pg/mL]), patients with poor outcomes were more frequent in Q1 than in Q4 after multivariate adjustment. Death was more frequent in Q1 than in Q4 after adjustment for risk factors and comorbidities, but this difference was non-significant after additional adjustment for age and NIHSS score. Our data suggest that a lower FT3 value upon admission may predict a poor functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further large-scale prospective studies are required to clarify the role of thyroid hormone in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Observations of reactive gaseous mercury in the free troposphere at the Mount Bachelor Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swartzendruber, P. C.; Jaffe, D. A.; Prestbo, E. M.; Weiss-Penzias, P.; Selin, N. E.; Park, R.; Jacob, D. J.; Strode, S.; Jaeglé, L.

2006-12-01

We measured gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate mercury (PHg), and reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), along with CO, ozone, and aerosol scatter at the Mount Bachelor Observatory (2.7 km above sea level), Oregon, from May to August 2005. The mean mercury concentrations (at standard conditions) were 1.54 ng/m3 (GEM), 5.2 pg/m3 (PHg), and 43 pg/m3 (RGM). RGM enhancements, up to 600 pg/m3, occurred at night and were linked to a diurnal pattern of upslope and downslope flows that mixed in boundary layer air during the day and free tropospheric air at night. During the night, RGM was inversely correlated (P < 0.0001) with CO (r = -0.36), GEM (r = -0.73), and H2O (r = -0.44), was positively correlated with ozone (r = 0.38), and could not be linked to recent anthropogenic emissions from local sources or long-range transport. Principal component analysis and a composite of change in RGM versus change in GEM during RGM enhancements indicate that a nearly quantitative shift in speciation is associated with increases in ozone and decreases in water vapor and CO. This argues that high concentrations of RGM are present in the free troposphere because of in situ oxidation of GEM to RGM. A global chemical transport model reproduces the RGM mean and diurnal pattern but underestimates the magnitude of the largest observed enhancements. Since the only modeled, in situ RGM production mechanisms are oxidation of GEM by ozone and OH, this implies that there are faster reaction rates or additional RGM production mechanisms in the free troposphere.

The induced RNA-binding protein, HuR, targets 3'-UTR region of IL-6 mRNA and enhances its stabilization in periodontitis.

PubMed

Ouhara, K; Munenaga, S; Kajiya, M; Takeda, K; Matsuda, S; Sato, Y; Hamamoto, Y; Iwata, T; Yamasaki, S; Akutagawa, K; Mizuno, N; Fujita, T; Sugiyama, E; Kurihara, H

2018-06-01

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate mRNA stability by binding to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) region of mRNA. Human antigen-R (HuR), one of the RBPs, is involved in the progression of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and some inflammatory diseases. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a major inflammatory cytokine regulated by HuR binding to mRNA. Periodontal disease (PD) is also an inflammatory disease caused by elevations in IL-6 following an infection by periodontopathogenic bacteria. The involvement of HuR in the progression of PD was assessed using in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. Immunohistochemistry of inflamed periodontal tissue showed strong staining of HuR in the epithelium and connective tissue. HuR mRNA and protein level was increased following stimulation with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), one of the periodontopathogenic bacteria, lipopolysacchride (LPS)-derived from Pg (PgLPS) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in OBA-9, an immortalized human gingival epithelial cell. The luciferase activity of 3'-UTR of IL-6 mRNA was increased by TNF-α, Pg and PgLPS in OBA-9. Luciferase activity was also increased in HuR-over-expressing OBA-9 following a bacterial stimulation. Down-regulation of HuR by siRNA resulted in a decrease in mRNA expression and production of IL-6. In contrast, the over-expression of HuR increased IL-6 mRNA expression and production in OBA-9. The HuR inhibitor, quercetin, suppressed Pg-induced HuR mRNA expression and IL-6 production in OBA-9. An oral inoculation with quercetin also inhibited bone resorption in ligature-induced periodontitis model mice as a result of down-regulation of IL-6. These results show that HuR modulates inflammatory responses by regulating IL-6. © 2018 British Society for Immunology.

Evaluation of propylene glycol and glycerol infusions as treatments for ketosis in dairy cows.

PubMed

Piantoni, P; Allen, M S

2015-08-01

To evaluate propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (G) as potential treatments for ketosis, we conducted 2 experiments lasting 4 d each in which cows received one bolus infusion per day. Blood was collected before infusion, over 240min postinfusion, as well as 24 h postinfusion. Experiment 1 used 6 ruminally cannulated cows (26±7 d in milk) randomly assigned to 300-mL infusions of PG or G (both ≥99.5% pure) in a crossover design experiment with 2 periods. Within each period, cows were assigned randomly to infusion site sequence: abomasum (A)-cranial reticulorumen (R) or the reverse, R-A. Glucose precursors were infused into the R to simulate drenching and the A to prevent metabolism by ruminal microbes. Glycerol infused in the A increased plasma glucose concentration the most (15.8mg/dL), followed by PG infused in the R (12.6mg/dL), PG infused in the A (9.11mg/dL), and G infused in the R (7.3mg/dL). Infusion of PG into the R increased plasma insulin and insulin area under the curve (AUC) the most compared with all other treatments (7.88 vs. 2.13μIU/mL and 321 vs. 31.9min×μIU/mL, respectively). Overall, PG decreased plasma BHBA concentration after infusion (-6.46 vs. -4.55mg/dL) and increased BHBA AUC (-1,055 vs. -558min ×mg/dL) compared with G. Plasma NEFA responses were not different among treatments. Experiment 2 used 8 ruminally cannulated cows (22±5 d in milk) randomly assigned to treatment sequence in a Latin square design experiment balanced for carryover effects. Treatments were 300mL of PG, 300mL of G, 600mL of G (2G), and 300mL of PG + 300mL of G (GPG), all infused into the R. Treatment contrasts compared PG with each treatment containing glycerol (G, 2G, and GPG). Propylene glycol increased plasma glucose (14.0 vs. 5.35mg/dL) and insulin (7.59 vs. 1.11μIU/mL) concentrations compared with G, but only tended to increase glucose and insulin concentrations compared with 2G. Propylene glycol increased AUC for glucose (1,444 vs. 94.3mg/dL) and insulin (326 vs. 6.58min×μIU/mL) compared with G, and tended to increase insulin AUC compared with 2G. Propylene glycol was not different from GPG for glucose, insulin, or BHBA responses. Propylene glycol decreased plasma BHBA concentration (-10.3 vs. -4.21mg/dL) and increased BHBA AUC (-1,578 vs. -1.42min ×mg/dL) compared with G, but not compared with 2G. In general, and compared with G, GPG decreased plasma NEFA concentrations after infusions and PG decreased plasma NEFA concentrations early but not late after infusions. We conclude that a 300-mL dose of PG is more effective at increasing plasma glucose concentration than G and at least as effective as 600mL of G or a combination of G and PG when administered in the cranial reticulorumen. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fractionation, partial characterization and bioactivity of water-soluble polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes from Pleurotus geesteranus.

PubMed

Zhang, Mei; Zhu, Lin; Cui, Steve W; Wang, Qi; Zhou, Ting; Shen, Hengsheng

2011-01-01

Fractionation and purification of mushroom polysaccharides is a critical process for mushroom clinical application. After a hot-water treatment, the crude Pleurotus geesteranus (PG) was further fractionated into four fractions (PG-1, -2, -3, -4) using gradient precipitation with water and ammonia sulphate. By controlling the initial polymer concentration and ratio of solvents, this process produced PG fractions with high chemical uniformity and narrow Mw distribution without free proteins. Structurally, PG-1 and PG-2 are pure homopolysaccharide mainly composed of glucose; and PG-3 and PG-4 are heteropolysaccharide-protein complexes. PG-2, a high M(w) fraction mainly composed of glucose presented significant cytotoxicity at the concentration of 200 and 100 μg/ml to human breast cancer cells. Here, we report a new mushroom polysaccharides extraction and fractionation method, with which we produced four fractions of PG with PG-2 appearing effective anti-tumour activity. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seasonal and spatial distributions of atmospheric polychlorinated naphthalenes in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Die, Qingqi; Nie, Zhiqiang; Fang, Yanyan; Yang, Yufei; Gao, Xingbao; Tian, Yajun; He, Jie; Liu, Feng; Huang, Qifei; Tian, Shulei

2016-02-01

Air samples were collected in Shanghai during summer and winter 2013, and the gas and particulate concentrations of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were measured. All 75 congeners were quantified and the corresponding toxic equivalents (TEQs) were calculated. PCN concentrations were higher in summer than winter, at 8.22-102 pg/m(3) (average of 61.3 pg/m(3)) in summer and 16.5-61.1 pg/m(3) (average of 37.7 pg/m(3)) in winter. Their seasonal TEQ values were in contrast, at 1.35-7.31 fg/m(3) (average of 3.84 fg/m(3)) in summer and 4.08-23.3 fg/m(3) (average of 8.80 fg/m(3)) in winter, because of the seasonal change in congener profiles. Tri-CNs were the predominant homologs in both the summer and winter samples. However, the major congeners in summer were PCNs containing less chlorine, but these decreased over winter. Air mass back trajectories suggested that wind direction over various sites was similar in the summer and winter seasons, yet there were clear seasonal variations in atmospheric PCN concentrations. Ratios of several characteristic congeners were calculated and the results indicated that the ratios varied only to a limited extent with PCN emissions profile from industrial thermal sources, but varied strongly with profiles of technical PCN and PCN contaminants in polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures. The results of principal component analysis suggest that local industrial thermal emissions (thermal processes containing waste incineration and secondary metal smelting processes) still play a considerable role in influencing the atmospheric PCNs in Shanghai. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Amniotic fluid sTREM-1 in normal pregnancy, spontaneous parturition at term and preterm, and intra-amniotic infection/inflammation

PubMed Central

Kusanovic, Juan Pedro; Romero, Roberto; Chaiworapongsa, Tinnakorn; Mittal, Pooja; Mazaki-Tovi, Shali; Vaisbuch, Edi; Erez, Offer; Gotsch, Francesca; Than, Nandor Gabor; Edwin, Sam S.; Pacora, Percy; Jodicke, Cristiano; Yeo, Lami; Hassan, Sonia S.

2010-01-01

Objective Intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) is one of the most important mechanisms of disease in preterm birth. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by neutrophils, macrophages and mature monocytes. TREM-1 is upregulated in biological fluids and tissues infected by Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria and fungi, amplifies the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and its soluble form (sTREM-1) is released in the presence of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gestational age, parturition (term and preterm) and intra-amniotic infection/inflammation in the amniotic fluid (AF) concentrations of sTREM-1. Study design This cross-sectional study included 434 patients in the following groups: 1) mid-trimester of pregnancy (14-18 weeks, n=38); 2) normal pregnant women at term with (n=39) and without (n=39) labor; 3) patients with spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) and intact membranes classified into: a) PTL who delivered at term (n=99); b) PTL who delivered preterm (<37 weeks gestation) without IAI (n=80); and c) PTL with IAI (n=59); and 4) women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) with (n=40) and without (n=40) IAI. The AF concentration of sTREM-1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Non-parametric statistics were used for analyses. Results 1) sTREM-1 was detected in all AF samples; 2) the median AF sTREM-1 concentration at term was higher than in the mid-trimester (4277.6 pg/mL vs. 1140.4 pg/mL; p<0.001); 3) among patients with PTL, the median AF sTREM-1 concentration was significantly higher in patients with IAI than in those without IAI (6154.4 pg/mL vs. 3282.8 pg/mL; p<0.001) and those with PTL who delivered at term (6154.4 pg/mL vs. 2794 pg/mL; p<0.001); 4) patients with preterm PROM with IAI had a higher median AF sTREM-1 concentration than those without IAI (7893.1 pg/mL vs. 3386.6 pg/mL; p<0.001); 5) no differences were observed in the median AF sTREM-1 concentration between patients with spontaneous labor at term and those at term not in labor (4712.4 pg/mL vs. 4277.6 pg/mL repectively; p=0.4); and 6) an AF sTREM-1 concentration ≥6,416 pg/mL (derived from a ROC curve) had a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 89% for the diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection. Conclusions sTREM-1 is a physiologic constituent of the AF, and its concentration: 1) is significantly elevated in the presence of IAI; 2) increases with advancing gestation; and 3) does not change in the presence of spontaneous labor at term. We propose that sTREM-1 play a role in the innate immune response against intra-amniotic infection. PMID:19591072

Distribution and Fate of Energetics on DoD Test and Training Ranges

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-11-01

766 ND ND ND 1,2,4-Tdchlorobenzene pg/L 0 954 ND ND ND 1,2-Dibromo-3- Chloropropane pg/L 1 766 0.60 0.60 0.60 1,2-Dibromoethane (Ethylene Dibromide) pg...xxii 1 - Introduction .................................................................................................. 1 - 1 Background... 1 - 1 Scope of Project CP 1155

Development of HPTLC-UV absorption densitometry method for the analysis of alprazolam and sertraline in combination and its application in the evaluation of marketed preparations.

PubMed

Venkateswarlu, K; Venisetty, R K; Yellu, N R; Keshetty, S; Pai, M G

2007-09-01

A new simple, sensitive, and reproducible high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the estimation of alprazolam and sertraline in combination is developed using silica gel plates with fluorescent indicators. The system is equipped with an automated sample applicator, and the detection was performed at 254 nm by using UV absorption densitometry. The mobile phase consists of carbon tetrachloride, methanol, acetone, and ammonia in the ratio 12:3:5:0.1. The retention factor values for alprazolam and sertraline are found to be 0.52 and 0.70, respectively. The limit of detection of alprazolam and sertraline in the mixture of given proportion is observed to be 0.05 microg/mL and 2.5 microg/mL and the limit of quantitation is 0.2 microg/mL and 10 microg/mL, respectively. The method has shown good linearity in the range of 0.2 microg/mL to 0.65 pg/mL for alprazolam (R2 > 0.9953) and 10 pg/mL to 32.5 microg/mL for sertraline (R2 > 0.9942). The intra- and inter-assay (n=5) variations in the linear range are less than 4% for alprazolam and 6% for sertraline. Three pharmaceutical products containing this combination are analyzed to test the applicability of the new method. The percentage of alprazolam and sertraline in the tablets studied range from 97.7% to 102.82% and 96.5% to 99.9%, respectively.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Current-Use Pesticides in Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Houston, Texas.

PubMed

Clark, Adelaide E; Yoon, Subin; Sheesley, Rebecca J; Usenko, Sascha

2016-12-01

The atmospheric concentrations of seven current-use pesticides in particulate matter were determined at four locations throughout the Houston metropolitan area in TSP and PM 2.5 samples from September 2013. Atmospheric concentrations in both TSP and PM 2.5 ranged from below method detection limits (MDLs) to nearly 1100 pg m -3 . The three compounds most frequently detected above MDLs were chlorothalonil, bifenthrin, and λ-cyhalothrin. Atmospheric chlorothalonil concentrations were above 800 pg m -3 in several TSP samples, but

Functional analysis of two polygalacturonase genes in Apolygus lucorum associated with eliciting plant injury using RNA interference.

PubMed

Zhang, Wanna; Liu, Bing; Lu, Yanhui; Liang, Gemei

2017-04-01

Salivary enzymes of many piercing-sucking insects lead to host plant injury. The salivary enzymes, polygalacturonase (PGs), act in insect feeding. PG family genes have been cloned from the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum, a pest of cotton and other host crops in China. We investigated the function of two PG genes that are highly expressed in A. lucorum nymphs (PG3-4) and adults (PG3-5), using siRNA injection-based RNA interference (RNAi). Accumulation of mRNA encoding both genes and their cognate proteins was significantly reduced (>60%) in experimental compared control green fluorescent protein (GFP) siRNA-treated mirids at 48 h post injection. Injury levels of cotton buds were also significantly reduced after injecting saliva isolated from PG3-4 and PG3-5 siRNA-treated A. lucorum. These results demonstrate that these two PG act in A. lucorum elicitation of plant injury. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Catheter-directed Gastric Artery Chemical Embolization Suppresses Systemic Ghrelin Levels in Porcine Model

PubMed Central

Arepally, Aravind; Barnett, Brad P.; Patel, Tarek T.; Howland, Valerie; Boston, Ray C.; Kraitchman, Dara L.; Malayeri, Ashkan A.

2008-01-01

Purpose: To prospectively test, in a porcine model, the hypothesis that catheter-directed gastric artery chemical embolization (GACE) can result in suppression of systemic ghrelin levels and affect weight gain. Materials and Methods: This study, which had Animal Care and Use Committee approval, was performed in healthy, growing swine (weight range, 40–45 kg; n = 10). GACE was performed in five swine with the infusion of sodium morrhuate (125 μg) selectively into the gastric arteries that supply the fundus. Five control animals underwent a sham procedure with 5 mL of saline. Weight and fasting plasma ghrelin levels were obtained in animals at baseline and in weeks 1–4. Statistical testing for substantial differences in ghrelin blood levels over time and between treated and untreated animals was performed by using a cross-sectional time-series linear model with feasibility generalized least squares. Results: The pattern of the change in ghrelin levels over time was significantly different between control and treated animals (P < .004). In treated animals, ghrelin levels were significantly reduced at week 1 (mean, 664.1 pg/mL ± 103.1 [standard error of the mean], P < .02), week 2 (mean, 618.1 pg/mL ± 180.4, P < .001), week 3 (mean, 578.4 pg/mL ± 214.9, P < .001), and week 4 (mean, 876.6 pg/mL ± 228.6, P < .03) relative to baseline (mean, 1006.3 pg/mL ± 190.1). The percentage change in serum ghrelin values in swine treated with GACE decreased from baseline to −34%, −38.6%, −42.5%, and −12.9% during weeks 1–4, respectively. In control swine, percentage change in serum ghrelin was −1.7%, −9.7%, +2.6%, and +18.2% during weeks 1–4, respectively. At the end of 4 weeks, control swine continued to gain weight, with a 15.1% increase from their original weight, while the weight in swine treated with GACE plateaued at an increase of 7.8% from the original weight. Conclusion: Catheter-directed GACE can suppress the appetite hormone ghrelin and affect weight gain. Supplemental material: http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/249/1/127/DC1 © RSNA, 2008 PMID:18796671

Temporal trend and sources of speciated atmospheric mercury at Waliguan GAW station, northwestern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, X. W.; Feng, X.; Liang, P.; Deli-Geer; Zhang, H.; Ji, J.; Liu, P.

2011-11-01

Measurements of speciated atmospheric mercury were conducted at a remote mountain-top station (WLG) at the edge of northeastern part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, western China. Mean concentrations of total gaseous mercury (TGM), particulate mercury (PHg), and reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) during the whole sampling campaign were 1.98 ± 0.98 ng m-3, 19.4 ± 18.1 pg m-3, and 7.4 ± 4.8 pg m-3, respectively. Levels of speciated Hg at WLG were slightly higher than those reported from remote areas of North America and Europe. Both regional emissions and long-rang transport played a remarkable role in the distribution of TGM and PHg in ambient air at WLG, whereas RGM showed major links to the regional sources, likely as well as the in-situ productions by photochemical processes. Regional sources for speciated Hg were mostly located to the east of WLG, which is the most developed areas of Qinghai province and accounted for most of the province's anthropogenic Hg emissions. Potential source contribution function (PSCF) results showed a strong impact of long-range transport from eastern Gansu, western Ningxia and Shanxi Province, with good accordance with locations of urban areas and industrial centers. Moreover, we found that northern India was also an important source region of WLG during the sampling campaign, and this is the first time of direct evidence of long-range transport of atmospheric Hg from India to northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Seasonal and diurnal variations of TGM were in contrast with most of the previous studies in China, with relatively higher levels in warm seasons and night, respectively. The temporal trend of TGM also highlighted the impact of long-range transport on the distribution of TGM in ambient air at WLG.

Fabrication of β-tricalcium phosphate composite ceramic sphere-based scaffolds with hierarchical pore structure for bone regeneration.

PubMed

He, Fupo; Qian, Guowen; Ren, Weiwei; Li, Jiyan; Fan, Peirong; Shi, Haishan; Shi, Xuetao; Deng, Xin; Wu, Shanghua; Ye, Jiandong

2017-04-24

Polymer sphere-based scaffolds, which are prepared by bonding the adjacent spheres via sintering the randomly packed spheres, feature uniform pore structure, full three-dimensional (3D) interconnection, and considerable mechanical strength. However, bioceramic sphere-based scaffolds fabricated by this method have never been reported. Due to high melting temperature of bioceramic, only limited diffusion rate can be achieved when sintering the bioceramic spheres, which is far from enough to form robust bonding between spheres. In the present study, for the first time we fabricated 3D interconnected β-tricalcium phosphate ceramic sphere-based (PG/TCP) scaffolds by introducing phosphate-based glass (PG) as sintering additive and placing uniaxial pressure during the sintering process. The sintering mechanism of PG/TCP scaffolds was unveiled. The PG/TCP scaffolds had hierarchical pore structure, which was composed by interconnected macropores (>200 μm) among spheres, pores (20–120 μm) in the interior of spheres, and micropores (1–3 μm) among the grains. During the sintering process, partial PG reacted with β-TCP, forming β-Ca2P2O7; metal ions from PG substituted to Ca2+ sites of β-TCP. The mechanical properties (compressive strength 2.8–10.6 MPa; compressive modulus 190–620 MPa) and porosity (30%–50%) of scaffolds could be tailored by manipulating the sintering temperatures. The introduction of PG accelerated in vitro degradation of scaffolds, and the PG/TCP scaffolds showed good cytocompatibility. This work may offer a new strategy to prepare bioceramic scaffolds with satisfactory physicochemical properties for application in bone regeneration.

Concentration and dry deposition of mercury species in arid south central New Mexico (2001-2002)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Caldwell, Colleen A.; Swartzendruber, Philip; Prestbo, Eric

2006-01-01

This research was initiated to characterize atmospheric deposition of reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), particulate mercury (HgP; <2.5 μm), and gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) in the arid lands of south central New Mexico. Two methods were field-tested to estimate dry deposition of three mercury species. A manual speciation sampling train consisting of a KCl-coated denuder, 2.5 μm quartz fiber filters, and gold-coated quartz traps and an ion-exchange membrane (as a passive surrogate surface) were deployed concurrently over 24-h intervals for an entire year. The mean 24-h atmospheric concentration for RGM was 6.8 pg m-3 with an estimated deposition of 0.10 ng m-2h-1. The estimated deposition of mercury to the passive surrogate surface was much greater (4.0 ng m-2h-1) but demonstrated a diurnal pattern with elevated deposition from late afternoon to late evening (1400−2200; 8.0 ng m-2h-1) and lowest deposition during the night just prior to sunrise (2200−0600; 1.7 ng m-2h-1). The mean 24-h atmospheric concentrations for HgP and Hg0 were 1.52 pg m-3 and 1.59 ng m-3, respectively. Diurnal patterns were observed for RGM with atmospheric levels lowest during the night prior to sunrise (3.8 pg m-3) and greater during the afternoon and early evening (8.9 pg m-3). Discernible diurnal patterns were not observed for either HgP or Hg0. The total dry deposition of Hg was 5.9 μg m-2 year-1 with the contribution from the three species as follows:  RGM (0.88 μg m-2 year-1), HgP (0.025 μg m-2 year-1), and Hg0 (5.0 μg m-2 year-1). The annual wet deposition for total mercury throughout the same collection duration was 4.2 μg m-2 year-1, resulting in an estimated total deposition of 10.1 μg m-2 year-1 for Hg. On one sampling date, enhanced HgP (12 pg m-3) was observed due to emissions from a wildfire approximately 250 km to the east.

Validated low-volume immunoassay for the reliable determination of direct renin especially valuable for pediatric investigations.

PubMed

Schaefer, J; Burckhardt, B B; Tins, J; Bartel, A; Laeer, S

2017-01-01

The pharmacotherapy of pediatric patients suffering from heart failure is extrapolated from adults due to missing data in children. Development and validation of a low-volume immunoassay for the reliable determination of renin. The immunoassay was validated according to international guidelines. The assay allows the reliable determination of renin in 40 μL plasma within a calibration range of 4-128 pg/mL. Between-run accuracy varied from -3.3 to +3.0% (relative error), while between-run precision ranged from 4.9 to 11.3% (coefficient of variation). The low-volume immunoassay facilitates the reliable collection of pharmacodynamic data in children.

Prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease seen in internal medicine.

PubMed

Bureo, Juan Carlos; Arévalo, Jose Carlos; Antón, Joaquín; Adrados, Gaspar; Jiménez Morales, Jose Luis; Robles, Nicolás Roberto

2015-01-01

Despite the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the elderly population, few data are available on the frequency of secondary hyperparathyroidism in the Spanish population affected by this problem. We undertook a study on this issue in patients attending the internal medicine departments in our area. An observational, cross-sectional survey performed at internal medicine departments on 415 patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease. Clinical history and risk factors were collected using a standardized protocol. Serum creatinine, phosphate, calcium, intact parathormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25-OH-vitD) levels were measured in all patients. Among stage 3 patients, 62.9% had PTH levels ≥70pg/mL and 32.7% levels ≥110pg/mL. Median PTH level in stage 4 patients was 120pg/mL (p <0.001), and 77.9% of these patients had PTH ≥70pg/mL (p <0.001) and 54.1% ≥110pg/mL (p=0.015). Adequate 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol levels were found in only 7.2% of stage 3 patients and 4.1% of stage 4 patients. Only 7.2% of stage 3 patients had hyperphosphatemia, as compared to 25.4% of stage 4 patients (p <0.001). Hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease which is not associated to detectable changes in serum calcium and phosphate levels. It is therefore advisable to measure PTH levels in all patients with decreased glomerular filtration rate. Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Constituents of PG201 (Layla(®)), a multi-component phytopharmaceutical, with inhibitory activity on LPS-induced nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 productions in macrophages.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun Ji; Kim, Hye Mi; Ryu, Byeol; Lee, Woo-Seok; Shin, Ji-Sun; Lee, Kyung-Tae; Jang, Dae Sik

2016-02-01

Fourteen compounds, coumarin (1), demethylsuberosin (2), xanthotoxin (3), psoralen (4), decursinol (5), decursin (6), decursinol angelate (7), chikusetsusaponin IVa (8), chikusetsusaponin IVa methyl ester (9), ethyl caffeate (10), syringaresinol (11), cnidilide (12), farnesol (13), and linoleic acid (14), were isolated from phytopharmaceutical PG201 (Layla(®)) by activity-guided fractionation utilizing inhibitory activity on nitric oxide (NO) production in vitro. The isolates 1-14 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on LPS-induced NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) productions in RAW 264.7 cells. All the compounds except 14 displayed suppressive effects on LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production with IC50 values ranging from 8 to 60 μM. Among these, compound 10 showed the most potent inhibitory effect on NO production from RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 value of 8.25 μM. Compounds 2, 9, and 10 exhibited high inhibitory effects on PGE2 production with the IC50 values of 9.42, 7.51, and 6.49 μM, respectively. These findings suggest that compounds 2, 9, and 10 are the potential anti-inflammatory active constituents of PG201 and further study may be needed to explain their mechanism of action.

Development and comparison of three diagnostic immunoassay formats for the detection of azoxystrobin.

PubMed

Furzer, Gordon S; Veldhuis, Linda; Hall, J Christopher

2006-02-08

The currently accepted method of detection for azoxystrobin, a strobilurin fungicide, involves a labor-intensive organic solvent extraction and gas chromatography analysis. Three diagnostic assay formats, i.e., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence polarization (FP), and time-resolved fluorescence (TR-FIA), were developed and compared with regard to detection and quantification of azoxystrobin in grape extract and river, lake, and well water samples. These three assay formats require no initial sample extraction and were not affected by any of the environmental matrices tested, and each had a linear working range of 0-400 pg/mL. The polyclonal antibodies used for each of the immunoassays were specific to azoxystrobin; that is, the highest cross-reactivity to other pesticides observed was 5.7%. The limits of detection of the immunoassays were similar at 3 (ELISA), 46 (FP), and 28 (TR-FIA) pg/mL, as were the respective IC50 values of 306, 252, and 244 pg/mL. Each of the three immunoassays developed was less labor-intensive and approximately 100-fold more sensitive than the gas chromatographic method. While the three formats were comparable in terms of performance, the fluorescence polarization assay was the least labor-intensive and required the least time to perform.

Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) on the expression of EphA2 in osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

PubMed

Gao, Aichao; Wang, Xichao; Yu, Haiyan; Li, Na; Hou, Yubo; Yu, Weixian

2016-02-01

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) as the major pathogenic bacterium of chronic periodontitis can cause alveolar bone resorption. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is its main virulence factor. The Eph family plays an important role in maintaining bone homeostasis. In this study, the effects of P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) on the expression of EphA2 in osteoblasts and osteoclasts were investigated. MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW264.7 cells were separately cultured in osteoblast-conditioned medium and osteoclast-conditioned medium to induce their differentiation into osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respectively. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with 1 μg/mL of Pg-LPS 3, 7, and 14 d later, while RAW264.7 cells were treated with 10 μg/mL of Pg-LPS 1, 3, and 5 d later. The results have shown that Pg-LPS increased the expression of EphA2 both in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, decreased the expression of osteogenic-related genes (ALP, Sp7), and increased the expression of osteoclast-related genes (MMP9, c-fos, ACP5, CtsK, and NFATc1). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining illustrated that Pg-LPS promoted osteoclast differentiation and decreased the activity of alkaline phosphatase. Therefore, analysis indicates that, when treated with Pg-LPS, the expression of EphA2 is upregulated while the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts was reduced and increased, respectively. Our data suggest that EphA2 is closely related to the formation of osteoblasts and resorption of osteoclast and is likely to play an role in bone resorption induced in chronic periodontitis. These findings may provide information on new targets for prevention and treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Characterization of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an urban atmosphere of central-southern Spain.

PubMed

Villanueva, Florentina; Tapia, Araceli; Cabañas, Beatriz; Martínez, Ernesto; Albaladejo, José

2015-12-01

Over 1-year period, 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with particulate matter PM10 have been monitored for the first time in the atmosphere of Ciudad Real, situated at the central-southern Spain. PM10-bound PAHs were collected using a high-volume sampler from autumn 2012 to summer 2013 and were analyzed by HPLC with fluorescence detector. The most abundant PAHs were pyrene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene. The ∑PAH concentrations in Ciudad Real were 888, 368, 259 and 382 pg m(-3) for winter, spring, summer and autumn seasons, respectively. The diurnal variation of PAH was also investigated presenting the highest concentrations during the evening (19:00-23:00). Benzo[a]pyrene concentrations ranged from 2.4 to 110 pg m(-3), these values are lower than the target value proposed by the European legislation, 1 ng m(-3). Diagnostic ratios were used to identify potential sources of PAHs. Results suggest that vehicle emissions are the major source of identified PAHs, with a higher contribution of diesel engines although other anthropogenic sources could also have an impact on the PAH levels.

Effects of melengestrol acetate and P.G. 600 on fertility in Rambouillet ewes outside the natural breeding season.

PubMed

Windorski, E J; Schauer, C S; Wurst, A K; Inskeep, E K; Luther, J S

2008-07-15

The effects of melengestrol acetate (MGA) and P.G. 600 on ewe fertility outside the natural breeding season were evaluated. Rambouillet ewes were assigned to one of four groups: (1) control (C; n=92); (2) PG600 (n=86); (3) MGA (n=99); and (4) MGA+PG600 (n=92). A pellet with or without MGA (0.3mg/ewe/d) was fed at 0.15kg/ewe/d for 7d. On the last day of pellet feeding, ewes were given either saline or 5mL of P.G. 600 i.m. (400IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 200IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)). Ultrasonography was performed between Days 20 and 25 of gestation for ewes that were mated during the first 6 d of the breeding period from the MGA (n=15) and MGA+PG600 (n=8) groups, and the number of luteal structures and embryos were counted. During the first 6d of the breeding period, MGA increased (P<0.05) the percentage of ewes that mated and conceived when compared to C and PG600 (24.2% vs. 3.3% and 10.5%, respectively). Relative to MGA, the mean (+/-S.E.M.) number of luteal structures per ewe was enhanced (P<0.03) in MGA+PG600 (1.53+/-0.13 vs. 2.38+/-0.42, respectively), however as pregnancy progressed, the number of embryos (1.5+/-0.13 vs. 1.8+/-0.16, respectively) and lambs born (1.3+/-0.15 vs. 1.5+/-0.27, respectively) did not differ. Treatment with MGA reduced (P<0.01) the interval from ram introduction to lambing relative to groups that did not receive MGA (168+/-0.8d vs. 171+/-0.6d, respectively). In conclusion, treatment with MGA increased the percentage of ewes conceiving early in the breeding period. Although P.G. 600 increased the number of luteal structures present per ewe, it did not significantly enhance ewe prolificacy.

MitoQ modulates oxidative stress and decreases inflammation following hemorrhage.

PubMed

Powell, Rebecca D; Swet, Jacob H; Kennedy, Kenneth L; Huynh, Toan T; Murphy, Michael P; Mckillop, Iain H; Evans, Susan L

2015-03-01

Oxidative stress associated with hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion (HSR) results in the production of superoxide radicals and other reactive oxygen species, leading to cell damage and multiple-organ dysfunction. We sought to determine if MitoQ, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, reduces morbidity in a rat model of HSR by limiting oxidative stress. HSR was achieved in male rats by arterial blood withdrawal to a mean arterial pressure of 25 ± 2 mm Hg for 1 hour before resuscitation. MitoQ (5 mg/kg), TPP (triphenylphosphonium, 5 mg/kg) or saline (0.9% vol./vol.) was administered intravenously 30 minutes before resuscitation, followed by an intraperitoneal administration (MitoQ, 20 mg/kg) immediately after resuscitation (n = 5 per group). Morbidity was assessed based on cumulative markers of animal distress (0-10 scale). Rats were sacrificed 2 hours after procedure completion, and liver tissue was collected and processed for histology or assayed for lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS]) or endogenous antioxidant (catalase, glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and superoxide dismutase) activity. HSR significantly increased morbidity as well as TBARS and catalase activities versus sham. Conversely, no difference in GPx or superoxide dismutase activity was measured between sham, HSR, and TPP, MitoQ administration reduced morbidity versus HSR (5.8 ± 0.3 vs. 7.6 ± 0.3; p < 0.05), while TPP administration significantly reduced hepatic necrosis versus both HSR and HSR-MitoQ (1.2 ± 0.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2; p < 0.05, n = 5). Analysis of oxidative stress demonstrated increased TBARS and GPx in HSR-MitoQ versus sham (12.0 ± 1.1 μM vs. 6.2 ± 0.5 μM and 37.9 ± 3.0 μmol/min/mL vs. 22.9 ± 2.7 μmol/min/mL, TBARS and GPx, respectively, n = 5; p < 0.05). Conversely, catalase activity in HSR-MitoQ was reduced versus HSR (1.96 ± 1.17 mol/min/mL vs. 2.58 ± 1.81 mol/min/mL; n = 5; p < 0.05). Finally, MitoQ treatment decreased tumor necrosis factor α (0.66 ± 0.07 pg/mL vs. 0.92 ± 0.08 pg/mL) and interleukin 6 (7.3 ± 0.8 pg/mL vs. 11 ± 0.9 pg/mL) versus HSR as did TPP alone (0.58 ± 0.05 pg/mL vs. 0.92 ± 0.08 pg/mL; 6.7 ± 0.6 pg/mL vs. 11 ± 0.9 pg/mL; n = 5; p < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that MitoQ treatment following hemorrhage significantly limits morbidity and decreases hepatic tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. In addition, MitoQ differentially modulates oxidative stress and hepatic antioxidant activity.

Dual Wavelength RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Two Antispasmodic Drugs: An Application in Pharmaceutical and Human Serum.

PubMed

Hasan, Najmul; Chaiharn, Mathurot; Khan, Sauleha; Khalid, Hira; Sher, Nawab; Siddiqui, Farhan Ahmed; Siddiqui, Muhammad Zain

2013-01-01

A reverse phase stability indicating HPLC method for simultaneous determination of two antispasmodic drugs in pharmaceutical parenteral dosage forms (injectable) and in serum has been developed and validated. Mobile phase ingredients consist of Acetonitrile : buffer : sulfuric acid 0.1 M (50 : 50 : 0.3 v/v/v), at flow rate 1.0 mL/min using a Hibar μ Bondapak ODS C18 column monitored at dual wavelength of 266 nm and 205 nm for phloroglucinol and trimethylphloroglucinol, respectively. The drugs were subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis (oxidation, base, acid, and thermal degradation). Oxidation degraded the molecule drastically while there was not so much significant effect of other stress conditions. The calibration curve was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 and 0.9992 for PG and TMP, respectively. The drug recoveries fall in the range of 98.56% and 101.24% with 10 pg/mL and 33 pg/mL limit of detection and limit of quantification for both phloroglucinol and trimethylphloroglucinol. The method was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines and was applied successfully to quantify the amount of trimethylphloroglucinol and phloroglucinol in bulk, injectable form and physiological fluid. Forced degradation studies proved the stability indicating abilities of the method.

Development of extractive electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry for in vivo breath analysis.

PubMed

Ding, Jianhua; Yang, Shuiping; Liang, Dapeng; Chen, Huanwen; Wu, Zhuanzhang; Zhang, Lili; Ren, Yulin

2009-10-01

In metabolomics studies and clinical diagnosis, interest is increasing in the rapid analysis of exhaled breath. In vivo breath analysis offers a unique, unobtrusive, non-invasive method of investigating human metabolism. To analyze breath in vivo, we constructed a novel platform of extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS) using a home-made EESI source coupled to a linear trap quadrupole mass spectrometer. A reference compound (authentic n-octyl amine) was used to evaluate effects of systematically varying selected characteristics of the EESI source on signal intensity. Under the optimized working conditions, metabolic changes of human bodies were in vivo followed by performing rapid breath analysis using the multi-stage EESI-ITMS tandem mass spectrometry platform. For nicotine, a limit of determination was found to be 0.05 fg mL(-1) (S/N = 3, RSD = 5.0 %, n = 10) for nicotine in aerosol standard samples; the dynamic response range was from 0.0155 pg mL(-1) to 155 pg mL(-1). The concentration of nicotine in the exhaled breath of a regular smoker was in vivo determined to be 5.8 pg mL(-1), without any sample pre-treatment. Our results show that EESI-ITMS is a powerful analytical platform to provide high sensitivity, high specificity and high throughput for semi-quantitative analysis of complex samples in life science, particularly for in vivo metabolomics studies.

A role for CXCL13 (BCA-1) in pregnancy and intra-amniotic infection/inflammation

PubMed Central

Nhan-Chang, Chia-Ling; Romero, Roberto; Kusanovic, Juan Pedro; Gotsch, Francesca; Edwin, Samuel S.; Erez, Offer; Mittal, Pooja; Kim, Chong Jai; Kim, Mi Jeong; Espinoza, Jimmy; Friel, Lara A.; Vaisbuch, Edi; Than, Nandor Gabor; Mazaki-Tovi, Shali; Hassan, Sonia S.

2011-01-01

Objective CXCL13 is a potent chemokine, produced by mature and recently recruited macrophages to sites of inflammation, which has anti-microbial and anti-angiogenic properties. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CXCL13 is present in maternal serum, umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid (AF); if AF concentration changes with intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI); and localize the production of CXCL13 in chorio-amniotic membranes and umbilical cord. Study design A cross-sectional study on maternal serum was performed including patients in the following groups: 1) non-pregnant women (n=20); 2) normal pregnant women (n=49); 3) patients at term not in labor (n=30); and 4) patients in spontaneous labor at term (n=29). Umbilical cord blood was collected from term neonates with (n=30) and without labor (n=28). Amniotic fluid was attained from patients in the following groups: 1) midtrimester (n=65); 2) term not in labor (n=22); 3) term in labor (n=47); 4) preterm labor (PTL) with intact membranes leading to term delivery (n=70); and 5) PTL leading to preterm delivery with IAI (n=79) and without IAI (n=60). CXCL13 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Chorio-amniotic membranes and umbilical cords were examined with immunohistochemistry. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. Results 1) CXCL13 was present in 100% of serum and cord blood samples, and 99% of AF samples (339/343); 2) Serum CXCL13 concentration was significantly higher in pregnant women when compared to non-pregnant women [median 313.3 pg/mL (IQR: 197.2–646.9) vs. 40.5 pg/mL (IQR: 29.5–93.5), respectively; p<0.001]; 3) Serum CXCL13 concentration decreases with advancing gestational age (Spearman’s rho = −0.424; p<0.001); 4) There were no significant differences in the median serum CXCL13 concentration between women at term with and without labor [371.6 pg/mL (IQR: 194.3–614.3) vs. 235.1 pg/mL (IQR: 182.8–354.7), respectively; p=0.6]; 5) The concentration of CXCL13 in AF did not change with gestational age (p=0.11); 6) Patients with PTL and delivery with IAI had a significantly higher median concentration of CXCL13 than those without IAI [median 513.2 pg/mL (199.7–2505.5) vs 137.3 pg/mL (96.7–209.6), respectively; p<0.001] and those who delivered at term [133.7 pg/mL (97.8–174.8); p<0.001]; 7) Spontaneous labor did not result in a change in the median AF concentration of CXCL13 [labor: 86.9 pg/mL (55.6–152) vs no labor: 77.8 pg/mL (68–98); p=0.75]; 8) CXCL13 was immunolocalized to macrophages in fetal membranes and umbilical vein. Conclusions 1) We report for the first time the presence of CXCL13 in AF; 2) AF CXCL13 concentrations are dramatically increased in intra-amniotic infection/inflammation; 3) Unlike other chemokines, AF and serum CXCL13 concentrations did not change with spontaneous parturition. PMID:19031272

Serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor is influenced by erythropoietin treatment in peritoneal dialysis patients. (Grupo de Estudios Peritoneales de Madrid).

PubMed

del Peso, G; Selgas, R; Bajo, M A; Fernández de Castro, M; Aguilera, A; Cirugeda, A; Jiménez, C

2000-01-01

Some patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) develop a hyperpermeability state, owing to peritoneal neoangiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mitogen for endothelial cells, has been implicated in most diseases characterized by microvascular neoformation. Erythropoietin (EPO) is able to induce endothelial proliferation in vitro. Our aim was to elucidate whether VEGF serum levels are influenced by EPO treatment, and whether VEGF serum level maintains a relationship with peritoneal transport data. We analyzed serum levels of VEGF in 35 PD patients (18 males, 17 females). Mean age was 58 years, with a mean time on PD of 98 +/- 75 months. Of the 35 patients, 19 were on automated peritoneal dialysis, and 16 were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Seven patients had diabetes. Peritoneal transport parameters were: urea mass transfer coefficient (MTC), 19.5 +/- 6.6 mL/min; creatinine MTC, 9.9 +/- 4.7 mL/min; net ultrafiltration, 491 +/- 166 mL per 4-hour dwell. Twenty seven patients were under therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). Mean serum VEGF levels were 347 +/- 203 pg/mL (range 66-857 pg/mL), with most patients in the normal range (60-700 pg/mL). VEGF levels did not correlate with age, sex, primary renal disease, diabetes, type of PD, time on PD, peritonitis, and cumulative glucose load. We found no correlation with urea MTC, creatinine MTC, ultrafiltration rate, or protein effluent levels. However, a significant negative correlation with residual renal function was seen (r = -0.39, p < 0.05). Patients treated with rHuEPO showed significantly higher serum levels of VEGF than non treated patients (375 +/- 220 pg/mL vs 251 +/- 75 pg/mL, p < 0.05), although they had similar residual renal function. We conclude that increased serum VEGF levels are associated with EPO treatment. Consequently, VEGF might have a role in the EPO effects found in PD patients. Whether both agents are related to peritoneal neoangiogenesis requires further research.

Soluble programmed cell death receptor-1 (sPD-1): a potential biomarker with anti-inflammatory properties in human and experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

PubMed

Monaghan, Sean F; Chung, Chun-Shiang; Chen, Yaping; Lomas-Neira, Joanne; Fairbrother, William G; Heffernan, Daithi S; Cioffi, William G; Ayala, Alfred

2016-11-11

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a common organ dysfunction in the critically ill patient. Mechanisms for its development have focused on immune mediated causes, aspects of our understanding are not complete, and we lack biomarkers. Blood and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BAL) from humans (n = 10-13) with ARDS and controls (n = 5-10) as well as a murine model of ARDS (n = 5-6) with controls (n = 6-7) were studied. ARDS was induced in mice by hemorrhagic shock (day 1) followed by poly-microbial sepsis (day 2). Samples were then collected on the third day after the animals were euthanized. Ex vivo experiments used splenocytes from animals with ARDS cultured with and without soluble programmed death receptor-1 (sPD-1). Levels of sPD-1 are increased in both the serum (11,429.3 pg/mL(SD 2133.3) vs. 8061.4(SD 4187.8), p = 0.036) and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (6,311.1 pg/mL(SD 3758.0) vs. 90.7 pg/mL(SD 202.8), p = 0.002) of humans with ARDS. Similar results are seen in the serum (9396.1 pg/mL(SD 1546.0) vs. 3464.5 pg/mL(SD 2511.8), p = 0.001) and BAL fluid (2891.7 pg/mL(SD 868.1) vs. 1385.9 pg/mL(SD 927.8), p = 0.012) of mice. sPD-1 levels in murine blood (AUC = 1(1-1), p = 0.006), murine BAL fluid (AUC = 0.905(0.717-1.093), p = 0.015), and human BAL (AUC = 1(1-1), p = 0.001) fluid predicted ARDS. To assess the importance of sPD-1 in ARDS, ex vivo experiments were undertaken. BAL fluid from mice with ARDS dampens the TNF-α production compared to cells cultured with BAL lacking sPD-1 (2.7 pg/mL(SD 3.8) vs. 52.38 pg/mL(SD 25.1), p = 0.002). This suggests sPD-1 is elevated in critical illness and may represent a potential biomarker for ARDS. In addition, sPD-1 has an anti-inflammatory mechanism in conditions of marked stress and aids in the resolution of severe inflammation. sPD-1 could be used to not only diagnose ARDS, but may be a potential therapy.

Concentrations in air of organobromine, organochlorine and organophosphate flame retardants in Toronto, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoeib, Mahiba; Ahrens, Lutz; Jantunen, Liisa; Harner, Tom

2014-12-01

Concentrations of organobromine (BFRs), organochlorine (CFRs) and organophosphate esters flame retardants and plasticizers (PFRs) in air were monitored for over one year at an urban site in Toronto, Canada during 2010-2011. The mean value for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) (gas + particle phase) was 38 pg/m3 with BDE-47 and BDE-99 as the dominant congeners. The mean concentrations in air for ∑non-BDE (BFRs and CFRs), was 9.6 pg/m3 - about four times lower than the BDEs. The brominated FRs: TBP-AE, BTBPE, EH-TBB, BEH-TEBP and the chlorinated syn- and anti-DP were detected frequently, ranging from 87% to 96%. Highest concentrations in air among all flame retardant classes were observed for the Σ-PFRs. The yearly mean concentration in air for ΣPFRs was 2643 pg/m3 with detection frequency higher than 80%. Except for TBP-AE and b- DBE-DBCH, non-BDEs (BFRs, CFRs and PFRs) were mainly associated with the particle phase. BDE concentrations in air were positively correlated with temperature indicating that volatilization from local sources was an important factor controlling levels in air. This correlation did not hold for most BFRs, CFRs and PFRs which were mainly on particles. For these compounds, air concentrations in Toronto are likely related to emissions from point sources and advective inputs. This study highlights the importance of urban air monitoring for FRs. Urban air can be considered a sentinel for detecting changes in the use and application of FRs in commercial products.

Evaluation of intraprostatic metabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol) using a microdialysis technique.

PubMed

Konety, Badrinath R; Somogyi, George; Atan, Ali; Muindi, Josephia; Chancellor, Michael B; Getzenberg, Robert H

2002-06-01

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol) inhibits prostate cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. We used a prostate microdialysis technique to better understand the intraprostatic pharmacokinetics of calcitriol, which in turn would facilitate planning for systemic calcitriol therapy in patients with prostate cancer. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 5 microg of calcitriol intravenously. Animals were either intact (group 1, n = 6) or castrated (group 2, n = 3). Prostate microdialysis was performed by perfusing Krebs solution through a 5-mm linear probe. Effluents were collected hourly from 0 to 20 hours or until death. Serum was collected at baseline and at the end of the experiment. Serum was also obtained from untreated rats at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after intraperitoneal injection of calcitriol. Calcitriol levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The average baseline intraprostatic level of calcitriol in prostate dialysate in intact rats was 21.1 pg/mL (+/-7.5); it was 88 pg/mL (+/-98.4) after calcitriol administration. In castrated animals, the values were 16.6 pg/mL (+/-5.3) and 25.3 pg/mL (+/-10.7). Two peaks in intraprostatic calcitriol levels were observed after intravenous administration: at less than 6 hours after injection and at more than 13 hours after injection. The mean total calcitriol exposure (area under the concentration versus time curve) in the prostate was 297.6 (+/-159) pg/hr/mL (intact) and 272.7 (+/-123.6) pg/hr/mL (castrated). The baseline serum levels were 0.1 to 1 ng/mL and reached a peak of more than 100 ng/mL within 1 hour of intraperitoneal injection. This technique permits real-time measurement of intraprostatic pharmacokinetics of calcitriol. The ratio of the intraprostatic area under the concentration versus time curve to the serum area under the concentration versus time curve of calcitriol was less than 1:100. Hence, within 24 hours of calcitriol administration, only a fraction (less than 1%) of the serum level is detectable in prostatic tissue. A bimodal peak in intraprostatic calcitriol levels is observed. This technique could be used to determine the tissue levels of calcitriol more accurately and to conduct additional studies to better elucidate the effects of castration on the intraprostatic pharmacokinetics of calcitriol.

The pearl millet mitogen-activated protein kinase PgMPK4 is involved in responses to downy mildew infection and in jasmonic- and salicylic acid-mediated defense.

PubMed

Melvin, Prasad; Prabhu, S Ashok; Veena, Mariswamy; Shailasree, Sekhar; Petersen, Morten; Mundy, John; Shetty, Shekar H; Kini, K Ramachandra

2015-02-01

Plant mitogen-activated protein kinases (MPKs) transduce signals required for the induction of immunity triggered by host recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. We isolated a full-length cDNA of a group B MPK (PgMPK4) from pearl millet. Autophosphorylation assay of recombinant PgMPK4 produced in Escherichia coli confirmed it as a kinase. Differential accumulation of PgMPK4 mRNA and kinase activity was observed between pearl millet cultivars 852B and IP18292 in response to inoculation with the downy mildew oomycete pathogen Sclerospora graminicola. This increased accumulation of PgMPK4 mRNA, kinase activity as well as nuclear-localization of PgMPK protein(s) was only detected in the S. graminicola resistant cultivar IP18292 with a ~tenfold peak at 9 h post inoculation. In the susceptible cultivar 852B, PgMPK4 mRNA and immuno-detectable nuclear PgMPK could be induced by application of the chemical elicitor β-amino butyric acid, the non-pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens, or by the phytohormones jasmonic acid (JA) or salicylic acid (SA). Furthermore, kinase inhibitor treatments indicated that PgMPK4 is involved in the JA- and SA-mediated expression of three defense genes, lipoxygenase, catalase 3 and polygalacturonase-inhibitor protein. These findings indicate that PgMPK/s contribute to pearl millet defense against the downy mildew pathogen by activating the expression of defense proteins.

Eyes with basic dorsal and specific ventral regions in the glacial Apollo, Parnassius glacialis (Papilionidae).

PubMed

Awata, Hiroko; Matsushita, Atsuko; Wakakuwa, Motohiro; Arikawa, Kentaro

2010-12-01

Recent studies on butterflies have indicated that their colour vision system is almost species specific. To address the question of how this remarkable diversity evolved, we investigated the eyes of the glacial Apollo, Parnassius glacialis, a living fossil species belonging to the family Papilionidae. We identified four opsins in the Parnassius eyes--an ultraviolet- (PgUV), a blue- (PgB), and two long wavelength (PgL2, PgL3)-absorbing types--and localized their mRNAs within the retina. We thus found ommatidial heterogeneity and a clear dorso-ventral regionalization of the eye. The dorsal region consists of three basic types of ommatidia that are similar to those found in other insects, indicating that this dorsal region retains the ancestral state. In the ventral region, we identified two novel phenomena: co-expression of the opsins of the UV- and B-absorbing type in a subset of photoreceptors, and subfunctionalization of long-wavelength receptors in the distal tier as a result of differential expression of the PgL2 and PgL3 mRNAs. Interestingly, butterflies from the closely related genus Papilio (Papilionidae) have at least three long-wavelength opsins, L1-L3. The present study indicates that the duplication of L2 and L3 occurred before the Papilio lineage diverged from the rest, whereas L1 was produced from L3 in the Papilio lineage.

The Oxidative and Inflammatory State in Patients with Acute Renal Graft Dysfunction Treated with Tacrolimus

PubMed Central

Carrillo-Ibarra, Sandra; Cerrillos-Gutiérrez, José Ignacio; Escalante-Núñez, Ariadna; Rojas-Campos, Enrique; Gómez-Navarro, Benjamín; Sifuentes-Franco, Sonia

2016-01-01

Objective. To determine the oxidative stress/inflammation behavior in patients with/without acute graft dysfunction (AGD) with Tacrolimus. Methods. Cross-sectional study, in renal transplant (RT) recipients (1-yr follow-up). Patients with AGD and without AGD were included. Serum IL-6, TNF-α, 8-isoprostanes (8-IP), and Nitric Oxide (NO) were determined by ELISA; C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined by nephelometry; lipid peroxidation products (LPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by colorimetry. Results. The AGD presentation was at 5.09 ± 3.07 versus 8.27 ± 3.78 months (p < 0.001); CRP >3.19 mg/L was found in 21 versus 19 in the N-AGD group (p = 0.83); TNF-α 145.53 ± 18.87 pg/mL versus 125.54 ± 15.92 pg/mL in N-AGD (p = 0.64); IL-6 2110.69 ± 350.97 pg/mL versus 1933.42 ± 235.38 pg/mL in N-AGD (p = 0.13). The LPO were higher in AGD (p = 0.014): 4.10 ± 0.69 µM versus 2.41 ± 0.29 µM; also levels of 8-IP were higher in AGD 27.47 ± 9.28 pg/mL versus 8.64 ± 1.54 pg/mL (p = 0.01). Serum levels of NO in AGD were lower 138.44 ± 19.20 µmol/L versus 190.57 ± 22.04 µmol/L in N-AGD (p = 0.042); antioxidant enzyme SOD activity was significantly diminished in AGD with 9.75 ± 0.52 U/mL versus 11.69 ± 0.55 U/mL in N-AGD (p = 0.012). Discussion. Patients with RT present with a similar state of the proinflammatory cytokines whether or not they have AGD. The patients with AGD showed deregulation of the oxidative state with increased LPO and 8-IP and decreased NO and SOD. PMID:27872679

The impact of production type and region on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) concentrations in Canadian chicken egg yolks.

PubMed

Rawn, Dorothea F K; Sadler, Amy R; Quade, Sue C; Sun, Wing-Fung; Kosarac, Ivana; Hayward, Stephen; Ryan, J Jake

2012-11-01

Chicken eggs from five different production types (conventional, omega-3 enriched, free range, organic and free run) were collected, when available, from three regions (west, central and east) of Canada to determine persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations. Total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations (∑37 congeners) in yolks from the eggs ranged from 0.162 ng g(-1) lipid to 24.8 ng g(-1) lipid (median 1.25 ng g(-1) lipid) while the concentration of the sum of the 6 indicator PCBs ranged from 0.100 ng g(-1) lipid to 9.33 ng g(-1) lipid (median 0.495 ng g(-1) lipid). Total polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) concentrations ranged from 2.37 pg g(-1) lipid to 382 pg g(-1) lipid (median 9.53 pg g(-1) lipid). The 2005 WHO toxic equivalency (TEQ) ranged from 0.089 pg TEQ(PCDD/F+dioxin-like[DL]-PCB) g(-1) lipid to 12.8 pg TEQ(PCDD/F+DL-PCB) g(-1) lipid (median 0.342 pg TEQ(PCDD/F+DL-PCB) g(-1) lipid). PCB and PCDD/F concentrations were significantly different (p<0.001) in egg yolks from different regions of collection. In contrast to observations in Europe, PCB and PCDD/F concentrations in Canadian egg yolks were not impacted solely by the production type (e.g., conventional, free range, organic, etc.) used to maintain the laying chickens. Additionally, only one Canadian free range yolk from western Canada (12.8 pg TEQ(PCDD/F+DL-PCB) g(-1) lipid) exceeded the European toxic equivalent concentration limits for eggs (5 pg TEQ(PCDD/F+DL-PCB) g(-1) lipid). This differs from observations in Europe where free range/home produced eggs frequently have higher POP concentrations than eggs from other production types. Median PCB dietary intake estimates based on consumption of eggs were less than 10 ng d(-1) while median PCDD/F intakes were less than 45 pg d(-1). Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrasensitive fluorescence immunoassay for detection of ochratoxin A using catalase-mediated fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Xiaolin; Zhan, Shengnan; Xu, Hengyi; Meng, Xianwei; Xiong, Yonghua; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2016-04-01

Herein, for the first time we report an improved competitive fluorescent enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) by using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced fluorescence quenching of mercaptopropionic acid-modified CdTe quantum dots (QDs). In this immunoassay, catalase (CAT) was labeled with OTA as a competitive antigen to connect the fluorescence signals of the QDs with the concentration of the target. Through the combinatorial use of H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs as a fluorescence signal output and the ultrahigh catalytic activity of CAT to H2O2, our proposed method could be used to perform a dynamic linear detection of OTA ranging from 0.05 pg mL-1 to 10 pg mL-1. The half maximal inhibitory concentration was 0.53 pg mL-1 and the limit of detection was 0.05 pg mL-1. These values were approximately 283- and 300-folds lower than those of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based conventional ELISA, respectively. The reported method is accurate, highly reproducible, and specific against other mycotoxins in agricultural products as well. In summary, the developed fluorescence immunoassay based on H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs can be used for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of mycotoxins or haptens in food safety monitoring.Herein, for the first time we report an improved competitive fluorescent enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) by using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced fluorescence quenching of mercaptopropionic acid-modified CdTe quantum dots (QDs). In this immunoassay, catalase (CAT) was labeled with OTA as a competitive antigen to connect the fluorescence signals of the QDs with the concentration of the target. Through the combinatorial use of H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs as a fluorescence signal output and the ultrahigh catalytic activity of CAT to H2O2, our proposed method could be used to perform a dynamic linear detection of OTA ranging from 0.05 pg mL-1 to 10 pg mL-1. The half maximal inhibitory concentration was 0.53 pg mL-1 and the limit of detection was 0.05 pg mL-1. These values were approximately 283- and 300-folds lower than those of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based conventional ELISA, respectively. The reported method is accurate, highly reproducible, and specific against other mycotoxins in agricultural products as well. In summary, the developed fluorescence immunoassay based on H2O2-induced fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs can be used for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of mycotoxins or haptens in food safety monitoring. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01136e

The Guideline Implementability Decision Excellence Model (GUIDE-M): a mixed methods approach to create an international resource to advance the practice guideline field.

PubMed

Brouwers, Melissa C; Makarski, Julie; Kastner, Monika; Hayden, Leigh; Bhattacharyya, Onil

2015-03-15

Practice guideline (PG) implementability refers to PG features that promote their use. While there are tools and resources to promote PG implementability, none are based on an evidence-informed and multidisciplinary perspective. Our objectives were to (i) create a comprehensive and evidence-informed model of PG implementability, (ii) seek support for the model from the international PG community, (iii) map existing implementability tools on to the model, (iv) prioritize areas for further investigation, and (v) describe how the model can be used by PG developers, users, and researchers. A mixed methods approach was used. Using our completed realist review of the literature of seven different disciplines as the foundation, an iterative consensus process was used to create the beta version of the model. This was followed by (i) a survey of international stakeholders (guideline developers and users) to gather feedback and to refine the model, (ii) a content analysis comparing the model to existing PG tools, and (iii) a strategy to prioritize areas of the model for further research by members of the research team. The Guideline Implementability for Decision Excellence Model (GUIDE-M) is comprised of 3 core tactics, 7 domains, 9 subdomains, 44 attributes, and 40 subattributes and elements. Feedback on the beta version was received from 248 stakeholders from 34 countries. The model was rated as logical, relevant, and appropriate. Seven PG tools were selected and compared to the GUIDE-M: very few tools targeted the Contextualization and Deliberations domain. Also, fewer of the tools addressed PG appraisal than PG development and reporting functions. These findings informed the research priorities identified by the team. The GUIDE-M provides an evidence-informed international and multidisciplinary conceptualization of PG implementability. The model can be used by PG developers to help them create more implementable recommendations, by clinicians and other users to help them be better consumers of PGs, and by the research community to identify priorities for further investigation.

Norepinephrine Remains Increased in the Six-Minute Walking Test after Heart Transplantation

PubMed Central

Guimarães, Guilherme Veiga; Avila, Veridiana D’; Bocchi, Edimar Alcides; Carvalho, Vitor Oliveira

2010-01-01

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the neurohormonal activity in heart transplant recipients and compare it with that in heart failure patients and healthy subjects during rest and just after a 6-minute walking test. INTRODUCTION: Despite the improvements in quality of life and survival provided by heart transplantation, the neurohormonal profile is poorly described. METHODS: Twenty heart transplantation (18 men, 49±11 years and 8.5±3.3 years after transplantation), 11 heart failure (8 men, 43±10 years), and 7 healthy subjects (5 men 39±8 years) were included in this study. Blood samples were collected immediately before and during the last minute of the exercise. RESULTS: During rest, patients’ norepinephrine plasma level (659±225 pg/mL) was higher in heart transplant recipients (463±167 pg/mL) and heathy subjects (512±132), p<0.05. Heart transplant recipient’s norepinephrine plasma level was not different than that of healthy subjects. Just after the 6-minute walking test, the heart transplant recipient’s norepinephrine plasma level (1248±692 pg/mL) was not different from that of heart failure patients (1174±653 pg/mL). Both these groups had a higher level than healthy subjects had (545±95 pg/mL), p<0.05. CONCLUSION: Neurohormonal activity remains increased after the 6-minute walking test after heart transplantation. PMID:20613934

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel pharmacokinetics with a low-dose transdermal contraceptive delivery system, AG200-15: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Archer, David F; Stanczyk, Frank Z; Rubin, Arkady; Foegh, Marie

2012-06-01

This study evaluated the ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG) pharmacokinetic profiles of AG200-15, a transdermal contraceptive delivery system, compared with a combination oral contraceptive (COC) containing EE 35 mcg and norgestimate 250 mcg. A Phase 1, open-label, single-center study in 36 healthy women was conducted over three cycles with a randomized crossover design. After a run-in cycle of 21 days on and 7 days off with AG200-15, participants were randomized to receive one of two treatments: a 21/7-day cycle of AG200-15 either followed or preceded by one cycle of the COC. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT01243580. During the third week of AG200-15 use, mean (±standard deviation) maximum serum concentration (C(max)), area under the curve(0-168 h) and steady-state concentration (C(ss48-168 h)) for EE were 51.3 ± 17.3 pg/mL, 6.26 ± 2.46 ng h/mL and 35.7 ± 14.5 pg/mL, respectively; for LNG, the corresponding values were 2400 ± 1140 pg/mL, 317 ± 159 ng h/mL and 1847 ± 930 pg/mL, respectively. The AG200-15 EE C(max) was approximately 60% lower and the EE C(ss) was 15%-20% lower than those obtained with the COC. The calculated daily dose of AG200-15 was equivalent to a 30-mcg EE COC. The most common adverse events (AEs; >10%) in the AG200-15 group were headache, nausea and application-site irritation. All drug-related AEs were mild, and no serious AEs were reported. EE and LNG daily exposure during AG200-15 treatment was within the range reported for a low-dose COC. The daily EE dose with AG 200-15 was equivalent to a 30-mcg COC and was safe and well tolerated. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultratrace determination of arsenic in water samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after pre-concentration with Mg-Al-Fe ternary layered double hydroxide nano-sorbent.

PubMed

Abdolmohammad-Zadeh, Hossein; Jouyban, Abolghasem; Amini, Roghayeh

2013-11-15

A selective solid phase extraction method, based on nano-structured Mg-Al-Fe(NO3(-)) ternary layered double hydroxide as a sorbent, is developed for the pre-concentration of ultra-trace levels of arsenic (As) prior to determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. It is found that both As(III) and As(V) could be quantitatively retained on the sorbent within a wide pH range of 4-12. Accordingly, the presented method is applied to determination of total inorganic As in aqueous solutions. Maximum analytical signal of As is achieved when the pyrolysis and atomization temperatures are close to 900 °C and 2300 °C, respectively. Several variables affecting the extraction efficiency including pH, sample flow rate, amount of nano-sorbent, elution conditions and sample volume are optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (3Sb/m) and the relative standard deviation are 4.6 pg mL(-1) and 3.9%, respectively. The calibration graph is linear in the range of 15.0-650 pg mL(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9979, sorption capacity and pre-concentration factor are 8.68 mg g(-1) and 300, respectively. The developed method is validated by the analysis of a standard reference material (SRM 1643e) and is successfully applied to the determination of ultra-trace amounts of As in different water samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relation of Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations to Central Sleep Apnea in Patients With Heart Failure

PubMed Central

Calvin, Andrew D.; Somers, Virend K.; van der Walt, Christelle; Scott, Christopher G.

2011-01-01

Background: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is frequent among patients with heart failure (HF) and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Elevated cardiac filling pressures promote CSA and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) secretion. We hypothesized that circulating natriuretic peptide concentrations predict CSA. Methods: Consecutive patients with HF (n = 44) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% underwent polysomnography for detection of CSA. CSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 with ≥ 50% central apneic events. The relation of natriuretic peptide concentrations to CSA was evaluated by estimation of ORs and receiver operator characteristics (ROCs). Results: Twenty-seven subjects (61%) had CSA, with men more frequently affected than women (73% vs 27%; OR, 7.1; P = .01); given that only three women had CSA, further analysis was restricted to men. Subjects with CSA had higher mean ANP (4,336 pg/mL vs 2,510 pg/mL, P = .03) and BNP concentrations (746 pg/mL vs 379 pg/mL, P = .05). ANP and BNP concentrations were significantly related to CSA (OR, 3.7 per 3,000 pg/mL, P = .03 and OR, 1.5 per 200 pg/mL, P = .04, respectively), whereas age, LVEF, and New York Heart Association functional class were not. Concentrations of ANP and BNP were predictive of CSA as ROC demonstrated areas under the curve of 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. Conclusions: Risk of CSA is related to severity of HF. ANP and BNP concentrations performed similarly for detection of CSA; low concentrations appear associated with low risk for CSA in men. PMID:21636668

Impact of Different Levels of iPTH on All-Cause Mortality in Dialysis Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism after Parathyroidectomy

PubMed Central

Xie, Xi Sheng; Zhang, Rui; Xiao, Yue Fei; Jin, Cheng Gang; Li, Yan Bo; Wang, Lin; Zhang, Xiao Xuan; Du, Shu Tong

2017-01-01

Background Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) usually required parathyroidectomy (PTX) when drugs treatment is invalid. Analysis was done on the impact of different intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) after the PTX on all-cause mortality. Methods An open, retrospective, multicenter cohort design was conducted. The sample included 525 dialysis patients with SHPT who had undergone PTX. Results 404 patients conformed to the standard, with 36 (8.91%) deaths during the 11 years of follow-up. One week postoperatively, different levels of serum iPTH were divided into four groups: A: ≤20 pg/mL; B: 21–150 pg/mL; C: 151–600 pg/mL; and D: >600 pg/mL. All-cause mortality in groups with different iPTH levels appeared as follows: A (8.29%), B (3.54%), C (10.91%), and D (29.03%). The all-cause mortality of B was the lowest, with D the highest. We used group A as reference (hazard ratio (HR) = 1) compared with the other groups, and HRs on groups B, C, and D appeared as 0.57, 1.43, and 3.45, respectively. Conclusion The all-cause mortality was associated with different levels of iPTH after the PTX. We found that iPTH > 600 pg/mL appeared as a factor which increased the risk of all-cause mortality. When iPTH levels were positively and effectively reducing, the risk of all-cause mortality also decreased. The most appropriate level of postoperative iPTH seemed to be 21–150 pg/mL. PMID:28656147

Toward Enhancing the Enzymatic Activity of a Novel Fungal Polygalacturonase for Food Industry: Optimization and Biochemical Analyses.

PubMed

Shetaia, Yousseria M H; El-Baz, Ashraf F; ElMekawy, Ahmed M

2017-08-11

The review of literature and patents shows that enhancing the PG production and activity are still required to fulfill the increasing demands. A dual optimization process, which involved Plackett-Burman design (PBD), with seven factors, and response surface methodology, was applied to optimize the production of extracellular polygalacturonase (PG) enzyme produced by a novel strain of Aspergillus flavus isolated from rotten orange fruit. The fungal PG was purified and biochemically characterized. Three variables (harvesting time, pH and orange pomace concentration), that were verified to be significant by the PBD analysis, were comprehensively optimized via Box-Behnken design. According to this optimization, the highest PG activity (4073 U/mL) was obtained under pH 7 after 48 h using 40 g/L orange pomace as a substrate, with enhancement in PG activity by 51% compared to the first PBD optimization step. The specific activity of the purified PG was 1608 U/mg with polygalacturonic acid and its molecular weight was 55 kDa. The optimum pH was 5 with relative thermal stability (80%) at 50˚C after 30 min. The PG activity improved in the presence of Cu2+ and Ca2+, while Ba2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+ greatly inhibited the enzyme activity. The obvious Km and Vmax values were 0.8 mg/mL and 2000 µmol/min, respectively. This study is a starting point for initial research in the field of optimization and characterization of A. flavus PG. The statistical optimization of A. flavus PG and its biochemical characterization clearly revealed that this fungal strain can be a potential producer of PG which has a wide range of industrial applications. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Serum peptides as putative modulators of inflammation in psoriasis.

PubMed

Matsuura, Tetsuhiko; Sato, Masaaki; Nagai, Kouhei; Sato, Toshiyuki; Arito, Mitsumi; Omoteyama, Kazuki; Suematsu, Naoya; Okamoto, Kazuki; Kato, Tomohiro; Soma, Yoshinao; Kurokawa, Manae S

2017-07-01

Psoriasis is a refractory inflammatory disease, however, its pathophysiology is still not fully understood. We tried to identify novel serum peptides associated with the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Serum peptides from 24 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PV), 10 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 14 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and 23 healthy control (HC) subjects were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The effects of some peptides on the secretion of humoral factors from dermal cells were investigated by cytokine arrays and ELISAs. A total of 93 peptides were detected. 24, 20, 23, and 2 peptides showed at least 1.2-fold difference in ion intensity between the psoriasis (PV+PsA) and HC groups, between the PV+PsA and AD groups, between the PV and PsA groups, and between patients with severe-to-moderate PV (n=6) and those with mild PV (n=18), respectively (p<0.05). 13 out of 27 peptides that showed at least 1.5-fold ion intensity difference in the abovementioned 4 comparisons were identified. The parent proteins of the identified peptides included a coagulation factor, proteins involved in the maintenance of skin, and a protein relating to cytoskeleton. We focused on 2 peptides that were increased in the PV+PsA group: a fibrinogen α chain-derived peptide (1462m/z), the unmodified form of which was fibrinopeptide A-des-alanine (FPAdA), and a filaggrin (FLG)-derived peptide (1977m/z), a modified form of FLG 2099-2118 (Q 2099 pE, Q 2115 E; FLG-pEE). FPAdA stimulation increased the secretion of GROα from dermal microvascular endothelial cells (dMVECs) and decreased the secretion of lipocalin-2 from keratinocytes in comparison to FPAdA-resequenced peptide stimulation (GROα, 280.9±7.3pg/mL vs. 229.6±5.0pg/mL, p<0.001; lipocalin-2, 273±13pg/mL vs. 350±10pg/mL, p<0.01). Interestingly, FLG-pEE stimulation decreased the secretion of GROα, IL-8, and MCP-1 from dMVECs in comparison to FLG-derived control peptide stimulation (GROα, 844.3±47.5pg/mL vs. 1038.5±96.9pg/mL, p<0.05; IL-8, 2240.1±172.6pg/mL vs. 3221.8±523.7pg/mL, p<0.05; MCP-1, 4057.8±157.2pg/mL vs. 4619.1±213.4pg/mL, p<0.05). The results suggested that some serum peptides are involved in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, regulating the secretion of inflammatory chemokines and an antimicrobial protein. The modulation of serum peptides may be a potential therapeutic strategy for psoriasis. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and leukocyte oxidative burst in chronic kidney disease: culprits or innocent bystanders?

PubMed

Neirynck, Nathalie; Glorieux, Griet; Schepers, Eva; Dhondt, Annemieke; Verbeke, Francis; Vanholder, Raymond

2015-06-01

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition characterized by microinflammation with oxidative stress as key feature. However, their role in the inflammatory response at uraemic concentrations has not yet been defined. In this study, the contribution of cytokines on induction of leukocyte oxidative stress was investigated. Whole blood from healthy donors was incubated with 20-1400 pg/mL TNFα, 5-102.8 pg/mL IL-6, 20-400 pg/mL IL-1β and 75-1200 pg/mL IL-18 separately or in combination. Oxidative burst was measured, at baseline and after stimulation with fMLP (Phagoburst™). The effect of the TNFα blocker, adalimumab (Ada), was evaluated on TNFα-induced ROS production. Finally, the association between TNFα and the composite end point all-cause mortality or first cardiovascular event was analysed in a CKD population stage 4-5 (n = 121). While interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-18 alone induced no ROS activation of normal leukocytes, irrespective of concentrations, TNFα induced ROS activation at baseline (P < 0.01) and after fMLP stimulation (P < 0.05), but only at uraemic concentrations in the high range (400 and 1400 pg/mL). A similar pattern was observed with all cytokines in combination, but already at intermediate uraemic concentrations (all P < 0.05, except for monocytes after fMLP stimulation: n.s.), suggesting synergism between cytokines. ROS production induced by TNFα (400 pg/mL) and the cytokine combination was blocked with Ada. Uraemia-related oxidative stress in leukocytes of haemodialysis patients was however not blocked by Ada. In patients, TNFα was not associated to adverse events (HR: 1.52, 95% CI 0.81-2.85, P = 0.13). Among several pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNFα alone was pro-oxidative but only at high-range uraemic concentrations. Adding a TNFα blocker, Ada, blocked this ROS production, but not the oxidative stress in blood samples from haemodialysis patients, suggesting that other uraemic toxins than TNFα are more crucial in this process. However, the lack of association between TNFα and mortality suggests that the role of TNFα-linked oxidative stress is limited. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Novel determination of polychlorinated naphthalenes in water by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure photoionization.

PubMed

Moukas, Athanasios I; Thomaidis, Nikolaos S; Calokerinos, Antony C

2016-01-01

This study presents the development, optimization, and validation of a novel method for the determination of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), using toluene as dopant. The mass spectra of PCN 52, 54, 66, 67, 73, and 75 were recorded in negative ionization. The base ions corresponded to [M-Cl+O](-), where M is the analyte molecule. A strategy, which includes designs of experiments, for the development, the evaluation, and the optimization of the LC-APPI-MS/MS methods is also described. Finally, a highly sensitive method with low instrumental limits of detection (LoDs), ranging from 0.8 pg for PCN 75 to 16 pg for PCN 54 on column, was validated. A Thermo Hypersil Green PAH (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) column was used with acetonitrile/water/methanol as mobile phase. The method was applied for the determination of the selected PCNs in surface and tap water samples. A simple liquid-liquid extraction method for the extraction of PCNs from water samples was used. Method LoQs ranged from 29 ng L(-1), for PCN 73, to 63 ng L(-1), for PCN 54, and the recoveries ranged from 97 to 99%, for all congeners. This is the first LC-APPI-MS/MS method for the determination of PCNs in water samples.

B-type natriuretic peptide in the recognition of critical congenital heart disease in the newborn infant.

PubMed

Das, Srikant; Chanani, Nikhil K; Deshpande, Shriprasad; Maher, Kevin O

2012-08-01

Infants with congenital heart disease having obstruction to the left ventricular outflow and ductal-dependent systemic circulation can present critically ill with shock. Prompt disease recognition and initiation of prostaglandins are necessary to prevent excess morbidity and mortality. We assessed a large cohort of newborn infants with ductal-dependent systemic circulation to determine if B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is consistently elevated at presentation, potentially aiding in diagnosis and treatment. The clinical records of infants with left-sided obstructive lesions admitted from January 2005 to June 2009 were reviewed. Infants were divided into 2 groups: group 1 was diagnosed with cardiogenic/circulatory shock at presentation, and group 2 consisted of infants with ductal-dependent systemic circulation without evidence of shock. B-type natriuretic peptide levels and other variables between the groups were compared. All patients with critical congenital heart disease presenting with shock had elevated BNP levels, ranging from 553 to greater than 5000 pg/mL. Infants in group 1 (shock, n = 36) had significantly higher median BNP levels of 4100 pg/mL at presentation compared with group 2 patients (no shock, n = 86), who had a median BNP of 656 pg/mL (range, 30-3930 pg/mL; P < 0.001). Every 100 U of increase in BNP at presentation increased the likelihood of shock (odds ratio, 100; P < 0.001). B-type natriuretic peptide is markedly elevated in neonates presenting in shock secondary to left-sided obstructive heart disease and is an important diagnostic tool to aid in the rapid identification and treatment of these patients.

Cytotoxicity of Brazilian plant extracts against oral microorganisms of interest to dentistry.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Jonatas Rafael; de Castro, Vinicius Carlos; das Graças Figueiredo Vilela, Polyana; Camargo, Samira Esteves Afonso; Carvalho, Cláudio Antonio Talge; Jorge, Antonio Olavo Cardoso; de Oliveira, Luciane Dias

2013-08-15

With the emergence of strains resistant to conventional antibiotics, it is important to carry studies using alternative methods to control these microorganisms causing important infections, such as the use of products of plant origin that has demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity besides biocompatibility. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts of Equisetum arvense L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Punica granatum L. and Stryphnodendron barbatimam Mart. against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata, and to analyze the cytotoxicity of these extracts in cultured murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts was evaluated by microdilution method based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), M7-A6 and M27-A2 standards. The cytotoxicity of concentrations that eliminated the microorganisms was evaluated by MTT colorimetric method and by quantification of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) using ELISA. In determining the minimum microbicidal concentration, E. arvense L., P. granatum L., and S. barbatimam Mart. extracts at a concentration of 50 mg/mL and G. glabra L. extract at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, were effective against all microorganisms tested. Regarding cell viability, values were 48% for E. arvense L., 76% for P. granatum L, 86% for S. barbatimam Mart. and 79% for G. glabra L. at the same concentrations. About cytokine production after stimulation with the most effective concentrations of the extracts, there was a significant increase of IL-1β in macrophage cultures treated with S. barbatimam Mart. (3.98 pg/mL) and P. granatum L. (7.72 pg/mL) compared to control (2.20 pg/mL) and a significant decrease of TNF-α was observed in cultures treated with G. glabra L. (4.92 pg/mL), S. barbatimam Mart. (0.85 pg/mL), E. arvense L. (0.83 pg/mL), and P. granatum L. (0.00 pg/mL) when compared to control (41.96 pg/mL). All plant extracts were effective against the microorganisms tested. The G. glabra L. extract exhibited least cytotoxicity and the E. arvense L. extract was the most cytotoxic.

Chiral analysis of bambuterol, its intermediate and active drug in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a pharmacokinetic study.

PubMed

Zhou, Ting; Liu, Shan; Zhao, Ting; Zeng, Jing; He, Mingzhi; Xu, Beining; Qu, Shanshan; Xu, Ling; Tan, Wen

2015-08-01

A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed for simultaneous chiral analysis of an antiasthma drug bambuterol, its key intermediate monocarbamate bambuterol and its active drug terbutaline in human plasma. All samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and separated on an Astec Chirobiotic T column under isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water with the addition of 20mm ammonium acetate and 0.005% (v/v) formic acid at 0.6mL/min. The analytes were detected by a Xevo TQ-S tandem mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The established method has high sensitivity with the lower limit of quantifications of 25.00pg/mL for bambuterol enantiomers, and 50.00pg/mL for monocarbamate bambuterol and terbutaline enantiomers, respectively. The calibration curves for bambuterol enantiomers were linear in the range of 25.00-2500pg/mL, and for monocarbamate bambuterol and terbutaline enantiomers were linear in the range of 50.00-5000pg/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions were <12.4%. All the analytes were separated in 18.0min. For the first time, the validated method was successfully applied to an enantioselective pharmacokinetic study of rac-bambuterol in 8 healthy volunteers. According to the results, this chiral LC-MS/MS assay provides a suitable and robust method for the enantioselectivity and interaction study of the prodrug bambuterol, the key intermediate monocarbamate bambuterol and its active drug terbutaline in human. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Environmental Factors on Cyanobacterial Abundance and Cyanotoxins Production in Natural and Drinking Water, Bangladesh.

PubMed

Affan, Abu; Khomavis, Hisham S; Al-Harbi, Salim Marzoog; Haque, Mahfuzul; Khan, Saleha

2015-02-01

Cyanobacterial blooms commonly appear during the summer months in ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Bangladesh. In these areas, fish mortality, odorous water and fish and human skin irritation and eye inflammation have been reported. The influence of physicochemical factors on the occurrence of cyanobacteria and its toxin levels were evaluated in natural and drinking water in Bangladesh. A highly sensitive immunosorbent assay was used to detect microcystins (MCs). Cyanobacteria were found in 22 of 23 samples and the dominant species were Microcystis aeruginosa, followed by Microcystisflosaquae, Anabeana crassa and Aphanizomenon flosaquae. Cyanobacterial abundance varied from 39 to 1315 x 10(3) cells mL(-1) in natural water and 31 to 49 x 10(3) cells mL(-1) in tap water. MC concentrations were 25-82300 pg mL(-1) with the highest value measured in the fish research pond, followed by Ishakha Lake. In tap water, MC concentrations ranged from 30-32 pg mL(-1). The correlation between nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration and cyanobacterial cell abundance was R2 = 0.62 while that between cyanobacterial abundance and MC concentration was R2 = 0.98. The increased NO3-N from fish feed, organic manure, poultry and dairy farm waste and fertilizer from agricultural land eutrophicated the water bodies and triggered cyanobacterial bloom formation. The increased amount of cyanobacteria produced MCs, subsequently reducing the water quality.

Spatiotemporal Distribution and Alpine Behavior of Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in Air at Shergyla Mountain and Lhasa on the Tibetan Plateau of China.

PubMed

Wu, Jing; Gao, Wei; Liang, Yong; Fu, Jianjie; Gao, Yan; Wang, Yawei; Jiang, Guibin

2017-10-03

Pristine high-altitude mountains are ideal areas for studying the potential mechanism behind the long-range transport and environmental behavior of persistent organic pollutants in remote areas. Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are the most complex halogenated contaminants in the environment, and have attracted extensive worldwide interest in recent years. In this study, the spatiotemporal concentrations and distributions of SCCPs in air collected from Shergyla Mountain (located in the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau) and Lhasa were investigated during 2012-2015. Generally, the total SCCP levels at Shergyla Mountain and Lhasa were between 130 and 1300 pg/m 3 and 1100-14440 pg/m 3 , respectively. C 10 and C 11 components were the most abundant homologue groups, indicating that lighter SCCP homologue groups are capable of relatively long-range atmospheric transport. Relatively high but insignificant atmospheric SCCP concentrations at Shergyla Mountain area and Lhasa were observed from 2013 to 2015 compared with 2012. At Shergyla Mountain, SCCP concentrations on the eastern and western slopes increased with altitude, implying that "mountain cold-trapping" might occur for SCCPs. A back-trajectory model showed that SCCP sources at Shergyla Mountain and Lhasa were primarily influenced by the tropical monsoon from Southwest and South Asia.

Copper-phospholipid interaction at cell membrane model hydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

Mlakar, Marina; Cuculić, Vlado; Frka, Sanja; Gašparović, Blaženka

2018-04-01

Detailed investigation of Cu (II) binding with natural lipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in aqueous solution was carried out by voltammetric measurements at the mercury drop electrode, complemented by monolayer studies in a Langmuir trough and electrophoretic measurements, all used as models for hydrophobic cell membranes. Penetration of copper ions into the PG layer was facilitated by the formation of hydrophilic Cu-Phenanthroline (Phen) complex in the subphase, followed by the mixed ligand Cu-Phen-PG complex formation at the hydrophobic interface. Electrophoretic measurements indicated a comparatively low abundance of the formed mixed ligand complex within the PG vesicles, resulting it the zeta potential change of +0.83mV, while monolayer studies confirmed their co-existence at the interface. The Cu-Phen-PG complex was identified in the pH range from 6 to 9. The stoichiometry of the complex ([PhenCuOHPG]), as well as its stability and kinetics of formation, were determined at the mercury drop electrode. Cu-Phen-PG reduces quasireversibly at about -0.7V vs. Ag/AgCl including reactant adsorption, followed by irreversible mixed complex dissociation, indicating a two-electron transfer - chemical reaction (EC mechanism). Consequently, the surface concentration (γ) of the adsorbed [PhenCuOHPG] complex at the hydrophobic electrode surface was calculated to be (3.35±0.67)×10 -11 molcm -2 . Information on the mechanism of Cu (II) - lipid complex formation is a significant contribution to the understanding of complex processes at natural cell membranes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Immunosuppression in patients who die of sepsis and multiple organ failure.

PubMed

Boomer, Jonathan S; To, Kathleen; Chang, Kathy C; Takasu, Osamu; Osborne, Dale F; Walton, Andrew H; Bricker, Traci L; Jarman, Stephen D; Kreisel, Daniel; Krupnick, Alexander S; Srivastava, Anil; Swanson, Paul E; Green, Jonathan M; Hotchkiss, Richard S

2011-12-21

Severe sepsis is typically characterized by initial cytokine-mediated hyperinflammation. Whether this hyperinflammatory phase is followed by immunosuppression is controversial. Animal studies suggest that multiple immune defects occur in sepsis, but data from humans remain conflicting. To determine the association of sepsis with changes in host innate and adaptive immunity and to examine potential mechanisms for putative immunosuppression. Rapid postmortem spleen and lung tissue harvest was performed at the bedsides of 40 patients who died in intensive care units (ICUs) of academic medical centers with active severe sepsis to characterize their immune status at the time of death (2009-2011). Control spleens (n = 29) were obtained from patients who were declared brain-dead or had emergent splenectomy due to trauma; control lungs (n = 20) were obtained from transplant donors or from lung cancer resections. Cytokine secretion assays and immunophenotyping of cell surface receptor-ligand expression profiles were performed to identify potential mechanisms of immune dysfunction. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the loss of immune effector cells. The mean ages of patients with sepsis and controls were 71.7 (SD, 15.9) and 52.7 (SD, 15.0) years, respectively. The median number of ICU days for patients with sepsis was 8 (range, 1-195 days), while control patients were in ICUs for 4 or fewer days. The median duration of sepsis was 4 days (range, 1-40 days). Compared with controls, anti-CD3/anti-CD28-stimulated splenocytes from sepsis patients had significant reductions in cytokine secretion at 5 hours: tumor necrosis factor, 5361 (95% CI, 3327-7485) pg/mL vs 418 (95% CI, 98-738) pg/mL; interferon γ, 1374 (95% CI, 550-2197) pg/mL vs 37.5 (95% CI, -5 to 80) pg/mL; interleukin 6, 3691 (95% CI, 2313-5070) vs 365 (95% CI, 87-642) pg/mL; and interleukin 10, 633 (95% CI, -269 to 1534) vs 58 (95% CI, -39 to 156) pg/mL; (P < .001 for all). There were similar reductions in 5-hour lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine secretion. Cytokine secretion in sepsis patients was generally less than 10% that in controls, independent of age, duration of sepsis, corticosteroid use, and nutritional status. Although differences existed between spleen and lung, flow cytometric analysis showed increased expression of selected inhibitory receptors and ligands and expansion of suppressor cell populations in both organs. Unique differences in cellular inhibitory molecule expression existed in immune cells isolated from lungs of sepsis patients vs cancer patients and vs transplant donors. Immunohistochemical staining showed extensive depletion of splenic CD4, CD8, and HLA-DR cells and expression of ligands for inhibitory receptors on lung epithelial cells. Patients who die in the ICU following sepsis compared with patients who die of nonsepsis etiologies have biochemical, flow cytometric, and immunohistochemical findings consistent with immunosuppression. Targeted immune-enhancing therapy may be a valid approach in selected patients with sepsis.

Mechanistic insights into porous graphene membranes for helium separation and hydrogen purification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Shuxian; Zhou, Sainan; Wu, Zhonghua; Wang, Maohuai; Wang, Zhaojie; Guo, Wenyue; Lu, Xiaoqing

2018-05-01

Porous graphene (PG) and nitrogen-substituted PG monolayers of 3N-PG and 6N-PG were designed as effective membranes for the separation of He and H2 over Ne, Ar, N2, CO, and CH4 by using density functional theory. Results showed that PG and 3N-PG exhibited suitable pore sizes and relatively high stabilities for He and H2 separation. PG and 3N-PG membranes also presented excellent He and H2 selectivities over Ne, Ar, N2, CO and CH4 at a wide temperature range. 6N-PG membrane exerted unexceptionable permeances of the studied gases, especially He and H2, which could remarkably improve the separation efficiency of He and H2. Analyses on the most stable adsorption configurations and maximum adsorption energies indicated weak Van der Waals interactions between the gases and the three PG-based membranes. Microscopic permeation process analyses based on the minimum energy pathway, energy profiles, and electron density isosurfaces elucidated the remarkable selectivities of He over Ne/CO/N2/Ar/CH4 and H2 over CO/N2/CH4 and the high permeances of He and H2 passing through the three PG-based membranes. This work not only highlighted the potential use of the three PG-based membranes for He separation and H2 purification but also provided a superior alternative strategy to design and screen membrane materials for gas separation.

A comparison using Faraday cups with 1013 Ω amplifiers and a secondary electron multiplier to measure Os isotopes by negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wang, Guiqin; Sun, Tiantian; Xu, Jifeng

2017-10-15

According to the Johnson-Nyquist noise equation, the value of electron noise is proportional to the square root of the resistor value. This relationship gives a theoretical improvement of 100 in the signal/noise ratio by going from 10 11 Ω to 10 13 Ω amplifiers for Faraday detection in thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). We measured Os isotopes using static Faraday cups with 10 13 Ω amplifiers in negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (NTIMS) and compared the results with those obtained with 10 11 Ω amplifiers and by peak-hopping on a single secondary electron multiplier (SEM). We analysed large loads of Os (1 μg) at a range of intensities of 187 OsO 3 (0.02-10 mV) in addition to small loads of Os (5-500 pg) to compare the results of the three methods. Using 10 13 Ω amplifiers, the long-term reproducibility determined from Merck Os was 187 Os/ 188 Os = 0.1211 ± 0.0086 and 0.120229 ± 0.000034 at 0.02 mV and 10 mV of 187 OsO 3 intensities. Meanwhile, the analysed JMC Os loadings of 5 and 500 pg showed 187 Os/ 188 Os = 0.10669 ± 0.00036 and 0.106807 ± 0.000023. In comparison, the values measured by the SEM were 187 Os/ 188 Os = 0.10704 ± 0.00056 and 0.10690 ± 0.00013. All errors are in 2 standard deviation (SD). Both the accuracy and the precision determined using the 10 13 Ω amplifiers and the SEM are identical when the Os amounts are within 10-50 pg. However, the former analysis time can be shortened by approximately two-thirds. The SEM measurement is still the most precise method for Os amounts <10 pg, but the analyses using 10 13 Ω amplifiers suggest they are significantly better than the SEM for Os amounts >50 pg. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Simultaneous quantification of cannabinoids and metabolites in oral fluid by two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Milman, Garry; Barnes, Allan J.; Lowe, Ross H.; Huestis, Marilyn A.

2010-01-01

Development and validation of a method for simultaneous identification and quantification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and metabolites 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) in oral fluid. Simultaneous analysis was problematic due to different physicochemical characteristics and concentration ranges. Neutral analytes, such as THC and CBD, are present in ng/mL, rather than pg/mL concentrations, as observed for the acidic THCCOOH biomarker in oral fluid. THCCOOH is not present in cannabis smoke, definitively differentiating cannabis use from passive smoke exposure. THC, 11-OH-THC, THCCOOH, CBD, and CBN quantification was achieved in a single oral fluid specimen collected with the Quantisal™ device. One mL oral fluid/buffer solution (0.25mL oral fluid and 0.75mL buffer) was applied to conditioned CEREX® Polycrom™ THC solid phase extraction (SPE) columns. After washing, THC, 11-OH-THC, CBD, and CBN were eluted with hexane/acetone/ethyl acetate (60:30:20, v/v/v), derivatized with N, O-bis-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide and quantified by two-dimensional gas chromatography electron ionization mass spectrometry (2D-GCMS) with cold trapping. Acidic THCCOOH was separately eluted with hexane/ethyl acetate/acetic acid (75:25:2.5, v/v/v), derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride and hexafluoroisopropanol, and quantified by the more sensitive 2D-GCMS–electron capture negative chemical ionization (NCI-MS). Linearity was 0.5-50ng/mL for THC, 11-OH-THC, CBD and 1-50ng/mL for CBN. The linear dynamic range for THCCOOH was 7.5–500pg/mL. Intra-and inter-assay imprecision as percent RSD at three concentrations across the linear dynamic range were 0.3%-6.6%. Analytical recovery was within 13.8% of target. This new SPE 2D-GCMS assay achieved efficient quantification of five cannabinoids in oral fluid, including pg/mL concentrations of THCCOOH by combining differential elution, 2D-GCMS with electron ionization and negative chemical ionization. This method will be applied to quantification of cannabinoids in oral fluid specimens from individuals participating in controlled cannabis and Sativex® (50% THC and 50% CBD) administration studies, and during cannabis withdrawal. PMID:20083251

Angiotensin 1-7 Is a Negative Modulator of Aldosterone Secretion In Vitro and In Vivo.

PubMed

Shefer, Gabi; Marcus, Yonit; Knoll, Esther; Dolkart, Oleg; Foichtwanger, Shulamit; Nevo, Nava; Limor, Rona; Stern, Naftali

2016-08-01

Angiotensin (1-7) [Ang 1-7] is a 7 amino acid peptide generated predominantly from Ang II by the action of Ang-converting enzyme 2. We previously showed that Ang 1-7 reduced plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity in high fructose-fed rats, and that the reduction in circulating aldosterone seemed to accord a parallel reduction in plasma renin activity. Here, we tested the possibility that Ang 1-7 affects aldosterone secretion acting directly in glomerulosa cells. First, as detected by immunofluorescence, the receptor for Ang 1-7, Mas1 is localized predominantly at the rat adrenal subcapsular region. Second, in isolated rat glomerulosa cells incubates, Ang 1-7 attenuated the aldosterone response to Ang II, with the strongest effect seen on Ang II (10(-9) M) (control 22±2.5 pg/10(5) cells; Ang II [10(-9) M] 189±11 pg/10(5) cells; Ang II [10(-9) M]+Ang 1-7 [10(-6) M] 33±3.6 pg/10(5) cells; P<0.001) and the largest effect on adrenocorticotropic hormone (10(-8) M) (control 30±3.4 pg/10(5) cells; ACTH [10(-8) M] 409±32.5 pg/10(5) cells; ACTH [10(-8) M]+Ang 1-7 [10(-6) M] 280±12.5 pg/10(5) cells; P<0.001). In contrast, Ang 1-7 did not affect the aldosterone response to potassium (K(+)). In rats subjected to a low-salt diet for 7 days, continuous infusion of Ang 1-7 (576 μg/kg per day) resulted in a lesser rise in aldosterone (salt deplete+Ang 1-7, 16.4±4.8 ng/dL) compared with rats receiving vehicle (salt deplete+vehicle, 27.6±5.3 ng/dL; P<0.01) but did not modify plasma renin activity. Taken together, these results indicate that Ang 1-7 can act as a negative modulator of aldosterone secretion in vitro and in vivo. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Cannabinoids and metabolites in expectorated oral fluid after 8 days of controlled around-the-clock oral THC administration.

PubMed

Milman, Garry; Barnes, Allan J; Schwope, David M; Schwilke, Eugene W; Goodwin, Robert S; Kelly, Deana L; Gorelick, David A; Huestis, Marilyn A

2011-08-01

Oral fluid (OF) is an increasingly accepted matrix for drug testing programs, but questions remain about its usefulness for monitoring cannabinoids. Expectorated OF specimens (n = 360) were obtained from 10 adult daily cannabis smokers before, during, and after 37 20-mg oral Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) doses over 9 days to characterize cannabinoid disposition in this matrix. Specimens were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with electron-impact ionization for THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, cannabidiol, and cannabinol, and negative chemical ionization for 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH). Linear ranges for THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, and cannabidiol were 0.25-50 ng/mL; cannabinol 1-50 ng/mL; and THCCOOH 5-500 pg/mL. THCCOOH was the most prevalent analyte in 344 specimens (96.9%), with concentrations up to 1,390.3 pg/mL. 11-hydroxy-THC, cannabidiol, and cannabinol were detected in 1, 1, and 3 specimens, respectively. THC was detected in only 13.8% of specimens. The highest THC concentrations were obtained at admission (median 1.4 ng/mL, range 0.3-113.6) from previously self-administered smoked cannabis. A total of 2.5 and 3.7% of specimens were THC-positive at the recommended Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2 ng/mL) and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines (DRUID) (1 ng/mL) confirmation cutoffs, respectively. THC is currently the only analyte for monitoring cannabis exposure in OF; however, these data indicate chronic therapeutic oral THC administration and illicit oral THC use are unlikely to be identified with current guidelines. Measurement of THCCOOH may improve the detection and interpretation of OF cannabinoid tests and minimize the possibility of OF contamination from passive inhalation of cannabis smoke.

Cannabinoids and metabolites in expectorated oral fluid after 8 days of controlled around-the-clock oral THC administration

PubMed Central

Milman, Garry; Barnes, Allan J.; Schwope, David M.; Schwilke, Eugene W.; Goodwin, Robert S.; Kelly, Deana L.; Gorelick, David A.

2013-01-01

Oral fluid (OF) is an increasingly accepted matrix for drug testing programs, but questions remain about its usefulness for monitoring cannabinoids. Expectorated OF specimens (n=360) were obtained from 10 adult daily cannabis smokers before, during, and after 37 20-mg oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) doses over 9 days to characterize cannabinoid disposition in this matrix. Specimens were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography– mass spectrometry with electron-impact ionization for THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, cannabidiol, and cannabinol, and negative chemical ionization for 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH). Linear ranges for THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, and cannabidiol were 0.25–50 ng/mL; cannabinol 1–50 ng/mL; and THCCOOH 5–500 pg/mL. THCCOOH was the most prevalent analyte in 344 specimens (96.9%), with concentrations up to 1,390.3 pg/mL. 11-hydroxy-THC, cannabidiol, and cannabinol were detected in 1, 1, and 3 specimens, respectively. THC was detected in only 13.8% of specimens. The highest THC concentrations were obtained at admission (median 1.4 ng/mL, range 0.3–113.6) from previously self-administered smoked cannabis. A total of 2.5 and 3.7% of specimens were THC-positive at the recommended Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2 ng/mL) and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines (DRUID) (1 ng/mL) confirmation cutoffs, respectively. THC is currently the only analyte for monitoring cannabis exposure in OF; however, these data indicate chronic therapeutic oral THC administration and illicit oral THC use are unlikely to be identified with current guidelines. Measurement of THCCOOH may improve the detection and interpretation of OF cannabinoid tests and minimize the possibility of OF contamination from passive inhalation of cannabis smoke. PMID:21637933

Polychlorinated dioxins, furans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and indicator PCBs (ind-PCBs) in egg and egg products in Turkey.

PubMed

Olanca, Burcu; Cakirogullari, Gul Celik; Ucar, Yunus; Kirisik, Dursun; Kilic, Devrim

2014-01-01

The aim of the study is to determine concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and indicator PCBs (ind-PCBs) in eggs from cage hens without soil contact, pasteurized egg samples and imported egg yolk powder samples in Turkey. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, and ind-PCBs in eggs and pasteurized egg samples are in the range of 0.247-1.527 pg WHO-TEQ(2005)g(-1) fat, 0.282-1.762 pg WHO-TEQ(2005)g(-1) fat and 202-1,235 pg g(-1) fat, respectively. For egg yolk powder samples, concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, and ind-PCBs are in the range of 0.122-0.494 pg WHO-TEQ(2005)g(-1) fat, 0.214-0.640 pg WHO-TEQ(2005)g(-1) fat and 217-1,498 pg g(-1) fat, respectively. All results for PCDD/Fs, PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, and ind-PCBs are below the values of 2.5 pg WHO-TEQ(2005)g(-1) fat, 5.0 pg WHO-TEQ(2005)g(-1) fat and 40 ng g(-1) fat imposed in Turkish Regulation for eggs and egg products, respectively. In all samples 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and PCB126 are the most prominent congeners. Mean estimated daily exposure to PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs for Turkish population from egg is 0.011 pg WHO-TEQ(2005)d(-1)kg body weight (bw)(-1). Although the exposure levels are below the TDI of 2 pg WHO-TEQ(1998)kg bw(-1), the results were based only on consumption of egg. In order to estimate total dietary intake for Turkish population, various food items should be investigated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Expression and characterization of fifteen Rhizopus oryzae 99-880 polygalacturonase enzymes in Pichia pastoris.

PubMed

Mertens, Jeffrey A; Bowman, Michael J

2011-04-01

Polygalacturonase (PG) enzymes hydrolyze the long polygalacturonic acid chains found in the smooth regions of pectin. Interest in this enzyme class continues due to their ability to macerate tissues of economically important crops and their use in a number of industrial processes. Rhizopus oryzae has a large PG gene family with 15 of 18 genes encoding unique active enzymes. The PG enzymes, 12 endo-PG and 3 exo-galacturonases, were expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified enabling biochemical characterization to gain insight into the maintenance of this large gene family within the Rhizopus genome. The 15 PG enzymes have a pH optima ranging from 4.0 to 5.0. Temperature optima of the 15 PG enzymes vary from 30 to 40 °C. While the pH and temperature optima do little to separate the enzymes, the specific activity of the enzymes is highly variable ranging from over 200 to less than 1 μmol/min/mg. A general pattern related to the groupings found in the phylogentic tree was visible with the group containing the exo-PG enzymes demonstrating the lowest specific activity. Finally, the progress curves of the PG enzymes, contained within the phylogenetic group that includes the exo-PG enzymes, acting on trigalacturonic acid lend additional support to the idea that the ancestral form of PG in Rhizopus is endolytic and exolytic function evolved later.

[Comparative study of the level and distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and new brominated flame retardants in the atmosphere of typical urban].

PubMed

Wu, Hui; Jin, Jun; Wang, Ying; Li, Ming-Yuan; He, Song-Jie; Xu, Meng; Sun, Yi-Ming

2014-04-01

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are widely used in industrial and commercial products and are frequently detected in various environmental media. It might be potential harm to the environment and the human body. This study reported the levels of 8 kinds of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs: BDE-28, -47, -100, -99, -154, -153, -183, -209) and 3 kinds of new brominated flame retardants (NBFRs: PBT, PBEB, HBB) in the atmosphere of Binhai Development Zone, Weifang City, Shandong Province, which was taken as a BFR production source area and of Nanning City, Guangxi Province, which was taken as a contrast area. The results showed that the average concentrations of sigma8 PBDEs in the atmosphere of Weifang and Nanning were 1.4 x 10(5) pg x m(-3) and 323.0 pg x m(-3), respectively, and the average concentrations of sigma3 NBFRs were 4.2 x 10(3) pg x m(-3) and 11.9 pg x m(-3), respectively. Compared with other cities, the concentrations of BFRs in the atmosphere of the production area were at a high level in the globe, and the concentrations of BFRs in Nanning were similar with other cities in China. The distribution characteristics of PBDEs and NBFRs in the atmosphere of the production area were different from those of Nanning, and the correlations between PBEB, PBT, HBB and BDE-209 were different between Weifang and Nanning.

Effect of physicochemical parameters on the polygalacturonase of an Aspergillus sojae mutant using wheat bran, an agro-industrial waste, via solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Demir, Hande; Tari, Canan

2016-08-01

Polygalacturonases (PGs) are valuable enzymes of the food industry; therefore it is of great importance to discover new and GRAS PG-producing microbial strains. In this study, PG enzyme produced from a high PG activity producer mutant Aspergillus sojae using wheat bran at the flask scale under pre-optimized conditions of solid-state fermentation (SSF) was biochemically characterized. The crude PG enzyme showed optimum activity in the pH range 4.0-5.0 and was stable in the pH range 3.0-7.0. The optimum temperature for the PG was 40 °C and it retained 99% of its activity at 50 °C. The mutant A. sojae PG could preserve more than 50% of its stability between 25 and 50 °C, both for 30 and 60 min, and was found to be stable in the presence of most of the tested compounds and metal ions. The inactivation energy (Ed ) was determined as 125.3 kJ mol(-1) . The enthalpy (ΔH*), free energy (ΔG*) and entropy (ΔS*) of inactivation were found to be stable with increasing temperature. The mutant A. sojae PG could be suitable for the clarification (depectinization) of orange and grape juices and wine. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Design of Copper and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Doped with Reduced Graphene Oxide for Hydrogen Evolution by Water Splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yuhao; Huang, Wenhuan

2018-05-01

TiO2-graphene (P25-GR, PG) nanocomposite was fabricated from P25 titania and graphite oxide by hydrothermal method, and then Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were assembled in P25-GR composite (Cu- P25-GR, CPG) under microwave-assisted chemical reduction. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis absorption (UV-Vis) and Raman spectroscopies. Cu NPs were well dispersed on the surface of PG and are in metallic state. The ternary Cu-P25-GR (CPG) nanocomposites show an extended light absorption range and more efficient charge separation properties compared to binary P25-GR (PG) composite. Methylene blue photodegradation experiment proved that surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon had an effect on photoreaction efficiency. The corresponding hydrogen evolution rate for CPG prepared using 0.002 M Cu(NO3)2 solution was 10 times higher than with pure P25, and 2.3 times higher than with PG in the same test conditions. The improved photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the presence of GR in the prepared composite and to the SPR effect, leading to the longer lifetime of photogenerated electronhole pairs and faster interfacial charge transfer rate. We expect that our work would be useful for the further exploration of GR-based nanocomposites.

Characterization of N-Succinylation of L-Lysylphosphatidylglycerol in Bacillus subtilis Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atila, Metin; Katselis, George; Chumala, Paulos; Luo, Yu

2016-10-01

Phospholipids generally dominate in bacterial lipids. The negatively charged nature of phospholipids renders bacteria susceptible to cationic antibiotic peptides. In comparison with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria in general have much less zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine. However, they are known for producing aminoacylated phosphatidylglycerol (PG), especially positively charged l-lysyl-PG, which is catalyzed by lysyl-PG synthase MprF, which appears to have a broad range of specificity for l-aminoacyl transfer RNAs. In addition, many Gram-positive bacteria also have a dlt-gene-coded d-alanylation pathway for lipoteichoic acids and wall teichoic acids covalently attached to a glycolipid or peptidoglycan. d-Alanylation also masks the dominant negative charge of the phosphate-rich polymers of teichoic acids. Using mass spectrometry, we have recently observed that precursor scans in negative mode for deprotonated amino acid fragments were most sensitive for ester-linked amino acids. Such a scan for precursors generating an m/ z 145 lysyl anion revealed lysyl-PG as well as an additional species 100 m/ z units greater than lysyl-PG. This unexpected species corresponded precisely to the expected mass of N-succinylated lysyl-PG. Tandem mass spectrometry revealed a precise match to the fragmentation pattern of this putative new species. PG, lysyl-PG, and N-succinyl-lysyl-PG may form a complete loop of charge reversal from -1 to +1 and then back to -1. Analogous charge reversal by N-succinylation of lysine residues in the bacterial as well as eukaryotic proteomes has been recently discovered as a major posttranslational modification. Such modification in bacterial lipids is possibly catalyzed by an enzyme homologous to the enzymes that modify lysine residues in proteins.

Prediction of the therapeutic response to methotrexate at 24 weeks by methotrexate-polyglutamates concentration in erythrocytes at 8 weeks in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Murosaki, Takamasa; Nagatani, Katsuya; Sato, Takeo; Akiyama, Yoichiro; Ushijima, Kentaro; Lefor, Alan Kawarai; Fujimura, Akio; Minota, Seiji

2017-05-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of methotrexate-polyglutamates (MTX-PGs) in erythrocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and correlate them with the efficacy. MTX-PG concentrations in erythrocytes were measured in 42 MTX-naïve patients repeatedly for 24 weeks by high-performance liquid chromatography. In 56 patients receiving stable MTX doses for at least 12 weeks, the correlation between MTX doses and MTX-PG concentrations was examined. The efficacy was measured by the change of DAS28CRP (ΔDAS28CRP). There were moderate correlations between MTX dose and MTX-PG 3, 4, and 5. At 24 weeks, MTX-PG2, 3, 4, and 1-5 were higher in patients with ΔDAS28CRP >1.2 than in those with ≤1.2. The cutoff value of MTX-PG1-5 to discriminate ΔDAS28CRP >1.2 from ≤1.2 at 24 weeks was 68.7 nM. Among 20 patients with MTX-PG1-5 > 50.6 nM at 8 weeks, seven already improved at 8 weeks and additional 11 improved at 24 weeks (p < 0.001). On the contrary, among the nine patients with MTX-PG1-5 ≤ 50.6 nM at 8 weeks, none improved at 8 weeks and only one improved at 24 weeks (p = 0.500). Erythrocyte MTX-PGs might be a potential indicator and predictor of MTX efficacy.

A new polymorphic pepsinogen locus (Pg-2) in the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

PubMed

Hamada, S; Yamada, J; Bender, K; Adams, M

1987-07-01

Only two types of pepsinogens, which are products of the Pg-1 locus, are present in rat urine. In gastric mucosa, however, additional pepsinogen isozymes are expressed. We have found a polymorphism for rat gastric mucosa pepsinogen using agarose gel electrophoresis. Some inbred rat strains expressed a pepsinogen band, while others did not. The trait was found to be controlled by a single autosomal locus. We tentatively designated the locus as Pg-2 with two alleles, Pg-2a for the one controlling presence of the band and Pg-2o for the one controlling absence. Linkage analysis using BN and TM strains revealed that Pg-2 was closely linked to Pg-1 (3.7 +/- 1.8 cM), and that it did not belong to LG I (Hbb and p), LG II (Acon-1 and Mup-1), LG IV (Hao-1 and Svp-1), LG V (Es-1 and Es-3), LG VI (Gc and h), LG IX (RT1), LG X (Fh and Pep-3), nor a LG containing Ahd-2 (as yet undetermined).

Capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry determination of inorganic ions using an ion spray-sheath flow interface.

PubMed

Huggins, T G; Henion, J D

1993-01-01

The determination of inorganic cations and anions by capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry (CE/MS) is reported using an ion spray-sheath flow interface coupling. A twelve-component synthetic mixture of cations which included the positive ions of K, Ba, Ca, Mn, Cd, Co, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Ag, and Cu was loaded into the capillary column at levels ranging from 30 to 300 pg, separated by CE, and detected by indirect UV and in the full-scan (m/z 35-450) positive ion CE/MS mode using an aqueous buffer containing 30 mM creatinine and 8 mM alpha-hydroxyisobutyric acid, pH 4.8. Creatinine forms adducts with the cations which are observed in the gas phase and requires rather high (120 electron volts) declustering energy to dissociate. This produces a reduction in charge state to form the free, singly charged, inorganic cations which are observed in the mass spectra. CE/MS analysis of an aqueous acidic extract of used aircraft engine oil revealed high levels of lead as well as lower levels of chromium and nickel. CE-indirect UV analysis of a synthetic mixture containing 300 pg each of 11 inorganic ions, which included the anions of Br, Cl, NO2, NO3, S2O3, N3, SCN, SO4, SeO4, oxalate, and MoO4, is shown. The running buffer which affected this separation contained 5 mM ammonium dichromate, 10 mM ammonium acetate, and 20 mM diethylenetriamine at pH 9.3. Although indirect UV detection revealed good separation of these anions, CE/MS analysis of this mixture was complicated by interfering ion current signals from the cluster ions formed by the interaction between the additives and the analytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

An Examination of Issues Related to U.S. Lake Erie Natural Gas Development.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-09-01

37 pg/mL 27 pg/mL 27 pg/mL 27 pg/mL detergent Wac-8 Talc & guar Non-toxic to 10,000 pg/mL in 24 hours gum Wac-10 Talc, silica Non-toxic to 10,000 ug...mL in 24 hours guar gum Fr-10 High molecu- Bioassay Method not applicable lar weight synthetic Fr-19 Polymer Bioassay Method not applicable aData from...Adeorption None Activated carbon. Activated carbon Activated carbon Activated carbon Activated carbon powdered Filtration Sandb Activated carbon. Sand Sand

Atmospheric PCB concentrations at Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica.

PubMed

Gambaro, Andrea; Manodori, Laura; Zangrando, Roberta; Cincinelli, Alessandra; Capodaglio, Gabriele; Cescon, Paolo

2005-12-15

Concentrations of gas-phase polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were studied over an austral summer at a site in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Gas-phase concentrations of individual PCB congeners in the atmosphere of Terra Nova Bay ranged from below the detection limit to 0.25 pg m(-3), with a mean concentration of sigmaPCB of 1.06 pg m(-3). The PCB profile was dominated by lower-chlorinated PCB congeners; in fact >78% of the total PCB content was due to congeners with 1-4 chlorine atoms and only about 10% with 5-7 chlorines, whereas higher-chlorinated PCB congeners were below detection limits. The mean sigmaPCB concentration obtained in this study were lower than those reported in previous Antarctic studies. Temporal concentration profiles of sigmaPCB do not correspond to seasonal temperature changes. In consideration of the low PCB concentrations observed, the studies with the wind roses, the regression between In P(PCB) and T(-1), and the distribution of congeners, we can hypothesize that PCB local source contributions are not very important, whereas long-distance transport is the prevalent factor bringing PCBs to Terra Nova Bay.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor air in Kuwait: Implications for human exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gevao, Bondi; Al-Bahloul, Majed; Al-Ghadban, Abdul Nabi; Ali, Lulwa; Al-Omair, Ali; Helaleh, Murad; Al-Matrouk, Khaled; Zafar, Jamal

Polyurethane foam plug passive samplers were used to concurrently measure air concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 70 indoor environments. PBDEs were detected in all homes and offices investigated with patterns similar to the distribution in the commercial penta technical formulation (Bromkal 70-5DE). The ubiquitous distribution of these compounds in indoor environments may be due to the volatilization of these chemicals from foam (e.g. mattresses, foam padded furniture), electronic equipments (e.g. TVs, printers, computers) and other consumer products to which they are added as flame retardants. Mean ΣPBDEs concentration in air was log-normally distributed and ranged from ˜2-385 pg m -3. Using an inhalation rate of 8 and 20 m 3 day -1 for children and adults respectively, exposure via inhalation is estimated to be 173 and 399 pg day -1 for children and adults respectively. This study supports the growing body of evidence for the ubiquitous presence of these compounds in indoor air and the potential for continuous, low-level exposure both at work and home.

Highly sensitive luminol electrochemiluminescence immunosensor based on ZnO nanoparticles and glucose oxidase decorated graphene for cancer biomarker detection.

PubMed

Cheng, Yinfeng; Yuan, Ruo; Chai, Yaqin; Niu, Huan; Cao, Yaling; Liu, Huijing; Bai, Lijuan; Yuan, Yali

2012-10-01

In this work, we reported a sandwiched luminol electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor using ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and glucose oxidase (GOD) decorated graphene as labels and in situ generated hydrogen peroxide as coreactant. In order to construct the base of the immunosensor, a hybrid architecture of Au nanoparticles and graphene by reduction of HAuCl(4) and graphene oxide (GO) with ascorbic acid was prepared. The resulted hybrid architecture modified electrode provided an excellent platform for immobilization of antibody with good bioactivity and stability. Then, ZnONPs and GOD functionalized graphene labeled secondary antibody was designed for fabricating a novel sandwiched ECL immunosensor. Enhanced sensitivity was obtained by in situ generating hydrogen peroxide with glucose oxidase and the catalysis of ZnONPs to the ECL reaction of luminol-H(2)O(2) system. The as-prepared ECL immunosensor exhibited excellent analytical property for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the range from 10 pg mL(-1) to 80 ng mL(-1) and with a detection limit of 3.3 pg mL(-1) (SN(-1)=3). The amplification strategy performed good promise for clinical application of screening of cancer biomarkers. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for alpha fetoprotein detection based on platinum nanoparticles anchored on cobalt oxide/graphene nanosheets for signal amplification.

PubMed

Liu, Li; Tian, Lihui; Zhao, Guanhui; Huang, Yuzhen; Wei, Qin; Cao, Wei

2017-09-15

An ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was developed for quantitative monitoring of Alpha fetoprotein (AFP). To achieve this objective, an incorporated signal amplification strategy of platinum nanoparticles anchored on cobalt oxide/graphene nanosheets (Pt NPs/Co 3 O 4 /graphene) was proposed by acting as the label of secondary antibodies. The prepared label not only empowered by advantages of each component but exhibited better electrochemical performance than single Pt NPs, Co 3 O 4 and graphene, which has shown large specific surface area and good catalytic activity towards the reduction of H 2 O 2 . Meanwhile, the nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles adhered on 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane functionalized graphene sheets (Au@MPTES-GS) was used as matrix to accelerate electron transfer and immobilize primary antibodies in this system. The signal amplification mechanism of the matrix and the label were explored successfully. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 0.1 pg mL -1 to 60 ng mL -1 with a low detection limit of 0.029 pg mL -1 for AFP. The proposed immunosensor may have promising application in the clinical diagnosis of AFP and other tumor markers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in honey samples from different geographic regions.

PubMed

Mohr, Susana; García-Bermejo, Angel; Herrero, Laura; Gómara, Belén; Costabeber, Ijoni Hilda; González, María José

2014-02-15

Concentrations of 17 brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including two "novel" BFRs (1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane, BTBPE and decabromodiphenylethane, DBDPE), have been determined to be in 35 commercial honey samples from Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia and Morocco. The results revealed the presence of low amounts (between

Measurement and estimated health risks of semivolatile organic compounds (PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, and phthalates) in ambient air at the Hanford Site

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

Patton, G.W.; Cooper, A.T.; Blanton, M.L.

1997-09-01

Air samples for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides, phthalate plasticizers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were collected at three Hanford Site locations (300-Area South Gate, southeast of 200-East Area, and a background location near Rattlesnake Springs). Samples were collected using high-volume air samplers equipped with a glass fiber filter and polyurethane foam plug sampling train. Target compounds were extracted from the sampling trains and analyzed using capillary gas chromatography with either electron capture detection or mass selective detection. Twenty of the 28 PCB congeners analyzed were found above the detection limits, with 8 of the congeners accounting for over 80%more » of the average PCB concentrations. The average sum of all individual PCB congeners ranged from 500-740 pg/m{sup 3}, with little apparent difference between the sampling locations. Twenty of the 25 pesticides analyzed were found above the detection limits, with endosulfan I, endosulfan II, and methoxychlor having the highest average concentrations. With the exception of the endosulfans, all other average pesticide concentrations were below 100 pg/m{sup 3}. There was little apparent difference between the air concentrations of pesticides measured at each location. Sixteen of the 18 PAHs analyzed were found above the detection limit. Phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, fluorene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and naphthalene were the only PAHs with average concentrations above 100 pg/m{sup 3}. Overall, the 300 Area had higher average PAH concentrations compared to the 200-East Area and the background location at Rattlesnake Springs; however, the air concentrations at the 300-Area also are influenced by sources on the Hanford Site and from nearby communities.« less

Assay of free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine in fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules: a useful and low-cost assessment.

PubMed

Barbaro, Daniele; Macchia, Enrico; Orsini, Paola; Piazza, Francesca; Lapi, Paola; Pasquini, Cristina

2004-01-01

To evaluate whether analysis of thyroid hormones in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules can provide information about the functional status and the nature of the nodules. We studied 4 groups of patients: group 1, 17 patients with autonomous hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules; group 2, 52 patients with cold nonfunctioning thyroid nodules; group 3, 12 patients with malignant thyroid nodules; and group 4 (control group), 10 patients with nonthyroid nodular lesions (enlarged parathyroid glands or lymph nodes). The assay of thyroid hormones was performed in FNA after the washing of needles and, with patient consent, also in normal thyroid parenchyma. The free thyroxine (FT(4)) and free triiodothyronine (FT(3)) values were remarkably high in group 1 (mean, 5.5 +/- 0.53 ng/dL and 27.6 +/- 3.1 pg/mL, respectively; P<0.05 versus group 2 and group 4, the control group). The levels of FT(4) and FT(3) were very low in group 3 (<0.2 ng/dL and <1.0 pg/mL, respectively; P<0.05 versus group 2). Thyroglobulin values in FNA specimens were much higher than the normal range in human serum, but no significant differences were found between the various groups. The control group had low levels of FT(4) and FT(3) (<0.2 ng/dL and <1.0 pg/mL, respectively) in conjunction with low levels of thyroglobulin, whereas parathyroid hormone levels were high in parathyroid nodules. These results show that assay of FT(4) and FT(3) in FNA can yield information about the functional status of thyroid nodules and, indirectly, about the nature of nodules. In this era of sophisticated new molecular markers in FNA cytology, this low-cost diagnostic method can be readily performed in every laboratory.

Selective hydride generation- cryotrapping- ICP-MS for arsenic speciation analysis at picogram levels: analysis of river and sea water reference materials and human bladder epithelial cells

PubMed Central

Matoušek, Tomáš; Currier, Jenna M.; Trojánková, Nikola; Saunders, R. Jesse; Ishida, María C.; González-Horta, Carmen; Musil, Stanislav; Mester, Zoltán; Stýblo, Miroslav; Dědina, Jiří

2013-01-01

An ultra sensitive method for arsenic (As) speciation analysis based on selective hydride generation (HG) with preconcentration by cryotrapping (CT) and inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection is presented. Determination of valence of the As species is performed by selective HG without prereduction (trivalent species only) or with L-cysteine prereduction (sum of tri- and pentavalent species). Methylated species are resolved on the basis of thermal desorption of formed methyl substituted arsines after collection at −196°C. Limits of detection of 3.4, 0.04, 0.14 and 0.10 pg mL−1 (ppt) were achieved for inorganic As, mono-, di- and trimethylated species, respectively, from a 500 μL sample. Speciation analysis of river water (NRC SLRS-4 and SLRS-5) and sea water (NRC CASS-4, CASS-5 and NASS-5) reference materials certified to contain 0.4 to 1.3 ng mL−1 total As was performed. The concentrations of methylated As species in tens of pg mL−1 range obtained by HG-CT-ICP-MS systems in three laboratories were in excellent agreement and compared well with results of HG-CT-atomic absorption spectrometry and anion exchange liquid chromatography- ICP-MS; sums of detected species agreed well with the certified total As content. HG-CT-ICP-MS method was successfully used for analysis of microsamples of exfoliated bladder epithelial cells isolated from human urine. Here, samples of lysates of 25 to 550 thousand cells contained typically tens pg up to ng of iAs species and from single to hundreds pg of methylated species, well within detection power of the presented method. A significant portion of As in the cells was found in the form of the highly toxic trivalent species. PMID:24014931

Finishing/polishing of composite and compomer restoratives: effectiveness of one-step systems.

PubMed

Yap, Adrian U J; Yap, S H; Teo, C K; Ng, J J

2004-01-01

This study investigated the surface texture of composite (Z100, 3M ESPE) and compomer (F2000, 3M ESPE) restoratives after treatment with different one-step finishing/polishing systems (One-Gloss [OG], Shofu; PoGo [PG], Dentsply; Sof-Lex Brush [SB], 3M ESPE). The surface roughness obtained was compared to that using a matrix strip [MS], a two-step rubber abrasive (CompoSite [CS], Shofu) and a graded abrasive disk (Super Snap [SS], Shofu) system. Eight specimens (3-mm long x 3-mm wide x 2-mm deep) of each material were made according to manufacturer's instructions. With exception of the MS group, all groups were roughened with 320 grit grinding paper using a lapping device prior to finishing/polishing with the different systems. The mean surface roughness (microm) was measured with a profilometer. Data was subjected to ANOVA/Scheffe's tests and independent samples t-test at significance level 0.05. Mean Ra ranged from 0.22 to 0.32 microm for Z100 and 0.45 to 0.68 for F2000. For both materials, the smoothest surfaces were obtained with MS. The roughest surfaces were observed after treatment with SS and OG for Z100 and F2000, respectively. The effectiveness of the finishing/polishing systems was material dependent. The surface finish produced by PG and SB was superior or comparable to that obtained with CS, SS and OG.

Relative oral bioavailability of morphine and naltrexone derived from crushed morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride extended-release capsules versus intact product and versus naltrexone solution: a single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, three-way crossover trial in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Johnson, Franklin K; Stark, Jeffrey G; Bieberdorf, Frederick A; Stauffer, Joe

2010-06-01

Morphine sulfate/sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride (HCl) (MS-sNT) extended-release fixed-dose combination capsules, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2009 for chronic moderate to severe pain, contain extended-release morphine pellets with a sequestered core of the opioid antagonist naltrexone. MS-sNT was designed so that if the product is tampered with by crushing, the naltrexone becomes bioavailable to mitigate morphine-induced subjective effects, rendering the product less attractive for tampering. The primary aim of this study was to compare the oral bioavailability of naltrexone and its metabolite 6-beta-naltrexol, derived from crushed pellets from MS-sNT capsules, to naltrexone solution. This study also assessed the relative bioavailability of morphine from crushed pellets from MS-sNT capsules and that from the whole, intact product. This single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 3-period, 3-treatment crossover trial was conducted in healthy volunteers. Adults admitted to the study center underwent a 10-hour overnight fast before study drug administration. Each subject received all 3 of the following treatments, 1 per session, separated by a 14-day washout: tampered pellets (crushed for >or=2 minutes with a mortar and pestle) from a 60-mg MS-sNT capsule (60 mg morphine/2.4 mg naltrexone); 60-mg whole, intact MS-sNT capsule; and oral naltrexone HCl (2.4 mg) solution. Plasma concentrations of naltrexone and 6-beta-naltrexol were measured 0 to 168 hours after administration. Morphine pharmaco-kinetics of crushed and whole pellets were determined 0 to 72 hours after administration. The analysis of relative bioavailability was based on conventional FDA criteria for assuming bioequivalence; that is, 90% CIs for ratios of geometric means (natural logarithm [In]-transformed C(max) and AUC) fell within the range of 80% to 125%. Subjects underwent physical examinations, clinical laboratory tests, and ECG at screening and study discharge and were monitored for adverse events (AEs) throughout the study. Of the 24 subjects enrolled in the study, 23 completed it. Most subjects were white (79%) and male (63%); the mean (SD) age was 39.3 (11.2) years and the mean weight was 77.6 (13.5) kg (range, 55.0102.5 kg). Plasma C(max) and AUC(0-t) of naltrexone after the administration of crushed pellets of MS-sNT (579 pg/mL and 1811 h . pg/mL, respectively) and naltrexone solution (584 pg/mL and 1954 h . pg/mL) were not significantly different; 90% CIs were 83.8% to 116% and 83.3% to 102%, meeting the regulatory requirements for assuming bioequivalence in this study population. Plasma naltrexone concentration was below the lower limit of quantitation (4.0 pg/mL) in 23 of 24 subjects (96%) after whole MS-sNT administration. Morphine AUC(0-t) was not significantly different whether MS-sNT was crushed (163 h . ng/mL) or administered whole (174 h . ng/mL), but C(max) was numerically higher (24.5 vs 7.7 ng/mL) and T(max) was numerically shorter (2.00 vs 7.03 hours) with MS-sNT crushed versus whole. The most commonly reported AEs were nausea (8/23 [35%], 10/24 [42%], and 3/23 [13%] subjects in the crushed, whole, and naltrexone groups, respectively) and emesis (6 [26%], 7 [29%], and 2 [9%]). In this single-dose study, when pellets from MS-sNT were crushed, naltrexone appeared to be completely released and available to mitigate morphine-induced effects. When MS-sNT was administered whole, morphine was released in an extended-release fashion while naltrexone remained sequestered.

Distribution and air-sea exchange of current-use pesticides (CUPs) from East Asia to the high Arctic Ocean.

PubMed

Zhong, Guangcai; Xie, Zhiyong; Cai, Minghong; Möller, Axel; Sturm, Renate; Tang, Jianhui; Zhang, Gan; He, Jianfeng; Ebinghaus, Ralf

2012-01-03

Surface seawater and marine boundary layer air samples were collected on the ice-breaker R/V Xuelong (Snow Dragon) from the East China Sea to the high Arctic (33.23-84.5° N) in July to September 2010 and have been analyzed for six current-use pesticides (CUPs): trifluralin, endosulfan, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, dacthal, and dicofol. In all oceanic air samples, the six CUPs were detected, showing highest level (>100 pg/m(3)) in the Sea of Japan. Gaseous CUPs basically decreased from East Asia (between 36.6 and 45.1° N) toward Bering and Chukchi Seas. The dissolved CUPs in ocean water ranged widely from

Radioimmunoassay for 3,3',5'-triiodo-L-thyronine in unextracted serum: method and clinical results. [/sup 125/I

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

Nicod, P.; Burger, A.; Staeheli, V.

1976-05-01

Serum 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT/sub 3/) was measured with a radioimmunoassay in unextracted serum. The assay was specific and reproducible. The coefficients of variation for three different sera known for high, normal, and low rT/sub 3/ concentrations between assays were 4, 6, and 9 percent and within assays 4, 9, and 7 percent, respectively. In euthyroid subjects 20 to 60 years old, rT/sub 3/ was 450 +- 200 pg/ml (mean +- SD, n = 83). Serum rT/sub 3/ was found to be increased in hyperthyroidism (range: 762 to 2581 pg/ml; n = 11) but also in acute and chronic illness (up tomore » 2400 pg/ml; n = 24) and in anorexia nervosa (536 to 1058 pg/ml; n = 7). In the latter two situations there was mostly an inverse change in serum 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T/sub 3/) which was in the low normal range or decreased. These findings suggest a metabolic control of thryoxine deiodination. A low serum rT/sub 3/ was found in 9 of 12 hypothyroid patients and in the serum of one chronically ill patient. Long-term treatment (1 to 7 years) with lithium carbonate slightly reduced serum rT/sub 3/, although the changes were inside the normal range. Kidney function was not found to be necessary for its production, as anephric patients had normal rT/sub 3/ values. In addition, hemodialysis increased serum rT/sub 3/, which is probably due to the heparin therapy.« less

Stabilized phosphogypsum: class C fly ash: Portland type II cement composites for potential marine application.

PubMed

Guo, T; Malone, R F; Rusch, K A

2001-10-01

Phosphogypsum (PG, CaSO4 x H20), a byproduct of phosphoric acid manufacturing, contains low levels of Ra226. PG can be stabilized with portland type II cement and class C fly ash for use in marine environments, thus eliminating the airborne vector of transmission for radon gas. An augmented simplex centroid design with pseudocomponents was used to select 10 PG:class C fly ash:portland type II cement compositions. The 43 cm3 blocks were fabricated and subjected to a 1.5-yr field submergence test and a 28-d saltwater dynamic leaching study. All field composites survived with no signs of degradation. Dynamic leaching resulted in effective calcium diffusion coefficients ranging from 0.21 to 7.5 x 10(-14)m2 s(-1). Effective diffusion depths, calculated for t=1 and 30 yr, ranged from 0.4 to 2.2 mm and from 2.0 to 11.9 mm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and wavelength dispersive microprobe and X-ray diffraction analyses of the leached composites identified a 40-60-microm calcite layer that was absent in the control composites. This suggests that a reaction between the composites and the saltwater results in the precipitation of calcite onto the block surface, encapsulating the composites and protecting them from saltwater attack and dissolution.

A Multi-Region Magnetoimpedance-Based Bio-Analytical System for Ultrasensitive Simultaneous Determination of Cardiac Biomarkers Myoglobin and C-Reactive Protein.

PubMed

Yang, Zhen; Wang, Huanhuan; Guo, Pengfei; Ding, Yuanyuan; Lei, Chong; Luo, Yongsong

2018-06-01

Cardiac biomarkers (CBs) are substances that appear in the blood when the heart is damaged or stressed. Measurements of the level of CBs can be used in course of diagnostics or monitoring the state of the health of group risk persons. A multi-region bio-analytical system (MRBAS) based on magnetoimpedance (MI) changes was proposed for ultrasensitive simultaneous detection of CBs myoglobin (Mb) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The microfluidic device was designed and developed using standard microfabrication techniques for their usage in different regions, which were pre-modified with specific antibody for specified detection. Mb and CRP antigens labels attached to commercial Dynabeads with selected concentrations were trapped in different detection regions. The MI response of the triple sensitive element was carefully evaluated in initial state and in the presence of biomarkers. The results showed that the MI-based bio-sensing system had high selectivity and sensitivity for detection of CBs. Compared with the control region, ultrasensitive detections of CRP and Mb were accomplished with the detection limits of 1.0 pg/mL and 0.1 pg/mL, respectively. The linear detection range contained low concentration detection area and high concentration detection area, which were 1 pg/mL⁻10 ng/mL, 10⁻100 ng/mL for CRP, and 0.1 pg/mL⁻1 ng/mL, 1 n/mL⁻80 ng/mL for Mb. The measurement technique presented here provides a new methodology for multi-target biomolecules rapid testing.

Neutral polyfluoroalkyl substances in the atmosphere over the northern South China Sea.

PubMed

Lai, Senchao; Song, Junwei; Song, Tianli; Huang, Zhijiong; Zhang, Yingyi; Zhao, Yan; Liu, Guicheng; Zheng, Junyu; Mi, Wenying; Tang, Jianhui; Zou, Shichun; Ebinghaus, Ralf; Xie, Zhiyong

2016-07-01

Neutral Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the atmosphere were measured during a cruise campaign over the northern South China Sea (SCS) from September to October 2013. Four groups of PFASs, i.e., fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), fluorotelomer acrylates (FTAs), fluorooctane sulfonamides (FOSAs) and fluorooctane sulfonamidoethanols (FASEs), were detected in gas samples. FTOHs was the predominant PFAS group, accounting for 95.2-99.3% of total PFASs (ΣPFASs), while the other PFASs accounted for a small fraction of ΣPFASs. The concentrations of ΣPFASs ranged from 18.0 to 109.9 pg m(-3) with an average of 54.5 pg m(-3). The concentrations are comparable to those reported in other marine atmosphere. Higher concentrations of ΣPFASs were observed in the continental-influenced samples than those in other samples, pointing to the substantial contribution of anthropogenic sources. Long-range transport is suggested to be a major pathway for introducing gaseous PFASs into the atmosphere over the northern SCS. In order to further understand the fate of gaseous PFASs during transport, the atmospheric decay of neutral PFASs under the influence of reaction with OH radicals and atmospheric physical processes were estimated. Concentrations of 8:2 FTOH, 6:2 FTOH and MeFBSE from selected source region to the atmosphere over the SCS after long-range transport were predicted and compared with the observed concentrations. It suggests that the reaction with OH radicals may play an important role in the atmospheric decay of PFAS during long-range transport, especially for shorted-lived species. Moreover, the influence of atmospheric physical processes on the decay of PFAS should be further considered. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic solid phase extraction of gemfibrozil from human serum and pharmaceutical wastewater samples utilizing a β-cyclodextrin grafted graphene oxide-magnetite nano-hybrid.

PubMed

Abdolmohammad-Zadeh, Hossein; Talleb, Zeynab

2015-03-01

A magnetic solid phase extraction method based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) grafted graphene oxide (GO)/magnetite (Fe3O4) nano-hybrid as an innovative adsorbent was developed for the separation and pre-concentration of gemfibrozil prior to its determination by spectrofluorometry. The as-prepared β-CD/GO/Fe3O4 nano-hybrid possesses the magnetism property of Fe3O4 nano-particles that makes it easily manipulated by an external magnetic field. On the other hand, the surface modification of GO by β-CD leads to selective separation of the target analyte from sample matrices. The structure and morphology of the synthesized adsorbent were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The experimental factors affecting the extraction/pre-concentration and determination of the analyte were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range between 10 and 5000 pg mL(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9989. The limit of detection and enrichment factor for gemfibrozil were 3 pg mL(-1) and 100, respectively. The maximum sorption capacity of the adsorbent for gemfibrozil was 49.8 mg g(-1). The method was successfully applied to monitoring gemfibrozil in human serum and pharmaceutical wastewaters samples with recoveries in the range of 96.0-104.0% for the spiked samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aloe vera attenuated gastric injury on indomethacin-induced gastropathy in rats.

PubMed

Werawatganon, Duangporn; Rakananurak, Narisorn; Sallapant, Sasipim; Prueksapanich, Piyapan; Somanawat, Kanjana; Klaikeaw, Naruemon; Rerknimitr, Rungsun

2014-12-28

To evaluate the protective effects of Aloe vera on gastric injury in rats with indomethacin (IMN)-induced gastropathy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control, n = 6) was given distilled water (DW) orally. Group 2 (IMN, n = 6) was given oral IMN (150 mg/kg) dissolved in 5% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 (-)) at time 0 and 4 h. Group 3 (Aloe vera-treated, n = 6) was given oral Aloe vera (150 mg/kg) dissolved in DW and IMN at time 0 and 4 h. Eight hours later, the stomach was removed to determine gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), the number of interleukin (IL)-18 positive stained cells (%) by immunohistochemistry, and for histopathological examination. Then, the serum was collected to determine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. In the IMN group, serum TNF-α, CINC-1 and gastric MDA were significantly increased when compared to the control group (27.78 ± 1.52 pg/mL vs 85.07 ± 49.11 pg/mL, P = 0.009; 104.55 ± 45.80 pg/mL vs 1054.70 ± 20.38 pg/mL, and 1.74 ± 0.21 nmol/mg vs 9.36 ± 1.07 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000, respectively). The mean level of TNF-α, CINC-1 and gastric MDA in the Aloe vera-treated group were improved as compared with the IMN group (85.07 ± 49.11 pg/mL vs 35.19 ± 1.61 pg/mL, P = 0.021; 1054.70 ± 20.38 pg/mL vs 813.56 ± 239.04 pg/mL, P = 0.025; and 9.36 ± 1.07 nmol/mg vs 2.67 ± 0.64 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000, respectively). The number of IL-18 positive stained cells (%) in the gastric epithelial cells of the IMN group was significantly higher than the control group (5.01% ± 3.73% vs 30.67% ± 2.03%, P = 0.000, respectively). In contrast, Aloe vera treatment decreased the number of IL-18 positive stained cells (%) significantly when compared with the IMN group (30.67% ± 2.03% vs 13.21% ± 1.10%, P = 0.000, respectively). Most rats in the IMN group developed moderate to severe gastric inflammation and erosions. The gastric erosions and neutrophil infiltration scores were significantly reduced in the Aloe vera-treated group. Aloe vera attenuated IMN-induced gastropathy in rats by the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and improvement of gastric histopathology.

Aloe vera attenuated gastric injury on indomethacin-induced gastropathy in rats

PubMed Central

Werawatganon, Duangporn; Rakananurak, Narisorn; Sallapant, Sasipim; Prueksapanich, Piyapan; Somanawat, Kanjana; Klaikeaw, Naruemon; Rerknimitr, Rungsun

2014-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the protective effects of Aloe vera on gastric injury in rats with indomethacin (IMN)-induced gastropathy. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control, n = 6) was given distilled water (DW) orally. Group 2 (IMN, n = 6) was given oral IMN (150 mg/kg) dissolved in 5% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3-) at time 0 and 4 h. Group 3 (Aloe vera-treated, n = 6) was given oral Aloe vera (150 mg/kg) dissolved in DW and IMN at time 0 and 4 h. Eight hours later, the stomach was removed to determine gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), the number of interleukin (IL)-18 positive stained cells (%) by immunohistochemistry, and for histopathological examination. Then, the serum was collected to determine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: In the IMN group, serum TNF-α, CINC-1 and gastric MDA were significantly increased when compared to the control group (27.78 ± 1.52 pg/mL vs 85.07 ± 49.11 pg/mL, P = 0.009; 104.55 ± 45.80 pg/mL vs 1054.70 ± 20.38 pg/mL, and 1.74 ± 0.21 nmol/mg vs 9.36 ± 1.07 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000, respectively). The mean level of TNF-α, CINC-1 and gastric MDA in the Aloe vera-treated group were improved as compared with the IMN group (85.07 ± 49.11 pg/mL vs 35.19 ± 1.61 pg/mL, P = 0.021; 1054.70 ± 20.38 pg/mL vs 813.56 ± 239.04 pg/mL, P = 0.025; and 9.36 ± 1.07 nmol/mg vs 2.67 ± 0.64 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000, respectively). The number of IL-18 positive stained cells (%) in the gastric epithelial cells of the IMN group was significantly higher than the control group (5.01% ± 3.73% vs 30.67% ± 2.03%, P = 0.000, respectively). In contrast, Aloe vera treatment decreased the number of IL-18 positive stained cells (%) significantly when compared with the IMN group (30.67% ± 2.03% vs 13.21% ± 1.10%, P = 0.000, respectively). Most rats in the IMN group developed moderate to severe gastric inflammation and erosions. The gastric erosions and neutrophil infiltration scores were significantly reduced in the Aloe vera-treated group. CONCLUSION: Aloe vera attenuated IMN-induced gastropathy in rats by the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and improvement of gastric histopathology. PMID:25561799

A nonfouling voltammetric immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen based on the use of polyaniline nanowires wrapped with hyaluronic acid.

PubMed

Wang, Jiasheng; Hui, Ni

2018-06-16

A non-fouling electrochemical immunosensor is described for determination of the tumor biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It is based on the use of composite wires made by chemical grafting of hyaluronic acid onto polyaniline nanowires. The modified nanowires possess excellent antifouling property both in single protein solutions and in dilute serum samples. The current of immunoelectrode exhibits a linear response in the 0.01 pg mL -1 to 10,000 pg mL -1 CEA concentration range and 0.0075 pg mL -1 detection limit. This work demonstrates that coating an electrode with hyaluronic acid can largely reduce unspecific adsorption of proteins on the electrode surface. Graphical abstract Schematic of a nonfouling electrochemical immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen. It is based on novel composite wires made through the chemical grafting of easily available hyaluronic acid (HA) onto polyaniline (PANI) nanowires. The HA/PANI demonstrated excellent antifouling property both in single protein solutions and human serum samples.

Validation of an immunoassay to measure plasminogen-activator inhibitor-1 concentrations in human saliva

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xi; Dimeski, Goce; Punyadeera, Chamindie

2014-01-01

Introduction: We have previously shown that the concentrations of D-dimer are significantly elevated in saliva compared with plasma. Saliva offers several advantages compared with blood analysis. We hypothesised that human saliva contains plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and that the concentrations are not affected by the time of saliva collection. The aim was to adopt and validate an immunoassay to quantify PAI-1 concentrations in saliva and to determine whether saliva collection time has an influence in the measurement. Materials and methods: Two saliva samples (morning and afternoon) from the same day were collected from healthy subjects (N = 40) who have had no underlying heart conditions. A customized AlphaLISA® immunoassay (PerkinElmer®, MA, USA) was adopted and used to quantify PAI-1 concentrations. We validated the analytical performance of the customized immunoassay by calculating recovery of known amount of analyte spiked in saliva. Results: The recovery (95.03%), intra- (8.59%) and inter-assay (7.52%) variations were within the acceptable ranges. The median salivary PAI-1 concentrations were 394 pg/mL (interquartile ranges (IQR) 243.4–833.1 pg/mL) in the morning and 376 (129.1–615.4) pg/mL in the afternoon and the plasma concentration was 59,000 (24,000–110,000) pg/mL. Salivary PAI-1 did not correlate with plasma (P = 0.812). Conclusions: The adopted immunoassay produced acceptable assay sensitivity and specificity. The data demonstrated that saliva contains PAI-1 and that its concentration is not affected by the time of saliva collection. There is no correlation between salivary and plasma PAI-1 concentrations. Further studies are required to demonstrate the utility of salivary PAI-1 in CVD risk factor studies. PMID:24969919

Association of relatively low serum parathyroid hormone with malnutrition-inflammation complex and survival in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Dukkipati, Ramanath; Kovesdy, Csaba P; Colman, Sara; Budoff, Matthew J; Nissenson, Allen R; Sprague, Stuart M; Kopple, Joel D; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kamyar

2010-07-01

Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been implicated as a primary biochemical marker of adynamic bone disease in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) treatment. We hypothesized that the malnutrition-inflammation complex is associated with low PTH levels in these patients and confounds the PTH-survival association. We examined 748 stable MHD outpatients in southern California and followed them for up to 5 years (October 2001-December 2006). In 748 MHD patients, serum PTH <150pg/mL was more prevalent among non-blacks and diabetics. There was no association between serum PTH and coronary artery calcification score, bone mineral density, or dietary protein or calorie intake. Low serum PTH was associated with markers of protein-energy wasting and inflammation, and this association confounded the relationship between serum PTH and alkaline phosphatase. Although 5-year crude mortality rates were similar across PTH increments, after adjustment for the case-mix and surrogates of malnutrition and inflammation, a moderately low serum PTH in 100-150pg/mL range was associated with the greatest survival compared to other serum PTH levels, i.e., a death hazard ratio of 0.52 (95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.92, p<0.001) compared to PTH of 300-600pg/mL (reference). Low serum PTH may be another facet of the malnutrition-inflammation complex in CKD, and after controlling for this confounder, a moderately low PTH in 100-150pg/mL range appears associated with the greatest survival. Limitations of observational studies should be considered. Copyright 2010 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Purification and Characterization of a Polygalacturonase-Inhibiting Protein from Phaseolus vulgaris L. 1

PubMed Central

Cervone, Felice; De Lorenzo, Giulia; Degrà, Luisa; Salvi, Giovanni; Bergami, Mario

1987-01-01

Homogeneous endo-polygalacturonase (PG) was covalently bound to cyanogen-bromide-activated Sepharose, and the resulting PG-Sepharose conjugate was utilized to purify, by affinity chromatography, a protein from Phaseolus vulgaris hypocotyls that binds to and inhibits PG. Isoelectric focusing of the purified PG-inhibiting protein (PGIP) showed a major protein band that coincided with PG-inhibiting activity. PGIP formed a complex with PG at pH 5.0 and at low salt concentrations. The complex dissociated in 0.5 m Na-acetate and pH values lower than 4.5 or higher than 6.0. Formation of the PG-PGIP complex resulted in complete inhibition of PG activity. PG activity was restored upon dissociation of the complex. The protein exhibited inhibitory activity toward PGs from Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus niger. The possible role of PGIP in regulating the activity of fungal PG's and their ability to elicit plant defense reactions are discussed. Images Fig. 3 PMID:16665751

Cascade signal amplification for electrochemical immunosensing by integrating biobarcode probes, surface-initiated enzymatic polymerization and silver nanoparticle deposition.

PubMed

Lin, Dajie; Mei, Chengyang; Liu, Aili; Jin, Huile; Wang, Shun; Wang, Jichang

2015-04-15

A cascade signal amplification strategy through combining surface-initiated enzymatic polymerization (SIEP) and the subsequent deposition of strepavidin functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was proposed. The first step of constructing the electrochemical immunosensor involves covalently immobilizing capture antibody on a chitosan modified glass carbon electrode, which then catalyzes DNA addition of deoxynucleotides (dNTP) at the 3'-OH group by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), leading to the formation of long single-stranded DNAs labeled with numerous biotins. Following the deposition of numerous strepavidin functionalized AgNPs on those long DNA chains, electrochemical stripping signal of silver was used to monitor the immunoreaction in KCl solution. Using α-fetoprotein as a model analyte, this amplification strategy could detect fetoprotein down to 0.046pg/mL with a wide linear range from 0.1pg/mL to 1.0ng/mL. The achieved high sensitivity and good reproducibility suggest that this cascade signal amplification strategy has great potential for detecting biological samples and possibly clinical application. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Levels, profiles and gas-particle distribution of atmospheric PCDD/Fs in vehicle parking lots of a South China metropolitan area.

PubMed

Li, Huiru; Zhou, Lin; Ren, Man; Sheng, Guoying; Fu, Jiamo; Peng, Ping'an

2014-01-01

Vehicle exhaust is one important PCDD/F source in urban areas. In this study, occurrence and inhalation of atmospheric PCDD/Fs in three enclosed/semi-enclosed large-scale vehicle parks were investigated. The park for heavy-duty diesel-trucks exhibited the highest atmospheric 2,3,7,8-PCDD/F concentrations (17.7 ± 4.3 pg m(-3), 0.818 ± 0.264 pg I-TEQm(-3)), followed sequentially by those for liquefied petroleum gas-buses and for unleaded gasoline-cars. High-chlorinated congeners/homologues dominated 2,3,7,8-PCDD/F profiles. Principal component analysis indicated their similarities with tailpipe studies. More than 70% of PCDD/Fs were particle-bound and their congener/homologue patterns differed from those of gaseous PCDD/Fs. In all studied parks logarithms of the gas/particle partitioning coefficients (Kps) of PCDD/F homologues were linearly correlated with those of their sub-cooled vapor pressures (pLs). Daily PCDD/F doses inhaled by park-workers were estimated to be between 0.099-0.227 pg I-TEQ kg(-1)d(-1). Their probabilistic incremental lifetime cancer risks were 1.08 × 10(-5)-2.07 × 10(-5), which were in the acceptable range (1.0 × 10(-4)-1.0 × 10(-6)). However, all data from the diesel-truck park significantly exceeded the upper limit for PCDD/Fs in ambient air of Japan (0.6 pg TEQm(-3)). Hence, air pollution and adequate ventilation should be considered during the design and construction of such enclosed/semi-enclosed parks. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of interleukin-2 is not useful for distinguishing between latent and active tuberculosis in clinical practice: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Santin, M; Morandeira-Rego, F; Alcaide, F; Rabuñal, R; Anibarro, L; Agüero-Balbín, R; Casas-Garcia, X; Pérez-Escolano, E; Navarro, M D; Sánchez, F; Coira-Nieto, A; Trigo-Daporta, M; Martinez-Meñaca, A; Gonzalez-Cuevas, A; López-Prieto, M D; Domínguez-Castellano, A; Jové, N

2016-12-01

Previous reports have identified interleukin-2 (IL-2), quantified in the supernatants of QuantiFERON ® -TB Gold In-tube (QFT) after 72 h of incubation, as a potential biomarker for distinguishing between latent and active tuberculosis (TB). However, its validity has not been tested in an appropriate clinical cohort. A multicentre study of 161 consecutive adult patients undergoing evaluation for active TB at eight TB Units in Spain. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-2 were assessed in the supernatant of QFT after 16-24 h and 72 h of incubation. The accuracy of IL-2 for indicating latent TB infection (LTBI) was assessed by receiving operating characteristic curves. . Twenty-eight participants were not infected, 43 had LTBI, 69 had TB, and 21 were not classifiable. Median (interquartile range) IL-2 concentrations after 72 h of incubation were 0.0 pg/mL (0.0-0.0) in uninfected individuals, 261.0 pg/mL (81.0-853.0) in LTBI individuals, 166.5 pg/mL (33.5-551.5) in patients with extrapulmonary TB, 95.0 pg/mL (26.0-283.0) in patients with smear-negative pulmonary TB, and 38.5 pg/mL (7.5-178.0) in patients with smear-positive pulmonary TB (p <0.0001). The area under the curve of the receiving operating characteristic curve (95% CI) of IL-2 after 72 h of incubation for the diagnosis of LTBI was 0.63 (0.53-0.74) when all TB cases were considered as a single group, ranging from 0.59 (0.47-0.71) to 0.72 (0.58-0.85) when only extrapulmonary and smear-positive pulmonary TB cases respectively were considered. Quantification of IL-2 in the supernatant of QFT after a prolonged incubation is not useful to distinguish between LTBI and active disease in clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen pools in permafrost zones of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

PubMed

Zhao, Lin; Wu, Xiaodong; Wang, Zhiwei; Sheng, Yu; Fang, Hongbing; Zhao, Yonghua; Hu, Guojie; Li, Wangping; Pang, Qiangqiang; Shi, Jianzong; Mo, Bentian; Wang, Qian; Ruan, Xirui; Li, Xiaodong; Ding, Yongjian

2018-02-26

There are several publications related to the soil organic carbon (SOC) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). However, most of these reports were from different parts of the plateau with various sampling depth. Here, we present the results from a systematic sampling and analysis of 200 soil pits. Most of the pits were deeper than 2 m from an east-west transect across the plateau. The SOC and total nitrogen (TN) pools of the 148 × 10 4  km 2 , the area of the permafrost zone, for the upper 2 m soils calculated from the vegetation map were estimated to be 17.07 Pg (interquartile range: 11.34-25.33 Pg) and 1.72 Pg (interquartile range: 1.08-2.06 Pg), respectively. We also predicted the distribution of land cover types in 2050 and 2070 using decision tree rules and climate scenarios, and then predicted SOC and TN pools of this region. The results suggested that the SOC and TN pools will decrease in the future. The results not only contribute to the carbon and nitrogen storage and stocks in the permafrost regions as a whole but most importantly, to our knowledge of the possible changes of C and N storage on the QTP in the future.

Microfluidic direct injection method for analysis of urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) using molecularly imprinted polymers coupled on-line with LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Shah, Kumar A; Peoples, Michael C; Halquist, Matthew S; Rutan, Sarah C; Karnes, H Thomas

2011-01-25

The work described in this paper involves development of a high-throughput on-line microfluidic sample extraction method using capillary micro-columns packed with MIP beads coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of urinary NNAL. The method was optimized and matrix effects were evaluated and resolved. The method enabled low sample volume (200 μL) and rapid analysis of urinary NNAL by direct injection onto the microfluidic column packed with molecularly imprinted beads engineered to NNAL. The method was validated according to the FDA bioanalytical method validation guidance. The dynamic range extended from 20.0 to 2500.0 pg/mL with a percent relative error of ±5.9% and a run time of 7.00 min. The lower limit of quantitation was 20.0 pg/mL. The method was used for the analysis of NNAL and NNAL-Gluc concentrations in smokers' urine. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Histamine and tele-methylhistamine quantification in cerebrospinal fluid from narcoleptic subjects by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with precolumn derivatization.

PubMed

Croyal, Mikaël; Dauvilliers, Yves; Labeeuw, Olivier; Capet, Marc; Schwartz, Jean-Charles; Robert, Philippe

2011-02-01

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC™-MS/MS) assay was developed for the simultaneous analysis of histamine, its major metabolite tele-methylhistamine, and an internal standard (N-tele-(R)-α-dimethylhistamine) from human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The method involves derivatization of primary amines with 4-bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride and subsequent analysis by reversed phase liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection and positive electrospray ionization. The separation of derivatized biogenic amines was achieved within 3.5 min on an Acquity® BEH C(18) column by elution with a linear gradient of acetonitrile/water/formic acid (0.1%). The assay was linear in the concentration range of 50-5000 pM for each amine (5.5-555 pg/ml for histamine and 6.25-625 pg/ml for tele-methylhistamine). For repeatability and precision determination, coefficients of variation (CVs) were less than 11.0% over the tested concentration ranges, within acceptance criteria. Thus, the developed method provides the rapid, easy, highly sensitive, and selective requirement to quantify these amines in human CSF. No significant difference was found in the mean ± standard error levels of these amines between a group of narcoleptic patients (histamine=392 ± 64 pM, tele-methylhistamine=2431 ± 461 pM, n=7) and of neurological control subjects (histamine=402 ± 72 pM, tele-methylhistamine=2209 ± 463 pM, n=32). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetofluorescent nanocomposites and quantum dots used for optimal application in magnetic fluorescence-linked immunoassay.

PubMed

Tsai, H Y; Li, S Y; Fuh, C Bor

2018-03-01

Magnetofluorescent nanocomposites with optimal magnetic and fluorescent properties were prepared and characterized by combining magnetic nanoparticles (iron oxide@polymethyl methacrylate) with fluorescent nanoparticles (rhodamine 6G@mSiO 2 ). Experimental parameters were optimized to produce nanocomposites with high magnetic susceptibility and fluorescence intensity. The detection of a model biomarker (alpha-fetoprotein) was used to demonstrate the feasibility of applying the magnetofluorescent nanocomposites combined with quantum dots and using magnetic fluorescence-linked immunoassay. The magnetofluorescent nanocomposites enable efficient mixing, fast re-concentration, and nanoparticle quantization for optimal reactions. Biofunctional quantum dots were used to confirm the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) content in sandwich immunoassay after mixing and washing. The analysis time was only one third that required in ELISA. The detection limit was 0.2 pg mL -1 , and the linear range was 0.68 pg mL -1 -6.8 ng mL -1 . This detection limit is lower, and the linear range is wider than those of ELISA and other methods. The measurements made using the proposed method differed by less than 13% from those obtained using ELISA for four AFP concentrations (0.03, 0.15, 0.75, and 3.75 ng mL -1 ). The proposed method has a considerable potential for biomarker detection in various analytical and biomedical applications. Graphical abstract Magnetofluorescent nanocomposites combined with fluorescent quantum dots were used in magnetic fluorescence-linked immunoassay.

Modulation of ethanol toxicity by Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) in Japanese ricefish (Oryzias latipes) embryogenesis.

PubMed

Haron, M H; Avula, B; Khan, I A; Mathur, S K; Dasmahapatra, A K

2013-04-01

Alcohol consumption by women during pregnancy often induces fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in children who have serious central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and craniofacial defects. Prevention of FASD, other than women abstaining from alcohol drinking during pregnancy, is not known. A limitation of the use of synthetic anti-alcoholic drugs during pregnancy led us to investigate herbal products. In particular, many plants including Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) have therapeutic potential for the treatment of alcoholism. We used Japanese ricefish (medaka) (Oryzias latipes), an animal model of FASD, for identifying herbal medicines that can attenuate ethanol toxicity. Fertilized eggs in standard laboratory conditions were exposed to ginseng (PG) root extract (0-2 mg/mL) either 0-2 (group A) or 1-3 (group B) day post fertilization (dpf) followed by maintenance in a clean hatching solution. The calculated IC50 as determined 10 dpf in A and B groups were 355.3±1.12 and 679.7±1.6 μg/mL, respectively. Simultaneous exposure of embryos in sub-lethal concentrations of PG (50-200 μg/mL) and ethanol (300 mM) for 48 h disrupted vessel circulation and enhanced mortality. However, PG (100 μg/mL) may partially protect trabecular cartilage (TC) deformities in the neurocranium in B group embryos induced by ethanol (300 mM). To understand the mechanism, embryonic ethanol concentration was measured at 2 dpf and adh5, adh8, aldh2, aldh9a, catalase, GST, and GR mRNAs were analyzed at 6 dpf. It was observed that although ethanol is able to reduce adh8 and GST mRNA contents, the simultaneous addition of PG was unable to alter ethanol level as well as mRNA contents in these embryos. Therefore, antagonistic effects of PG on ethanol toxicity are mediated by a mechanism which is different from those regulating ethanol metabolism and oxidative stress. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Concentrations, atmospheric partitioning, and air-water/soil surface exchange of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran along the upper reaches of the Haihe River basin, North China.

PubMed

Nie, Zhiqiang; Die, Qingqi; Yang, Yufei; Tang, Zhenwu; Wang, Qi; Huang, Qifei

2014-01-01

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/PCDF) were overall measured and compared in ambient air, water, soils, and sediments along the upper reaches of the Haihe River of North China, so as to evaluate their concentrations, profiles, and to understand the processes of gas-particle partitioning and air-water/soil exchange. The following results were obtained: (1) The average concentrations (toxic equivalents, TEQs) of 2,3,7,8-PCDD/PCDF in air, water, sediment, and soil samples were 4,855 fg/m(3), 9.5 pg/L, 99.2 pg/g dry weight (dw), and 56.4 pg/g (203 fg TEQ/m(3), 0.46 pg TEQ/L, 2.2 pg TEQ/g dw, and 1.3 pg TEQ/g, respectively), respectively. (2) Although OCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, OCDD, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD were the dominant congeners among four environmental sinks, obvious discrepancies of these congener and homologue patterns of PCDD/PCDF were observed still. (3) Significant linear correlations for PCDD/PCDF were observed between the gas-particle partition coefficient (K p) and the subcooled liquid vapor pressure (P L (0)) and octanol-air partition coefficient (K oa). (4) Fugacity fraction values of air-water exchange indicated that most of PCDD/PCDF homologues were dominated by net volatilization from water into air. The low-chlorinated PCDD/PCDF (tetra- to hexa-) presented a strong net volatilization from the soil into air, while high-chlorinated PCDD/PCDF (hepta- to octa-) were mainly close to equilibrium for air-soil exchange.

Mast cell derived carboxypeptidase A3 is decreased among patients with advanced coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Lewicki, Łukasz; Siebert, Janusz; Koliński, Tomasz; Piekarska, Karolina; Reiwer-Gostomska, Magdalena; Targoński, Radosław; Trzonkowski, Piotr; Marek-Trzonkowska, Natalia

2018-03-07

Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects milions of people and can result in myocardial infarction (MI). Previously, mast cells (MC) have been extensively investigated in the context of hypersensitivity, however as regulators of the local inflammatory response they can potentially contribute to CAD and/or its progression. The aim of the study was to assess if serum concentration of MC proteases: carboxypeptidase A3, cathepsin G and chymase 1 is associated with the extension of CAD and MI. The 44 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD (23 subjects with non-ST segment elevation MI [NSTEMI] and 21 with stable CAD) were analyzed. Clinical data were obtained as well serum concentrations of carboxypeptidase A3, cathepsin G and chymase 1 were also measured. Patients with single vessel CAD had higher serum concentration of carboxypeptidase than those with more advanced CAD (3838.6 ± 1083.1 pg/mL vs. 2715.6 ± 442.5 pg/mL; p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in levels of any protease between patients with stable CAD and those with NSTEMI. Patients with hypertension had ≈2-fold lower serum levels of cathepsin G than normotensive individuals (4.6 ± 0.9 pg/mL vs. 9.4 ± 5.8 pg/mL; p = 0.001). Cathepsin G levels were also decreased in sera of the current smokers as compared with non-smokers (3.1 ± 1.2 ng/mL vs. 5.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.02). 1. Decreased serum level of carboxypeptidase is a hallmark of more advanced CAD. 2. Lower serum levels of carboxypeptidase A3 and catepsin G are associated with risk factors of blood vessel damage suggesting a protective role of these enzymes in CAD.

An improved LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of alverine and para hydroxy alverine in human plasma for a bioequivalence study☆.

PubMed

Rathod, Dhiraj M; Patel, Keyur R; Mistri, Hiren N; Jangid, Arvind G; Shrivastav, Pranav S; Sanyal, Mallika

2017-04-01

A highly sensitive and selective high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantification of alverine (ALV) and its active metabolite, para hydroxy alverine (PHA), in human plasma. For sample preparation, solid phase extraction of analytes was performed on Phenomenex Strata-X cartridges using alverine-d5 as the internal standard. The analytes were separated on Symmetry Shield RP 18 (150 mm×3.9 mm, 5 µm) column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate (65:35, v/v). Detection and quantitation was done by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the positive mode using multiple reaction monitoring. The assay method was fully validated over the concentration range of 15.0-15,000 pg/mL for ALV and 30.0-15,000 pg/mL for PHA. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision (% CV) ranged from 94.00% to 96.00% and 0.48% to 4.15% for both the analytes. The mean recovery obtained for ALV and PHA was 80.59% and 81.26%, respectively. Matrix effect, expressed as IS-normalized matrix factor ranged from 0.982 to 1.009 for both the analytes. The application of the method was demonstrated for the specific analysis of ALV and PHA for a bioequivalence study in 52 healthy subjects using 120 mg ALV capsules. The assay reproducibility was also verified by reanalysis of 175 incurred subject samples.

Pharmacokinetics of boldenone and stanozolol and the results of quantification of anabolic and androgenic steroids in race horses and nonrace horses.

PubMed

Soma, L R; Uboh, C E; Guan, F; McDonnell, S; Pack, J

2007-04-01

Anabolic steroids (ABS) boldenone (BL; 1.1 mg/kg) and stanozolol (ST; 0.55 mg/kg) were administered i.m. to horses and the plasma samples collected up to 64 days. Anabolic steroids and androgenic steroids (ANS) in plasma were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The limit of detection of all analytes was 25 pg/mL. The median absorption (t1/2 partial differential) and elimination (t1/2e) half-lives for BL were 8.5 h and 123.0 h, respectively, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUCho) was 274.8 ng.h/mL. The median t1/2e for ST was 82.1 h and the was 700.1 ng.h/mL. Peak mean (X+/-SD) plasma concentrations (Cmax) for BL and ST were 1127.8 and 4118.2 pg/mL, respectively. Quantifiable concentrations of ABS and ANS were found in 61.7% of the 988 plasma samples tested from race tracks. In 17.3% of the plasma samples two or more ABS or ANS were quantifiable. Testosterone (TES) concentrations mean (X+/-SE) in racing and nonracing intact males were 241.3+/-61.3 and 490.4+/-35.1 pg/mL, respectively. TES was not quantified in nonracing geldings and female horses, but was in racing females and geldings. Plasma concentrations of endogenous 19-nortestosterone (nandrolone; NA) from racing and nonracing males were 50.2+/-5.5 and 71.8+/-4.6 pg/mL, respectively.

Dielectrophoretic label-free immunoassay for rare-analyte quantification in biological samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velmanickam, Logeeshan; Laudenbach, Darrin; Nawarathna, Dharmakeerthi

2016-10-01

The current gold standard for detecting or quantifying target analytes from blood samples is the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The detection limit of ELISA is about 250 pg/ml. However, to quantify analytes that are related to various stages of tumors including early detection requires detecting well below the current limit of the ELISA test. For example, Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels of early oral cancer patients are <100 pg/ml and the prostate specific antigen level of the early stage of prostate cancer is about 1 ng/ml. Further, it has been reported that there are significantly less than 1 pg /mL of analytes in the early stage of tumors. Therefore, depending on the tumor type and the stage of the tumors, it is required to quantify various levels of analytes ranging from ng/ml to pg/ml. To accommodate these critical needs in the current diagnosis, there is a need for a technique that has a large dynamic range with an ability to detect extremely low levels of target analytes (

Prognostic Value of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Heart Failure Patients With and Without Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Kristensen, Søren Lund; Jhund, Pardeep S; Mogensen, Ulrik M; Rørth, Rasmus; Abraham, William T; Desai, Akshay; Dickstein, Kenneth; Rouleau, Jean L; Zile, Michael R; Swedberg, Karl; Packer, Milton; Solomon, Scott D; Køber, Lars; McMurray, John J V

2017-10-01

Patients with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) have higher circulating levels of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) than HF patients without AF. There is uncertainty about the prognostic importance of a given concentration of NT-proBNP in HF patients with and without AF. We investigated this question in a large cohort of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction. We studied 14 737 patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction and a measurement of NT-proBNP at time of screening, enrolled in either the PARADIGM-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) or the ATMOSPHERE trial (Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure), of whom 3575 (24%) had AF on their baseline ECG. Median (Q1, Q3) levels of NT-proBNP were 1817 pg/mL (1095-3266 pg/mL) in those with AF and 1271 pg/mL (703-2569 pg/mL) in those without ( P <0.0001). Patients with AF were older (67 versus 62 years), had worse New York Heart Association class (III/IV; 36% versus 24%), and experienced fewer previous HF hospitalizations (52% versus 61%) or myocardial infarction (30% versus 46%); all P <0.001. We categorized patients with and without AF into 5 NT-proBNP bands: <400, 400 to 999 (reference), 1000 to 1999, 2000 to 2999, and ≥3000 pg/mL. For the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization, event rates differed for patients with and without AF in the lowest band (<400 pg/mL; 8.2 versus 5.0 per 100 patient-years), but not for the higher bands (400-999 pg/mL, 7.4 versus 7.7 per 100 patient-years; 1000-1999 pg/mL, 9.8 versus 11.4 per 100 patient-year; 2000-2999 pg/mL, 13.5 versus 13.4 per 100 patient-years; ≥3000 pg/mL, 22.7 versus 23.0 per 100 patient-years). These findings were consistent whether NT-proBNP was examined as a categorical or continuous variable and before and after adjustment for other prognostic variables. We found similar results for the components of the composite outcome and all-cause mortality. HF and reduced ejection fraction patients with AF had higher NT-proBNP than those without AF. However, above a concentration of 400 pg/mL (representing most patients in each group), NT-proBNP had similar predictive value for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, irrespective of AF status. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier NCT00853658 (ATMOSPHERE) and NCT01035255 (PARADIGM-HF). © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Coupling ASE, sylilation and SPME-GC/MS for the analysis of current-used pesticides in atmosphere.

PubMed

Raeppel, Caroline; Fabritius, Marie; Nief, Marie; Appenzeller, Brice M R; Millet, Maurice

2014-04-01

An analytical methodology using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) and a sylilation procedure coupled to Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) and GC/MS was developed for the determination of 31 pesticides of different chemical classes (urea, phenoxy acids, pyrethrenoïds, etc.) commonly used in non-agricultural areas in atmospheric samples. This methodology was developed to evaluate the outdoor atmospheric contamination by non-agricultural pesticides. Pesticides were simultaneously sampled on glass fibre filters and on XAD-2 resin traps by using a low volume sampler (Partisol) for 1 week. Traps were extracted by Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) with acetonitrile and concentrated to 1 mL by using a rotary evaporator. 500 µL of the extract was dissolved in 19.5 mL of 1.5% NaCl acidified water (pH=3) and SPME extracted by PA fibre for 55 min at 50 °C. Since most of the studied pesticides are polar or thermo-labile, a derivatisation step by injection of 2 µL of MtBSTFA just before SPME desorption was done. MtBSTFA was chosen since it delivers very specific ions on electronic impact (m/z=M-57). Detection limits varied between 5 and 179 ng resin(-1) and between 0.3 and 126 ng filter(-1) corresponding to 2 and 750 pg m(-3) and 30 and 1165 pg m(-3) for 168 m(3) of air pumped through traps. Quantification limits varied between 18 and 595 ng resin(-1) and between 1 and 420 ng filter(-1) corresponding to 107 and 3542 pg m(-3) and 6 and 2500 pg m(-3) for 168 m(3) of air pumped through traps. Uncertainties varied between 7.2% and 39.6% and between 7.2% and 53.4% respectively for filter and resin. The method was used for the analysis of atmospheric samples collected in a background urban site of Strasbourg (east of France) during spring and summer 2010. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temporal distribution and potential sources of atmospheric mercury measured at a high-elevation background station in Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheu, Guey-Rong; Lin, Neng-Huei; Wang, Jia-Lin; Lee, Chung-Te; Ou Yang, Chang-Feng; Wang, Sheng-Hsiang

2010-07-01

Measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), and particulate mercury (PHg) have been conducted at Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS) in Taiwan since April 2006. This was the first long-term free tropospheric atmospheric Hg monitoring program in the downwind region of East Asia, which is a major Hg emission source region. Between April 13, 2006 and December 31, 2007, the mean concentrations of GEM, RGM, and PHg were 1.73 ng m -3, 12.1 pg m -3, and 2.3 pg m -3, respectively. A diurnal pattern was observed for GEM with afternoon peaks and nighttime lows, whereas the diurnal pattern of RGM was opposite to that of GEM. Spikes of RGM were frequently observed between midnight and early morning with concurrent decreases in GEM and relative humidity and increases in O 3, suggesting the oxidation of GEM and formation of RGM in free troposphere (FT). Upslope movement of boundary layer (BL) air in daytime and subsidence of FT air at night resulted in these diurnal patterns. Considering only the nighttime data, which were more representative of FT air, the composite monthly mean GEM concentrations ranged between 1.06 and 2.06 ng m -3. Seasonal variation in nighttime GEM was evident, with lower concentrations usually occurring in summer when clean marine air masses prevailed. Between fall and spring, air masses passed the East Asian continent prior to reaching LABS, contributing to the elevated GEM concentrations. Analysis of GEM/CO correlation tends to support the argument. Good GEM/CO correlations were observed in fall, winter, and spring, suggesting influence of anthropogenic emission sources. Our results demonstrate the significance of East Asian Hg emissions, including both anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions, and their long-range transport in the FT. Because of the pronounced seasonal monsoon activity and the seasonal variation in regional wind field, export of the Asian Hg emissions to Taiwan occurs mainly during fall, winter, and spring.

Seasonal variation of birch and grass pollen loads and allergen release at two sites in the German Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jochner, Susanne; Lüpke, Marvin; Laube, Julia; Weichenmeier, Ingrid; Pusch, Gudrun; Traidl-Hoffmann, Claudia; Schmidt-Weber, Carsten; Buters, Jeroen T. M.; Menzel, Annette

2015-12-01

Less vegetated mountainous areas may provide better conditions for allergy sufferers. However, atmospheric transport can result in medically relevant pollen loads in such regions. The majority of investigations has focused on the pollen load, expressed as daily averages of pollen per cubic meter of air (pollen grains/m³); however, the severity of allergic symptoms is also determined by the actual allergen content of this pollen, its pollen potency, which may differ between high and low altitudes. We analysed airborne birch and grass pollen concentrations along with allergen content (birch: Bet v 1, grass: Phl p 5) at two different altitudes (734 and 2650 m a.s.l.) in the Zugspitze region (2009-2010). Back-trajectories were calculated for the high altitude site and for specific days with abrupt increases in pollen potency. We observed several days with medically relevant pollen concentrations at the highest site. In addition, a few days with pollen were not associated with allergens and vice versa. The calculated seasonal mean allergen release per pollen grain was 1.8-3.3 pg Bet v 1 and 5.7 pg Phl p 5 in the valley and 1.1-3.7 pg Bet v 1 and 0.7-1.5 pg Phl p 5 at the high altitude site. Back-trajectories revealed that high pollen potency at the higher site was generally associated with south-westerly to south-easterly (birch), or northerly (grass) wind directions. By investigating days with sudden increases in pollen potency, however, it was difficult to draw definitive conclusions on long- or short-range transport. Our findings suggest that people allergic to pollen might suffer less at higher altitudes and further indicate that a risk assessment relying on the actual concentration of airborne pollen does not necessarily reflect the actual allergy exposure of individuals.

Air-soil exchange of PCBs: levels and temporal variations at two sites in Turkey.

PubMed

Yolsal, Didem; Salihoglu, Güray; Tasdemir, Yücel

2014-03-01

Seasonal distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at the air-soil intersection was determined for two regions: one with urban characteristics where traffic is dense (BUTAL) and the other representing the coastal zone (Mudanya). Fifty-one air and soil samples were simultaneously collected. Total PCB (Σ82 PCB) levels in the soil samples collected during a 1-year period ranged between 105 and 7,060 pg/g dry matter (dm) (BUTAL) and 110 and 2,320 pg/g dm (Mudanya). Total PCB levels in the gaseous phase were measured to be between 100 and 910 pg/m(3) (BUTAL) and 75 and 1,025 pg/m(3) (Mudanya). Variations in the concentrations were observed depending on the season. Though the PCB concentrations measured in the atmospheres of both regions in the summer months were high, they were found to be lower in winter. However, while soil PCB levels were measured to be high at BUTAL during summer months, they were found to be high during winter months in Mudanya. The direction and amount of the PCB movement were determined by calculating the gaseous phase change fluxes at air-soil intersection. While a general PCB movement from soil to air was found for BUTAL, the PCB movement from air to soil was calculated for the Mudanya region in most of the sampling events. During the warmer seasons PCB movement towards the atmosphere was observed due to evaporation from the soil. With decreases in the temperature, both decreases in the number of PCB congeners occurring in the air and a change in the direction of some congeners were observed, possibly caused by deposition from the atmosphere to the soil. 3-CB and 4-CB congeners were found to be dominant in the atmosphere, and 4-, 5-, and 6-CBs were found to dominate in the surface soils.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity in hyperthyroid cats with and without concurrent hypertension.

PubMed

Williams, T L; Elliott, J; Syme, H M

2013-01-01

Hypertension is present in some hyperthyroid cats at diagnosis or can develop after treatment for hyperthyroidism. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) could be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Hyperthyroid cats that develop hypertension before or after treatment for hyperthyroidism will have greater RAAS activation than normotensive cats. Ninety-nine hyperthyroid cats. Retrospective case-control study. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were measured in untreated hyperthyroid hypertensive cats (HT-Pre group), initially normotensive hyperthyroid cats that develop hypertension after treatment (HT-Post group), and hyperthyroid cats that are normotensive (NT group). Data are presented as median [25th, 75th percentile]. Baseline PRA was not significantly different among the 3 groups (HT-Pre group 1.50 [0.05, 2.37] ng/mL/h, HT-Post group 0.66 [0.17, 2.31] ng/mL/h, NT group 1.11 [0.57, 2.18] ng/mL/h; P = .44). PRA decreased significantly after treatment in the NT group (1.09 [0.53, 2.47] versus 0.22 [0.05, 0.76] ng/mL/h; P < .001) and the HT-Post group (0.71 [0.17, 2.33] versus 0.28 [0.07, 0.57] ng/mL/h; P = .006). Baseline PAC was not significantly different among the 3 groups (HT-Pre group 72.2 [40.0, 145.6] pg/mL, HT-Post group 69.7 [43.3, 142.6] pg/mL, NT group 109.0 [68.2, 184.6] pg/mL; P = .10). PAC decreased significantly after treatment in the NT group (114.4 [56.6, 204.1] versus 59.5 [32.4, 98.2] pg/mL; P < .001) but did not change significantly in the HT-Post group (61.2 [44.9, 124.0] versus 58.4 [42.0, 97.7] pg/mL; P = .59). RAAS activation occurs in hyperthyroid cats, but is not associated with the development of hypertension. PAC is not influenced by changes in PRA in hyperthyroid cats that develop hypertension after treatment, perhaps indicating RAAS dysfunction in these cats. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Immobilization of endo-polygalacturonase from Aspergillus niger on various types of macromolecular supports.

PubMed

Pifferi, P G; Tramontini, M; Malacarne, A

1989-04-20

Endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG) was immobilized on a wide range of natural and synthetic macromolecular supports and their modified derivatives representing many chemical classes, including esters, amides, phenols, alkyl- and arylamines, and carboxyl derivatives. The immobilization entailed methods of adsorption alone as well as covalent bond formation using glutaraldehyde or carbodiimide or via the diazo-coupling reaction. The most promising system proved to be immobilization on trimalehylchitosan (TMC) via adsorption followed by treatment with glutaraldehyde (GA). The binding capacity of the support is on the order of 13,000 IU/g, half of which is active. Various properties of immobilized endo-PG were evaluated. The optimum pH of the enzyme shifted to the alkaline side. The relative catalytic activity was considerably high even at room temperature and remained so above 70 degrees C. The thermal stability at pH 3-4 was notably improved by immobilization, the half-time doubling. Finally, the apparent K(m) was greater for immobilized endo-PG than for native enzyme, while the V(max) was smaller for the immobilized enzyme.

Ozone effect on respiratory syncytial virus infectivity and cytokine production by human alveolar macrophages

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

Soukup, J.; Koren, H.S.; Becker, S.

1993-01-01

The study was performed to evaluate the effect of ozone (O3) exposure at 1 ppm for 2 hr on the susceptibility/resistance of adult human alveolar macrophages (AM) to infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vitro and on RSV-induced cytokine production by the AM. AM were first exposed to O3 or to filtered air and then infected with RSV at multiplicities of infection (m.o.i.) of 0.1 1.0 and 10. The percentage RSV-infected AM and the amount of infectious virus released by the cells were determined at Days 2 and 4 after infection. Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)more » levels in the supernatants were determined on Day 2. No difference in the percentage infected AM or in the amount of infectious RSV produced was found between control and O3-exposed cultures. However, O3-exposed AM infected with RSV at m.o.i. 1 produced less IL-1 in response to RSV infection than control AM:63.6 pg/ml compared with 98.5 pg/ml. No difference in IL-1 was seen with m.o.i. 10. IL-6 levels were also decreased, but only after infection with m.o.i. 0.1. At this level of infection 830 pg/ml was produced by control AM as compared to 468.2 pg/ml by O3-exposed AM. TNF production was unaffected by O3 at all multiplicities of infection. (Copyright (c) 1993 by Academic Press, Inc.)« less

Determination of Hg Content in a Shallow Firn Core From Summit, Greenland Using Isotope Dilution Cold Vapor Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, J. L.; Long, S. E.; Shuman, C. A.

2002-05-01

Considerable attention has recently been focused on mercury (Hg) owing to its ability to bioaccumulate as highly toxic species in the biosphere. Hg in the environment is derived from both natural and anthropogenic sources and present day emissions for both are thought to be of similar magnitude. Once introduced into the atmosphere, Hgo can be transported long distances and as a result is considered to have global environmental influence. High levels of Hg have been found in Arctic food supplies and elevated levels have been observed in the native people of the circumpolar countries including Greenland. Mercury content was determined in surface snow and a 7 m shallow snow/firn core, recovered in May 2001 from Summit, Greenland (72.58oN, 38.53oW; elevation 3238 m), using a new method employing isotope dilution cold vapor inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ID-CV-ICPMS). The method, recently developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, uses a 201Hg spike that is equilibrated with the sample. Hg is measured by chemical reduction with tin (II) chloride and generation of a "cold vapor" (elemental Hg vapor) whereby the Hg vapor is separated from the matrix using a gas-liquid separator and is collected on gold guaze. Hg is then released by thermal desorption and the Hg isotope ratio (201Hg/202Hg) measured by quadrapole ICP-MS. There are considerable advantages to this new method in the analysis of very low concentration snow/firn/ice samples which include: 1) very high sensitivity (detection limit < 1 pg/mL, 3 sigma); 2) accuracy and precision of the order of one percent or better; and 3) complete freedom from spectral and matrix interferences. The concentrations determined ranged from 0.1 to 1.1 pg/g, which fall within the range of those previously determined by Boutron et al. (1998). Hg contributed from core processing, storage in LDPE bottles, and the analytical procedure yielded a blank value of 0.10 pg Hg/g equivalent. This was used to correct the measured Hg values. The uncertainty in the reported Hg concentrations was 0.1 to 0.2 pg Hg/g for a 10 mL aliquot. This new method may allow the examination of the high-resolution (sub-seasonal) snow/firn/ice record for better understanding of the short-term variability in Hg concentrations and their relationship to atmospheric mercury depletion events.

Effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii in a rat model of colitis.

PubMed

Soyturk, Mujde; Saygili, Saba Mukaddes; Baskin, Huseyin; Sagol, Ozgul; Yilmaz, Osman; Saygili, Fatih; Akpinar, Hale

2012-11-28

To investigate the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in an experimental rat model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Thirty-two Wistar albino female rats were categorized into five groups. On the first day of the study, 50 mg TNBS was administered via a rectal catheter in order to induce colitis in all rats, except those in the control group. For 14 d, the rats were fed a standard diet, without the administration of any additional supplements to either the control or TNBS groups, in addition to 1 mg/kg per day S. boulardii to the S. boulardii group, 1 mg/kg per day methyl prednisolone (MP) to the MP group. The animals in the S. boulardii + MP group were coadministered these doses of S. boulardii and MP. During the study, weight loss, stool consistency, and the presence of obvious blood in the stool were evaluated, and the disease activity index (DAI) for colitis was recorded. The intestines were examined and colitis was macro- and microscopically scored. The serum and tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined, and fungemia was evaluated in the blood samples. The mean DAI scores for the MP and S. boulardii + MP groups was significantly lower than the TNBS group (3.69 ± 0.61 vs 4.46 ± 0.34, P = 0.018 and 3.77 ± 0.73 vs 4.46 ± 0.34, P = 0.025, respectively). While no significant differences between the TNBS and the S. boulardii or MP groups could be determined in terms of serum NO levels, the level of serum NO in the S. boulardii + MP group was significantly higher than in the TNBS and S. boulardii groups (8.12 ± 4.25 μmol/L vs 3.18 ± 1.19 μmol/L, P = 0.013; 8.12 ± 4.25 μmol/L vs 3.47 ± 1.66 μmol/L, P = 0.012, respectively). The tissue NO levels in the S. boulardii, MP and S. boulardii + MP groups were significantly lower than the TNBS group (16.62 ± 2.27 μmol/L vs 29.72 ± 6.10 μmol/L, P = 0.002; 14.66 ± 5.18 μmol/L vs 29.72 ± 6.10 μmol/L, P = 0.003; 11.95 ± 2.34 μmol/L vs 29.72 ± 6.10 μmol/L, P = 0.002, respectively). The tissue NO levels in the S. boulardii, MP and S. boulardii + MP groups were similar. The mean serum and tissue TNF-α levels were determined to be 12.97 ± 18.90 pg/mL and 21.75 ± 15.04 pg/mL in the control group, 18.25 ± 15.44 pg/mL and 25.27 ± 11.95 pg/mL in the TNBS group, 20.59 ± 16.15 pg/mL and 24.39 ± 13.06 pg/mL in the S. boulardii group, 9.05 ± 5.13 pg/mL and 24.46 ± 10.85 pg/mL in the MP group, and 13.95 ± 10.17 pg/mL and 24.26 ± 10.37 pg/mL in the S. boulardii + MP group. Significant differences in terms of the levels of serum and tissue TNF-α and the macroscopic and microscopic scores were not found between the groups. S. boulardii fungemia was not observed in any of the rats. However, Candida fungemia was detected in one rat (14%) in the TNBS group, two rats (28%) in the S. boulardii group, three rats (50%) in the MP group, and three rats (42%) in S. boulardii + MP group. S. boulardii does not demonstrate considerable effects on the DAI, pathological scores, or cytokine levels but does decrease the tissue NO levels.

Effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii in a rat model of colitis

PubMed Central

Soyturk, Mujde; Saygili, Saba Mukaddes; Baskin, Huseyin; Sagol, Ozgul; Yilmaz, Osman; Saygili, Fatih; Akpinar, Hale

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in an experimental rat model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino female rats were categorized into five groups. On the first day of the study, 50 mg TNBS was administered via a rectal catheter in order to induce colitis in all rats, except those in the control group. For 14 d, the rats were fed a standard diet, without the administration of any additional supplements to either the control or TNBS groups, in addition to 1 mg/kg per day S. boulardii to the S. boulardii group, 1 mg/kg per day methyl prednisolone (MP) to the MP group. The animals in the S. boulardii + MP group were coadministered these doses of S. boulardii and MP. During the study, weight loss, stool consistency, and the presence of obvious blood in the stool were evaluated, and the disease activity index (DAI) for colitis was recorded. The intestines were examined and colitis was macro- and microscopically scored. The serum and tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined, and fungemia was evaluated in the blood samples. RESULTS: The mean DAI scores for the MP and S. boulardii + MP groups was significantly lower than the TNBS group (3.69 ± 0.61 vs 4.46 ± 0.34, P = 0.018 and 3.77 ± 0.73 vs 4.46 ± 0.34, P = 0.025, respectively). While no significant differences between the TNBS and the S. boulardii or MP groups could be determined in terms of serum NO levels, the level of serum NO in the S. boulardii + MP group was significantly higher than in the TNBS and S. boulardii groups (8.12 ± 4.25 μmol/L vs 3.18 ± 1.19 μmol/L, P = 0.013; 8.12 ± 4.25 μmol/L vs 3.47 ± 1.66 μmol/L, P = 0.012, respectively). The tissue NO levels in the S. boulardii, MP and S. boulardii + MP groups were significantly lower than the TNBS group (16.62 ± 2.27 μmol/L vs 29.72 ± 6.10 μmol/L, P = 0.002; 14.66 ± 5.18 μmol/L vs 29.72 ± 6.10 μmol/L, P = 0.003; 11.95 ± 2.34 μmol/L vs 29.72 ± 6.10 μmol/L, P = 0.002, respectively). The tissue NO levels in the S. boulardii, MP and S. boulardii + MP groups were similar. The mean serum and tissue TNF-α levels were determined to be 12.97 ± 18.90 pg/mL and 21.75 ± 15.04 pg/mL in the control group, 18.25 ± 15.44 pg/mL and 25.27 ± 11.95 pg/mL in the TNBS group, 20.59 ± 16.15 pg/mL and 24.39 ± 13.06 pg/mL in the S. boulardii group, 9.05 ± 5.13 pg/mL and 24.46 ± 10.85 pg/mL in the MP group, and 13.95 ± 10.17 pg/mL and 24.26 ± 10.37 pg/mL in the S. boulardii + MP group. Significant differences in terms of the levels of serum and tissue TNF-α and the macroscopic and microscopic scores were not found between the groups. S. boulardii fungemia was not observed in any of the rats. However, Candida fungemia was detected in one rat (14%) in the TNBS group, two rats (28%) in the S. boulardii group, three rats (50%) in the MP group, and three rats (42%) in S. boulardii + MP group. CONCLUSION: S. boulardii does not demonstrate considerable effects on the DAI, pathological scores, or cytokine levels but does decrease the tissue NO levels. PMID:23197891

Sensitive method for the quantitative determination of proguanil and its metabolites in rat blood and plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Leveque, Nathalie L; Charman, William N; Chiu, Francis C K

2006-01-18

A sensitive, simple and fast liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of proguanil (PG) and its metabolites, cycloguanil (CG) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)biguanide (4CPB), was developed and validated over a concentration range of 1-2000 ng/mL using only 50 microL of blood or plasma. After a simple solvent precipitation procedure, the supernatant was analysed directly by HPLC-MS/MS. Separation was achieved using an ethyl-linked phenyl reverse phase column with polar endcapping with an acetonitrile-water-formic acid gradient. Mass spectrometry was performed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in positive electrospray ionization mode. The elution of PG (254.07-->169.99), CG (252.12-->195.02) and 4CPB (212.06-->153.06) was monitored using selected reaction monitoring. The three compounds and the internal standard (chloroproguanil) were well separated by HPLC and no interfering peaks were detected at the usual concentrations found in blood and plasma. The limit of quantification of PG and CG was 1 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL for 4CPB in rat blood and plasma. The extraction efficiency of PG, CG and 4CPB from rat blood and plasma was higher than 73%. The intra- and inter-assay variability of PG, CG and 4CPB were within 12% and the accuracy within +/-5%. This new assay offers higher sensitivity and a much shorter run time over earlier methods.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide as a useful predictor of early surgery in neonates with congenital heart diseases: a prospective observational study.

PubMed

Makimura, Mika; Koga, Hiroshi

2014-01-01

Pediatric studies have found a correlation between the clinical heart failure score and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. However, the clinical usefulness of this marker remains unclear in neonates. At hospitals without pediatric cardiologists, neonatologists or general pediatricians must judge whether surgery is indicated and transfer patients to a specialized hospital in a timely fashion as required. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that increased NT-proBNP levels predict short-term outcomes in neonates with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) and are thus a useful tool for evaluating clinical status and guiding treatment. Subjects were term or near-term newborns (≥36 weeks' gestation) with CHDs confined to left-to-right shunt lesions. Clinical parameters and NT-proBNP levels were measured on the first 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of life (DOL). We divided patients into a surgical (n = 7) and a conservative-treatment group (n = 21), and then compared clinical variables and outcomes between the groups. In the surgical group, NT-proBNP levels had a tendency to increase during the first 14 postnatal days and were significantly greater than in the conservative-treatment group on 7 DOL [median (range), 13,983 pg/mL (4,732-26,524) vs. 1,954 pg/mL (671-10,881); p = 0.0028] and on 14 DOL [29,274 pg/mL (14,006-33,740) vs. 2,050 pg/mL (1,304-9,250); p = 0.0055]. In contrast, NT-proBNP levels tended to decrease sequentially in the conservative-treatment group. The values of additional markers, such as mean NT-proBNP level on 7 and 14 DOLs (M7-14) and NT-proBNP level on 14 DOL minus that on 7 DOL (Δ7-14), were both significantly greater in the surgical group than in the conservative-treatment group. To examine the usability of M7-14 and Δ7-14 when the difference and mean cut-off levels were set at 10,000 and 3,000 pg/mL, respectively, the sensitivity and specificity were both 100 %. In neonates who had CHDs with left-to-right shunt, analysis of the association between clinical variables and short-term outcomes showed that NT-proBNP, especially M7-14 and Δ7-14, is a useful predictor of early surgery.

Speciated atmospheric mercury in the marine boundary layer of the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chunjie; Ci, Zhijia; Wang, Zhangwei; Zhang, Xiaoshan; Guo, Jia

2016-04-01

The objectives of this study are to identify the spatial and temporal distributions of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), and fine particulate mercury (HgP2.5) in the marine boundary layer (MBL) of the Bohai Sea (BS) and Yellow Sea (YS), and to investigate the relationships between mercury species and meteorological parameters. The mean concentrations of GEM, RGM, and HgP2.5 were 2.03 ng m-3, 2.5 pg m-3, and 8.2 pg m-3 in spring, and 2.09 ng m-3, 4.3 pg m-3, and 8.3 pg m-3 in fall. Reactive mercury (RGM + HgP2.5) represented < 1% of total atmospheric mercury (GEM + RGM + HgP2.5), which indicated that most mercury export in the MBL was GEM and the direct outflow of reactive mercury was very small. Moreover, GEM concentrations over the BS were generally higher than those over the YS both in spring and fall. Although RGM showed a homogeneous distribution over the BS and YS both in spring and fall, the mean RGM concentration in fall was significantly higher than that in spring. In contrast, the spatial distribution of HgP2.5 generally reflected a gradient with high levels near the coast of China and low levels in the open sea, suggesting the significant atmospheric mercury outflow from China. Interestingly, the mean RGM concentrations during daytime were significantly higher than those during nighttime both in spring and fall, while the opposite results were observed for HgP2.5. Additionally, RGM positively correlates with air temperature while negatively correlates with relative humidity. In conclusion, the elevated atmospheric mercury levels in the BS and YS compared to other open seas suggested that the human activities had a significant influence on the oceanic mercury cycle downwind of China.

Functional Analysis of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Encoding Genes in Triterpene Saponin-Producing Ginseng1[C][W

PubMed Central

Kim, Yu-Jin; Lee, Ok Ran; Oh, Ji Yeon; Jang, Moon-Gi; Yang, Deok-Chun

2014-01-01

Ginsenosides are glycosylated triterpenes that are considered to be important pharmaceutically active components of the ginseng (Panax ginseng ‘Meyer’) plant, which is known as an adaptogenic herb. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of triterpene saponin through the mevalonate pathway in ginseng remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the role of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) concerning ginsenoside biosynthesis. Through analysis of full-length complementary DNA, two forms of ginseng HMGR (PgHMGR1 and PgHMGR2) were identified as showing high sequence identity. The steady-state mRNA expression patterns of PgHMGR1 and PgHMGR2 are relatively low in seed, leaf, stem, and flower, but stronger in the petiole of seedling and root. The transcripts of PgHMGR1 were relatively constant in 3- and 6-year-old ginseng roots. However, PgHMGR2 was increased five times in the 6-year-old ginseng roots compared with the 3-year-old ginseng roots, which indicates that HMGRs have constant and specific roles in the accumulation of ginsenosides in roots. Competitive inhibition of HMGR by mevinolin caused a significant reduction of total ginsenoside in ginseng adventitious roots. Moreover, continuous dark exposure for 2 to 3 d increased the total ginsenosides content in 3-year-old ginseng after the dark-induced activity of PgHMGR1. These results suggest that PgHMGR1 is associated with the dark-dependent promotion of ginsenoside biosynthesis. We also observed that the PgHMGR1 can complement Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) hmgr1-1 and that the overexpression of PgHMGR1 enhanced the production of sterols and triterpenes in Arabidopsis and ginseng. Overall, this finding suggests that ginseng HMGRs play a regulatory role in triterpene ginsenoside biosynthesis. PMID:24569845

Simultaneous determination of acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid in human plasma by isocratic high-pressure liquid chromatography with post-column hydrolysis and fluorescence detection.

PubMed

Hobl, Eva-Luise; Jilma, Bernd; Ebner, Josef; Schmid, Rainer W

2013-06-01

A selective, sensitive and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method with post-column hydrolysis and fluorescence detection was developed for the simultaneous quantification of acetylsalicylic acid and its metabolite salicylic acid in human plasma. Following the addition of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid as internal standard and simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile, the analytes were separated on a ProntoSIL 120 C18 ace-EPS column (150 × 2 mm, 3 µm) protected by a C8 guard column (5 µm). The mobile phase, 10 mm formic acid in water (pH 2.9) and acetonitrile (70:30, v/v), was used at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. After on-line post-column hydrolysis of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) to salicylic acid (SA) by addition of alkaline solution, the analytes were measured at 290 nm (λex ) and 400 nm (λem ). The method was linear in the concentration ranges between 0.05 and 20 ng/μL for both ASA and SA with a lower limit of quantification of 25 pg/μL for SA and 50 pg/μL for ASA. The limit of detection was 15 pg/μL for SA and 32.5 pg/μL for ASA. The analysis of ASA and SA can be carried out within 8 min; therefore this method is suitable for measuring plasma concentrations of salicylates in clinical routine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Purification, Characterization and Comparison between Two New L-asparaginases from Bacillus PG03 and Bacillus PG04

PubMed Central

Rahimzadeh, Mahsa; Poodat, Manijeh; Javadpour, Sedigheh; Qeshmi, Fatemeh Izadpanah; Shamsipour, Fereshteh

2016-01-01

Background: L-asparaginase has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent in treatment of lymphoblastic leukemia. In the present investigation, Bacillus sp. PG03 and Bacillus sp. PG04 were studied. Methods: L- asparaginases were produced using different culture media and were purified using ion exchange chromatography. Results: Maximum productivity was obtained when asparagine was used as the nitrogen source at pH 7 and 48 h after cultivation. New intracellular L-asparaginases showed an apparent molecular weight of 25 kDa and 30 kDa by SDS-PAGE respectively. These enzymes were active in a wide pH range (3-9) with maximum activity at pH 6 for Bacillus PG03 and pH 7 for Bacillus PG04 L-asparaginase. Bacillus PG03 enzyme was optimally active at 37 ˚C and Bacillus PG04 maximum activity was observed at 40˚C. Kinetic parameters km and Vmax of both enzymes were studied using L-asparagine as the substrate. Thermal inactivation studies of Bacillus PG03 and Bacillus PG04 L-asparaginase exhibited t1/2 of 69.3 min and 34.6 min in 37 ˚C respectively. Also T50 and ∆G of inactivation were measured for both enzymes. Conclusion: The results revealed that both enzymes had appropriate characteristics and thus could be a potential candidate for medical applications. PMID:27999622

Serum leptin and cytokines in whole blood in relation to clinical and nutritional status in cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Schmitt-Grohé, Sabina; Hippe, Valerie; Igel, Michael; von Bergmann, Klaus; Posselt, Hans G; Krahl, Andreas; Smaczny, Christina; Wagner, Thomas O F; Nikolaizik, Wilfried; Lentze, Michael J; Zielen, Stefan

2006-08-01

Leptin plays an important role in the energy balance and may be affected by hormonal and metabolic derangement associated with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between leptin, proinflammatory cytokines and nutritional status with regard to clinical status in homozygous delta F 508 cystic fibrosis patients. Patients with mild (Shwachman score 71-100 points, group A) disease were compared with those with moderate disease (Shwachman score 41-55 points, group B) and age-matched controls (group C, n = 22). Leptin was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cytokines (interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha) before and after stimulation with 5 ng lipopolysaccharide by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Twenty-two patients were recruited for each group (median A/B/C forced expiratory volume in 1 second 80%/59%/-; median age 12/13.5/12.5 years). Leptin (median 3.25/2.65/3.3 pg/mL; P = 0.083) and body mass index were lower (group A/B/C 18.55/16.75/20.5 kg/m(2); P = 0.023), but dietary intake was significantly higher (group A/B/C 50.5/68/43 kcal/kg body weight; P = 0.026) in moderate disease. Cytokines before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide were highest in moderate disease, but there was no significant difference after stimulation (interleukin-8 median A/B/C before--15/25.1/8.0 pg/mL, P < 0.005; after--570.5/573.5/415.5 pg/mL, not significant; tumor necrosis factor alpha median A/B/C 43/56/30 pg/mL, P < 0.0001; 580/427/720.5 pg/mL, not significant.). There is a physiological regulation of leptin even in more advanced states of disease with significantly lower body mass index than controls. However, our data do not support the idea of elevated cytokine levels inducing anorexia in homozygous delta F 508 cystic fibrosis patients.

Areca nut extract up-regulates prostaglandin production, cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and protein expression of human oral keratinocytes.

PubMed

Jeng, J H; Ho, Y S; Chan, C P; Wang, Y J; Hahn, L J; Lei, D; Hsu, C C; Chang, M C

2000-07-01

There are about 600 million betel quid (BQ) chewers in the world. BQ chewing is associated with increased incidence of oral cancer and submucous fibrosis. In this study, areca nut (AN) extract (200-800 microg/ml) induced the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production by 1. 4-3.4-fold and 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) production by 1.1-1.7-fold of gingival keratinocytes (GK), respectively, following 24 h of exposure. Exposure of GK to AN extract (>400 microg/ml) led to cell retraction and intracellular vacuoles formation. At concentrations of 800 and 1200 microg/ml, AN extract induced cell death at 21-24 and 32-52% as detected by MTT assay and cellular lactate dehydrogenase release, respectively. Interestingly, AN-induced morphological changes of GK are reversible. GK can still proliferate following exposure to AN extract. Cytotoxicity of AN extract cannot be inhibited by indomethacin (1 microM) and aspirin (50 microM), indicating that prostaglandin (PG) production is not the major factor responsible for AN cytotoxicity. PGE(2) exhibited little effect on the growth of GK at concentrations ranging from 100-1000 pg/ml. Stimulating GK production of PGs by AN extract could be due to induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression and protein production. These results suggest that AN ingredients are critical in the pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer via their stimulatory effects on the PGs, COX-2 production and associated tissue inflammatory responses. AN cytotoxicity to GK is not directly mediated by COX-2 stimulation and PG production.

Magnetic sulfur-doped porous carbon for preconcentration of trace mercury in environmental water prior to ICP-MS detection.

PubMed

Peng, Chuyu; He, Man; Chen, Beibei; Huang, Lijin; Hu, Bin

2017-11-20

A novel magnetic sulfur-doped porous carbon (MSPC) was fabricated via a simple one-step carbonization of a mixture of sucrose, basic magnesium sulfate whiskers and Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 nanoparticles. Due to the high S content, the prepared MSPC possessed high adsorption capacity for Hg 2+ (343 mg g -1 ) with good selectivity. Based on this, a method coupling magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed for the determination of trace Hg 2+ in environmental water samples. Various parameters such as pH, desorption solvent and its concentration, desorption volume and time, sample volume, and adsorption time that affect the determination have been optimized. Under the optimal conditions, a high enrichment factor of 100-fold was obtained, the limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.52 pg mL -1 with a relative standard deviation (c = 10 pg mL -1 , n = 7) of 7.1%, and a good linearity was obtained within the concentration range of 2-5000 pg mL -1 for Hg 2+ . Besides, the proposed method has very fast adsorption/desorption kinetics, target Hg 2+ could be rapidly adsorbed on the prepared MSPC in 2 min and desorbed from the MSPC in 2 min with the assistance of a permanent magnet. Therefore, the proposed method of MSPE-ICP-MS exhibits good application potential in the determination of trace Hg 2+ in environmental water samples.

[Association between serum levels of S100A8/S100A9 and clinical features of colorectal cancer patients].

PubMed

Shu, Peng; Zhao, Lian; Wagn, Jing; Shen, Xiaohua; Zhang, Xuemei; Shen, Shourong; Ma, Jian; Li, Xiayu

2016-06-28

To analyze the association between serum levels of S100A8/S100A9 and clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer patients.
 A total of 82 patients with CRC and 14 healthy controls were enrolled for this study. The levels of S100A8 and S100A9 in serum were detected by ELISA assay. The association between S100A8/S100A9 and clinicopathological features was analyzed by student-t test and one-way ANOVA. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was used to analyze diagnostic efficiency of serum S100A8 and S100A9 for colon rectal cancer. Logistic regression model was also established to analyze the possible risk factors for elevation of S100A8/S100A9.
 The levels of S100A8 and S100A9 were (1 403.3±593.7) and (2 890.3±994.9) pg/mL in patients with colon cancer, and (712.8±265.3) and (1 492.7±564.6) pg/mL in controls, respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). The similar results were found in rectal cancer patients, with a level of S100A8 and S100A9 at (1 417.7±666.5) and (3 026.7±887.6) pg/mL, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of S100A8 and S100A9 are better than traditional biomarkers. The levels of S100A9 in serum of CRC patients were correlated with clinical stages and distant metastasis. Serum levels of S100A9 in patients of stage III [(3 111.9±178.5) pg/mL] and stage IV [(3 831.4±278.5) pg/mL] were significantly (P<0.01) higher than that in stage I [(2 276.1±167.4) pg/mL], whereas there was significant change in S100A8 levels. Logistic regression showed the possible risk factors for the elevation of S100A9, including depth of invasion, lymphatic metastasis and degree of differentiation (P<0.05).
 Serum level of S100A8 and S100A9 in CRC patients were significantly increased and serum level of S100A9 was positively correlated with the malignant features of CRC.

Highly sensitive sandwich immunoassay and immunochromatographic test for the detection of Clostridial epsilon toxin in complex matrices.

PubMed

Féraudet-Tarisse, Cécile; Mazuet, Christelle; Pauillac, Serge; Krüger, Maren; Lacroux, Caroline; Popoff, Michel R; Dorner, Brigitte G; Andréoletti, Olivier; Plaisance, Marc; Volland, Hervé; Simon, Stéphanie

2017-01-01

Epsilon toxin is one of the four major toxins of Clostridium perfringens. It is the third most potent clostridial toxin after botulinum and tetanus toxins and is thus considered as a potential biological weapon classified as category B by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the case of a bioterrorist attack, there will be a need for a rapid, sensitive and specific detection method to monitor food and water contamination by this toxin, and for a simple human diagnostic test. We have produced and characterized five monoclonal antibodies against common epitopes of epsilon toxin and prototoxin. Three of them neutralize the cytotoxic effects of epsilon toxin in vitro. With these antibodies, we have developed highly sensitive tests, overnight and 4-h sandwich enzyme immunoassays and an immunochromatographic test performed in 20 min, reaching detection limits of at least 5 pg/mL (0.15 pM), 30 pg/mL (0.9 pM) and 100 pg/mL (3.5 pM) in buffer, respectively. These tests were also evaluated for detection of epsilon toxin in different matrices: milk and tap water for biological threat detection, serum, stool and intestinal content for human or veterinary diagnostic purposes. Detection limits in these complex matrices were at least 5-fold better than those described in the literature (around 1 to 5 ng/mL), reaching 10 to 300 pg/mL using the enzyme immunoassay and 100 to 2000 pg/mL using the immunochromatographic test.

Highly sensitive sandwich immunoassay and immunochromatographic test for the detection of Clostridial epsilon toxin in complex matrices

PubMed Central

Mazuet, Christelle; Pauillac, Serge; Krüger, Maren; Lacroux, Caroline; Popoff, Michel R.; Dorner, Brigitte G.; Andréoletti, Olivier; Plaisance, Marc; Volland, Hervé; Simon, Stéphanie

2017-01-01

Epsilon toxin is one of the four major toxins of Clostridium perfringens. It is the third most potent clostridial toxin after botulinum and tetanus toxins and is thus considered as a potential biological weapon classified as category B by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the case of a bioterrorist attack, there will be a need for a rapid, sensitive and specific detection method to monitor food and water contamination by this toxin, and for a simple human diagnostic test. We have produced and characterized five monoclonal antibodies against common epitopes of epsilon toxin and prototoxin. Three of them neutralize the cytotoxic effects of epsilon toxin in vitro. With these antibodies, we have developed highly sensitive tests, overnight and 4-h sandwich enzyme immunoassays and an immunochromatographic test performed in 20 min, reaching detection limits of at least 5 pg/mL (0.15 pM), 30 pg/mL (0.9 pM) and 100 pg/mL (3.5 pM) in buffer, respectively. These tests were also evaluated for detection of epsilon toxin in different matrices: milk and tap water for biological threat detection, serum, stool and intestinal content for human or veterinary diagnostic purposes. Detection limits in these complex matrices were at least 5-fold better than those described in the literature (around 1 to 5 ng/mL), reaching 10 to 300 pg/mL using the enzyme immunoassay and 100 to 2000 pg/mL using the immunochromatographic test. PMID:28700661

Attenuation of obesity-induced inflammation in mice orally administered with salmon cartilage proteoglycan, a prophylactic agent.

PubMed

Hirose, Shouhei; Asano, Krisana; Nakane, Akio

2017-03-11

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation of adipose tissue and causes development of type 2 diabetes. M1 macrophage population was increased in adipose tissue of obese mouse. M1 macrophages induce insulin resistance through the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Our previous studies demonstrated that salmon cartilage proteoglycan (PG) suppresses excess inflammation in various mouse inflammatory diseases. In this study, we examined the effect of PG on type 2 diabetes using high-fat-diet (HFD) induced obese mouse model. Oral PG administration enhanced the population of small adipocytes (area less than 1000 μm 2 ) without body and tissue weight gain. In addition, PG administration suppressed mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and CXCL2 in adipose tissue. The proportion of M1 macrophages was decreased by PG administration. In addition, PG administration suppressed hyperglycemia after intraperitoneal glucose injection. Fasted serum insulin level was decreased in PG-administered mice. Moreover, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt was enhanced in the liver and gastrocnemius skeletal muscle of PG-administered mice. These data suggested that PG administration improves hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity in obese mice by modulation of M1 macrophages which secrete proinflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and activation of Akt in liver and skeletal muscle. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perfluorinated compounds in human breast milk from several Asian countries, and in infant formula and dairy milk from the United States.

PubMed

Tao, Lin; Ma, Jing; Kunisue, Tatsuya; Libelo, E Laurence; Tanabe, Shinsuke; Kannan, Kurunthachalam

2008-11-15

The occurrence of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in human blood is known to be widespread; nevertheless, the sources of exposure to humans, including infants, are not well understood. In this study, breast milk collected from seven countries in Asia was analyzed (n=184) for nine PFCs, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). In addition, five brands of infant formula (n=21) and 11 brands of dairy milk (n=12) collected from retail stores in the United States were analyzed, for comparison with PFC concentrations previously reported for breast milk from the U.S. PFOS was the predominant PFC detected in almost all Asian breast milk samples, followed by perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and PFOA. Median concentrations of PFOS in breast milk from Asian countries varied significantly;the lowest concentration of 39.4 pg/mL was found in India, and the highest concentration of 196 pg/mL was found in Japan. The measured concentrations were similarto or less than the concentrations previously reported from Sweden, the United States, and Germany (median, 106-166 pg/mL). PFHxS was found in more than 70% of the samples analyzed from Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam, at mean concentrations ranging from 6.45 (Malaysia) to 15.8 (Philippines) pg/mL PFOA was found frequently only in samples from Japan; the mean concentration for that country was 77.7 pg/mL. None of the PFCs were detected in the infant-formula or dairy-milk samples from the U.S. except a few samples that contained concentrations close to the limit of detection. The estimated average daily intake of PFOS by infants from seven Asian countries, via breastfeeding, was 11.8 +/- 10.6 ng/kg bw/ day; this value is 7-12 times higher than the estimated adult dietary intakes previously reported from Germany, Canada, and Spain. The average daily intake of PFOA by Japanese infants was 9.6 +/- 4.9 ng/kg bw/day, a value 3-10 times greater than the estimated adult dietary intakes reported from Germany and Canada. The highest estimated daily intakes of PFOS and PFOA by infants from seven Asian countries studied were 1-2 orders of magnitude below the tolerable daily intake values recommended by the U.K. Food Standards Agency.

A Combination of Short and Simple Surfactant Protein B and C Analogues as a New Synthetic Surfactant: In Vitro and Animal Experiments.

PubMed

Choi, Yong Sung; Chung, Sung Hoon; Bae, Chong Woo

2017-07-01

Pulmonary surfactants for preterm infants contain mostly animal-derived surfactant proteins (SPs), which are essential for lowering surface tension. We prepared artificial pulmonary surfactants using synthetic human SP analogs and performed in vitro and in vivo experiments. We synthesized peptide analogues that resemble human SP-B (RMLPQLVCRLVLRCSMD) and SP-C (CPVHLKRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL). Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and palmitic acid (PA) were added and mixed in lyophilized to render powdered surfactant. Synsurf-1 was composed of DPPC:PG:PA:SP-B (75:25:10:3, w/w); Synsurf-2 was composed of DPPC:PG:PA:SP-C (75:25:10:3, w/w); and Synsurf-3 was composed of DPPC:PG:PA:SP-B:SP-C (75:25:10:3:3, w/w). We performed in vitro study to compare the physical characteristics using pulsating bubble surfactometer and modified Wilhelmy balance test. Surface spreading and adsorption test of the surfactant preparations were measured. In vivo test was performed using term and preterm rabbit pups. Pressure-volume curves were generated during the deflation phase. Histologic findings were examined. Pulsating bubble surfactometer readings revealed following minimum and maximum surface tension (mN/m) at 5 minutes: Surfacten® (5.5±0.4, 32.8±1.6), Synsurf-1 (16.7±0.6, 28.7±1.5), Synsurf-2 (7.9±1.0, 33.1±1.6), and Synsurf-3 (7.1±0.8, 34.5±1.0). Surface spreading rates were as follows: Surfacten® (27 mN/m), Synsurf-1 (43 mN/m), Synsurf-2 (27 mN/m), and Synsurf-3 (27 mN/m). Surface adsorption rate results were as follows: Surfacten® (28 mN/m), Synsurf-1 (35 mN/m), Synsurf-2 (29 mN/m), and Synsurf-3 (27 mN/m). The deflation curves were best for Synsurf-3; those for Synsurf-2 were better than those for Surfacten®. Synsurf-1 was the worst surfactant preparation. Microscopic examination showed the largest aerated area of the alveoli in the Synsurf-3 group, followed by Synsurf-1 and Surfacten®; Synsurf-2 was the smallest. Synsurf-3 containing both SP-B and SP-C synthetic analogs showed comparable and better efficacy than commercially used Surfacten® in lowering surface tension, pressure-volume curves, and tissue aerated area of the alveoli. © Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2017

Carbon content of common airborne fungal species and fungal contribution to aerosol organic carbon in a subtropical city

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jessica Y. W.; Chan, Chak K.; Lee, C.-T.; Lau, Arthur P. S.

Interest in the role and contribution of fungi to atmospheric aerosols and processes grows in the past decade. Substantial data or information such as fungal mass or carbon loading to ambient aerosols is however still lacking. This study aimed to quantify the specific organic carbon content (OC per spore) of eleven fungal species commonly found airborne in the subtropics, and estimated their contribution to organic carbon in aerosols. The specific OC contents showed a size-dependent relationship ( r = 0.64, p < 0.05) and ranged from 3.6 to 201.0 pg carbon per spore or yeast cell, giving an average of 6.0 pg carbon per spore (RSD 51%) for spore or cell size less than 10 μm. In accounting for natural variations in the composition and abundance of fungal population, weighted-average carbon content for field samples was adopted using the laboratory determined specific OC values. An average of 5.97 pg carbon per spore (RSD 3.8%) was enumerated from 28 field samples collected at the university campus. The mean fungal OC concentration was 3.7, 6.0 and 9.7 ng m -3 in PM 2.5, PM 2.5-10 and PM 10, respectively. These corresponded to 0.1%, 1.2% and 0.2% of the total OC in PM 2.5, PM 2.5-10 and PM 10, respectively. In the study period, rain provided periods with low total OC but high fungal prevalence and fungi contributed 7-32% OC in PM 2.5-10 or 2.4-7.1% OC in PM 10. More extensive studies are deserved to better understand the spatial-, temporal- and episodic dependency on the fungal OC contribution to the atmospheric aerosols.

Air-water exchange and dry deposition of polybrominated diphenyl ethers at a coastal site in Izmir Bay, Turkey.

PubMed

Cetin, Banu; Odabasi, Mustafa

2007-02-01

The air-water exchange of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), an emerging class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), was investigated using paired air-water samples (n = 15) collected in July and December, 2005 from Guzelyali Port in Izmir Bay, Turkey. Total dissolved-phase water concentrations of PBDEs (sigma7PBDEs) were 212 +/- 65 and 87 +/- 57 pg L(-1) (average +/- SD) in summer and winter, respectively. BDE-209 was the most abundant congener in all samples, followed by BDE-99 and -47. Average ambient gas-phase sigma7PBDE concentrations were between 189 +/- 61 (summer) and 76 +/- 65 pg m(-3) (winter). Net air-water exchange fluxes ranged from -0.9 +/- 1.0 (BDE-28) (volatilization) to 11.1 +/- 5.4 (BDE-209) ng m(-2) day(-1) (deposition). The BDE-28 fluxes were mainly volatilization while the other congeners were deposited. Gas- and dissolved-phase concentrations were significantly correlated (P = 0.33-0.55, p < 0.05, except for BDE-209, r = 0.05, p > 0.05) indicating thatthe atmosphere controls the surface water PBDE levels in this coastal environment. Estimated particulate dry deposition fluxes ranged between 2.7 +/- 1.9 (BDE-154) and 116 +/- 84 ng m(-2) day(-1) (BDE-209) indicating that dry deposition is also a significant input to surface waters in the study area.

Spatial trends, sources, and air-water exchange of organochlorine pesticides in the Great Lakes basin using low density polyethylene passive samplers.

PubMed

Khairy, Mohammed; Muir, Derek; Teixeira, Camilla; Lohmann, Rainer

2014-08-19

Polyethylene passive samplers were deployed during summer and fall of 2011 in the lower Great Lakes to assess the spatial distribution and sources of gaseous and freely dissolved organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their air-water exchange. Average gaseous OCP concentrations ranged from nondetect to 133 pg/m(3). Gaseous concentrations of hexachlorobenzene, dieldrin, and chlordanes were significantly greater (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05) at Lake Erie than Lake Ontario. A multiple linear regression implied that both cropland and urban areas within 50 and 10 km buffer zones, respectively, were critical parameters to explain the total variability in atmospheric concentrations. Freely dissolved OCP concentrations (nondetect to 114 pg/L) were lower than previously reported. Aqueous half-lives generally ranged from 1.7 to 6.7 years. Nonetheless, concentrations of p,p'-DDE and chlordanes were higher than New York State Ambient Water Quality Standards for the protection of human health from the consumption of fish. Spatial distributions of freely dissolved OCPs in both lakes were influenced by loadings from areas of concern and the water circulation patterns. Flux calculations indicated net deposition of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, heptachlor-epoxide, and α- and β-endosulfan (-0.02 to -33 ng/m(2)/day) and net volatilization of heptachlor, aldrin, trans-chlordane, and trans-nonachlor (0.0 to 9.0 ng/m(2)/day) in most samples.

PG 1316+678: A young pre-cataclysmic binary with weak reflection effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimansky, V. V.; Borisov, N. V.; Bikmaev, I. F.; Sakhibullin, N. A.; Shimanskaya, N. N.; Spiridonova, O. I.; Irtuganov, E. N.

2013-03-01

The PG 1316+678 star is classified as a pre-cataclysmic binary, as is evidenced by its photometric and spectroscopic observations. Its orbital period is determined to be P orb = 3.3803d, which coincides with the photometric period. The intensities of the emission HI and HeI lines are shown to vary synchronously with the brightness of the object (Δ m V = 0.065 m , Δ m R = 0.08 m ). These variations arise as the UV radiation from the DAO white dwarf is reflected from the surface of the cold companion. The parameters of the binary are estimated and the time of its evolution after the common-envelope phase is determined to be t ≈ 240 000 years. Thus, PG 1316+678 is a young pre-cataclysmic NN Ser variable with the smallest known photometric reflection effect.

Dissolved Organophosphate Esters and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Remote Marine Environments: Arctic Surface Water Distributions and Net Transport through Fram Strait.

PubMed

McDonough, Carrie A; De Silva, Amila O; Sun, Caoxin; Cabrerizo, Ana; Adelman, David; Soltwedel, Thomas; Bauerfeind, Eduard; Muir, Derek C G; Lohmann, Rainer

2018-06-05

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been found in remote environments at unexpectedly high concentrations, but very few measurements of OPE concentrations in seawater are available, and none are available in subsurface seawater. In this study, passive polyethylene samplers (PEs) deployed on deep-water moorings in the Fram Strait and in surface waters of Canadian Arctic lakes and coastal sites were analyzed for a suite of common OPEs. Total OPEs ( ∑ 11 OPE) at deep-water sites were dominated by chlorinated OPEs, and ranged from 6.3 to 440 pg/L. Concentrations were similar in eastern and western Fram Strait. Chlorinated OPEs were also dominant in Canadian Arctic surface waters (mean concentration ranged from < DL to 4400 pg/L), while nonhalogenated alkyl/aryl-substituted OPEs remained low (1.3-55 pg/L), possibly due to the greater long-range transport potential of chlorinated OPEs. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were found at much lower concentrations than OPEs (

Low-dose 4D cardiac imaging in small animals using dual source micro-CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holbrook, M.; Clark, D. P.; Badea, C. T.

2018-01-01

Micro-CT is widely used in preclinical studies, generating substantial interest in extending its capabilities in functional imaging applications such as blood perfusion and cardiac function. However, imaging cardiac structure and function in mice is challenging due to their small size and rapid heart rate. To overcome these challenges, we propose and compare improvements on two strategies for cardiac gating in dual-source, preclinical micro-CT: fast prospective gating (PG) and uncorrelated retrospective gating (RG). These sampling strategies combined with a sophisticated iterative image reconstruction algorithm provide faster acquisitions and high image quality in low-dose 4D (i.e. 3D  +  Time) cardiac micro-CT. Fast PG is performed under continuous subject rotation which results in interleaved projection angles between cardiac phases. Thus, fast PG provides a well-sampled temporal average image for use as a prior in iterative reconstruction. Uncorrelated RG incorporates random delays during sampling to prevent correlations between heart rate and sampling rate. We have performed both simulations and animal studies to validate these new sampling protocols. Sampling times for 1000 projections using fast PG and RG were 2 and 3 min, respectively, and the total dose was 170 mGy each. Reconstructions were performed using a 4D iterative reconstruction technique based on the split Bregman method. To examine undersampling robustness, subsets of 500 and 250 projections were also used for reconstruction. Both sampling strategies in conjunction with our iterative reconstruction method are capable of resolving cardiac phases and provide high image quality. In general, for equal numbers of projections, fast PG shows fewer errors than RG and is more robust to undersampling. Our results indicate that only 1000-projection based reconstruction with fast PG satisfies a 5% error criterion in left ventricular volume estimation. These methods promise low-dose imaging with a wide range of preclinical applications in cardiac imaging.

A comparative density functional study on electrical properties of layered penta-graphene

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

Yu, Zhi Gen, E-mail: yuzg@ihpc.a-star.edu.sg; Zhang, Yong-Wei, E-mail: zhangyw@ihpc.a-star.edu.sg

We present a comparative study of the influence of the number of layers, the biaxial strain in the range of −3% to 3%, and the stacking misalignments on the electronic properties of a new 2D carbon allotrope, penta-graphene (PG), based on hybrid-functional method within the density functional theory (DFT). In comparison with local exchange-correlation approximation in the DFT, the hybrid-functional provides an accurate description on the degree of p{sub z} orbitals localization and bandgap. Importantly, the predicted bandgap of few-layer PG has a weak layer dependence. The bandgap of monolayer PG is 3.27 eV, approximately equal to those of GaN andmore » ZnO; and the bandgap of few-layer PG decreases slowly with the number of layers (N) and converge to 2.57 eV when N ≥ 4. Our calculations using HSE06 functional on few-layer PG reveal that bandgap engineering by stacking misalignment can further tune the bandgap down to 1.37 eV. Importantly, there is no direct-to-indirect bandgap transition in PG by varying strain, layer number, and stacking misalignment. Owing to its tunable, robustly direct, and wide bandgap characteristics, few-layer PG is promising for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.« less

The Prevalence of Stages of Heart Failure in Primary Care: A Population-Based Study.

PubMed

Jorge, Antonio Lagoeiro; Rosa, Maria Luiza G; Martins, Wolney A; Correia, Dayse Mary S; Fernandes, Luiz Claudio M; Costa, Jean A; Moscavitch, Samuel D; Jorge, Bruno Afonso L; Mesquita, Evandro T

2016-02-01

Planning strategies to prevent heart failure (HF) in developing countries require epidemiologic data in primary care. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HF stages and their phenotypes, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), and HF with reduced EF (HFREF) and to determine B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels to identify HF in the adult population. This is a cross-sectional study including 633 individuals, aged ≥45 years, who were randomly selected and registered in a primary care program of a medium-sized city in Brazil. All participants were underwent clinical evaluations, BNP measurements, electrocardiograms, and tissue Doppler echocardiography in a single day. The participants were classified as stage 0 (healthy, 11.7%), stage A (risk factors, 36.6%), stage B (structural abnormalities, 42.7%), or stage C (symptomatic HF, 9.3%). Among patients with HF, 59% presented with HFPEF and 41% presented with HFREF. The mean BNP levels were 20 pg/mL(-1) in stage 0, 20 pg/mL(-1) in stage A, 24 pg/mL(-1) in stage B, 93 pg/mL(-1) in HFPEF, and 266 pg/mL(-1) in HFREF. The cutoff BNP level with optimal sensitivity (92%) and specificity (91%) to identify HF was 42 pg/mL(-1). The present study demonstrated a high prevalence of individuals at risk for HF and the predominance of HFPEF in a primary care setting. The clinical examination, along with BNP and tissue Doppler echocardiography, may facilitate early detection of stages A and B HF and allow implementation of interventions aimed at preventing progression to symptomatic HF. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of pasteurization on transforming growth factor alpha and transforming growth factor beta 2 concentrations in human milk.

PubMed

McPherson, R J; Wagner, C L

2001-01-01

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and beta 2 (TGF-beta2) are present in human milk and are involved in growth differentiation and repair of neonatal intestinal epithelia. Heat treatment at 56 degrees C has been shown effective for providing safe banked donor milk, with good retention of other biologically active factors. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of heat sterilization on TGF-alpha and TGF-beta2 concentrations in human milk. Twenty milk samples were collected from 20 lactating mothers in polypropylene containers and frozen at -20 degrees C for transport or storage. Before heat treatment by holder pasteurization, the frozen milk was thawed and divided into 1-mL aliquots. All samples were heated in an accurately regulated water bath until a holding temperature was achieved, then held for 30 minutes using constant agitation. Holding temperature ranged from 56.5 degrees C to 56.9 degrees C. The milk was then stored at 4 degrees C overnight for analysis the following day. The concentration of TGF-alpha was measured by radioimmunoassay. Mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-alpha in raw milk samples was 119+/-50 pg/mL, range 57 to 234. The mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-alpha in heat treated samples was 113+/-50 pg/mL, range 51 to 227. TGF-alpha concentration was minimally affected by pasteurization, with an overall loss of 6.1%. Of 19 samples, 4 had increased and 15 had decreased concentrations after pasteurization (mean percent SEM: 94%+/-7% of raw milk, range 72%+/-107%). The concentration of acid-activated TGF-beta2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-beta2 in raw milk samples was 5624+/-5038 pg/mL, range 195 to 15480. The mean concentration +/- SD of TGF-beta2 in heat-treated samples was 5073+/-4646 pg/mL, range 181 to 15140. TGF-beta2 survived with relatively little loss (0.6%): of 18 samples, 11 had increased and 7 had decreased concentrations after pasteurization (mean percent +/- SEM: 99.4+/-6.7% of raw milk, range 79%-120%). In conclusion, both TGF-alpha and TGF-beta2 were well-preserved in whole milk after holder pasteurization at 56.5 degrees C. The relative increase in growth factor concentration in some of the samples may be attributable to the release of that factor from the cellular and/or fat compartments into the aqueous fraction of human milk. These findings have implications regarding use of donor milk as an alternate source of growth factors and cytokines for the newborn gut when mother's milk is unavailable.

[Experimental study on the Der f 1 mRNA molecules derived from dermatophagoides farinae for specific immunotherapy on murine model of asthma].

PubMed

Jiang, Yu-xin; Yin, Kang; Jin, Wen-jie; Wu, Lu-yi; Li, Chao-pin

2014-08-01

To investigate the effect of Der f 1 mRNA molecules for specific immunotherapy on murine model of asthma. Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: PBS group, Der f 1 sensitization group, Der f 1 specific immunotherapy (SIT) group, beta-actin mRNA SIT group, and Derf 1 mRNA SIT group. On days 0, 7 and 14, mice in PBS group received PBS injection; mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 10 microg Derf 1. At day 21, the mice in the 4 experimental groups were challenged with a 30-min inhaled dose of Der f 1 (100 microg/ml) for 7 successive days. Two weeks after the final sensitization, the mice in the above five groups were im- munized by intradermal injection with PBS, 1 microg Der f 1, 10 microg Der f 1, 2 microg beta-actin mRNA, and 2 microg Der f 1 mRNA, respectively for 3 times at one-week intervals. Two weeks after the last intradermal injection, all mice were sacrificed and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected. ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IFN-gamma and IL-13 in BALF, the number of eosinophils in the BALF was recorded. Splenocytes were prepared, and cultured with Der f 1 al- lergen (10 Jg/ml) for 72 h. Splenocytes of PBS group was cultured without Derf 1 allergen. The levels of IFN-gamma and IL-13 in splenocyte culture supernatant were measured by ELISA, as well as serum antibody levels of total IgE, allergen- specific IgE (sIgE), sIgG1, and sIgG2a. Lung sections were stained in hematoxylin and eosin, and observed under the microsope. Except for PBS group, mice in the other 4 group showed symptoms of acute asthma attack. Com- pared with Derf 1 sensitization group [(897.56 +/- 105.73) pg/ml] and beta-actin mRNA SIT group [(219.47 +/- 64.72) pg/ml], the level of IFN-gamma in BALF from Der f 1 mRNA SIT group [(897.56 +/- 105.73) pg/ml] and Derfl SIT group [(864.48 +/- 70.62)pg/ml] significantly increased (P<0.01). However, the level of IL-13 in BALF from Derf 1 mRNA SIT group [(241.64 +/- 31.41) pg/ml] and Derf 1 SIT group [(321.94 +/- 41.07)pg/ml] was significantly lower than that of Der f 1 sensitization group [(520.62 +/- 43.77) pg/ml] and beta-actin mRNA SIT group [(507.22 +/- 42.26) pg/ml](P<0.01). The number of eosinophils in Der f 1 mRNA SIT group [(1.33 +/- 0.44) x 10(5)/ml] and Der f 1 SIT group [(1.48 +/- 0.39) x 10(5)/ml] was also lower than that of Der f 1 sensitization group [(3.54 +/- 0.52)x10(5)/ml] and beta-actin mRNA SIT group [(2.98-0.53) x 10(5)/ml] (P<0.01). The levels of IFN-GAMMA and IL-13 in splenocyte culture supernatant showed that IFN-gamma level in Der f 1 mRNA SIT group [(420.91+69.92) pg/ml] and Der f 1 SIT group [(334.92 +/- 43.72) pg/ml] was significantly higher than that of Der f 1 sensitization group[(123.75 +/- 5.48) pg/ml] and beta-actin mRNA SIT group[(128.84 +/- 59.00) pg/ml] (P<0.01). However, IL-13 level of Der f 1 mRNA SIT group [(268.51 +/- 40.42) pg/ml] and Der f 1 SIT group [(285.26 +/- 62.21) pg/ml] was significantly lower than that of Derf 1 sensitization group [(613.89 +/- 51.54) pg/ml] and beta-actin mRNA SIT group [(524.05 +/- 39.12) pg/ml] (P<0.01). Compared with Der f 1 sensitization group [total IgE: (94.34 +/- 11.66) ng/ml, sIgE: (65.67 +/- 9.47) ng/ml, sIgG1: (75.18 +/- 9.52) ng/ml, sIgG2a: (2.81 +/- 1.17) ng/ml] and beta-actin mRNA SIT group[total IgE: (86.48 +/- 10.26) ng/ml, sIgE: (62.36 +/- 8.35) ng/ml, sIgG1: (69.51 +/- 8.98) ng/ml, IgG2a: (1.06 +/- 0.11) ng/ml], the serum antibody levels of total IgE [(33.72 +/- 9.78) ng/ml], sIgE [(22.76 +/- 8.09) ng/ml], sIgG1 [(17.87 +/- 7.59) ng/ml] of Der f 1 mRNA SIT group decreased significantly (P<0.01), whereas the level of IgG% [(7.74 +/- 0.88) ng/ml] increased (P<0.01). Compared with Der f 1 sensitization group, the asthmatic symptoms were relieved after immunization with Der f 1 mRNA for specific immunotherapy, including intact structure of respiratory and alveolar epithelial cells, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, and similar to those in Der f 1 SIT group. However, the breakage and detachment of bronchial epithelial cells occurred in beta-actin mRNA SIT group. Derf 1 mRNA vaccine can correct Th1 and Th2 imbalance.

Detection and analysis of tupaia hepatocytes via mAbs against tupaia serum albumin.

PubMed

Liu, Xuan; Yuan, Lunzhi; Yuan, Quan; Zhang, Yali; Wu, Kun; Zhang, Tianying; Wu, Yong; Hou, Wangheng; Wang, Tengyun; Liu, Pingguo; Shih, James Wai Kuo; Cheng, Tong; Xia, Ningshao

2016-05-20

On the basis of its close phylogenetic relationship with primates, the development of Tupaia belangeri as an infection animal model and drug metabolism model could provide a new option for preclinical studies, especially in hepatitis virus research. As a replacement for primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), primary tupaia hepatocytes (PTHs) have been widely used. Similar to human serum albumin, tupaia serum albumin (TSA) is the most common liver synthesis protein and is an important biomarker for PTHs and liver function. However, no detection or quantitative method for TSA has been reported. In this study, mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 4G5 and 9H3 against TSA were developed to recognize PTHs, and they did not show cross-reactivity with serum albumin from common experimental animals, such as the mouse, rat, cow, rabbit, goat, monkey, and chicken. The two mAbs also exhibited good performance in fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) detection of PTHs. A chemiluminescent enzyme immune assay method using the two mAbs, with a linear range from 96.89 pg/ml to 49,609.38 pg/ml, was developed for the quantitative detection of TSA. The mAbs and the CLEIA method provide useful tools for research on TSA and PTHs.

Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Effect of Adenotonsillectomy.

PubMed

Kheirandish-Gozal, Leila; Philby, Mona F; Alonso-Álvarez, María Luz; Terán-Santos, Joaquin; Gozal, David

2016-06-01

Obese children are at increased risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and both of these conditions are associated with an increased risk for end-organ morbidities. Both OSA and obesity (OB) have been associated with increased risk for Alzheimer disease (AD). This study aimed to assess whether OSA and OB lead to increased plasma levels of 2 AD markers amyloid β protein 42 (Aβ42) and pre-senilin 1 (PS1). Fasting morning plasma samples from otherwise healthy children with a diagnosis of OB, OSA, or both (OSA+OB), and controls, and in a subset of children with OSA after adenotonsillectomy (T&A) were assayed for Aβ42 and PS1 levels using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. 286 children (mean age of 7.2 ± 2.7 y) were evaluated. Compared to control subjects, OB children had similar Aβ42 (108.3 ± 31.7 pg/mL versus 83.6 ± 14.6 pg/mL) and PS1 levels (0.89 ± 0.44 ng/mL versus 0.80 ± 0.29 pg/mL). However, OSA children (Aβ42: 186.2 ± 66.7 pg/mL; P < 0.001; PS1: 3.42 ± 1.46 ng/mL; P < 0.001), and particularly OSA+OB children had significant elevations in both Aβ42 (349.4 ± 112.9 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and PS1 (PS1: 4.54 ± 1.16 ng/mL; P < 0.001) circulating concentrations. In a subset of 24 children, T&A resulted in significant reductions of Aβ42 (352.0 ± 145.2 versus 151.9 ± 81.4 pg/mL; P < 0.0001) and PS1 (4.82 ± 1.09 versus 2.02 ± 1.18 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). Thus, OSA, and particularly OSA+OB, are associated with increased plasma levels of AD biomarkers, which decline upon treatment of OSA in a representative, yet not all- encompassing subset of patients, suggesting that OSA may accelerate AD-related processes even in early childhood. However, the cognitive and overall health-related implications of these findings remain to be defined. © 2016 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Monte Carlo patient study on the comparison of prompt gamma and PET imaging for range verification in proton therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moteabbed, M.; España, S.; Paganetti, H.

2011-02-01

The purpose of this work was to compare the clinical adaptation of prompt gamma (PG) imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) as independent tools for non-invasive proton beam range verification and treatment validation. The PG range correlation and its differences with PET have been modeled for the first time in a highly heterogeneous tissue environment, using different field sizes and configurations. Four patients with different tumor locations (head and neck, prostate, spine and abdomen) were chosen to compare the site-specific behaviors of the PG and PET images, using both passive scattered and pencil beam fields. Accurate reconstruction of dose, PG and PET distributions was achieved by using the planning computed tomography (CT) image in a validated GEANT4-based Monte Carlo code capable of modeling the treatment nozzle and patient anatomy in detail. The physical and biological washout phenomenon and decay half-lives for PET activity for the most abundant isotopes such as 11C, 15O, 13N, 30P and 38K were taken into account in the data analysis. The attenuation of the gamma signal after traversing the patient geometry and respective detection efficiencies were estimated for both methods to ensure proper comparison. The projected dose, PG and PET profiles along many lines in the beam direction were analyzed to investigate the correlation consistency across the beam width. For all subjects, the PG method showed on average approximately 10 times higher gamma production rates than the PET method before, and 60 to 80 times higher production after including the washout correction and acquisition time delay. This rate strongly depended on tissue density and elemental composition. For broad passive scattered fields, it was demonstrated that large differences exist between PG and PET signal falloff positions and the correlation with the dose distribution for different lines in the beam direction. These variations also depended on the treatment site and the particular subject. Thus, similar to PET, direct range verification with PG in passive scattering is not easily viable. However, upon development of an optimized 3D PG detector, indirect range verification by comparing measured and simulated PG distributions (currently being explored for the PET method) would be more beneficial because it can avoid the inherent biological challenges of the PET imaging. The improved correlation of PG and PET with dose when using pencil beams was evident. PG imaging was found to be potentially advantageous especially for small tumors in the presence of high tissue heterogeneities. Including the effects of detector acceptance and efficiency may hold PET superior in terms of the amplitude of the detected signal (depending on the future development of PG detection technology), but the ability to perform online measurements and avoid signal disintegration (due to washout) with PG are important factors that can outweigh the benefits of higher detection sensitivity.

Monte Carlo patient study on the comparison of prompt gamma and PET imaging for range verification in proton therapy.

PubMed

Moteabbed, M; España, S; Paganetti, H

2011-02-21

The purpose of this work was to compare the clinical adaptation of prompt gamma (PG) imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) as independent tools for non-invasive proton beam range verification and treatment validation. The PG range correlation and its differences with PET have been modeled for the first time in a highly heterogeneous tissue environment, using different field sizes and configurations. Four patients with different tumor locations (head and neck, prostate, spine and abdomen) were chosen to compare the site-specific behaviors of the PG and PET images, using both passive scattered and pencil beam fields. Accurate reconstruction of dose, PG and PET distributions was achieved by using the planning computed tomography (CT) image in a validated GEANT4-based Monte Carlo code capable of modeling the treatment nozzle and patient anatomy in detail. The physical and biological washout phenomenon and decay half-lives for PET activity for the most abundant isotopes such as (11)C, (15)O, (13)N, (30)P and (38)K were taken into account in the data analysis. The attenuation of the gamma signal after traversing the patient geometry and respective detection efficiencies were estimated for both methods to ensure proper comparison. The projected dose, PG and PET profiles along many lines in the beam direction were analyzed to investigate the correlation consistency across the beam width. For all subjects, the PG method showed on average approximately 10 times higher gamma production rates than the PET method before, and 60 to 80 times higher production after including the washout correction and acquisition time delay. This rate strongly depended on tissue density and elemental composition. For broad passive scattered fields, it was demonstrated that large differences exist between PG and PET signal falloff positions and the correlation with the dose distribution for different lines in the beam direction. These variations also depended on the treatment site and the particular subject. Thus, similar to PET, direct range verification with PG in passive scattering is not easily viable. However, upon development of an optimized 3D PG detector, indirect range verification by comparing measured and simulated PG distributions (currently being explored for the PET method) would be more beneficial because it can avoid the inherent biological challenges of the PET imaging. The improved correlation of PG and PET with dose when using pencil beams was evident. PG imaging was found to be potentially advantageous especially for small tumors in the presence of high tissue heterogeneities. Including the effects of detector acceptance and efficiency may hold PET superior in terms of the amplitude of the detected signal (depending on the future development of PG detection technology), but the ability to perform online measurements and avoid signal disintegration (due to washout) with PG are important factors that can outweigh the benefits of higher detection sensitivity.

Decabrominated Diphenyl Ethers (BDE-209) in Chinese and Global Air: Levels, Gas/Particle Partitioning, and Long-Range Transport: Is Long-Range Transport of BDE-209 Really Governed by the Movement of Particles?

PubMed

Li, Yi-Fan; Qiao, Li-Na; Ren, Nan-Qi; Sverko, Ed; Mackay, Donald; Macdonald, Robie W

2017-01-17

In this paper, we report air concentrations of BDE-209 in both gas- and particle-phases across China. The annual mean concentrations of BDE-209 were from below detection limit (BDL) to 77.0 pg·m -3 in the gas-phase and 1.06-728 pg·m -3 in the particle-phase. Among the nine PBDEs measured, BDE-209 is the dominant congener in Chinese atmosphere in both gas and particle phases. We predicted the partitioning behavior of BDE-209 in air using our newly developed steady state equation, and the results matched the monitoring data worldwide very well. It was found that the logarithm of the partition quotient of BDE-209 is a constant, and equal to -1.53 under the global ambient temperature range (from -50 to +50 °C). The gaseous fractions of BDE-209 in air depends on the concentration of total suspended particle (TSP). The most important conclusion derived from this study is that, BDE-209, like other semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), cannot be sorbed entirely to atmospheric particles; and there is a significant amount of gaseous BDE-209 in global atmosphere, which is subject to long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT). Therefore, it is not surprising that BDE-209 can enter the Arctic through LRAT mainly by air transport rather than by particle movement. This is a significant advancement in understanding the global transport process and the pathways entering the Arctic for chemicals with low volatility and high octanol-air partition coefficients, such as BDE-209.

Intracellular levels of hepatitis B virus DNA and pregenomic RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronically infected patients.

PubMed

Lu, L; Zhang, H-Y; Yueng, Y-H; Cheung, K-F; Luk, J M; Wang, F-S; Lau, G K K

2009-02-01

It remains uncertain whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) can be detected in the serum or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. We examined HBV cccDNA and pgRNA in the serum and PBMC, and investigated the effect of lamivudine therapy on the viral loads in the PBMC of CHB patients. Paired serum and PBMC samples from 50 treatment-naïve CHB patients [25 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive and 25 HBeAg negative] were quantified for total HBV DNA, cccDNA and pgRNA by real time polymerase chain reaction. HBV cccDNA and pgRNA were below the lower detection limit in all serum samples, and in 84% of PBMC. HBV DNA (r = 0.889, P < 0.001) and pgRNA (r = 0.696, P < 0.001) in PBMC correlated with the HBV DNA in serum. In the longitudinal study, 30 patients treated with lamivudine therapy for a median duration of 34 weeks (range 12-48 weeks) were examined. The median HBV DNA reduction in PBMC before and after treatment was 1.318 (range -0.471 to 3.846) log units, which was significantly lower than serum HBV DNA reduction [3.371 (range -0.883 to 9.454) log units, P < 0.05]. HBV cccDNA and pgRNA were undetectable in the serum of CHB patients. HBV viral loads in PBMC correlated with serum HBV DNA. Lamivudine therapy had less effect on the HBV viral loads in PBMC compared with the serum viral loads.

Physiological role of phenolic biostimulants isolated from brown seaweed Ecklonia maxima on plant growth and development.

PubMed

Aremu, Adeyemi O; Masondo, Nqobile A; Rengasamy, Kannan R R; Amoo, Stephen O; Gruz, Jiří; Bíba, Ondřej; Šubrtová, Michaela; Pěnčík, Aleš; Novák, Ondřej; Doležal, Karel; Van Staden, Johannes

2015-06-01

Eckol, a major phenolic compound isolated from brown seaweed significantly enhanced the bulb size and bioactive compounds in greenhouse-grown Eucomis autumnalis. We investigated the effect of eckol and phloroglucinol (PG) (phenolic compounds) isolated from the brown seaweed, Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss on the growth, phytochemical and auxin content in Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. The model plant is a popular medicinal species with increasing conservation concern. Eckol and PG were tested at 10(-5), 10(-6) and 10(-7) M using soil drench applications. After 4 months, growth parameters, phytochemical and auxin content were recorded. When compared to the control, eckol (10(-6) M) significantly improved bulb size, fresh weight and root production while the application of PG (10(-6) M) significantly increased the bulb numbers. However, both compounds had no significant stimulatory effect on aerial organs. Bioactive phytochemicals such as p-hydroxybenzoic and ferulic acids were significantly increased in eckol (10(-5) M) and PG (10(-6) M) treatments, compared to the control. Aerial (1,357 pmol/g DW) and underground (1,474 pmol/g DW) parts of eckol-treated (10(-5) M) plants yielded the highest concentration of indole-3-acetic acid. Overall, eckol and PG elicited a significant influence on the growth and physiological response in E. autumnalis. Considering the medicinal importance of E. autumnalis and the increasing strains on its wild populations, these compounds are potential tools to enhance their cultivation and growth.

Enzyme-linked, aptamer-based, competitive biolayer interferometry biosensor for palytoxin.

PubMed

Gao, Shunxiang; Zheng, Xin; Hu, Bo; Sun, Mingjuan; Wu, Jihong; Jiao, Binghua; Wang, Lianghua

2017-03-15

In this study, we coupled biolayer interferometry (BLI) with competitive binding assay through an enzyme-linked aptamer and developed a real-time, ultra-sensitive, rapid quantitative method for detection of the marine biotoxin palytoxin. Horseradish peroxidase-labeled aptamers were used as biorecognition receptors to competitively bind with palytoxin, which was immobilized on the biosensor surface. The palytoxin: horseradish peroxidase-aptamer complex was then submerged in a 3,3'-diaminobenzidine solution, which resulted in formation of a precipitated polymeric product directly on the biosensor surface and a large change in the optical thickness of the biosensor layer. This change could obviously shift the interference pattern and generate a response profile on the BLI biosensor. The biosensor showed a broad linear range for palytoxin (200-700pg/mL) with a low detection limit (0.04pg/mL). Moreover, the biosensor was applied to the detection of palytoxin in spiked extracts and showed a high degree of selectivity for palytoxin, good reproducibility, and stability. This enzyme-linked, aptamer-based, competitive BLI biosensor offers a promising method for rapid and sensitive detection of palytoxin and other analytes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Concentrations of 17beta-estradiol in Holstein whole milk.

PubMed

Pape-Zambito, D A; Magliaro, A L; Kensinger, R S

2007-07-01

Some individuals have expressed concern about estrogens in food because of their potential to promote growth of estrogen-sensitive human cancer cells. Researchers have reported concentrations of estrogen in milk but few whole milk samples have been analyzed. Because estrogen associates with the fat phase of milk, the analysis of whole milk is an important consideration. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to quantify 17beta-estradiol (E2) in whole milk from dairy cows and to determine whether E2 concentrations in milk from cows in the second half of pregnancy were greater than that in milk from cows in the first half of pregnancy or in nonpregnant cows. Milk samples and weights were collected during a single morning milking from 206 Holstein cows. Triplicate samples were collected and 2 samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and somatic cell counts (SCC); 1 sample was homogenized and analyzed for E2. The homogenized whole milk (3 mL) was extracted twice with ethyl acetate and once with methanol. The extract was reconstituted in benzene:methanol (9:1, vol/vol) and run over a Sephadex LH-20 column to separate E2 from cholesterol and estrone before quantification using radioimmunoassay. Cows were classified as not pregnant (NP, n = 138), early pregnant (EP, 1 to 140 d pregnant, n = 47), or midpregnant (MP, 141 to 210 d pregnant, n = 21) at the time of milk sampling based on herd health records. Mean E2 concentration in whole milk was 1.4 +/- 0.2 pg/mL and ranged from nondetectable to 22.9 pg/mL. Milk E2 concentrations averaged 1.3, 0.9, and 3.0 pg/mL for NP, EP, and MP cows, respectively. Milk E2 concentrations for MP cows were greater and differed from those of NP and EP cows. Milk composition was normal for a Holstein herd in that log SCC values and percentages of fat, protein, and lactose averaged 4.9, 3.5, 3.1, and 4.8, respectively. Estradiol concentration was significantly correlated (r = 0.20) with percentage fat in milk. Mean milk yield was 18.9 +/- 0.6 kg for the morning milking. The mean E2 mass accumulated in the morning milk was 23.2 +/- 3.4 ng/cow. Likewise, using the overall mean concentration for E2 in milk, the mean E2 mass in 237 mL (8 fluid ounces) of raw whole milk was 330 pg. The quantity of E2 in whole milk, therefore, is low and is unlikely to pose a health risk for humans.

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole-Induced Severe Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Bulathsinghala, Marie; Keefer, Kimberly; Van de Louw, Andry

2016-04-01

Propylene glycol (PG) is used as a solvent in numerous medications, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and lorazepam, and is metabolized in the liver to lactic acid. Cases of lactic acidosis related to PG toxicity have been described and always involved large doses of benzodiazepines and PG. We present the first case of severe lactic acidosis after a 3-day course of TMP/SMX alone, involving allegedly safe amounts of PG.A 31-year-old female with neurofibromatosis and pilocytic astrocytoma, receiving temozolomide and steroids, was admitted to the intensive care unit for pneumonia and acute respiratory failure requiring intubation. Her initial hemodynamic and acid-base statuses were normal. She was treated with intravenous TMP/SMX for possible Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and was successfully extubated on day 2. On day 3, she developed tachypnea and arterial blood gas analysis revealed a severe metabolic acidosis (pH 7.2, PCO2 19 mm Hg, bicarbonates 8 mEq/L) with anion gap of 25 mEq/L and lactate of 12.1 mmol/L. TMP/SMX was discontinued and the lactate decreased to 2.9 mmol/L within 24 hours while her plasma bicarbonates normalized, without additional intervention. The patient never developed hypotension or severe hypoxia, and her renal and liver functions were normal. No other cause for lactic acidosis was identified and it resolved after TMP/SMX cessation alone, suggesting PG toxicity.Although PG-related lactic acidosis is well recognized after large doses of lorazepam, clinicians should bear in mind that TMP/SMX contains PG as well and should suspect PG toxicity in patients developing unexplained metabolic acidosis while receiving TMP/SMX.

Evaluation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Associated Factors in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

Tas Kilic, Diler; Akdogan, Ali; Kilic, Levent; Sari, Alper; Erden, Abdulsamet; Armagan, Berkan; Kilickaya, Muhammed; Kalyoncu, Umut; Turhan, Turan; Kiraz, Sedat; Karaahmetoglu, Selma

2018-01-30

In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) gastrointestinal (GI) involvement, nutritional status and medications may lead to cobalamin (Vit B12) deficiency. We aimed to determine the frequency and the potential causes of Vit B12 deficiency in SSc patients. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 62 SSc patients in a single center in 1 year period. Medical history and physical examination of patients were reevaluated. Data about organ involvements were obtained from hospital file records. The nutritional status of the patients was assessed with Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Vit B12, homocysteine (except in three patients) and Helicobacter Pylori Immunoglobulin G (H. Pylori IgG) levels were measured in all patients. Vit B12 deficiency was considered as serum Vit B12 level <200 pg/mL or being on Vit B12 replacement therapy. Serum Vit B12 levels of the patients were also grouped as low (<200 pg/mL), borderline (200-300 pg/mL) and normal (>300 pg/mL). Plasma homocysteine levels of the patients were classified as elevated (>9 μmol/L) and hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 μmol/L). Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare parameters among the groups. Correlation was tested by Spearman's correlation coefficient. Forty-four (71.0%) patients were defined as Vit B12 deficient; 22 had Vit B12 level <200 pg/mL (four were on Vit B12 replacement therapy) and the remaining 22 had Vit B12 >200 pg/mL and were already on Vit B12 replacement therapy. The percentage of the patients with hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly higher in the group with Vit B12 <200 pg/mL as compared to other groups (P = 0.004) but only 33.3% (7/21) of the patients with Vit B12 <200 pg/mL had hyperhomocysteinemia. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without Vit B12 deficiency regarding age, mean disease duration, MUST scores, mean hemoglobin levels, H. Pylori IgG positivity and organ involvements (P > 0.05 for all). Vit B12 deficiency is frequent in SSc and has multiple causes. All patients should be monitored for Vit B12 deficiency. The homocysteine levels seem unlikely to be helpful for confirmation of Vit B12 deficiency.

Production, purification and characterization of an exo-polygalacturonase from Penicillium janthinellum sw09.

PubMed

Ma, Yuping; Sun, Siwen; Hao, Hui; Xu, Chunping

2016-01-01

A soil isolate, Penicillium janthinellum sw09 has been found to produce significant amounts of an extracellular pectinase subsequently characterized as exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG). By optimizing growth conditions, P. janthinellum sw09 produced high amount of exo-PG (16.54 units/mL). The crude enzyme was purified by gel filtration chromatography and two exo-PG activity peaks (designated as PGI and PGII) were revealed. On SDS-PAGE analysis, purified PGII using DEAE-Sepharose FF column, was found to be a single band with a molecular mass of 66.2 kDa. The purified PGII exhibited maximal activity at the temperature of 45 oC and pH 5.0. The stability profiles show that PGII is more stable in the pH range of 4.0-8.0 and below 60 oC. The Km and Vmax for the enzyme was 1.74 mg/mL and 18.08 μmol/ (mL•min), respectively. Due to this enzymatic characterization, this pectinase is an attractive candidate for applications in degradation of pectin.

Ultrasensitive one-step rapid detection of ochratoxin A by the folding-based electrochemical aptasensor.

PubMed

Wu, Jingjing; Chu, Huaqin; Mei, Zhanlong; Deng, Yi; Xue, Feng; Zheng, Lei; Chen, Wei

2012-11-13

A one-step electrochemical aptasensor using the thiol- and methylene blue- (MB-) dual-labeled aptamer modified gold electrode for determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) was presented in this research. The aptamer against OTA was covalently immobilized on the surface of the electrode by the self-assembly effect and used as recognition probes for OTA detection by the binding induced folding of the aptamer. Under the optimal conditions, the developed electrochemical aptasensor demonstrated a wide linear range from 0.1 pg mL(-1) to 1000 pg mL(-1) with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.095 pg mL(-1), which was an extraordinary sensitivity compared with other common methods for OTA detection. Moreover, as a practical application, this proposed electrochemical aptasensor was used to monitor the OTA level in red wine samples without any special pretreatment and with satisfactory results obtained. Study results showed that this electrochemical aptasensor could be a potential useful platform for on-site OTA measurement in real complex samples. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intestinal cytokines in children with pervasive developmental disorders.

PubMed

DeFelice, Magee L; Ruchelli, Eduardo D; Markowitz, Jonathan E; Strogatz, Melissa; Reddy, Krishna P; Kadivar, Khadijeh; Mulberg, Andrew E; Brown, Kurt A

2003-08-01

A relationship between autism and gastrointestinal (GI) immune dysregulation has been postulated based on incidence of GI complaints as well as macroscopically observed lymphonodular hyperplasia and microscopically determined enterocolitis in pediatric patients with autism. To evaluate GI immunity, we quantitatively assessed levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta, produced by intestinal biopsies of children with pervasive developmental disorders. Fifteen patients, six with pervasive developmental disorders and nine age-matched controls, presenting for diagnostic colonoscopy were enrolled. Endoscopic biopsies were organ cultured, supernatants were harvested, and IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta levels were quantified by ELISA. Tissue histology was evaluated by blinded pathologists. Concentrations of IL-6 from intestinal organ culture supernatants of patients with pervasive developmental disorders (median 318.5 pg/ml, interquartile range 282.0-393.0 pg/ml) when compared with controls (median 436.9 pg/ml, interquartile range 312.6-602.5 pg/ml) were not significantly different (p = 0.0987). Concentrations of IL-8 (median 84,000 pg/ml, interquartile range 16,000-143,000 pg/ml) when compared with controls (median 177,000 pg/ml, interquartile range 114,000-244,000 pg/ml) were not significantly different (p = 0.0707). Concentrations of IL-1beta (median 0.0 pg/ml, interquartile range 0.0-94.7 pg/ml) when compared with controls (median 0.0 pg/ml, interquartile range 0.0-60.2 pg/ml) were not significantly different (p = 0.8826). Tissue histology was nonpathological for all patients. We have demonstrated no significant difference in production of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta between patients with pervasive developmental disorders and age-matched controls. In general, intestinal levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were lower in patients with pervasive developmental disorders than in age-matched controls. These data fail to support an association between autism and GI inflammation.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the atmosphere of three Chilean cities using passive air samplers.

PubMed

Pozo, Karla; Oyola, Germán; Estellano, Victor H; Harner, Tom; Rudolph, Anny; Prybilova, Petra; Kukucka, Petr; Audi, Ondrej; Klánová, Jana; Metzdorff, America; Focardi, Silvano

2017-05-15

In this study passive air samplers containing polyurethane foam (PUF) disks were deployed in three cities across Chile; Santiago (STG) (n=5, sampling sites), Concepciόn (CON) (n=6) and Temuco (TEM) (n=6) from 2008 to 2009. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (7 indicator congeners), chlorinated pesticides hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethanes (DDTs) and flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined by gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A sampling rate (R) typical of urban sites (4m 3 /day) was used to estimate the atmospheric concentrations of individual compounds. PCB concentrations in the air (pg/m 3 ) ranged from ~1-10 (TEM), ~1-40 (STG) and 4-30 (CON). Higher molecular weight PCBs (PCB-153, -180) were detected at industrial sites (in Concepción). The HCHs showed a prevalence of γ-HCH across all sites, indicative of inputs from the use of lindane but a limited use of technical HCHs in Chile. DDTs were detected with a prevalence of p,p'-DDE accounting for ~50% of the total DDTs. PBDE concentrations in air (pg/m 3 ) ranged from 1 to 55 (STG), 0.5 to 20 (CON) and from 0.4 to 10 (TEM), and were generally similar to those reported for many other urban areas globally. The pattern of PBDEs was different among the three cities; however, PBDE-209 was dominant at most of the sites. These results represent one of the few assessments of air concentrations of POPs across different urban areas within the same country. These data will support Chilean commitments as a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on POPs and for reporting as a member country of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) region. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Applicability of Gas Chromatography (GC) Coupled to Triple-Quadrupole (QqQ) Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) and Emerging Brominated Flame Retardant (BFR) Determinations in Functional Foods Enriched in Omega-3.

PubMed

García-Bermejo, Ángel; Mohr, Susana; Herrero, Laura; González, María-José; Gómara, Belén

2016-09-28

This paper reports on the optimization, characterization, and applicability of gas chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ(MS/MS)) for the determination of 14 polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and 2 emerging brominated flame retardants, 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE), in functional food samples. The method showed satisfactory precision and linearity with instrumental limits of detection (iLODs) ranging from 0.12 to 7.1 pg, for tri- to octa-BDEs and BTBPE, and equal to 51 and 20 pg for BDE-209 and DBDPE, respectively. The highest ΣBFR concentrations were found in fish oil supplements (924 pg/g fresh weight, fw), followed by biscuits (90 pg/g fw), vegetable oil supplements (46 pg/g fw), chicken eggs (45 pg/g fw), cow's milk (7.7 pg/g fw), and soy products (1.6 pg/g fw). BDE-47, BDE-99, and DBDPE were the most abundant compounds. Foodstuffs enriched with omega-3 presented concentrations similar to or even lower than those of conventional foods commercialized in Spain since 2000.

Ultrasensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric methodologies for quantification of five HIV-1 integrase inhibitors in plasma for a microdose clinical trial.

PubMed

Sun, Li; Li, Hankun; Willson, Kenneth; Breidinger, Sheila; Rizk, Matthew L; Wenning, Larissa; Woolf, Eric J

2012-10-16

HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors are an important class of compounds targeted for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Microdosing has emerged as an attractive tool to assist in drug candidate screening for clinical development, but necessitates extremely sensitive bioanalytical assays, typically in the pg/mL concentration range. Currently, accelerator mass spectrometry is the predominant tool for microdosing support, which requires a specialized facility and synthesis of radiolabeled compounds. There have been few studies attempted to comprehensively assess a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach in the context of microdosing applications. Herein, we describe the development of automated LC-MS/MS methods to quantify five integrase inhibitors in plasma with the limits of quantification at 1 pg/mL for raltegravir and 2 pg/mL for four proprietary compounds. The assays involved double extractions followed by UPLC coupled with negative ion electrospray MS/MS analysis. All methods were fully validated to the rigor of regulated bioanalysis requirements, with intraday precision between 1.20 and 14.1% and accuracy between 93.8 and 107% at the standard curve concentration range. These methods were successfully applied to a human microdose study and demonstrated to be accurate, reproducible, and cost-effective. Results of the study indicate that raltegravir displayed linear pharmacokinetics between a microdose and a pharmacologically active dose.

Effects of P.G. 600 on the onset of estrus and ovulation rate in gilts treated with Regu-mate.

PubMed

Estienne, M J; Harper, A F; Horsley, B R; Estienne, C E; Knight, J W

2001-11-01

Three experiments assessed the onset of estrus and ovulation rate in gilts treated with gonadotropins after the withdrawal of an orally active progestin. In Exp. 1, all cycling gilts received the progestin (Regu-mate; Intervet America Inc., Millsboro, DE) at a rate of 15 mg/d for 18 d. Twenty-four hours after the last feeding of Regu-mate, 32 gilts received an i.m. injection of 400 I.U. PMSG and 200 I.U. hCG (P.G. 600, Intervet America, Inc.), and 32 gilts received an i.m. injection of deionized water. The percentage of gilts displaying estrus < or = 7 d (P = 0.64) and the injection-to-estrus interval (P = 0.37) were similar for P.G. 600-treated gilts (93.8% and 4.1 +/- 0.1 d) and controls (90.6% and 4.3 +/- 0.1 d). Ovulation rate was greater (P < 0.01) in P.G. 600-treated gilts (28.8 +/- 1.1) compared with controls (17.4 +/- 1.1). In Exp. 2, 58 cycling gilts received Regu-mate (15 mg/d) for 18 d. Twenty-four hours after Regu-mate withdrawal, gilts received i.m. P.G. 600 or water (n = 29/treatment). Gilts were bred via AI 12 and 24 h after first detection of estrus. The percentage of gilts displaying estrus < or = 7 d (P = 0.45) and the injection-to-estrus interval (P = 0.27) were similar for P.G. 600-treated gilts (82.7% and 4.0 +/- 0.1 d) and controls (89.7% and 4.2 +/- 0.1 d). Ovulation rate was greater (P < 0.01) in P.G. 600-treated gilts (26.2 +/- 1.8) compared with controls (18.1 +/- 1.7). Pregnancy rate (P = 0.71) and the number of live embryos at d 30 postmating (P = 0.40) were similar for P.G. 600-treated gilts (91.7% and 15.6 +/- 1.2) and controls (88.5% and 14.1 +/- 1.2). In Exp. 3, prepubertal gilts (142.6 +/- 0.7 d of age) received Regumate (15 mg/d) (n = 20) or a control diet not including Regu-mate (n = 20) for 18 d. Twenty-four hours after Regu-mate withdrawal, all gilts received i.m. P.G. 600. The percentage of gilts displaying estrus < or = 7 d (P = 0.49) and the P.G. 600-to-estrus interval (P = 0.69) were similar for Regu-mate-fed gilts (95% and 4.3 +/- 0.2 d) and controls (88.9% and 4.2 +/- 0.2 d). Ovulation rate was similar (P = 0.38) for Regu-mate fed gilts (16.6 +/-1.6) and controls (14.4 +/- 1.8). In cycling gilts, administration of P.G. 600 after withdrawal of Regu-mate increased ovulation rate, but not litter size at d 30 postmating. There was no beneficial effect of Regu-mate pretreatment on the response to P.G. 600 in prepubertal gilts.

Acute and chronic in vivo effects of exposure to nicotine and propylene glycol from an E-cigarette on mucociliary clearance in a murine model.

PubMed

Laube, Beth L; Afshar-Mohajer, Nima; Koehler, Kirsten; Chen, Gang; Lazarus, Philip; Collaco, Joseph M; McGrath-Morrow, Sharon A

2017-04-01

To determine the effect of an acute (1 week) and chronic (3 weeks) exposure to E-cigarette (E-cig) emissions on mucociliary clearance (MCC) in murine lungs. C57BL/6 male mice (age 10.5 ± 2.4 weeks) were exposed for 20 min/day to E-cigarette aerosol generated by a Joyetech 510-T ® E-cig containing either 0% nicotine (N)/propylene glycol (PG) for 1 week (n = 6), or 3 weeks (n = 9), or 2.4% N/PG for one week (n = 6), or 3 weeks (n = 9), followed by measurement of MCC. Control mice (n = 15) were not exposed to PG alone, or N/PG. MCC was assessed by gamma camera following aspiration of 99m technetium aerosol and was expressed as the amount of radioactivity removed from both lungs over 6 hours (MCC6hrs). Venous blood was assayed for cotinine levels in control mice and in mice exposed for 3-weeks to PG alone and N/PG. MCC6hrs in control mice and in mice acutely exposed to PG alone and N/PG was similar, averaging (±1 standard deviation) 8.6 ± 5.2%, 7.5 ± 2.8% and 11.2 ± 5.9%, respectively. In contrast, chronic exposure to PG alone stimulated MCC6hrs (17.2 ± 8.0)% and this stimulation was significantly blunted following chronic exposure to N/PG (8.7 ± 4.6)% (p < .05). Serum cotinine levels were <0.5 ng/ml in control mice and in mice exposed to PG alone, whereas, N/PG exposed mice averaged 14.6 ± 12.0 ng/ml. In this murine model, a chronic, daily, 20 min-exposure to N/PG, but not an acute exposure, slowed MCC, compared to exposure to PG alone and led to systemic absorption of nicotine.

Mixing with propylene glycol enhances the bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate to dentin.

PubMed

Salem Milani, Amin; Froughreyhani, Mohammad; Charchi Aghdam, Saeed; Pournaghiazar, Fatemeh; Asghari Jafarabadi, Mohammad

2013-11-01

Mixing mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with different proportions of propylene glycol (PG) improves its handling property. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PG on MTA-dentin push-out bond strength. Seventy-five 2-mm-thick midroot sections were prepared from single-rooted human extracted teeth. The lumen of each slice was enlarged with Gates-Glidden burs. The slices were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 25). In each group, 0.3 mL of the liquid was mixed with 1 g MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). The liquid vehicles used in groups 1-3 were 100% distilled water (DW), 20% PG-80% DW, and 100% PG, respectively. After incubation, the push-out strength of the samples was measured using a universal testing machine. The samples were then cut in halves and examined under a stereomicroscope to determine the failure pattern. One-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey post hoc test was used to compare the push-out strength among groups. There were statistically significant differences between groups (P < .001). The push-out strength in group 1 (DW) was significantly lower than groups 2 and 3 (P < .001 and P = .022, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between groups 2 (DW-PG) and 3 (PG). Mixing MTA with PG increased its push-out bond strength to dentin. In the present study, the most suitable ratio was 80% DW-20% PG. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for biomonitoring cooked meat carcinogens and their metabolites in human urine.

PubMed

Gu, Dan; Raymundo, Melissa M; Kadlubar, Fred F; Turesky, Robert J

2011-02-01

The cooked meat carcinogens 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), and their principal metabolites produced by cytochrome P450 and/or uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferases were simultaneously measured at the parts per trillion level in urine of omnivores, by ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with a Michrom Advance CaptiveSpray source and a triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer. Quantitation was performed in the selected reaction monitoring mode. The UPLC method is much more rapid and sensitive than our earlier capillary HPLC method: the duty cycle of the UPLC method is 19 min compared to 57 min for capillary HPLC. The performance of the UPLC assay was evaluated with urine samples from three subjects over 4 different days. The intraday and interday precisions of the estimates of PhIP, MeIQx, and their metabolites, reported as the coefficients of variation, were ≤10%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) values for PhIP and MeIQx were about 5 pg/mL, whereas the LOQ values of their metabolites ranged from 10 to 40 pg/mL. Furthermore, the identities of the analytes were corroborated by acquisition of full scan product ion spectra, employing between 0.5 and 5 pg of analyte for assay.

Justified follow-up: A final ioPTH over 40 pg/mL is associated with an increased risk of persistence and recurrence in primary hyperparathyroidism

PubMed Central

Rajaei, Mohammad H.; Bentz, Alex M.; Schneider, David F.; Sippel, Rebecca S.; Chen, Herbert; Oltmann, Sarah C.

2014-01-01

Introduction After parathyroidectomy for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), overall rates of persistence/recurrence are extremely low. A marker of increased risk for persistence/recurrence is needed. We hypothesized that final intraoperative parathyroid hormone (FioPTH) ≥40 pg/mL is indicative of increased risk for disease persistence/recurrence, and can be used to selectively determine degree of follow up. Method A retrospective review of PHPT patients undergoing parathyroidectomy with ioPTH monitoring was performed. An ioPTH decline of 50% was the only criteria for operation termination. Patients were grouped based on FioPTH of <40pg/mL, 40 to 59, and >60. Results Between 2001 and 2012, 1371 patients were included. Mean age was 61±0.4 years.78% were female. Overall persistence rate was 1.4%, with 2.9% recurrence rate. 976 (71%) had FioPTH<40, 228 (16.6%) had FioPTH 40-59, and 167 (12.2%) had FioPTH≥60. Mean follow-up was 21±0.6 months. FioPTH<40 were younger, with lower preoperative serum calcium, PTH and creatinine (all p≤0.001). FioPTH<40 had the lowest persistence rate (0.2%) versus FioPTH 40-59 (3.5%) or FioPTH≥60 (5.4%, p<0.001). Recurrence rate was also lowest in FioPTH<40 (1.3% vs. 5.9% vs. 8.2% respectively, p<0.001). Disease free status was greatest in FioPTH<40 at 2 years (98.5% vs. 96.8% vs. 90.5%) and 5 years (95.7% vs. 72.3% vs. 74.8%, p<0.01). Conclusion Patients with FioPTH<40 pg/mL had lower rates of persistence and recurrence, than FioPTH 40-59, or ≥60. Differences became more apparent after 2 years of follow-up. Patients with FioPTH ≥40 pg/mL warrant close and prolonged follow-up. PMID:25192677

Method for the quantification of current use and persistent pesticides in cow milk, human milk and baby formula using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Xianyu; Panuwet, Parinya; Hunter, Ronald E; Riederer, Anne M; Bernoudy, Geneva C; Barr, Dana Boyd; Ryan, P Barry

2014-11-01

The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method for the quantification of organochlorine (OC), organophosphate (OP), carbamate, and pyrethroid insecticide residues in cow milk, human milk, and baby formula. A total of 25 compounds were included in this method. Sample extraction procedures combined liquid-liquid extraction, freezing-lipid filtration, dispersive primary-secondary amine cleanup, and solid-phase extraction together for effective extraction and elimination of matrix interferences. Target compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography with electron impact ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Average extraction recoveries obtained from cow milk samples fortified at two different concentrations (10 ng/mL and 25 ng/mL), ranged from 34% to 102%, with recoveries for the majority of target compounds falling between 60% and 80%. Similar ranges were found for formula fortified at 25 ng/mL. The estimated limits of detection for most target analytes were in the low pg/mL level (range 3-1600 pg/mL). The accuracies and precisions were within the range of 80-120% and less than 15%, respectively. This method was tested for its viability by analyzing 10 human milk samples collected from anonymous donors, 10 cow milk samples and 10 baby formula samples purchased from local grocery stores in the United States. Hexachlorobenzene, p,p-dicofol, o,p-DDE, p,p-DDE, and chlorpyrifos were found in all samples analyzed. We found detectable levels of permethrin, cyfluthrin, and fenvalerate in some of the cow milk samples but not in human milk or baby formula samples. Some of the pesticides, such as azinphos-methyl, heptachlor epoxide, and the pesticide synergist piperonyl butoxide, were detected in some of the cow milk and human milk samples but not in baby formula samples. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Withaferin A protects against spinal cord injury by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation in mice.

PubMed

Yan, Xianlei; Huang, Guangxiang; Liu, Quan; Zheng, Jiemin; Chen, Hongmou; Huang, Qidan; Chen, Jiakang; Huang, Heqing

2017-12-01

Withaferin A (WFA) exhibits diverse pharmaceutical applications on human diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancers and microbial infection. We evaluated the neuroprotective role of WFA using a mouse model of spinal cord injury (SCI). BALB/c mice were administrated 10 mg/kg of WFA. Gene expression was measured by real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Cell morphology and apoptosis were determined by H&E staining and TUNEL assay. Motor function was evaluated by the BBB functional scale for continuous 7 weeks. WFA significantly improved neurobehavioural function and alleviated histological alteration of spinal cord tissues in traumatized mice. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) significantly increased in WFA-treated mice. Meanwhile, the expression of Nogo-A and RhoA remarkably decreased in the presence of WFA. Furthermore, the apoptotic cell death was attenuated in mice treated with WFA (31.48 ± 2.50% vs. 50.08 ± 2.08%) accompanied by decreased bax and increased bcl-2. In addition, WFA decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β (11.20 ± 1.96 ng/mL vs. 17.59 ± 1.42 ng/mL) and TNF-α (57.38 ± 3.57 pg/mL vs. 95.06 ± 9.13 pg/mL). The anti-inflammatory cytokines including TGF-β1 (14.32 ± 1.04 pg/mL vs. 9.37 ± 1.17 pg/mL) and IL-10 (116.80 ± 6.91 pg/mL vs. 72.33 ± 9.35 pg/mL) were elevated after WFA administration. This study demonstrated that WFA has a neuroprotective role by inhibition of apoptosis and inflammation after SCI in mice.

High serum oxytocin is associated with metabolic syndrome in older men - The MINOS study.

PubMed

Szulc, Pawel; Amri, Ez Zoubir; Varennes, Annie; Panaia-Ferrari, Patricia; Fontas, Eric; Goudable, Joëlle; Chapurlat, Roland; Breuil, Véronique

2016-12-01

Oxytocin regulates food intake, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and urinary sodium excretion. We assessed the association between serum oxytocin levels and presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older men. Cross-sectional study was performed in 540 volunteer men aged 50-85yrs from the MINOS cohort. Oxytocin was measured in fasting serum by radioimmunoassay (Oxytocin RIA, Phoenix Pharmaceuticals). MetS was diagnosed using the harmonized definition. Serum oxytocin was higher in 166 men with MetS vs. controls (p<0.005). After adjustment for confounders including leptin, higher oxytocin was associated with higher odds of MetS (OR=1.38 per SD, 95%CI: 1.10-1.71, p<0.005). Men with serum oxytocin >0.74pg/mL (median) had higher odds of MetS vs. men with oxytocin ⩽0.74pg/mL (OR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.33-3.18, p<0.005). Higher oxytocin levels and low testosterone levels (total or free) were significantly associated with higher odds of MetS jointly and independently of each other. Men having oxytocin >0.74pg/mL and total testosterone <300ng/dL (<10.4nmol/L) had higher odds of MetS vs. men without these characteristics (OR=3.95, 95%CI: 1.65-9.46, p<0.005). Men having 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels <30ng/mL and oxytocin >0.74pg/mL had higher odds of MetS vs. men without these characteristics (OR=2.86, 95%CI: 1.47-5.58, p<0.01). Men having oxytocin >0.74pg/mL and osteocalcin levels <14.6ng/mL (lowest quartile) had higher odds of MetS vs. men without these characteristics (OR=4.12, 95%CI: 2.07-8.20, p<0.001). In older men, higher serum oxytocin levels are associated with higher odds of MetS regardless of potential confounders. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nocturnal continuous glucose monitoring: accuracy and reliability of hypoglycemia detection in patients with type 1 diabetes at high risk of severe hypoglycemia.

PubMed

Bay, Christiane; Kristensen, Peter Lommer; Pedersen-Bjergaard, Ulrik; Tarnow, Lise; Thorsteinsson, Birger

2013-05-01

A reliable method to detect biochemical nocturnal hypoglycemia is highly needed, especially in patients with recurrent severe hypoglycemia. We evaluated reliability of nocturnal continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients with type 1 diabetes at high risk of severe hypoglycemia. Seventy-two type 1 diabetes patients with recurrent severe hypoglycemia (two or more events within the last year) participated for 4 nights in blinded CGM recordings (Guardian(®) REAL-Time CGMS and Sof-Sensor(®); Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA). Blood was drawn hourly from 23:00 to 07:00 h for plasma glucose (PG) measurements (gold standard). Valid data were obtained in 217 nights. The sensitivity of CGM was 65% (95% confidence interval, 53-77%) below 4 mmol/L, 40% (24-56%) below 3 mmol/L, and 17% (0-47%) below 2.2 mmol/L. PG and CGM readings correlated in the total measurement range (Spearman's ρ=0.82; P<0.001). In the normo- and hyperglycemic ranges CGM underestimated PG by 1.1 mmol/L (0.9-1.2 mmol/L) (P<0.001); in contrast, in the hypoglycemic range (PG<4 mmol/L) CGM overestimated PG levels by 1.0 mmol/L (P<0.001). The mean absolute relative differences in the hypo- (≤3.9 mmol/L), normo- (4-9.9 mmol/L), and hyperglycemic (≥10 mmol/L) ranges were 45% (37-53%), 23% (22-25%), and 20% (19-21%), respectively. Continuous glucose error grid analysis indicated a clinical accuracy of 56%, 99%, and 93% in the hypo-, normo-, and hyperglycemic ranges, respectively. The accuracy in the hypoglycemic range of nocturnal CGM data using Sof-Sensor is suboptimal in type 1 diabetes patients at high risk of severe hypoglycemia. To ensure clinical useful sensitivity in detection of nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes, an alarm threshold should not be lower than 4 mmol/L.

Cetuximab treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer with KRAS p.G13D mutations improves progression-free survival

PubMed Central

OSUMI, HIROKI; SHINOZAKI, EIJI; OSAKO, MASAHIKO; KAWAZOE, YOSHIMASA; OBA, MASARU; MISAKA, TAKAHARU; GOTO, TAKASHI; KAMO, HITOMI; SUENAGA, MITSUKUNI; KUMEKAWA, YOSUKE; OGURA, MARIKO; OZAKA, MASATO; MATSUSAKA, SATOSHI; CHIN, KEISHO; HATAKE, KIYOHIKO; MIZUNUMA, NOBUYUKI

2015-01-01

A number of previous studies have reported that 30–50% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) harbor Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations, which is a major predictive biomarker of resistance to epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. Treatment with an anti-EGFR inhibitor is recommended for patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A recent retrospective study of cetuximab reported that patients with KRAS p.G13D mutations had better outcomes compared with those with other mutations. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of KRAS p.G13D mutations and evaluate the effectiveness of cetuximab in mCRC patients with KRAS p.G13D or other KRAS mutations. We reviewed the clinical records of 98 mCRC patients with KRAS mutations who were treated between August, 2004 and January, 2011 in four hospitals located in Tokyo and Kyushu Island. We also investigated KRAS mutation subtypes and patient characteristics. In the patients who received cetuximab, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the effect of KRAS p.G13D mutations on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Of the 98 patients, 23 (23.5%) had KRAS p.G13D-mutated tumors, whereas 75 (76.5%) had tumors harboring other mutations. Of the 31 patients who received cetuximab, 9 (29.0%) had KRAS p.G13D mutations and 22 (71.0%) had other mutations. There were no significant differences in age, gender, primary site, pathological type, history of chemotherapy, or the combined use of irinotecan between either of the patient subgroups. The univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in PFS or OS between the patients with KRAS p.G13D mutations and those with other mutations (median PFS, 4.5 vs. 2.8 months, respectively; P=0.65; and median OS, 15.3 vs. 8.9 months, respectively; P=0.51). However, the multivariate analysis revealed a trend toward better PFS among patients harboring p.G13D mutations (PFS: HR=0.29; 95% CI: 0.08–1.10; P=0.07; OS: HR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.04–1.54; P=0.13). In conclusion, treatment with cetuximab may be more clinically beneficial in mCRC patients with a KRAS p.G13D mutation, compared with those harboring other mutations. However, further investigation is required to clearly determine the benefits of cetuximab treatment in patients with KRAS p.G13D mutation-positive mCRC. PMID:26623049

Helicobacter pylori infection and its related factors in junior high school students in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

PubMed

Nakayama, Yoshiko; Lin, Yingsong; Hongo, Minoru; Hidaka, Hiroya; Kikuchi, Shogo

2017-04-01

There have been few reports on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in asymptomatic Japanese children and adolescents. We hypothesized that the prevalence of H. pylori infection is very low among Japanese children and that clinical variables such as serum pepsinogen and iron levels are associated with H. pylori infection. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 454 junior high school students aged 12-15 years in four areas in Nagano Prefecture. A commercial ELISA kit (E-plate Eiken H. pylori antibody) was used to measure IgG antibody against H. pylori. Serum pepsinogen and iron levels were also measured using standard methods. A urea breath test was performed for seropositive students. The overall prevalence of H. pylori was 3.1% (14/454). There were no significant differences in H. pylori prevalence among mountain, rural, and urban areas. The mean level of both serum pepsinogen (PG I) and PG II was significantly increased in the seropositive subjects compared with the seronegative subjects. When the cutoff values for adults (PG I: 70 ng/mL and PG I/II ratio: 3) were used, 4 of 14 subjects had PG I ≤70 ng/mL and PG I/II ratio ≤3. The results of a logistic regression analysis showed that low serum iron levels were significantly associated with H. pylori infection (P=.02). The prevalence of H. pylori infection is as low as 3% among junior high school students aged 12-15 years in Japan. The disappearance of H. pylori is accelerating in Japanese children. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Preoperative 4D CT Localization of Nonlocalizing Parathyroid Adenomas by Ultrasound and SPECT-CT.

PubMed

Hinson, Andrew M; Lee, David R; Hobbs, Bradley A; Fitzgerald, Ryan T; Bodenner, Donald L; Stack, Brendan C

2015-11-01

To evaluate 4-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) for the localization of parathyroid adenomas previously considered nonlocalizing on ultrasound and single-photon emission CT with CT scanning (SPECT-CT). To measure radiation exposure associated with 4D-CT and compared it with SPECT-CT. Case series with chart review. University tertiary hospital. Nineteen adults with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent preoperative 4D CT from November 2013 through July 2014 after nonlocalizing preoperative ultrasound and technetium-99m SPECT-CT scans. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of 4D CT were evaluated. Nineteen patients (16 women and 3 men) were included with a mean age of 66 years (range, 39-80 years). Mean preoperative parathyroid hormone level was 108.5 pg/mL (range, 59.3-220.9 pg/mL), and mean weight of the excised gland was 350 mg (range, 83-797 mg). 4D CT sensitivity and specificity for localization to the patient's correct side of the neck were 84.2% and 81.8%, respectively; accuracy was 82.9%. The sensitivity for localizing adenomas to the correct quadrant was 76.5% and 91.5%, respectively; accuracy was 88.2%. 4D CT radiation exposure was significantly less than the radiation associated with SPECT-CT (13.8 vs 18.4 mSv, P = 0.04). 4D CT localizes parathyroid adenomas with relatively high sensitivity and specificity and allows for the localization of some adenomas not observed on other sestamibi-based scans. 4D CT was also associated with less radiation exposure when compared with SPECT-CT based on our study protocol. 4D CT may be considered as first- or second-line imaging for localizing parathyroid adenomas in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2015.

Screening of pectinase-producing microorganisms with polygalacturonase activity.

PubMed

Zeni, Jamile; Cence, Karine; Grando, Camila Elis; Tiggermann, Lídia; Colet, Rosicler; Lerin, Lindomar A; Cansian, Rogério L; Toniazzo, Geciane; de Oliveira, Débora; Valduga, Eunice

2011-02-01

The aim of this work was to perform the screening of microorganisms, previously isolated from samples of agro-industrial waste and belonging to the culture collection of our laboratory, able to produce polygalacturonases (PG). A total of 107 microorganisms, 92 newly isolated and 15 pre-identified, were selected as potential producers of enzymes with PG activity. From these microorganisms, 20 strains were able to synthesize PG with activities above 3 U mL(-1). After the kinetic study, the enzyme activity was increased up to 13 times and the microorganism identified as Aspergillus niger ATCC 9642 and the newly isolated W23, W43, and D2 (Penicillium sp.) after 24 h of fermentation led to PG activities of 30, 41, 43, and 45 U mL(-1), respectively. The RAPD analysis demonstrated that the selected strains differs genetically, indicating that no duplication of strains among them in the experiments for polygalacturonases production was verified.

A mixture of St. John's wort and sea buckthorn oils regresses endometriotic implants and affects the levels of inflammatory mediators in peritoneal fluid of the rat: A surgically induced endometriosis model.

PubMed

İlhan, Mert; Süntar, İpek; Demirel, Mürşide Ayşe; Yeşilada, Erdem; Keleş, Hikmet; Küpeli Akkol, Esra

2016-12-01

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) are used as an emmenagog and for the treatment of other gynecological disorders including uterus inflammation and endometriosis. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential of a mixture of sea buckthorn and St. John's wort oils (HrHp oil) in the treatment of endometriosis. The activity was assessed in surgically induced endometriosis in rats. A 15-mm piece of endometrium was sutured into the abdominal wall. Twenty-eight days later, a second laparotomy was performed to calculate the endometrial foci areas and to score intra-abdominal adhesions. The rats were treated with either vehicle, HrHp oil formulation, or the reference (buserelin acetate). At the end of the experiment all rats were sacrificed and endometriotic foci areas and intra-abdominal adhesions were re-evaluated. The tissue sections were analyzed histopathologically. Peritoneal fluids of the experimental animals were collected in order to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin-6, which might be involved in the etiology of endometriosis. In the HrHp oil-treated group, the volumes of endometriotic implants were found to be significantly decreased (from 50.8 mm 3 to 18.6 mm 3 , p<0.001) without any adhesion (0.0±0.0, p<0.001) when compared to the control group (3.1±0.9). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α decreased from 7.02±1.33 pg/mL to 4.78±1.02 pg/mL (p<0.01); vascular endothelial growth factor from 17.39±8.52 pg/mL to 9.67±5.04 pg/mL (p<0.01); and interleukin-6 from 50.95±22.84 pg/mL to 29.11±7.45 pg/mL (p<0.01), respectively, after HrHp oil treatment. HrHp oil may be a promising alternative for the treatment of endometriosis. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Atmospheric speciation of mercury in two contrasting Southeastern US airsheds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabriel, Mark C.; Williamson, Derek G.; Brooks, Steve; Lindberg, Steve

Simultaneous measurement of gaseous elemental, reactive gaseous, and fine particulate mercury took place in Tuscaloosa AL, (urban airshed) and Cove Mountain, TN (non-urban airshed) during the summers of 2002 and 2003. The objective of this research was to (1) summarize the temporal distribution of each mercury specie at each site and compare to other speciation data sets developed by other researchers and (2) provide insight into urban and non-urban mercury speciation effects using various statistical methods. Average specie concentrations were as follows: 4.05 ng m -3 (GEM), 13.6 pg m -3 (RGM), 16.4 pg m -3 (Hg-p) for Tuscaloosa; 3.20 ng m -3 (GEM), 13.6 pg m -3 (RGM), 9.73 pg m -3 (Hg-p) for Cove Mountain. As a result of urban airshed impacts, short periods of high concentration for all mercury species was common in Tuscaloosa. At Cove Mountain a consistent mid-day rise and evening drop for mercury species was found. This pattern was primarily the result of un-impacted physical boundary layer movement, although, other potential impacts were ambient photochemistry and air-surface exchange of mercury. Meteorological parameters that are known to heavily impact mercury speciation were similar for the study period for Tuscaloosa and Cove Mountain except for wind speed (m s -1), which was higher at Cove Mountain. For both sites statistically significant ( p<0.0001), inverse relationships existed between wind speed and Hg 0 concentration. A weaker windspeed-Hg 0 correlation existed for Tuscaloosa. By analyzing Hg concentration—wind speed magnitude change at both sites it was found that wind speed at Cove Mountain had a greater influence on Hg 0 concentration variability than Tuscaloosa by a factor of 3. Using various statistical tests, we concluded that the nature of Tuscaloosa's atmospheric mercury speciation was the result of typical urban airshed impacts. Cove Mountain showed atmospheric mercury speciation characteristics indicative of a non-urban area along with potential influence from steady regional input of mercury pollution from larger sources.

Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor p55 predicts cytokinemia and systemic inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass.

PubMed

el-Barbary, Mahmoud; Khabar, Khalid S A

2002-08-01

To examine the behavior of soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors in circulation before and after cardiopulmonary bypass and the relationship to the development of cytokinemia and acute complications comprising systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The predictive value of soluble TNF receptor is assessed herein. Prospective study comparing prebypass and postbypass levels in patients with and without complications indicative of SIRS and MODS. Cardiac surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 20 pediatric patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass during open heart surgery. Blood samples were collected from catheters before and 2 hrs and 24 hrs after the onset of bypass. We measured plasma levels of soluble TNF receptors by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 patients before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Clinical data, including duration of bypass and tests or signs indicative of SIRS/MODS, were collected. Soluble TNF receptor I (p55 sR), significantly increased (2241 +/- 312 pg/mL) at 2 hrs after bypass (p <.0005) and remained elevated (2826 +/- 695 pg/mL) at 1 day after bypass (p <.005) when compared with prebypass levels (725 +/- 130 pg/mL). Patients with the acute complications of SIRS/MODS had a higher ratio of postbypass to prebypass p55 sR levels (5.0-fold, p <.001) when compared with patients with no SIRS/MODS (1.75-fold). Remarkably, before surgery, levels of TNF p55 sR predict both cytokinemia (r =.67 to.73, p <.05) and SIRS/MODS (p <.01). The prebypass levels of TNF p55 sR were consistently higher (range, 1000-1400 pg/mL) in patients who subsequently developed SIRS/MODS than the levels (range, 400-570 pg/mL) in patients who did not develop SIRS/MODS. Hypotension, respiratory dysfunctions, and coagulopathy were particularly more prevailing (p <.005) among the complications that were associated with high prebypass levels of TNF p55 sR. Soluble TNF receptor p55 can be employed as a predictive marker for cytokinemia and the development of SIRS/MODS that may arise from a major insult to the body such as cardiopulmonary bypass.

Detection of aflatoxin B₁ with immunochromatographic test strips: Enhanced signal sensitivity using gold nanoflowers.

PubMed

Ji, Yanwei; Ren, Meiling; Li, Yanping; Huang, Zhibing; Shu, Mei; Yang, Hongwei; Xiong, Yonghua; Xu, Yang

2015-09-01

Immunochromatographic test strips (ICTS) are commonly limited to higher concentrations of analytes. This limitation stems from the relatively low sensitivity of conventional gold nanospheres (AuNSs with a diameter of 20 nm) to emit detectable brightness values. The larger multi-branched gold nanoflowers (AuNFs) with a higher optical brightness as well as good colloidal stability exhibit significant improvements over conventional AuNSs for enhanced sensitivity of ICTS. In this study, blue AuNFs with an average diameter of 75±5 nm were synthetized and employed as a signal amplification probe for ultrasensitive and quantitative detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in rice. A portable optical strip reader was used to record the optical densities of test and control lines of the strip. Under the optimal conditions, the AuNF based ICTS system accurately detected AFB1 linearly and dynamically over the range of 0.5-25 pg/mL with a half maximal inhibitory concentration at 4.17 pg/mL. The inhibitory concentration was achieved 10 times lower than that of the traditional AuNS based ICTS systems (41.25 pg/mL). The limit of detection for AFB1 in rice extract was achieved at 0.32 pg/mL. In summary, AuNFs are a novel probe that exhibited excellent sensitivity in the ICTS system and could be used for ultrasensitive detection of other analytes in food safety monitoring, and even medical diagnostics. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dye sensitized photoelectrochemical immunosensor for the tumor marker CEA by using a flower-like 3D architecture prepared from graphene oxide and MoS2.

PubMed

Song, Kaijing; Ding, Chuanmin; Zhang, Bing; Chang, Honghong; Zhao, Zhihuan; Wei, Wenlong; Wang, Junwen

2018-06-01

The authors describe a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical immunoassay for the tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The method employs the rhodamine dye Rh123 with red color and absorption maximum at 500 nm for spectral sensitization, and a 3D nanocomposite prepared from graphene oxide and MoS 2 acting as the photoelectric conversion layer. The nanocomposite with flower-like 3D architectures was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and UV-vis diffuse reflectometry. A photoelectrochemical sandwich immunoassay was developed that is based on the use of the nanocomposite and based on the specific binding of antibody and antigen, and by using a secondary antibody labeled with Rh123 and CdS (Ab 2 -Rh123@CdS). Under optimal conditions and at a typical working voltage of 0 V (vs. Hg/HgCl 2 ), the photocurrent increases linearly 10 pg mL -1 to 80 ng mL -1 CEA concentration range, with a 3.2 pg mL -1 detection limit. Graphical abstract Flower-like GO-MoS 2 complex with high efficiency of electron transport was synthesized to construct photoelectrochemical platform. The sandwich-type immunoassay was built on this platform based on specific binding of antigen and antibody. Carcinoembryonic antigen in sample was detected sensitively by using sensitization of rhodamine dye Rh123 as signal amplification strategy.

Tire tread wear particles in ambient air--a previously unknown source of human exposure to the biocide 2-mercaptobenzothiazole.

PubMed

Avagyan, Rozanna; Sadiktsis, Ioannis; Bergvall, Christoffer; Westerholm, Roger

2014-10-01

Urban particulate matter (PM), asphalt, and tire samples were investigated for their content of benzothiazole and benzothiazole derivates. The purpose of this study was to examine whether wear particles, i.e., tire tread wear or road surface wear, could contribute to atmospheric concentrations of benzothiazole derivatives. Airborne particulate matter (PM10) sampled at a busy street in Stockholm, Sweden, contained on average 17 pg/m(3) benzothiazole and 64 pg/m(3) 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, and the total suspended particulate-associated benzothiazole and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole concentrations were 199 and 591 pg/m(3), respectively. This indicates that tire tread wear may be a major source of these benzothiazoles to urban air PM in Stockholm. Furthermore, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole was determined in urban air particulates for the first time in this study, and its presence in inhalable PM10 implies that the human exposure to this biocide is underestimated. This calls for a revision of the risk assessments of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole exposure to humans which currently is limited to occupational exposure.

Bariatric Arterial Embolization with Non-spherical Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles for Ghrelin Suppression in a Swine Model

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

Kim, Jae Min; Kim, Man-Deuk, E-mail: mdkim@yuhs.ac; Han, Kichang

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) with non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles on systemic ghrelin levels, weight change, and gastric ulceration risk in a swine model.Materials and MethodsFrom March 2014 to February 2015, ten healthy swine were used in the study (mean weight 31.5 kg; range 24.0–41.5 kg). The animals were randomly assigned to two groups: the embolized group (n = 5) in which BAE was performed and the control group (n = 5). In the embolized group, BAE was performed by selectively infusing 150–250 or 50–150 μm PVA into the gastric arteries that supplied the fundus of the stomach. In the control group,more » a sham procedure was performed with saline infusion. Plasma ghrelin levels were prospectively obtained at baseline and every 2 weeks thereafter. Endoscopy was performed 3 weeks after BAE to see whether any gastric ulcer occurred. To determine the durability of the occluded arteries, repeated celiac trunk angiography was performed 8 weeks after BAE. Then, all the swine were killed and necropsies were performed.ResultsThe mean post-procedure ghrelin value decreased by 370.0 pg/mL in the embolized group at week 3 (mean 536.0 ± 334.3 pg/mL) and week 5 (mean 515.0 ± 150.0 pg/mL, p < 0.05) relative to baseline (880.0 ± 559.5 pg/mL), respectively, but ghrelin levels were not significantly decreased between the embolized and control groups. There was a significant body weight change as follows: 35.1 ± 9.5 to 46.6 ± 15.7 kg and 31.8 ± 5.8 to 41.2 ± 6.6 kg at baseline and endpoint in the control and embolized groups, respectively (p < 0.05). However, the difference between groups was not significant at endpoint. In the embolized group, ulcerations were identified in three animals (60%) and the recanalization of the embolized arteries was noted on follow-up angiography in three animals (60%), respectively.ConclusionBAE with PVA particles can transiently suppress ghrelin levels in embolized animals, but levels are not significantly different compared to controls. Stomach ulcerations were identified in 60% of the embolized animals.« less

Bariatric Arterial Embolization with Non-spherical Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles for Ghrelin Suppression in a Swine Model.

PubMed

Kim, Jae Min; Kim, Man-Deuk; Han, Kichang; Muqmiroh, Lailatul; Kim, Seung Up; Kim, Gyoung Min; Kwon, Joonho; Park, Sung Il; Won, Jong Yun; Lee, Do Yun

2017-05-01

To evaluate the effect of bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) with non-spherical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles on systemic ghrelin levels, weight change, and gastric ulceration risk in a swine model. From March 2014 to February 2015, ten healthy swine were used in the study (mean weight 31.5 kg; range 24.0-41.5 kg). The animals were randomly assigned to two groups: the embolized group (n = 5) in which BAE was performed and the control group (n = 5). In the embolized group, BAE was performed by selectively infusing 150-250 or 50-150 μm PVA into the gastric arteries that supplied the fundus of the stomach. In the control group, a sham procedure was performed with saline infusion. Plasma ghrelin levels were prospectively obtained at baseline and every 2 weeks thereafter. Endoscopy was performed 3 weeks after BAE to see whether any gastric ulcer occurred. To determine the durability of the occluded arteries, repeated celiac trunk angiography was performed 8 weeks after BAE. Then, all the swine were killed and necropsies were performed. The mean post-procedure ghrelin value decreased by 370.0 pg/mL in the embolized group at week 3 (mean 536.0 ± 334.3 pg/mL) and week 5 (mean 515.0 ± 150.0 pg/mL, p < 0.05) relative to baseline (880.0 ± 559.5 pg/mL), respectively, but ghrelin levels were not significantly decreased between the embolized and control groups. There was a significant body weight change as follows: 35.1 ± 9.5 to 46.6 ± 15.7 kg and 31.8 ± 5.8 to 41.2 ± 6.6 kg at baseline and endpoint in the control and embolized groups, respectively (p < 0.05). However, the difference between groups was not significant at endpoint. In the embolized group, ulcerations were identified in three animals (60%) and the recanalization of the embolized arteries was noted on follow-up angiography in three animals (60%), respectively. BAE with PVA particles can transiently suppress ghrelin levels in embolized animals, but levels are not significantly different compared to controls. Stomach ulcerations were identified in 60% of the embolized animals.

Spatial and Temporal Trends of Particle Phase Organophosphate Ester Concentrations in the Atmosphere of the Great Lakes.

PubMed

Salamova, Amina; Peverly, Angela A; Venier, Marta; Hites, Ronald A

2016-12-20

The concentrations of six organophosphate esters (OPEs) in atmospheric particle phase samples collected once every 12 days at five sites in the North American Great Lakes basin over the period of March 2012 to December 2014, inclusive, are reported. These OPEs include tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), and tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDP). Median total OPE concentrations (∑OPE) ranged from 93 pg/m 3 at Sleeping Bear Dunes to 1046 pg/m 3 at Chicago. The ∑OPE levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at Chicago and Cleveland, our urban sites, than at our rural and remote sites. The composition profiles were dominated by chlorinated OPEs at the urban and rural sites and by nonchlorinated OPEs at the remote sites. The concentrations of all OPEs were significantly (P < 0.001) correlated to one another, suggesting that these compounds share similar sources. Most atmospheric ∑OPE concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) decreasing over time, with halving times of about 3.5 years at the urban sites and about 1.5 years at the rural and remote sites. Interestingly, TCEP and EHDP concentrations were increasing over time at the rural and remote sites with doubling times of 2.2 and 3.7 years, respectively.

Investigation of the Best Approach for Assessing Human Exposure to Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances through Indoor Air.

PubMed

Padilla-Sánchez, Juan A; Papadopoulou, Eleni; Poothong, Somrutai; Haug, Line S

2017-11-07

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonamidoethanols (FOSEs), and perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FOSAs), were assessed in 61 residential indoor air and 15 personal air samples collected in Oslo area, Norway. FTOHs were detected in all samples, and the median concentrations in residential indoor air were 2970, 10400, and 3120 pg m -3 for 6:2, 8:2, and 10:2 FTOH, respectively. This is similar to or higher than previously reported in studies from the same geographical area and worldwide. FOSEs and FOSAs were detected in 49-70% and 7-13% of the residential indoor air samples, respectively. The median FTOH concentrations observed in personal air were 1970, 7170, and 1590 pg m -3 for 6:2, 8:2, and 10:2 FTOH, respectively, which is 30 to 50% lower than the median concentrations in residential indoor air. No FOSEs or FOSAs were detected above the method detection limit (MDL) in the personal air samples. Intakes of perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), and perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS) through inhalation and biotransformation of PFAS precursors in air were estimated. Median intakes of 1.7, 0.17, 5.7, 0.57, 1.8, 0.18, and 2.3 pg kg bw -1 day -1 were obtained in residential indoor air, while 1.0, 0.10, 3.3, 0.33, 0.88, and 0.09 pg kg bw -1 day -1 were found in personal air for PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, and PFOS, respectively. The median PFOA intakes from residential indoor air (5.7 pg kg bw -1 day -1 ) and personal air (3.3 pg kg bw -1 day -1 ) were both around 5 orders of magnitude lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

A fluorescent microplate assay for diarrheic shellfish toxins.

PubMed

Vieytes, M R; Fontal, O I; Leira, F; Baptista de Sousa, J M; Botana, L M

1997-06-01

A fluorescent enzyme inhibition assay for okadaic acid using 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate and fluorescein diphosphate as substrates for the enzyme phosphatase 2A was developed. In the inhibition assay, performed in a microtiter plate, the PP2A was inhibited by adding okadaic acid and the resulting fluorescence enhancement derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of the substrate was quantified in a fluorescence plate reader. The measurable range of okadaic acid was 3.2 to 3200 pg/ml with an IC50 = 0.1 nM. The detection limit of okadaic acid was 2.56 pg/well in buffer solutions and 12.8 ng/g hepatopancreas in shellfish extracts. The coefficient of variation (CV, n = 22) for each point ranged from 18.80 to 37.90% (mean 28.35%). The proposed method is very convenient, rapid, and sensitive by using the enzyme inhibition assay system and fluorescent reaction as a detection system. This work demonstrates that the fluorescent assay can be used to quantify the amount of okadaic acid in shellfish samples and also is valid for very dilute samples, such as phytoplankton samples.

Secreted Klotho and FGF23 in chronic kidney disease Stage 1 to 5: a sequence suggested from a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Pavik, Ivana; Jaeger, Philippe; Ebner, Lena; Wagner, Carsten A; Petzold, Katja; Spichtig, Daniela; Poster, Diane; Wüthrich, Rudolf P; Russmann, Stefan; Serra, Andreas L

2013-02-01

Klotho and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are key regulators of mineral metabolism in renal insufficiency. FGF23 levels have been shown to increase early in chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the corresponding soluble Klotho levels at the different CKD stages are not known. Soluble Klotho, FGF23, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D(3) (1,25D) and other parameters of mineral metabolism were measured in an observational cross-sectional study in 87 patients. Locally weighted scatter plot smoothing function of these parameters were plotted versus estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to illustrate the pattern of the relationship. Linear and non-linear regression analyses were performed to estimate changes in mineral metabolism parameters per 1mL/min/1.73 m(2) decline. In CKD 1-5, Klotho and 1,25D linearly decreased, whereas both FGF23 and PTH showed a baseline at early CKD stages and then a curvilinear increase. Crude mean Klotho level declined by 4.8 pg/mL (95% CI 3.5-6.2 pg/mL, P < 0.0001) and 1,25D levels by 0.30 ng/L (95% CI 0.18-0.41 ng/L, P < 0.0001) as GFR declined by 1 mL/min/1.73 m(2). After adjustment for age, gender, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and concomitant medications (calcium, supplemental vitamin D and calcitriol), we estimated that the mean Klotho change was 3.2 pg/mL (95% CI 1.2-5.2 pg/mL, P = 0.0019) for each 1 mL/min/1.73 m(2) GFR change. FGF23 departed from the baseline at an eGFR of 47 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% CI 39-56 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), whereas PTH departed at an eGFR of 34 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% CI 19-50 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Soluble Klotho and 1,25D levels decrease and FGF23 levels increase at early CKD stages, whereas PTH levels increase at more advanced CKD stages.

Airborne Chlordane Contamination in Houses Treated for Termites at a Midwestern Air Force Base

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

to provide entry authorization. Inside air temperature and relative humidity were measured with a sling psychrometer at the time of sampling...of the houses had chlordane concentrations 21.0 Pg/m3. No correlation could be made between chlordane concentration and year of treatment except for...from 14.5 to 37.8 pg/m8, were found in houses treated in 1970. Correlation of chlordane concentration could not be made with barometric pressure

SU-E-J-121: Measuring Prompt Gamma Emission Profiles with a Multi-Stage Compton Camera During Proton Beam Irradiation: Initial Studies

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

Polf, J; McCleskey, M; Brown, S

2014-06-01

Purpose: Recent studies have suggested that the characteristics of prompt gammas (PG) emitted during proton beam irradiation are advantageous for determining beam range during treatment delivery. The purpose of this work was to determine the feasibility of determining the proton beam range from PG data measured with a prototype Compton camera (CC) during proton beam irradiation. Methods: Using a prototype multi-stage CC the PG emission from a water phantom was measured during irradiation with clinical proton therapy beams. The measured PG emission data was used to reconstruct an image of the PG emission using a backprojection reconstruction algorithm. One dimensionalmore » (1D) profiles extracted from the PG images were compared to: 1) PG emission data measured at fixed depths using collimated high purity Germanium and Lanthanum Bromide detectors, and 2) the measured depth dose profiles of the proton beams. Results: Comparisons showed that the PG emission profiles reconstructed from CC measurements agreed very well with the measurements of PG emission as a function of depth made with the collimated detectors. The distal falloff of the measured PG profile was between 1 mm to 4 mm proximal to the distal edge of the Bragg peak for proton beam ranges from 4 cm to 16 cm in water. Doses of at least 5 Gy were needed for the CC to measure sufficient data to image the PG profile and localize the distal PG falloff. Conclusion: Initial tests of a prototype CC for imaging PG emission during proton beam irradiation indicated that measurement and reconstruction of the PG profile was possible. However, due to limitations of the operational parameters (energy range and count rate) of the current CC prototype, doses of greater than a typical treatment dose (∼2 Gy) were needed to measure adequate PG signal to reconstruct viable images. Funding support for this project provided by a grant from DoD.« less

Levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in breast milk of women living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator: assessment of the temporal trend.

PubMed

Schuhmacher, Marta; Kiviranta, Hannu; Ruokojärvi, Päivi; Nadal, Martí; Domingo, José L

2013-11-01

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in breast milk from women living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Catalonia, Spain. The results were compared with the levels obtained in previous surveys carried out in the same area in 1998 (baseline study), 2002 and 2007. The current total concentrations of 2,3,7,8-chlorinated PCDD/Fs in breast milk ranged from 18 to 126 pg g(-1)fat (1.1-12. 3 pg WHO2005-TEQPCDD/F), while the total levels of PCBs ranged from 27 to 405 pg g(-1)fat(0.7-5.3 pg WHO2005-TEQPCB). In turn, PBDE concentrations (sum of 15 congeners) ranged 0.3-5.1 g g(-1)fat, with a mean value of 1.3 ng g(-1)fat. A general decrease in the concentrations for PCDD/Fs, both planar and total PCBs, and PBDEs in breast milk was observed. The levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in milk of women living in urban zones were higher than those corresponding to industrial zones (41%, 26%, and 8%, respectively). For PCDD/Fs and PCBs, the current decreases are in accordance with the reduction in the dietary intake of these pollutants that we have also observed in recent studies carried out in the same area of study. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An impedimetric micro-immunosensing assay to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarker: Aβ40.

PubMed

Zakaria, Norazreen; Ramli, Muhammad Zaki; Ramasamy, Kalavathy; Meng, Lim Siong; Yean, Chan Yean; Banga Singh, Kirnpal Kaur; Zain, Zainiharyati Mohd; Low, Kim-Fatt

2018-06-04

A miniaturized biosensing platform, based on monoclonal amyloid-beta antibodies (mAβ ab ) that were immobilized on a disc-shaped platinum/iridium (Pt/Ir) microelectrode surface coupled with an impedimetric signal transducer, was developed for the label-free and sensitive detection of amyloid-beta peptide fragment 1-40 (Aβ40); a reliable biomarker for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A Pt/Ir microelectrode was electropolymerized with poly (ortho-phenylenediamine), a conducting free amine-containing aromatic polymer; followed by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde for subsequent coupling of mAβ ab on the microelectrode surface. This modification strategy efficiently improved the impedimetric detection performance of Aβ40 in terms of charge transfer resistance (∼400-fold difference) and normalized impedance magnitude percentage change (∼40% increase) compared with a passive adsorption-based immobilization method. The sensitivity of the micro-immunosensing assay was found to be 1056 kΩ/(pg/mL)/cm 2 and the limit of detection was found to be 4.81 pg/mL with a dynamic range of 1-10 4  pg/mL (R 2  = 0.9932). The overall precision of the assay, as measured by relative standard deviation, ranged from 0.84 to 5.15%, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy; while in respect to assay durability and stability, the immobilized mAβ ab were able to maintain 80% of their binding activity to Aβ40 after incubation for 48 h at ambient temperature (25 °C). To validate the practical applicability, the assay was tested using brain tissue lysates prepared from AD-induced rats. Results indicate that the proposed impedimetric micro-immunosensing platform is highly versatile and adaptable for the quantitative detection of other disease-related biomarkers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Presepsin teardown - pitfalls of biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of bacterial infection in cirrhosis

PubMed Central

Papp, Maria; Tornai, Tamas; Vitalis, Zsuzsanna; Tornai, Istvan; Tornai, David; Dinya, Tamas; Sumegi, Andrea; Antal-Szalmas, Peter

2016-01-01

AIM To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of presepsin in cirrhosis-associated bacterial infections. METHODS Two hundred and sixteen patients with cirrhosis were enrolled. At admission, the presence of bacterial infections and level of plasma presepsin, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were evaluated. Patients were followed for three months to assess the possible association between presepsin level and short-term mortality. RESULTS Present 34.7 of patients had bacterial infection. Presepsin levels were significantly higher in patients with infection than without (median, 1002 pg/mL vs 477 pg/mL, P < 0.001), increasing with the severity of infection [organ failure (OF): Yes vs No, 2358 pg/mL vs 710 pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Diagnostic accuracy of presepsin for severe infections was similar to PCT and superior to CRP (AUC-ROC: 0.85, 0.85 and 0.66, respectively, P = NS for presepsin vs PCT and P < 0.01 for presepsin vs CRP). At the optimal cut-off value of presepsin > 1206 pg/mL sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were as follows: 87.5%, 74.5%, 61.8% and 92.7%. The accuracy of presepsin, however, decreased in advanced stage of the disease or in the presence of renal failure, most probably because of the significantly elevated presepsin levels in non-infected patients. 28-d mortality rate was higher among patients with > 1277 pg/mL compared to those with ≤ 1277 pg/mL (46.9% vs 11.6%, P < 0.001). In a binary logistic regression analysis, however, only PCT (OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.09-3.01, P = 0.022) but neither presepsin nor CRP were independent risk factor for 28-d mortality after adjusting with MELD score and leukocyte count. CONCLUSION Presepsin is a valuable new biomarker for defining severe infections in cirrhosis, proving same efficacy as PCT. However, it is not a useful marker of short-term mortality. PMID:27895404

Validation of an LC-MS/MS method to measure tacrolimus in rat kidney and liver tissue and its application to human kidney biopsies.

PubMed

Noll, Benjamin D; Coller, Janet K; Somogyi, Andrew A; Morris, Raymond G; Russ, Graeme R; Hesselink, Dennis A; Van Gelder, Teun; Sallustio, Benedetta C

2013-10-01

Tacrolimus (TAC) has a narrow therapeutic index and high interindividual and intraindividual pharmacokinetic variability, necessitating therapeutic drug monitoring to individualize dosage. Recent evidence suggests that intragraft TAC concentrations may better predict transplant outcomes. This study aimed to develop a method for the quantification of TAC in small biopsy-sized samples of rat kidney and liver tissue, which could be applied to clinical biopsy samples from kidney transplant recipients. Kidneys and livers were harvested from Mrp2-deficient TR- Wistar rats administered TAC (4 mg·kg·d for 14 days, n = 8) or vehicle (n = 10). Tissue samples (0.20-1.00 mg of dry weight) were solubilized enzymatically and underwent liquid-liquid extraction before analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. TAC-free tissue was used in the calibrator and quality control samples. Analyte detection was accomplished using positive electrospray ionization (TAC: m/z 821.5 → 768.6; internal standard ascomycin m/z 809.3 → 756.4). Calibration curves (0.04-2.6 μg/L) were linear (R > 0.99, n = 10), with interday and intraday calibrator coefficients of variation and bias <17% at the lower limit of quantification and <15% at all other concentrations (n = 6-10). Extraction efficiencies for TAC and ascomycin were approximately 70%, and matrix effects were minimal. Rat kidney TAC concentrations were higher (range 109-190 pg/mg tissue) than those in the liver (range 22-53 pg/mg of tissue), with median tissue/blood concentrations ratios of 72.0 and 17.6, respectively. In 2 transplant patients, kidney TAC concentrations ranged from 119 to 285 pg/mg of tissue and were approximately 20 times higher than whole blood trough TAC concentrations. The method displayed precision and accuracy suitable for application to TAC measurement in human kidney biopsy tissue.

Exposure to PCBs, through inhalation, dermal contact and dust ingestion at Taizhou, China--a major site for recycling transformers.

PubMed

Xing, Guan Hua; Liang, Ying; Chen, Ling Xuan; Wu, Sheng Chun; Wong, Ming Hung

2011-04-01

Air samples containing gaseous and particulate phases were collected from e-waste workplaces and residential areas of an intensive e-waste recycling area and compared with a reference site. The highest total concentration of PCBs was detected at transformer recycling workshops (17.6 ng m(-3)), followed by the residential area (3.37 ng m(-3)) at Taizhou, and the lowest was obtained at the residential area of the reference site, Lin'an (0.46 ng m(-3)). The same trend was also observed with regards to PCB levels in dust samples. The highest average PCBs level of 2824 ng g(-1) (dry wt) was found in the transformer recycling workshops, and was significantly higher than that of residential areas of Taizhou (572 ng g(-1) dry wt) and Lin'an (42.4 ng g(-1) dry wt). WHO-PCB-TEQ level in the workshops of Taizhou was 2216 pg TEQ(1998)g(-1) dry wt or 2159 pg TEQ(2005)g(-1) dry wt, due to the high abundance of PCB 126 (21.5 ng g(-1) dry wt), which contributed 97% or 99% of WHO-PCB-TEQs. The estimated intake of PCBs via dust ingestion and dermal absorption by transformer recycling workers were 77.5×10(-5) and 36.0×10(-5) pg WHO-PCB-TEQ(1998)kg(-1)d(-1), and 67.3×10(-5) and 31.3×10(-5) pg WHO-PCB-TEQ(2005)kg(-1)d(-1), respectively. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Virologic and immunologic outcome of HAART in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 infected patients with and without tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Kassa, Desta; Gebremichael, Gebremedhin; Alemayehu, Yodit; Wolday, Dawit; Messele, Tsehaynesh; van Baarle, Debbie

2013-01-01

HIV/TB coinfection remains a major challenge even after the initiation of HAART. Little is known about Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) specific immune restoration in relation to immunologic and virologic outcomes after long-term HAART during co-infections with latent and active TB. A total of 232 adults, including 59 HIV patients with clinical TB (HIV + TB+), 125 HIV patients without clinical TB (HIV + TB-), 13 HIV negative active TB patients (HIV-TB+), and 10 HIV negative Tuberculin Skin TST positive (HIV-TST+), and 25 HIV-TST- individuals were recruited. HAART was initiated in 113 HIV + patients (28 TB + and 85 TB-), and anti-TB treatment for all TB cases. CD4+ T-cell count, HIV RNA load, and IFN-γ responses to ESAT-6/CFP-10 were measured at baseline, 6 months (M6), 18 months (M18) and 24 months (M24) after HAART initiation. The majority of HIV + TB- (70%, 81%, 84%) as well as HIV + TB + patients (60%, 77%, 80%) had virologic success (HIV RNA < 50 copies/ml) by M6, M18 and M24, respectively. HAART also significantly increased CD4+ T-cell counts at 2 years in HIV + TB + (from 110.3 to 289.9 cells/μl), HIV + TB- patients (197.8 to 332.3 cells/μl), HIV + TST- (199 to 347 cells/μl) and HIV + TST + individuals (195 to 319 cells/μl). Overall, there was no significant difference in the percentage of patients that achieved virologic success and in total CD4+ counts increased between HIV patients with and without TB or LTBI. The Mtb specific IFN-γ response at baseline was significantly lower in HIV + TB + (3.6 pg/ml) compared to HIV-TB + patients (34.4 pg/ml) and HIV + TST + (46.3 pg/ml) individuals; and in HIV-TB + patients compared to HIV-TST + individuals (491.2 pg/ml). By M18 on HAART, the IFN-γ response remained impaired in HIV + TB + patients (18.1 pg/ml) while it normalized in HIV + TST + individuals (from 46.3 to 414.2 pg/ml). Our data show that clinical and latent TB infections do not influence virologic and immunologic outcomes of ART in HIV patients. Despite this, HAART was unable to restore optimal TB responsiveness as measured by Mtb specific IFN-γ response in HIV/TB patients. Improvement of Mtb-specific immune restoration should be the focus of future therapeutic strategies.

Activation and Coagulation Biomarkers are Independent Predictors for the Development of Opportunistic Disease in Patients with HIV Infection

PubMed Central

Rodger, Alison J; Fox, Zoe; Lundgren, Jens D; Kuller, Lew; Boesecke, Christoph; Gey, Daniela; Skoutelis, Athanassios; Goetz, Matthew Bidwell; Phillips, Andrew N

2010-01-01

Background Activation and coagulation biomarkers were measured within the SMART trial. Their associations with opportunistic disease (OD) in HIV-positive patients were examined. Methods Inflammatory (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], amyloid-A, and amyloid-P) and coagulation (D-dimer and prothrombin-fragment 1+2) markers were determined. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between these biomarkers and risk of OD. Results The 91 patients who developed an OD were matched to 182 controls. Patients with hsCRP≥5 μg/mL at baseline had a 3.5 (95%CI: 1.5-8.1) higher odds of OD versus those with hsCRP<1 μg/ml, Ptrend=0.003, and patients with IL-6≥3 pg/mL at baseline had a 2.4 (95%CI: 1.0-5.4) higher odds of OD versus those with IL-6<1.5 pg/mL, Ptrend=0.02. No other baseline biomarkers predicted development of an OD. Latest hsCRP (OR: 7.6 (95%CI: 2.0-28.5) for those with hsCRP≥5 μg/mL versus hsCRP<1 μg/mL, Ptrend=0.002), latest amyloid-A (OR: 3.8 (95%CI: 1.1-13.4) for those with amyloid-A ≥6 mg/L versus amyloid-A <2 mg/L, Ptrend=0.03) and latest IL-6 (OR 2.4 (95%CI: 0.7-8.8) for those with IL-6≥3 pg/mL versus IL-6<1.5 pg/mL, Ptrend=0.04) were also associated with developing an OD. Conclusions Higher IL-6 and hsCRP independently predicted development of OD. These biomarkers could provide additional prognostic information for predicting risk of OD. PMID:19678756

Detection and quantification of 12 anabolic steroids and analogs in human whole blood and 20 in hair using LC-HRMS/MS: application to real cases.

PubMed

Fabresse, Nicolas; Grassin-Delyle, Stanislas; Etting, Isabelle; Alvarez, Jean-Claude

2017-07-01

We developed and validated a method to detect and quantify 12 anabolic steroids in blood (androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, boldenone, epitestosterone, mesterolone, methandienone, nandrolone, stanozolol, norandrostenedione, tamoxifene, testosterone, trenbolone) and eight more in hair samples (nandrolone phenylpropionate, nandrolone decanoate, testosterone propionate, testosterone benzoate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone decanoate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone undecanoate) using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. This method used a benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometer operating with an APCI probe under positive ionization mode. Analysis was realized in full scan experiment with a nominal resolving power of 140,000. After addition of the internal standard (testosterone-D3) and incubation in phosphate buffer pH = 5 for hair, 200 μL of blood and 30 mg of hair samples were extracted with heptane. LOQ and LOD were determined at 5 and 1 ng mL -1 in whole blood and 10 to 100 pg mg -1 and 2 to 20 pg mg -1 in hair according to the compounds, respectively. The method was linear in the 5-1000 ng mL -1 range in whole blood and between 10 or 100 pg mg -1 and 1000 pg mg -1 in hair with correlation coefficients >0.99, and intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were <14.8% for all compounds except for some esters in hairs (<19.9%) probably due to an important matrix effect for these compounds. This sensitive and specific method to detect anabolic steroids has been successfully applied to two real cases, for which various anabolic steroids in whole blood, urine, and hair were identified and quantified.

Public health assessment of dioxin-contaminated fish at former US airbase, Bien Hoa, Vietnam.

PubMed

Durant, James T; Boivin, Thomas G; Pohl, Hana R; Sinks, Thomas H

2015-01-01

Ponds at the former US airbase at Ben Hoa, Vietnam are contaminated with Agent Orange. The ponds had been used for aquaculture, and in all likelihood, fish from those ponds have been sold to the public. We assessed human exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) in fish samples from the ponds. For on-base tilapia, muscle concentrations 2,3,7,8-TCDD ranged from 1.4 to 32.7 pg/g. Fat concentrations ranged from 73.3 to 3990 pg/g. Estimated human exposure doses exceed international guidelines and exceed 2,3,7,8-TCDD's lowest adverse effect levels. The Bien Hoa fishponds are a completed human pathway for TCDD exposure.

IL-1α and MMP-9 Tear Levels of Patients with Active Ocular Rosacea before and after Treatment with Systemic Azithromycin or Doxycycline.

PubMed

Lam-Franco, Lorena; Perfecto-Avalos, Yocanxochitl; Patiño-Ramírez, Beatriz E; Rodríguez García, Alejandro

2018-06-06

The purpose of this paper was to determine the lacrimal concentration of IL-1α and MMP-9 in patients with active ocular rosacea before and after systemic treatment with azithromycin or doxycycline. After 4 weeks of therapy with azithromycin (500 mg/day, 3 days a week PO) or doxycycline (200 mg/day PO), lacrimal samples were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay multiplex. There was a significant difference between baseline IL-1α (37.9 pg/mL) and MMP-9 (26.7 ng/mL) in rosacea eyes compared to controls (0.001 pg/mL for IL-1α and 0.2 ng/mL for MMP-9) (p < 0.001). IL-1α decreased from 47.0 pg/mL before azithromycin to 23.5 pg/mL after treatment (p = 0.024), but not after doxycycline therapy. On the contrary, baseline MMP-9 tear levels (10.28 ng/mL) decreased after treatment (8.36 pg/mL) with doxycycline (p = 0.054) but not with azithromycin. There was a strong clinical correlation of higher baseline IL-1α tear levels between patients who responded to doxycycline therapy and those who failed (p = 0.043). Patients unresponsive to azithromycin had significantly higher baseline MMP-9 levels than those with doxycycline (p = 0.040). While IL-1α levels decreased after azithromycin therapy, MMP-9 did so after doxycycline treatment. Baseline cytokine tear levels tend to be markedly elevated in patients with antibiotic failure, suggesting their potential role as therapeutic biomarkers for the disease. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Randomized clinical field trial on the effects of butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin and propylene glycol on ketosis resolution and milk production.

PubMed

Gordon, J L; LeBlanc, S J; Kelton, D F; Herdt, T H; Neuder, L; Duffield, T F

2017-05-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin combination product (B+C) and 2 durations of propylene glycol treatment (PG; 3 versus 5 d) on ketosis resolution and early lactation milk yield. Cows from 9 freestall herds (8 in Ontario and 1 in Michigan) were tested at weekly intervals between 3 and 16 d in milk. Ketosis was defined as blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ≥1.2 mmol/L. Ketotic cows were randomly assigned to treatment with 25 mL of B+C or 25 mL of saline placebo for 3 d and 3 or 5 d of 300 g of PG orally in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Outcomes evaluated for all farms included ketosis cure (blood BHB <1.2 mmol/L at 1 wk after enrollment), maintenance of ketosis cure (blood BHB <1.2 mmol/L 1 and 2 wk after enrollment), and blood BHB concentrations at 1 and 2 wk after enrollment. Daily milk weights were collected in 3 herds. Poisson regression was used to evaluate cure and maintenance of cure, whereas repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate blood BHB concentrations in the 2 wk after enrollment and average daily milk production in the 30 d after treatment. A total of 594 animals were enrolled in the study with 124 treated with B+C and 5 d of PG, 176 treated with B+C and 3 d of PG, 128 treated with saline and 5 d of PG, and 166 treated with saline and 3 d of PG. Animals with blood BHB >2.4 mmol/L at the time of enrollment were 1.7 times more likely [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4 to 2.2] to cure and had a decrease of 0.25 ± 0.11 mmol/L blood BHB at 1 wk after enrollment if treated with 5 d of PG compared with 3 d, though this response was not seen in animals with BHB of 1.2 to 2.4 mmol/L at enrollment. Cows with blood glucose concentrations <2.2 mmol/L at enrollment produced 3.1 kg/d (95% CI: 1.3 to 5.0) more milk if treated with B+C and 3.4 kg/d (95% CI: 1.7 to 5.1) more milk if treated with 5 d of PG compared with their respective controls. This response was not seen in animals with blood glucose ≥2.2 mmol/L at enrollment and there was no interaction between treatments. These results indicate that extended PG treatment is beneficial in decreasing blood BHB concentrations in more severely affected animals. Additionally, both B+C treatment and extended PG treatment improved milk yield in animals with low blood glucose at the time of ketosis diagnosis. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Human aflatoxin exposure in Kenya, 2007: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Yard, Ellen E.; Daniel, Johnni H.; Lewis, Lauren S.; Rybak, Michael E.; Paliakov, Ekaterina M.; Kim, Andrea A.; Montgomery, Joel M.; Bunnell, Rebecca; Abudo, Mamo Umuro; Akhwale, Willis; Breiman, Robert F.; Sharif, Shahnaaz K.

2013-01-01

Aflatoxins contaminate approximately 25% of agricultural products worldwide. They can cause liver failure and liver cancer. Kenya has experienced multiple aflatoxicosis outbreaks in recent years, often resulting in fatalities. However, the full extent of aflatoxin exposure in Kenya has been unknown. Our objective was to quantify aflatoxin exposure across Kenya. We analysed aflatoxin levels in serum specimens from the 2007 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey – a nationally representative, cross-sectional serosurvey. KAIS collected 15,853 blood specimens. Of the 3180 human immunodeficiency virus-negative specimens with ≥1 mL sera, we randomly selected 600 specimens stratified by province and sex. We analysed serum specimens for aflatoxin albumin adducts by using isotope dilution MS/MS to quantify aflatoxin B1-lysine, and normalised with serum albumin. Aflatoxin concentrations were then compared by demographic, socioeconomic and geographic characteristics. We detected serum aflatoxin B1-lysine in 78% of serum specimens (range =

Identification of an acidic endo-polygalacturonase from Penicillium oxalicum CZ1028 and its broad use in major tropical and subtropical fruit juices production.

PubMed

Cheng, Zhong; Chen, Dong; Wang, Qingyan; Xian, Liang; Lu, Bo; Wei, Yutuo; Tang, Hongchi; Lu, Zhilong; Zhu, Qixia; Chen, Yunlai; Huang, Ribo

2017-06-01

Endo-polygalacturonases play an important role on depectinization in fruit juices industry. A putative endo-polygalacturonase gene PoxaEnPG28A was cloned from Penicillium oxalicum CZ1028. PoxaEnPG28A consisted of a putative signal peptide and a catalytic domain belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 28, and it shared 72% identity with that of a functionally characterized endo-polygalacturonase from Trichoderma harzianum. Gene PoxaEnPG28A was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris with a high yield of 1828.7 U/mL. The purified recombinant enzyme PoxaEnPG28A hydrolyzed polygalacturonic acid in endo-manner releasing oligo-galacturonates. PoxaEnPG28A showed maximal activity at pH 5.5 and 55°C, and was stable between pH 3.0 to 10.0 and below 45°C. The kinetic constants K m and V max of PoxaEnPG28A were calculated as 1.57 g/L and 14,641.29 U/mg, respectively. PoxaEnPG28A significantly improved the yields of fruit juices from banana, plantain, papaya, pitaya and mango. The high production level of the recombinant enzyme PoxaEnPG28A by P. pastoris and remarkable catalytic activity of PoxaEnPG28A toward five kinds of fruit juices made the enzyme a potential application in agriculture and food industries. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of Volatile Tracers to Determine the Contribution ofEnvironment Tobacco Smoke to Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compoundsin Smoking Environments

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

Hodgson, A.T.; Daisey, J.M.; Alevantis, L.E.

Three volatile nitrogen-containing compounds, 3-ethenylpyridine (3-EP), pyridine and pyrrole, were investigated as potential tracers for determining the contribution of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) to concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments with smoking. The source emission rates of the three tracers and ten selected VOCs in ETS were first measured in a room-size environmental chamber for a market-weighted selection of six commercial cigarettes. The ratios of the emission rates of the tracers to the emission rates of the selected VOCs were calculated and compared among the six brands. The utility of the tracers was then evaluated in amore » field study conducted in five office buildings. Samples for VOCs were collected in designated smoking areas and adjoining non-smoking areas, air change rates were measured, and smoking rates were documented. Concentrations of the three tracers in the smoking areas were calculated using a mass-balance model and compared to their measured concentrations. Based on this comparison, 3-EP was selected as the most suitable tracer for the volatile components of ETS, although pyrrole is also potentially useful. Using 3-EP as the tracer, the contributions of ETS to the measured concentrations of the selected VOCs in the smoking areas were estimated by apportionment. ETS was estimated to contribute 57 to 84 percent (4.1 to 26 pg m{sup -3}) of the formaldehyde concentrations, 44 to 69 percent (0.9 to 5.8 pg m{sup -3}) of the 2-butanone concentrations, 37 to 58 percent (1.3 to 8.2 pg m{sup -3}) of the benzene concentrations, and 20 to 69 percent (0.5 to 3.0 pg m{sup -3}) of the styrene concentrations. The fractional contributions of ETS to the concentrations of acetone, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene isomers and d-limonene were all less than 50 percent.« less

Ozone effect on respiratory syncytial virus infectivity and cytokine production by human alveolar macrophages

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

Soukup, J.; Koren, H.S.; Becker, S.

1993-02-01

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of ozone (O3) exposure at 1 ppm for 2 hr on the susceptibility/resistance of adult human alveolar macrophages (AM) to infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vitro and on RSV-induced cytokine production by the AM. AM were first exposed to O3 or to filtered air and then infected with RSV at multiplicities of infection (m.o.i.) of 0.1, 1.0, and 10. The percentage RSV-infected AM and the amount of infectious virus released by the cells were determined at Days 2 and 4 after infection. Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)more » levels in the supernatants were determined on Day 2. No difference in the percentage infected AM or in the amount of infectious RSV produced was found between control and O3-exposed cultures. However, O3-exposed AM infected with RSV at m.o.i. 1 produced less IL-1 in response to RSV infection than control AM: 63.6 pg/ml compared with 98.5 pg/ml. No difference in IL-1 was seen with m.o.i. 10. IL-6 levels were also decreased, but only after infection with m.o.i. 0.1. At this level of infection 830 pg/ml was produced by control AM as compared to 468.2 pg/ml by O3-exposed AM. TNF production was unaffected by O3 at all multiplicities of infection. Statistical analysis of the O3 effect on AM cytokine production induced by the different multiplicities, however, revealed no significant effect of O3. Based on these observations it appears unlikely that O3 alters susceptibility of AM to infection with RSV, nor does O3 dramatically alter cytokine production in response to RSV since effects on IL-1 and IL-6 secretion were only found with the lowest levels of infection which induced cytokine release.« less

Inhibition of prostaglandin production in the inflammatory tissue by loxoprofen-Na, an anti-inflammatory prodrug.

PubMed

Sugimoto, M; Kojima, T; Asami, M; Iizuka, Y; Matsuda, K

1991-11-27

The effect of loxoprofen-Na, a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with a prodrug property, on prostaglandin (PG) levels in the inflammatory tissue was investigated with a carrageenin-induced pleurisy model in rats. The intrapleural injection of carrageenin caused a marked increase in the levels of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in the pleural exudate up to 3 hr after the injection. When [14C]PGE2 was injected into the cavity 2 hr after the carrageenin injection, the PG rapidly disappeared from the cavity (T 1/2 = 5 min). Thus, the PG level determined in the inflammatory exudate represents PG produced in the inflammatory tissue. Loxoprofen-Na, administered orally 2 hr after the carrageenin injection, dose-dependently inhibited the increase in the levels of PGs in the exudate 1 hr after administration (ID50 = 0.07 mg/kg for PGE2 and 0.10 mg/kg for 6-keto-PGF1 alpha). Indomethacin also inhibited PG production, but was less effective (ID50 = 0.24 mg/kg for PGE2 and 0.47 mg/kg for 6-keto-PGF1 alpha). Similar results were obtained 3 hr after the administration of these drugs (ID50 of PGE2 production = 0.14 mg/kg for loxoprofen-Na and 0.28 mg/kg for indomethacin). The time-course analysis of the effect of loxoprofen-Na showed that this drug had more immediate and stronger inhibitory activity than indomethacin. The relative potencies of suppression of protein leakage and leukocyte infiltration correlated well with the inhibition of PG production, but higher doses were needed for an obvious anti-inflammatory effect. The active metabolite (SRS trans-OH) of loxoprofen-Na determined in the inflammatory exudate 1 hr after oral administration of 0.2 and 2 mg/kg of loxoprofen-Na was 0.05 and 0.25 micrograms/mL, respectively. The concentration was sufficient to suppress PG production in the exudate, because the IC50 of the SRS trans-OH for PG production in vitro with leukocytes was 0.02 microgram/mL (0.01 microM). The potency of the SRS trans-OH metabolite to inhibit PGE2 production in leukocytes was about 20 times stronger than that of the parent compound and 3 times stronger than that of indomethacin.

Improvement of mineral and bone metabolism markers is associated with better survival in haemodialysis patients: the COSMOS study.

PubMed

Fernández-Martín, José Luis; Martínez-Camblor, Pablo; Dionisi, María Paula; Floege, Jürgen; Ketteler, Markus; London, Gérard; Locatelli, Francesco; Gorriz, José Luis; Rutkowski, Boleslaw; Ferreira, Aníbal; Bos, Willem-Jan; Covic, Adrian; Rodríguez-García, Minerva; Sánchez, José Emilio; Rodríguez-Puyol, Diego; Cannata-Andia, Jorge B

2015-09-01

Abnormalities in serum phosphorus, calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) have been associated with poor survival in haemodialysis patients. This COSMOS (Current management Of Secondary hyperparathyroidism: a Multicentre Observational Study) analysis assesses the association of high and low serum phosphorus, calcium and PTH with a relative risk of mortality. Furthermore, the impact of changes in these parameters on the relative risk of mortality throughout the 3-year follow-up has been investigated. COSMOS is a 3-year, multicentre, open-cohort, prospective study carried out in 6797 adult chronic haemodialysis patients randomly selected from 20 European countries. Using Cox proportional hazard regression models and penalized splines analysis, it was found that both high and low serum phosphorus, calcium and PTH were associated with a higher risk of mortality. The serum values associated with the minimum relative risk of mortality were 4.4 mg/dL for serum phosphorus, 8.8 mg/dL for serum calcium and 398 pg/mL for serum PTH. The lowest mortality risk ranges obtained using as base the previous values were 3.6-5.2 mg/dL for serum phosphorus, 7.9-9.5 mg/dL for serum calcium and 168-674 pg/mL for serum PTH. Decreases in serum phosphorus and calcium and increases in serum PTH in patients with baseline values of >5.2 mg/dL (phosphorus), >9.5 mg/dL (calcium) and <168 pg/mL (PTH), respectively, were associated with improved survival. COSMOS provides evidence of the association of serum phosphorus, calcium and PTH and mortality, and suggests survival benefits of controlling chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder biochemical parameters in CKD5D patients. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

The distribution and speciation of mercury in the free troposphere of the Pacific Northwest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swartzendruber, Philip C.

2009-12-01

Mercury (Hg) is a potent neurotoxin which has accumulated in aquatic ecosystems and has led to increased neurological and developmental health risks for wildlife and humans worldwide. This dissertation aims to improve our understanding of the global mercury cycle by investigating its distribution and chemistry in the free troposphere. A Hg speciation system was deployed at the summit station of Mt. Bachelor, OR (2.7 km asl) (MBO). It measured gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), and particulate mercury (PHg) from May-Aug 2005. The system detected RGM up to 600 pg/m3, or 40% of the total airborne Hg. The high RGM was not due to anthropogenic emissions, but was produced in situ. The GEOS-Chem chemical transport model (CTM) was unable to reproduce the magnitude of the highest RGM concentrations using the assumed OH and ozone oxidation mechanisms. The vertical distribution of mercury in the Pacific Northwest was investigated with an aircraft campaign in 2006 during the INTEX-B campaign. Three of the eight flights observed significant enhancements of GEM and CO in the free troposphere. The enhancement ratios (0.0067 (+/-0.0027) ng/m3 /ppb) were consistent with previous observations of Asian industrial influence at MBO and in Okinawa, Japan. Backtrajectories and GEOS-Chem CTM simulations supported Asian long range transport as the source of the influence. A technique was developed to measure RGM in an aircraft. In this technique, RGM is measured by difference and simultaneously is directly collected on a denuder. The system was tested in the laboratory with an RGM proxy, (HgCl 2 at ˜500 pg/m3), and the agreement of the denuder-difference techniques was 15% (+/-13%, relative percent difference). The instrument was tested in five flights from the surface to 5 km. A linear correlation of all denuder-difference data had a slope of 0.41. RGM enhancements (200-500 pg/m3) were observed with varying relationships to ozone and water vapor which suggests that upper tropospheric influence is not a controlling factor. There was no mean vertical trend in total Hg (GEM + RGM) up to 5 km. The only factor common to all high RGM, was low aerosol scattering (<2 M/m).

Increased serum levels of interleukin-17 and transforming growth factor-β in patients with Graves’ disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elvira, D.; Nasrul, E.; Sofyan, Y.; Decroli, E.; Darwin, E.

2018-03-01

Graves’ disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, characterized by excessive autoantibody levels due to tolerance breakdown of thyroid-specific autoantigens. To determine the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-β) in GD, we assessed their serum levels in patients with GD and healthy controls. Thirty patients with hyperthyroidism, goiter, and positive thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody diagnosed as GD, according to the clinical diagnostic criteria for autoimmune thyroid disease. Blood samples were also from 30 healthy individuals matched for age and sex as a control. Serum levels of IL-17 and TGF-ß were by using ELISA. IL-17 and TGF-ß levels (14.43 ± 2.15 pg/mL and 10.44 ± 3.19 pg/mL, respectively) were significantly higher in patients with GD than in controls (7.07 ± 1.45 pg/mL and 4.95 ± 1.35 pg/mL, respectively). However, no correlation between IL-17 and TGF-β level in patients with GD. The elevated serum level of IL-17 and TGF-β in patients with GD reflects Th-2 predominance, which causes increasing of these pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - gas-particle partitioning, mass size distribution, and formation along transport in marine and continental background air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lammel, Gerhard; Mulder, Marie D.; Shahpoury, Pourya; Kukučka, Petr; Lišková, Hana; Přibylová, Petra; Prokeš, Roman; Wotawa, Gerhard

2017-05-01

Nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH) are ubiquitous in polluted air but little is known about their abundance in background air. NPAHs were studied at one marine and one continental background site, i.e. a coastal site in the southern Aegean Sea (summer 2012) and a site in the central Great Hungarian Plain (summer 2013), together with the parent compounds, PAHs. A Lagrangian particle dispersion model was used to track air mass history. Based on Lagrangian particle statistics, the urban influence on samples was quantified for the first time as a fractional dose to which the collected volume of air had been exposed. At the remote marine site, the 3-4-ring NPAH (sum of 11 targeted species) concentration was 23.7 pg m-3 while the concentration of 4-ring PAHs (6 species) was 426 pg m-3. The most abundant NPAHs were 2-nitrofluoranthene (2NFLT) and 3-nitrophenanthrene. Urban fractional doses in the range of < 0.002-5.4 % were calculated. At the continental site, the Σ11 3-4-ring NPAH and Σ6 4-ring PAH were 58 and 663 pg m-3, respectively, with 9-nitroanthracene and 2NFLT being the most concentrated amongst the targeted NPAHs. The NPAH levels observed in the marine background air are the lowest ever reported and remarkably lower, by more than 1 order of magnitude, than 1 decade before. Day-night variation of NPAHs at the continental site reflected shorter lifetime during the day, possibly because of photolysis of some NPAHs. The yields of formation of 2NFLT and 2-nitropyrene (2NPYR) in marine air seem to be close to the yields for OH-initiated photochemistry observed in laboratory experiments under high NOx conditions. Good agreement is found for the prediction of NPAH gas-particle partitioning using a multi-phase poly-parameter linear free-energy relationship. Sorption to soot is found to be less significant for gas-particle partitioning of NPAHs than for PAHs. The NPAH levels determined in the south-eastern outflow of Europe confirm intercontinental transport potential.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and dioxin-like coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls in mackerel obtained from the Japanese market, 1999-2003.

PubMed

Nakatani, Tadashi; Yamano, Testuo

2017-09-01

This study analysed the concentrations and toxic-equivalent (TEQ) levels of dioxin congeners in mackerel commercially available in Japan in early 2000s. The content of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) was determined in 17 mackerel samples from different areas. TEQ levels in mackerel muscle were 0.78 pg TEQ g - 1 wet weight (wt) on average (range = 0.21-2.26 pg TEQ g - 1 wet wt) for PCDD/Fs (PCDDs plus PCDFs), 2.81 pg TEQ g - 1 wet wt on average (range = 1.02-8.5 pg TEQ g - 1 wet wt) for DL-PCBs, and 3.59 pg TEQ g - 1 wet wt on average (range = 1.24-10.8 pg g - 1 wet wt) for dioxins (PCDD/Fs plus DL-PCBs). The results revealed somewhat higher TEQ levels for dioxins compared with the other data for fish and shellfish in the Japanese market. TEQ levels were well correlated with mackerel body weight; the main contributors were tetra- and penta-CDD/Fs, some hexa-CDD/Fs, and all 12 DL-PCBs, which are known to have high bioaccumulation potential. In particular, PCB 126 was mostly responsible for the observed correlation of DL-PCB and dioxins-TEQ levels with mackerel body weight. The average daily intake of dioxins in terms of TEQ through mackerel consumption was estimated to be 4.81 pg TEQ/person/day, accounting for 7% of the total intake of dioxins-TEQ through fish and shellfish in Japan.

Structural Modification of Fish Gelatin by the Addition of Gellan, κ-Carrageenan, and Salts Mimics the Critical Physicochemical Properties of Pork Gelatin.

PubMed

Sow, Li Cheng; Kong, Karmaine; Yang, Hongshun

2018-05-01

Pork gelatin is not suitable for halal and kosher application; however, fish gelatin (FG) can be modified for use as a pork gelatin (PG) mimetic. Herein, low-acyl gellan (GE), κ-carrageenan (KC), and salts (CaCl 2 or KCl) were combined with a 180 Bloom tilapia FG. A formulation comprising 5.925% (w/v) FG + 0.025% (w/v) GE + 3mM CaCl 2 best matched the physicochemical properties of PG. The modification increased the FG gel strength from 115 ± 2 to 149 ± 2 g (matching the 148 ± 2 of PG), while the T m increased from 27.9 ± 1.0 to 32.4 ± 0.8 °C (matching the 33.1 ± 0.3 °C of PG). Nanoaggregates (diameter between 150 and 300 nm) could be an important structural factor affecting the physicochemical properties, as both PG and GE-modified FG showed a similar frequency distribution in this size group (57.4 ± 1.6% (PG) compared with 56.3 ± 2.2% (modified FG)). To further explore the differences between KC and GE in modifying of FG's structure, the FG-KC and FG-GE gels were compared. The zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results for the FG-KC gel supported an associative interaction with complex formation, as indicated from the large aggregates and amorphous phase under atomic force microscopy (AFM). Contrastingly, a segregative FG-GE interaction took place in presence of CaCl 2 . These structures and interaction differences between FG-GE and FG-KC influenced the macro-properties of FG, possibly explaining the differences in the modification of the melting temperature of FG. A diagram representing the interaction-structure-physicochemical properties was proposed to explain the differences between the FG-GE and FG-KC gels. Certain people cannot consume any pork product or derivatives for religious reasons, thus it is essential to find a pork gelatin (PG) substitute for food product development. The commonly used polysaccharides, gellan and carrageenan, together with salt, can be added to fish gelatin (FG) to match the textural properties of PG, representing a promising substitute for PG. The difference in the mechanism of gellan and carrageenan to improve properties of FG has been revealed from nanostructure level. The use of food grade ingredients and simple mixing process are favorable in the food industry. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Radioimmunoassay of Serum Concentrations of Melatonin in Sheep Exposed to Different Lighting Regimens

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

ROLLAG, M. D.; NISWENDER, G. D.

1976-02-01

A specific and sensitive double-antibody radioimmunoassay for melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) was developed. The least detectable concentration of melatonin standard was 10 pmolar (2.3 pg/tube) with 50 percent inhibition resulting when the concentration was 100 pmolar (23 pg/tube). Inhibition curves obtained with increasing quantities of melatonin or increasing quantities of chloroform extracts of ovine sera were parallel. Concentrations of melatonin could be accurately determined when 31 to 1000 pg were added to 1 ml ovine serum. Serum samples with melatonin concentrations of 1000 pg/ml, 500 pg/ml and 75 pg/ml had intra-assay coefficients of variation of 9.1 percent, 8.6 percent, and 17.4 percent,more » respectively. The respective inter-assay coefficients of variation were 22.7 percent, 18.1 percent, and 37.1 percent. Ewes exposed to a 12 h light:12 h dark lighting regimen demonstrated a circadian rhythm in serum concentrations of melatonin. Concentrations ranged from 10 to 30 pg/ml during periods of light to 100 to 300 pg/ml during periods of dark. During exposure to continuous light, the circadian rhythm was abolished and concentrations of melatonin were maintained at 10 to 50 pg/ml. When exposed to conditions of continuous dark the circadian rhythm persisted. A precipitous drop in serum concentrations of melatonin resulted when ewes experiencing peak melatonin concentrations were exposed to light. Concentrations returned to peak levels when the lights were turned off 3.5 h later. (auth)« less

The Role of Interleukin-6/GP130 Signaling in Prostate Cancer Progression and its Contribution to Bone Metastasis Morbidity

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-01

cancer cell survival, post-androgen withdrawal Task 1. To obtain BM18 tumor tissue that has regressed post-androgen withdrawal +/- IL-6...for analysis of IL-6 pathway molecules. Remaining tumor tissue was processed for routine histology and stained with Masson’s Trichome (Fig 2): - 7...recombinant human IL-6 or TSU xenografts yielded sera with detectable human IL-6 levels by ELISA (3pg/mL and 30pg/mL, respectively) (Twillie et al

Assessment of the dietary intake of propylene glycol in the Korean population.

PubMed

Lim, Ho Soo; Hwang, Ju Young; Choi, EunA; Lee, Gun Young; Yun, Sang Soon; Kang, TaeSeok

2016-08-01

An improved method for the analysis of propylene glycol (PG) in foods using a gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID), with confirmation by GC-MS, was validated by measuring several analytical parameters. The PG concentrations in 1073 products available in Korean markets were determined. PG was detected in 74.1% of the samples, in a concentration range from the limit of detection (n.d., 0.39 μg ml(-1)) to 12,819.9 mg kg(-1). The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2011-2013 reported the mean intake levels of PG from all sources by the general population and consumers were 26.3 mg day(-1) (0.52 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and 34.3 mg day(-1) (0.67 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), respectively. The 95th percentile intake levels of the general population and consumers were 123.6 mg day(-1) (2.39 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and 146.3 mg day(-1) (2.86 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), respectively. In all groups of the general population, breads were the main contributors to the total PG intake. These reports provide a current perspective on the daily intake of PG in the Korean population.

Selective upregulation of endothelin B receptor gene expression in severe pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Bauer, Michael; Wilkens, Heinrike; Langer, Frank; Schneider, Sven O; Lausberg, Henning; Schäfers, Hans-Joachim

2002-03-05

The pulmonary circulation is an important site for the production and clearance of endothelin (ET)-1, a potent vasoactive and mitogenic peptide. Increased plasma ET-1 levels are observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PHT) and may contribute to the regulation of pulmonary vascular resistance, as well as to proliferative changes in the pulmonary vascular bed. We prospectively assessed changes in plasma big ET-1 levels and changes in ET(A) and ET(B) receptor gene expression in 14 consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for thromboembolic PHT. Plasma big ET-1 levels were higher in patients with PHT (median, 2.2 pg/mL; 25th to 75th percentile, 1.5 to 3.0 pg/mL) compared with age-matched controls (median, 1.2 pg/mL; 25th to 75th percentile, 1.0 to 1.4 pg/mL; P=0.002). In addition to increased plasma big ET-1 levels, selective upregulation of ET(B) receptor mRNA transcripts and immunoreactive protein in the pulmonary artery was observed in the patients; however, ET(A) receptor gene expression was unaffected. These data suggest that changes in the ET signaling system in PHT caused by thromboembolic disease are not limited to an increased production of ET-1: they also affect ET receptor gene expression.

Integrated Bow Waterjet for Amphibious Vehicles.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

8217 Davidson Laboratory Report 2276, October 1982. 3. J. D. van Manen , "Open-Water Test Series with Propellers in Nozzles," International Shipbuilding Progress...Volume 1, No. 2, 1954, pg. 99. 4. W.P.A. van Lammeren, J. D. van Manen and M.W.C. Oosterveld, "The Wageningen B-Screw Series," Trans. SNAME 1969, pg

Persistent organic pollutants in atmospheric deposition and biomonitoring with Tillandsia usneoides (L.) in an industrialized area in Rio de Janeiro state, southeast Brazil--Part II: PCB and PAH.

PubMed

de Souza Pereira, Márcia; Heitmann, Dieter; Reifenhäuser, Werner; Meire, Rodrigo Ornellas; Santos, Luciana Silva; Torres, João Paulo M; Malm, Olaf; Körner, Wolfgang

2007-04-01

Monitoring of immission of persistent organic pollutants in the industrialized area of Volta Redonda (V.R.) and in the National Park of Itatiaia (PNI) in southeast Brazil was performed using an endemic bromeliad species as biomonitor and measuring bulk deposition rates of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). For the sum of PCB, overall deposition rates were between 17 and 314 ng/(m2 day) in winter and between 43 and 81 ng/(m2 day) in summer, respectively. Deposition rates of dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 0.14 to 2.8 pg WHO-TEQ/(m2 day) in winter and from 0.90 to 4.3 pg WHO-TEQ/(m2 day) in summer. PCB deposition rates (total PCB and WHO-TEQ) were in the same range in winter in V.R. and PNI. In summer, contamination levels in V.R. were 6-10-folds higher than in PNI. PCB concentrations in biomonitor samples from V.R. and PNI were in the same range in summer and in winter. Concentrations of total PCB ranged from 14 to 95 microg/kg dry matter (d.m.) in winter and from 18 to 27 microg/kg d.m. in summer, respectively. The TEQ values were between 1.7 and 4.1 ng WHO-TEQ/kg d.m. in winter and between 1.9 and 2.9 ng WHO-TEQ/kg d.m. in summer. PCB concentrations of di-ortho PCB but not of non-ortho PCB were a factor of 2-4 lower in summer in both areas. PCB congener profiles resembled those from technical formulations. The profiles shifted to the higher chlorinated congeners in summer, probable due to revolatilisation of the lighter components at higher temperatures. PCB profiles in biomonitor resembled those from deposition samples and the shift to the heavier congeners in summer was even more pronounced. PAH deposition rates were in a similar range in both areas (131-2415 ng/(m2 day)). PAH levels in biomonitor samples from V.R. were about one order of magnitude higher than in samples from PNI indicating the impact of local sources. PAH profiles revealed stationary thermal processes as main source of contamination in V.R. whereas in PNI, biomass burning seems to be the main contamination source.

A localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) immunosensor for CRP detection using 4-chloro-1-naphtol (4-CN) precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Su-Ji; Park, Jin-Ho; Byun, Ju-Young; Ahn, Young-Deok; Kim, Min-Gon

2017-07-01

In this study, C-reactive protein (CRP) was detected by monitoring of LSPR shift promoted by precipitation of 4-chloro-1-naphthol (4-CN). The precipitation occurred by horseradish peroxide (HRP) catalyst which is modified at CRP-detection antibody utilized in sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on gold nano bipyramid (GNBP) substrate. Due to 4-CN precipitates which are located nearby the surface of GNBP, local refractive index (RI) and molecular density were greatly increased. This phenomenon eventually induced strong spectral red-shift of absorption band of GNBP. An excellent linear relationship (R2=0.9895) between the LSPR shift and CRP concentration was obtained in the range from 100 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL and limit of detection (LOD) was reached to 87 pg/mL.

Aflatoxin exposure during the first 1000 days of life in rural South Asia assessed by aflatoxin B1-lysine albumin biomarkers

PubMed Central

Groopman, John D.; Egner, Patricia A.; Schulze, Kerry J.; Wu, Lee S-F; Merrill, Rebecca; Mehra, Sucheta; Shamim, Abu A.; Ali, Hasmot; Shaikh, Saijuddin; Gernand, Alison; Khatry, Subarna K.; LeClerq, Steven C.; West, Keith P.; Christian, Parul

2015-01-01

Aflatoxin B1 is a potent carcinogen, occurring from mold growth that contaminates staple grains in hot, humid environments. In this investigation, aflatoxin B1-lysine albumin biomarkers were measured by mass spectrometry in rural South Asian women, during the first and third trimester of pregnancy, and their children at birth and at two years of age. These subjects participated in randomized community trials of antenatal micronutrient supplementation in Sarlahi District, southern Nepal and Gaibandha District in northwestern Bangladesh. Findings from the Nepal samples demonstrated exposure to aflatoxin, with 94% detectable samples ranging from 0.45 to 2939.30 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin during pregnancy. In the Bangladesh samples the range was 1.56 to 63.22 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin in the first trimester, 3.37 to 72.8 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin in the third trimester, 4.62 to 76.69 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin at birth and 3.88 to 81.44 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin at age two years. Aflatoxin B1-lysine adducts in cord blood samples demonstrated that the fetus had the capacity to convert aflatoxin into toxicologically active compounds and the detection in the same 2-year-old children illus trates exposure over the first 1000 days of life. PMID:25308602

Severe carbon monoxide poisoning complicated by hypothermia: a case report.

PubMed

Kamijo, Yoshito; Ide, Toshimitsu; Ide, Ayako; Soma, Kazui

2011-03-01

It is proposed that the significant elevation of interleukin-6 (>400 pg/mL) in cerebrospinal fluid during the early phase of carbon monoxide poisoning may be a predictive biomarker for the development of delayed encephalopathy. A 52-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe carbon monoxide poisoning. On arrival, the patient was comatose with decorticate rigidity (Glasgow Coma Scale, E1V1M3). His core body temperature, measured in the urinary bladder, was 32.4°C. Laboratory blood analysis revealed elevated CO-Hb (36.0%) and metabolic acidosis with elevated lactate (pH 7.081; base excess [BE], -19.2 mmol/L; HCO3, -9.8 mmol/L; lactate, 168.8 mg/dL). After treatment with hyperbaric oxygen and several different rewarming techniques, he became alert and his core body temperature increased to normal. Interleukin-6 in cerebrospinal fluid at 5.5 hours after his last exposure to carbon monoxide was significantly elevated (752 pg/mL). However, he did not develop delayed encephalopathy. In this case, hypothermia in the range of therapeutic hypothermia (32°C to 34°C) may have suppressed formation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent lipid peroxydation, preventing the development of delayed encephalopathy. Therapeutic hypothermia initiated soon after the last exposure to carbon monoxide may be an effective prophylactic method for preventing the development of delayed encephalopathy.

Mid-trimester amniotic fluid concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and lipopolysaccharide binding protein in normal pregnancies: a prospective evaluation according to parity, gestational age, and fetal gender.

PubMed

Bamberg, Christian; Fotopoulou, Christina; Linder, Mattea; Roehr, Charles Christoph; Dudenhausen, Joachim W; Henrich, Wolfgang; Kalache, Karim

2011-07-01

To assess mid-trimester amniotic fluid concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) in pregnancies with normal outcome and correlate them with gestational week (GW), parity, and fetal gender. Cytokine concentrations were measured within a week of amniocentesis during GW 15+0 to 20+6 and correlated with GW at birth, parity, and fetal gender. After exclusion of women with an adverse pregnancy outcome or those lost to follow-up, 273 consecutive patients were evaluated (median parity: 1; range: 0-5). Ranges for IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and LBP were 4.9-2620 pg/mL, 36.2-5843 pg/mL, 8.0-28.2 pg/mL, and 0.06-1.9 μg/mL, respectively. IL-6, IL-8, and LBP values did not respectively differ among time points, but TNF-α values did between the 15(th) and 16(th) and the 15(th) and 18(th) weeks of gestation (P<0.05). No significant correlations between cytokine levels and parity or fetal gender were identified. Cytokine concentrations in amniotic fluid during the mid-trimester did not differ with parity or fetal gender. IL-6, IL-8, and LBP levels appeared stable with GW, whereas GW significantly influenced TNF-α concentrations. Further analyses are warranted to establish the role of cytokines in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Research in Drug Development against Viral Diseases of Military Importance (Biological Testing). Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

Nu serum, 10 mM HEPES buffer, 2 mM glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, and penicillin /streptomycin (at 100 units and 100 pg/ml, respectively) and...inactivated fetal bovine serum, 100 units penicillin per ml, and 100 pg streptomycin per ml (EMEM + 10% or 5% heat-inactivated fbs). From November 16...4 mM glutamine, 15% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, antibiotics (SO units of penicillin and SO pg of streptomycin per ml), and SO units of

Comparison of 0.3% Hypotonic and Isotonic Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops in the Treatment of Experimental Dry Eye.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Cui, Lian; Lee, Hyo Seok; Kang, Yeon Soo; Choi, Won; Yoon, Kyung Chul

2017-08-01

To compare the efficacy of 0.3% hypotonic and isotonic sodium hyaluronate (SH) eye drops in the treatment of experimental dry eye. Experimental dry eye was established in female C57BL/6 mice by subcutaneous scopolamine injection and an air draft. The mice were divided into three groups (n = 15): control, preservative-free 0.3% isotonic SH, and preservative-free 0.3% hypotonic SH. The tear volume, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining scores were measured 5 and 10 days after treatment. After conjunctival tissues were excised at 10 days, the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IFN-γ inducible protein-10 were determined using the multiplex immunobead assay. In addition, PAS staining and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the counts of conjunctival goblet cells and CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cells. Mice treated with 0.3% hypotonic SH showed a significant decrease in corneal staining scores (P = 0.04) and the levels of IL-6 (16.7 ± 1.4 pg/mL, P = 0.02) and IFN-γ (46.5 ± 11.5 pg/mL, P = 0.02) compared to mice treated with 0.3% isotonic SH (IL-6; 32.5 ± 8.8 pg/mL, IFN-γ; 92.0 ± 16.0 pg/mL) at day 10. Although no significant difference in CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cell numbers was observed, goblet cell counts were higher in the hyopotonic SH group than in the isotonic SH group (P = 0.02). When compared to 0.3% isotonic SH eye drops, 0.3% hypotonic SH eye drops can be more effective by improving corneal staining scores, decreasing inflammatory molecules, and increasing goblet cell counts for experimental dry eye. These data suggest that hypotonic artificial tears may be useful as an adjunctive treatment for inflammatory dry eye.

THE RESULTS OF PARATHYROID HORMONE ASSAY IN PARATHYROID ASPIRATES IN PRE-OPERATIVE LOCALIZATION OF PARATHYROID ADENOMAS FOR FOCUSED PARATHYROIDECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH NEGATIVE OR SUSPICIOUS TECHNETIUM-99M-SESTAMIBI SCANS.

PubMed

Ozderya, Aysenur; Temizkan, Sule; Cetin, Kenan; Ozugur, Sule; Gul, Aylin Ege; Aydin, Kadriye

2017-09-01

This study aimed to evaluate the results of parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay in parathyroid aspirates to determine uniglandular disease by an endocrinologist-performed ultrasound (US) in patients with discordant or negative technetium-sestamibi scans and to evaluate whether this procedure increases the number of focused parathyroidectomies (FPs). We analyzed the data of 65 patients who underwent an endocrinologist-performed US-guided parathyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with PTH wash-out, retrospectively. The results of PTH wash-out procedure and the reports of parathyroid surgery and pathology were reviewed. Of 65 patients, 54 had positive PTH wash-out results. The median serum PTH level of patients with positive and negative PTH wash-out results was 143 (25 and 75% interquartile range [IQR], 114 to 197) versus 154 (IQR, 115 to 255) pg/mL (P = .45), and the median PTH in FNA was 3,533 (IQR, 1,481 to 3,534) versus 6.0 (IQR, 1 to 6) pg/mL (P<.001), respectively. Forty-five patients underwent surgery. Of the operated patients, 42 had positive PTH wash-out results and had successful FP. Four patients with redo surgery had positive PTH wash-out results and were successfully re-operated with FP. Of 11 patients with negative PTH wash-out results, 3 had bilateral neck exploration (BNE) surgery and 2 patients were successfully operated, while surgery was unsuccessful in 1 patient, despite BNE. Our study results suggest that endocrinologist-performed US and parathyroid FNA with PTH wash-out increases the number and success of FPs. In particular, patients with redo surgery may benefit from this procedure. 4D-CT = four-dimensional computed tomography BNE = bilateral neck exploration FNA = fine-needle aspiration FNAB = fine-needle aspiration biopsy FP = focused parathyroidectomy IQR = 25 and 75% inter-quartile range PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism PPV = positive predictive value PTH = parathyroid hormone 99m Tc = technetium US = ultrasound.

Prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients: the key role of native vitamin D supplementation.

PubMed

Jean, G; Vanel, T; Terrat, J-C; Chazot, C

2010-10-01

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a frequent complication in chronic kidney disease, especially in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Treatments for SHPT include calcitriol analogues (CA), phosphate binders, cinacalcet (CC), and surgical parathyroidectomy (PTX). This study aimed to assess the incidence and prevalence of SHPT in a single center during the period when native vitamin D (N-VitD) supplementation and CC treatment became available. All incident and prevalent HD patients were prospectively recorded and compared using 3 periods from 2004 to 2005 (period 1), 2006 to 2007 (period 2), and 2008 to 2009 (period 3). SHPT was diagnosed with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels >300 pg/mL or the need for CA, CC, or PTX. Between periods 1 and 3, in incident patients (n=120 and 101), N-VitD prescription increased from 11% to 68% (P<0.0001), CA prescription remained stable (40%), and patients with PTH>300 pg/mL decreased from 40% to 12% (P<0.0001). In prevalent HD patients (n=235), N-VitD treatment increased from 55% to 91% (P<0.0001), whereas treatment with CA decreased from 67% to 17% (P<0.0001). Patients with serum PTH>300 pg/mL decreased from 38% to 13% (P<0.001), whereas patients with PTH<150 pg/mL remained stable (<30%). New CC prescriptions decreased from 45 to 3 (P<0.0001). Since 2004, SHPT has decreased drastically in incident and prevalent HD patients. The preventive role of N-VitD supplementation appears to be obvious and represents one more argument for its general recommendation in CKD patients. © 2010 The Authors. Hemodialysis International © 2010 International Society for Hemodialysis.

Receiver operating characteristic analysis of prediction for gastric cancer development using serum pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori antibody tests.

PubMed

Hamashima, Chisato; Sasazuki, Shizuka; Inoue, Manami; Tsugane, Shoichiro

2017-03-09

Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection plays a central role in the development of gastric cancer as shown by biological and epidemiological studies. The H. pylori antibody and serum pepsinogen (PG) tests have been anticipated to predict gastric cancer development. We determined the predictive sensitivity and specificity of gastric cancer development using these tests. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed, and areas under the curve were estimated. The predictive sensitivity and specificity of gastric cancer development were compared among single tests and combined methods using serum pepsinogen and H. pylori antibody tests. From a large-scale population-based cohort of over 100,000 subjects followed between 1990 and 2004, 497 gastric cancer subjects and 497 matched healthy controls were chosen. The predictive sensitivity and specificity were low in all single tests and combination methods. The highest predictive sensitivity and specificity were obtained for the serum PG I/II ratio. The optimal PG I/II cut-off values were 2.5 and 3.0. At a PG I/II cut-off value of 3.0, the sensitivity was 86.9% and the specificity was 39.8%. Even if three biomarkers were combined, the sensitivity was 97.2% and the specificity was 21.1% when the cut-off values were 3.0 for PG I/II, 70 ng/mL for PG I, and 10.0 U/mL for H. pylori antibody. The predictive accuracy of gastric cancer development was low with the serum pepsinogen and H. pylori antibody tests even if these tests were combined. To adopt these biomarkers for gastric cancer screening, a high specificity is required. When these tests are adopted for gastric cancer screening, they should be carefully interpreted with a clear understanding of their limitations.

Application of a functional marker for the effect of cryoprotectant agents on gorgonian coral (Junceella juncea and J. fragilis) sperm sacs.

PubMed

Tsai, S; Kuit, V; Lin, Z G; Lin, C

2014-01-01

The establishment of coral sperm repositories which retain good post-rewarming viability and fertility play a vital role in species conservation. This study aimed at obtaining baseline information regarding the effects of cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) on gorgonian coral (Junceella juncea and J. fragilis) sperm sacs. The adenosine triphosphate assay was used to determine the energy level of the gorgonian sperm sacs as an indicator of sperm viability after exposure to cryoprotectants. The 'no observed effect concentrations' (NOECs) of methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), polypropylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol (EG) and glycerol for J. juncea sperm sacs were 3 M, 3 M, 1 M, 2 M and 1 M respectively after 20 min exposure; whilst the NOECs for J. fragilis oocytes were 2 M, 3 M, 1 M, 2 M and 2 M, respectively. Methanol and DMSO had the least impact. PG was the most toxic CPA after 10 min exposure. ATP content of J. juncea and J. fragilis sperm sacs did not differ significantly from the control with incubation times of 10-20 min with 2 M EG. However, ATP content dropped significantly after exposing sperm sacs to 2 M EG for 40 min with average values of 2.34 +/- 0.12 and 1.97 +/- 0.48 microg/ml respectively. ATP content for J. juncea and J. fragilis sperm sacs was significantly decreased to 1.79 +/- 0.31 and 2.40 +/- 0.36 microg/ml after 20 min incubation in 2 M PG when compared to the control with 2.98 +/- 0.16 and 4.14 +/- 0.42 microg/ml respectively. Normalized ATP content for sperm sacs of two different gorgonian coral after incubation in methanol, DMSO, PG, EG and glycerol showed that J. juncea sperm sacs were slightly less tolerant to CPAs compared to J. fragilis sperm sacs. DMSO or methanol can be considered as efficient CPAs for gorgonian sperm sacs cryopreservation. The ATP luminescence assay provided sensitive and rapid quantification of mitochondrial activity in gorgonian coral sperm sacs. The study on the impact of CPA will contribute to the development of a cryopreservation protocol for coral sperm conservation.

Postchallenge hyperglycemia in subjects with low body weight: implication for small glucose volume.

PubMed

Sakuma, Takahiro; Yamashita, Koh; Miyakoshi, Takahiro; Shimodaira, Masanori; Yokota, Naokazu; Sato, Yuka; Hirabayashi, Kazuko; Koike, Hideo; Yamauchi, Keishi; Shimbo, Takuro; Aizawa, Toru

2017-12-01

A hypothesis that postchallenge hyperglycemia in subjects with low body weight (BW) may be due, in part, to small glucose volume (G V ) was tested. We studied 11,411 nondiabetic subjects with a mean BW of 63.3 kg; 5,282 of them were followed for a mean of 5.3 yr. In another group of 1,537 nondiabetic subjects, insulin sensitivity, secretion, and a product of the two (index of whole body insulin action) were determined. Corrected 2 h-plasma glucose (2hPG corr ) during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test in subjects with BW ≤ 59 kg was calculated as 2hPG corr = δPG 2h · ECW/[16.1 (males) or 15.3 (females)] + fasting PG (FPG), where δPG 2h is plasma glucose increment in 2 h; ECW is extracellular water (surrogate of G V ); FPG is fasting plasma glucose; and 16.1 and 15.3 are ECW of men and women, respectively, with BW = 59 kg. Multivariate analyses for BW with adjustment for age, sex, and percent body fat were undertaken. BW was, across its entire range, positively correlated with FPG ( P < 0.01). Whereas BW was correlated with 2hPG and δPG in a skewed J-shape, with inflections at around 60 kg ( P for nonlinearity < 0.01 for each). Nonetheless, in those with BW ≤ 59 kg, insulin sensitivity, secretion, and action were unattenuated, and incident diabetes was less compared with heavier counterparts. BW was linearly correlated with 2hPG corr , i.e., the J-shape correlation was mitigated by the correction. In conclusion, postchallenge hyperglycemia in low BW subjects is in part due to small G V rather than impaired glucose metabolism. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein, PTH, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in dogs with cancer-associated hypercalcemia.

PubMed

Rosol, T J; Nagode, L A; Couto, C G; Hammer, A S; Chew, D J; Peterson, J L; Ayl, R D; Steinmeyer, C L; Capen, C C

1992-09-01

Circulating N-terminal PTH-related protein (PTHrP), N-terminal PTH, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] concentrations were measured in normal dogs and dogs with cancer-associated hypercalcemia (CAH), parathyroid adenomas, and miscellaneous tumors. PTHrP was undetectable (less than 1.8 pM) in normal dogs and increased in dogs with CAH due to adenocarcinomas derived from apocrine glands of the anal sac (44.9 +/- 27 pM), lymphoma (8.3 +/- 4.4 pM), and miscellaneous carcinomas (13.3 +/- 11.4 pM). The PTHrP concentration decreased in dogs with lymphoma and anal sac adenocarcinomas after successful treatment of CAH. The PTHrP concentration had a significant linear correlation with total serum calcium in dogs with anal sac adenocarcinomas and hypercalcemia, but not in dogs with lymphoma and hypercalcemia. Serum N-terminal PTH concentrations were usually in the normal range (12-34 pg/ml) for all groups of dogs except dogs with parathyroid adenomas (83 +/- 38 pg/ml). The serum PTH concentration increased after successful treatment of CAH. Serum 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations were decreased, normal, or increased in dogs with CAH, and 1,25-(OH)2D levels decreased after treatment of CAH. In summary, circulating concentrations of PTHrP are consistently increased in dogs with CAH, and PTHrP appears to play an important role in the induction of hypercalcemia.

Bioactive steroids and sorbicillinoids isolated from the endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. Xy24.

PubMed

Zhao, Jin-Lian; Zhang, Min; Liu, Ji-Mei; Tan, Zhen; Chen, Ri-Dao; Xie, Ke-Bo; Dai, Jun-Gui

2017-10-01

A new steroid glucoside (1), along with nine known steroids (2-10) and four known sorbicillinoids (11-14), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. Xy24. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses and by comparison with reported data. Compounds 3, 5-7, 9, 10, and 13 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on HIV-1 virus with IC 50 values ranging 1.9-9.3 μM; compounds 10, 13, and 14 showed potent inhibitory activity on LPS-induced NO production in BV2 microglia cells with inhibitory rates of 108.2, 100, and 75.1% at 10 μM, respectively. In addition, compound 10 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against BCG823 and HePG2 cell lines with IC 50 values of 11.1 and 17.7 μM, respectively.

Serum level of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products in asthmatic children and its correlation to severity and pulmonary functions.

PubMed

El-Seify, Magda Y Hussein; Fouda, Eman Mahmoud; Nabih, Enas Samir

2014-01-01

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) acts as a decoy receptor for RAGE which has several distinct pro-inflammatory ligands in the extracellular compartment, and is believed to afford protection against inflammation and cell injury. This study was conducted to measure serum sRAGE in asthmatic children and to assess its correlation with clinical and functional severity and to asthma phenotype according to sputum cytology. The study was conducted on 60 asthmatic children from the Pediatric Chest Clinic, Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University. The patients were divided according to asthma control and severity. sRAGE showed statistically significant lower levels in asthmatic patients (899.1 +/- 399.8 pg/mL) compared to the control group (1406.7 +/- 474.3 pg/mL, p = 0.000), with a cut off value of asthma diagnosis of 1080.4 pg/mL with a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 75%, respectively. Uncontrolled and severe asthmatic subgroups showed lower levels of sRAGE, cut off value of sRAGE for the severity of asthma was 829 pg/mL with 89% sensitivity and 81% specificity. Asthmatic patients stratified according to sputum cytology revealed that those with > 2% eosinophils and > or = 40% neutrophils showed lower levels of sRAGE (710 +/- 258 pg/mL) compared to those with > 2% eosinophils and < 40% neutrophils (1064 +/- 431 pg/mL) (p = 0.000). There was a highly significant positive correlation between sRAGE levels and FEV 1% (r = 0.41, p < 0.01), a highly significant negative correlation with eosinophilic count and total IgE (r = -0.49 and -0.39, respectively, p < 0.01). Serum level of sRAGE may correlate with severity of bronchial asthma clinically and functionally. It may be a target of future therapeutic interventions.

NADiA ProsVue prostate-specific antigen slope is an independent prognostic marker for identifying men at reduced risk of clinical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

PubMed

Moul, Judd W; Lilja, Hans; Semmes, O John; Lance, Raymond S; Vessella, Robert L; Fleisher, Martin; Mazzola, Clarisse; Sarno, Mark J; Stevens, Barbara; Klem, Robert E; McDermed, Jonathan E; Triebell, Melissa T; Adams, Thomas H

2012-12-01

To validate the hypothesis that men displaying serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) slopes ≤ 2.0 pg/mL/mo after prostatectomy, measured using a new immuno-polymerase chain reaction diagnostic test (NADiA ProsVue), have a reduced risk of clinical recurrence as determined by positive biopsy, imaging findings, or death from prostate cancer. From 4 clinical sites, we selected a cohort of 304 men who had been followed up for 17.6 years after prostatectomy for clinical recurrence. We assessed the prognostic value of a PSA slope cutpoint of 2.0 pg/mL/mo against established risk factors to identify men at low risk of clinical recurrence using uni- and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. The univariate hazard ratio of a PSA slope >2.0 pg/mL/mo was 18.3 (95% confidence interval 10.6-31.8) compared with a slope ≤ 2.0 pg/mL/mo (P <.0001). The median disease-free survival interval was 4.8 years vs >10 years in the 2 groups (P <.0001). The multivariate hazard ratio for PSA slope with the covariates of preprostatectomy PSA, pathologic stage, and Gleason score was 9.8 (95% confidence interval 5.4-17.8), an 89.8% risk reduction for men with PSA slopes ≤ 2.0 pg/mL/mo (P <.0001). The Gleason score (<7 vs ≥ 7) was the only other significant predictor (hazard ratio 5.4, 95% confidence interval 2.1-13.8, P = .0004). Clinical recurrence after radical prostatectomy is difficult to predict using established risk factors. We have demonstrated that a NADiA ProsVue PSA slope of ≤ 2.0 pg/mL/mo after prostatectomy is prognostic for a reduced risk of prostate cancer recurrence and adds predictive power to the established risk factors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NADiA® ProsVue™ PSA Slope Is an Independent Prognostic Marker for Identifying Men at Reduced Risk for Clinical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy

PubMed Central

Moul, Judd W.; Lilja, Hans; Semmes, O. John; Lance, Raymond S.; Vessella, Robert L.; Fleisher, Martin; Mazzola, Clarisse; Sarno, Mark J.; Stevens, Barbara; Klem, Robert E.; McDermed, Jonathan E.; Triebell, Melissa T.; Adams, Thomas H.

2015-01-01

Objectives To validate the hypothesis that men displaying serum PSA slopes ≤2.0 pg/mL/month postprostatectomy, measured with a new immuno-PCR diagnostic test (NADiA® ProsVue™) were at a reduced risk of clinical recurrence as determined by positive biopsy, imaging or death due to prostate cancer. Methods From 4 clinical sites, we selected a cohort of 304 men followed up to 17.6 years postprostatectomy for clinical recurrence. We assessed the prognostic value of a PSA slope cutpoint of 2.0 pg/mL/month against established risk factors to identify men at very low risk of clinical recurrence using uni- and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results The univariate HR (95% CI) of a PSA slope >2.0 pg/mL/month was 18.3 (10.6–31.8), compared to a slope ≤2.0 pg/mL/month (P <0.0001). Median disease-free survival was 4.8 years versus >10 years in the 2 groups (P <0.0001). Multivariate HR for PSA slope with the covariates of preprostatectomy PSA, pathologic stage and Gleason score was 9.8 (5.4–17.8), an 89.8% risk reduction, for men with PSA slopes ≤2.0 pg/mL/month (P <0.0001). Gleason Score (<7 vs. ≥7) was the only other significant predictor (HR 5.4, 2.1–13.8, P = 0.0004). Conclusions Clinical recurrence following radical prostatectomy is often difficult to predict since established factors do not reliably stratify risk. We demonstrate that a NADiA ProsVue slope ≤2.0 pg/mL/month postprostatectomy is prognostic for reduced risk of prostate cancer recurrence and adds predictive power to established risk factors. PMID:23107099

Prostaglandins as mediators of acidification in the urinary bladder of Bufo marinus

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

Frazier, L.W.; Yorio, T.

1990-05-01

Experiments were performed to determine whether prostaglandins (PG) play a role in H+ and NH4+ excretion in the urinary bladder of Bufo marinus. Ten paired hemibladders from normal toads were mounted in chambers. One was control and the other hemibladder received PGE2 in the serosal medium (10(-5) M). H+ excretion was measured by change in pH in the mucosal fluid and reported in units of nmol (100 mg tissue)-1 (min)-1. NH4+ excretion was measured colorimetrically and reported in the same units. The control group H+ excretion was 8.4 +/- 1.67, while the experimental group was 16.3 +/- 2.64 (P lessmore » than 0.01). The NH4+ excretion in the experimental and control group was not significantly different. Bladders from toads in a 48-hr NH4+Cl acidosis (metabolic) did not demonstrate this response to PGE2 (P greater than 0.30). Toads were put in metabolic acidosis by gavaging with 10 ml of 120 mM NH4+Cl 3 x day for 2 days. In another experiment, we measured levels of PG in bladders from control (N) and animals placed in metabolic acidosis (MA). Bladders were removed from the respective toad, homogenized, extracted, and PG separated using high-pressure liquid chromatography and quantified against PG standards. The results are reported in ng (mg tissue)-1. PGE2 fraction in N was 1.09 +/- 0.14 and in MA was 3.21 +/- 0.63 (P less than 0.01). PGF1 alpha, F2 alpha and I2 were not significantly different in N and MA toads. Bladders were also removed from N and MA toads, and incubated in Ringer's solution containing (3H)arachidonic acid (0.2 microCi/ml) at 25 degrees C for 2 hr. Bladders were then extracted for PG and the extracts separated by thin layer chromatography. PG were identified using standards and autoradiography, scraped from plates, and counted in a scintillation detector. The results are reported in cpm/mg tissue x hr +/- SEM.« less

Alpha-synuclein is present in dental calculus but not altered in Parkinson's disease patients in comparison to controls.

PubMed

Schmid, Sabrina; Goldberg-Bockhorn, Eva; Schwarz, Silke; Rotter, Nicole; Kassubek, Jan; Del Tredici, Kelly; Pinkhardt, Elmar; Otto, Markus; Ludolph, Albert C; Oeckl, Patrick

2018-06-01

In autopsy cases staged for sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD), the neuropathology is characterized by a preclinical phase that targets the enteric nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Therefore, the ENS might be a source of potential (presymptomatic) PD biomarkers. In this clinically based study, we examined the alpha-synuclein (αSyn) concentration in an easily accessible protein storage medium of the GIT, dental calculus, in 21/50 patients with PD and 28/50 age- and gender-matched controls using ELISA. αSyn was detectable in dental calculus and the median concentration in the control patients was 8.6 pg/mg calculus (interquartile range 2.6-13.1 pg/mg). αSyn concentrations were significantly influenced by blood contamination and samples with a hemoglobin concentration of > 4000 ng/mL were excluded. There was no significant difference of αSyn concentrations in the dental calculus of PD patients (5.76 pg/mg, interquartile range 2.91-9.74 pg/mg) compared to those in controls (p = 0.40). The total αSyn concentration in dental calculus is not a suitable biomarker for sporadic PD. Disease-related variants such as oligomeric or phosphorylated αSyn in calculus might prove to be more specific.

MMP-8 genotypes influence the inflammatory response in human endotoxemia.

PubMed

Rella, Judith M; Jilma, Bernd; Fabry, Astrid; Kaynar, A Murat; Mayr, Florian B

2014-04-01

Clinical studies have reported associations between MMP-8 genotypes and clinical outcomes without exploring underlying mechanisms. This study aims to understand the influence of the rs1940475 SNP on downstream chemokine and cytokine response in human endotoxemia. Rs1940475 was genotyped in 44 healthy Caucasian males, who were challenged with an intravenous bolus of 2 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α were measured at baseline and 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after LPS infusion with high-sensitivity enzyme immunoassays. Peak TNF levels at 2 h after LPS infusion were significantly higher in subjects with AA genotype compared to subjects with AG or GG genotypes (185 pg/mL [IQR, 154-234] vs. 94 pg/mL [IQR, 65-125] vs. 107 pg/mL [IQR, 80-241], respectively; p = 0.03 between groups). Peak IL-6 levels were trend-wise higher in subjects with AA genotype compared to those with AG or GG genotypes (566 pg/mL [IQR, 294-644] vs. 278 pg/mL [IQR, 184-539] and 329 pg/mL [IQR, 240-492], respectively; p = 0.15 between groups). In contrast, peak MIP-1α at 2 h was highest in GG genotype carriers compared to those with AG or AA genotypes (602 pg/mL [IQR, 449-727] vs. 389 pg/mL [IQR, 375-490] and 510 pg/mL [425-813], respectively; p < 0.03 between groups). AA genotype carriers had highest peak TNF and IL-6 levels after LPS challenge, whereas peak MIP-1α levels were highest in GG carriers. This indicates that the rs1940475 SNP modifies the host response to inflammatory stimuli, which may in part explain previously shown associations with clinical outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of enzyme-replacement-therapy with agalsidase alfa in 36 treatment-naïve Fabry disease patients.

PubMed

Tsuboi, Kazuya; Yamamoto, Hiroshi

2017-06-07

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from the α-galactosidase A gene mutations. Enzyme-replacement-therapy (ERT) products for FD currently used include agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta. There are many reports on efficacy and safety of ERT. However, most of the previous studies are done as a retrospective medical records analysis. The Japan Fabry Research - 002 (JFR-002) was a prospective observational clinical study of 36 ERT-naïve FD patients (14 men and 22 women) at baseline (BL) and after initiation of ERT with agalsidase alfa 0.2 mg/kg every two weeks, a median period 62.5 months. The parameters measured included globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-Trop I), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and anti-agalsidase alfa IgG antibody formation. All parameters remained steady during ERT treatment period. BNP levels in 14 patients whose BL levels were within the normal range (<19.5 pg/mL) remained within the same range, while 22 patients whose BL levels were abnormally high (≥19.5 pg/mL) gradually showed decreased levels after start of ERT. Gb3 and Lyso-Gb3 levels remarkably decreased after the initiation of ERT and remained low. The JFR-002 suggests that agalsidase alfa is effective in maintaining organ function in FD patients, and that the incidence of infusion reactions related to the treatment with agalsidase alfa is low, indicating the good tolerability to this ERT. The JFR-002 was retrospectively registered at Japan Medical Association Center for Clinical Trials (Registration number: JMA-IIA00291 ) on May 19th, 2017.

Target screening and confirmation of 35 licit and illicit drugs and metabolites in hair by LC-MSMS.

PubMed

Lendoiro, Elena; Quintela, Oscar; de Castro, Ana; Cruz, Angelines; López-Rivadulla, Manuel; Concheiro, Marta

2012-04-10

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) target screening in 50mg hair was developed and fully validated for 35 analytes (Δ9-tetrahidrocannabinol (THC), morphine, 6-acetylmorphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl, amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, benzoylecgonine, cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide, ketamine, scopolamine, alprazolam, bromazepam, clonazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam, lorazepam, lormetazepam, nordiazepam, oxazepam, tetrazepam, triazolam, zolpidem, zopiclone, amitriptyline, citalopram, clomipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine and venlafaxine). Hair decontamination was performed with dichloromethane, and incubation in 2 mL of acetonitrile at 50°C overnight. Extraction procedure was performed in 2 steps, first liquid-liquid extraction, hexane:ethyl acetate (55:45, v:v) at pH 9, followed by solid-phase extraction (Strata-X cartridges). Chromatographic separation was performed in AtlantisT3 (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 3 μm) column, acetonitrile and ammonium formate pH 3 as mobile phase, and 32 min total run time. One transition per analyte was monitored in MRM mode. To confirm a positive result, a second injection monitoring 2 transitions was performed. The method was specific (no endogenous interferences, n=9); LOD was 0.2-50 pg/mg and LOQ 0.5-100 pg/mg; linearity ranged from 0.5-100 to 2000-20,000 pg/mg; imprecision <15%; analytical recovery 85-115%; extraction efficiency 4.1-85.6%; and process efficiency 2.5-207.7%; 27 analytes showed ion suppression (up to -86.2%), 4 ion enhancement (up to 647.1%), and 4 no matrix effect; compounds showed good stability 24-48 h in autosampler. The method was applied to 17 forensic cases. In conclusion, a sensitive and specific target screening of 35 analytes in 50mg hair, including drugs of abuse (THC, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines) and medicines (benzodiazepines, antidepressants) was developed and validated, achieving lower cut-offs than Society of Hair Testing recommendations. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multivariate optimization of the factors influencing the solid-phase microextraction of pyrethroid pesticides in water.

PubMed

Casas, Vanessa; Llompart, Maria; García-Jares, Carmen; Cela, Rafael; Dagnac, Thierry

2006-08-18

A method based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography with micro-electron capture detection (GC-microECD) has been optimized for the analysis of pyrethroids in water samples. The influence of parameters such as temperature, fibre coating, salting-out effect and sampling mode on the extraction efficiency has been studied by means of a mix-level factorial design, which allowed the study of main effects as well as two factor interactions. Finally, a method based on direct SPME at 50 degrees C, using polydimethylsiloxane fibre is proposed. The method showed good linearity (R2>0.995) and repeatability (RSD

NT-proBNP Predicts All-Cause Mortality in a Population of Insurance Applicants, Follow-up Analysis and Further Observations.

PubMed

Fulks, Michael; Kaufman, Valerie; Clark, Michael; Stout, Robert L

2017-01-01

- Further refine the independent value of NT-proBNP, accounting for the impact of other test results, in predicting all-cause mortality for individual life insurance applicants with and without heart disease. - Using the Social Security Death Master File and multivariate analysis, relative mortality was determined for 245,322 life insurance applicants ages 50 to 89 tested for NT-proBNP (almost all based on age and policy amount) along with other laboratory tests and measurement of blood pressure and BMI. - NT-proBNP values ≤75 pg/mL included the majority of applicants denying heart disease and had the lowest risk, while values >500 pg/mL for females and >300 pg/mL for males had very high relative risk. Those admitting to heart disease had a higher mortality risk for each band of NT-proBNP relative to those denying heart disease but had a similar and equally predictive risk curve. - NT-proBNP is a strong independent predictor of all-cause mortality in the absence or presence of known heart disease but the range of values associated with increased risk varies by sex.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antimycobacterial activities of the essential oil of Psidium guineense Sw. and spathulenol.

PubMed

do Nascimento, Kamilla Felipe; Moreira, Flora Martinez Figueira; Alencar Santos, Joyce; Kassuya, Candida Aparecida Leite; Croda, Julio Henrique Rosa; Cardoso, Claudia Andrea Lima; Vieira, Maria do Carmo; Góis Ruiz, Ana Lúcia Tasca; Ann Foglio, Mary; de Carvalho, João Ernesto; Formagio, Anelise Samara Nazari

2018-01-10

Leaves from Psidium guineense Sw. are used in popular medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disease. However, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating this activity. To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antimycobacterial activities of the essential oil of P. guineense and spathulenol (a major constituent). The study was conducted in part to provide evidence supporting the ethnobotanical use of the leaves of this species. The essential oil (EOPG) was extracted from the leaves of P. guineense by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major compound, spathulenol (PG-1), was isolated in a chromatographic column and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). EOPG and PG-1 were evaluated in vitro for antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS and MDA methods; anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using two models, including pleurisy and oedema, in mice. The impact of EOPG and PG-1 on cell proliferation was determined via spectrophotometric quantification of the cellular protein content using a sulforhodamine B assay, and anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity was determined using the REMA method. A total of 38 components were identified from the EOPG, with the sesquiterpenic alcohol spathulenol (PG-1) (80.7%) being the major constituent. EOPG and PG-1 exhibited the highest antioxidant activities in the DPPH and MDA system compared with reference standard, with IC 50 values ranging from 26.13 to 85.60μg/mL. Oral administration of EOPG and PG-1 showed significant inhibition in the Cg-induced mice paw oedema and pleurisy model. The EOPG (GI 50 = 0.89μg/mL) and PG-1 (GI 50 = 49.30μg/mL) were particularly effective against the ovarian cancer cell line. Both showed moderate antimycobacterial activity. For the first time, this study demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antimycobacterial properties of the essential oil of P. guineense (leaves were collected in Dourados-MS) and spathulenol, collaborating the etnhopharmacologycal use of this plant due to its an anti-inflammatory effect. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A novel single-step GC-MS/MS method for cannabinoids and 11-OH-THC metabolite analysis in hair.

PubMed

Angeli, Ilaria; Casati, Sara; Ravelli, Alessandro; Minoli, Mauro; Orioli, Marica

2018-06-05

THC, CBD, CBN, THC-COOH and 11-OH-THC are the most popular markers of cannabis consumption and abuse. The use of this drug is a serious social problem worldwide. In this study, a method based on gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) operated in electron ionization (EI) with simple and rapid liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and derivatization was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of THC, CBD, CBN and 11-OH-THC in hair samples. The detection of all compounds was based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions. The most important advantage of this method is the single-step, quick, easy and effective sample extraction procedure for THC, CBD, CBN and 11-OH-THC. The method showed a good linearity with a correlation coefficient (r 2 ) between 0.997 and 0.999 for all substances. The variation coefficient (%CV) was <5% for THC, 11-OH-THC and CBD and <13% for CBN. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.03 pg/mg for 11-OH-THC and it ranged from 0.3 to 1.4 pg/mg for THC, CBD and CBN. The limit of quantification was 0.1 pg/mg for 11-OH-THC and it ranged from 0.9 to 4.7 pg/mg for THC, CBD and CBN. Analytical recovery was higher than 88% for 11-OH-THC and it ranged between 68 and 97% for THC, CBD and CBN. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy were always lower than 9-14% and 5-9%, respectively. In parallel, we have quantified the THC-COOH level, following the methods previously set-up by us. The whole procedure was successfully applied to more than 200 different hair samples from cannabis consumers, disclosing the presence of 11-OH-THC in a range between 0.2 pg/mg and 27 pg/mg, and the presence of THC-COOH in a range between 0.05 pg/mg and 42.05 pg/mg. These data provided a good start towards the use of 11-THC-OH as alternative hair biomarker of cannabis consumption. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Room-temperature fabrication of core-shell nano-ZnO/pollen grain biocomposite for adsorptive removal of organic dye from water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tzvetkov, George; Kaneva, Nina; Spassov, Tony

2017-04-01

A new core-shell nano-ZnO/pollen grain (n-ZnO/PG) biocomposite has been successfully synthesized via simple and low-temperature two-step liquid precipitation method. The synthetic strategy consists of grafting the surface of pine pollen grains (PG) with Zn2+-organic complexes followed by a treatment in Zn(CH3COO)2/NaOH solution, thus producing a closed n-ZnO shell around the organic core, with a thickness of ∼450 nm. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, XPS and UV-vis spectroscopy measurements along with N2 adsorption/desorption were used to characterize the resulting n-ZnO/PG biocomposite. The as-prepared core-shell microparticles are meso-/macro-porous with BET surface area of 25 m2 g-1 and total pore volume of 0.26 cm3 g-1. The adsorption properties of n-ZnO/PG were evaluated through adsorption of Malachite Green (MG) from aqueous medium at room temperature (25 °C). For the sake of comparison, the physico-chemical and adsorptive properties of the raw PG and pure n-ZnO were also examined. Results indicate that n-ZnO/PG is the most favorable for the adsorption of MG under the conditions used in this study. The adsorption kinetic data for PG, n-ZnO and n-ZnO/PG follow the pseudo-second order equation and the maximum adsorption capacity follows an order of n-ZnO/PG > n-ZnO > PG. For n-ZnO/PG an adsorption uptake up to 145.9 mg g-1 is observed. The as-prepared core-shell biocomposite material is a promising cost-effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent due to its textural properties, surface chemistry, adsorption capacity and recyclability.

A high molecular weight proteoglycan is differentially expressed during development of the mollusc Concholepas concholepas (Mollusca; Gastropoda; Muricidae).

PubMed

Brandan, E; González, M; Inestrosa, N C; Tremblay, C; Urrea, R

1992-12-15

Incorporation of radioactive sulfate to hatched veliger larvae of the gastropod muricid Concholepas concholepas indicated that over 87% of the sulfated macromolecules were found in the detergent insoluble fraction, rich in extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The sulfated material was solubilized with guanidine salt followed by urea dialysis and fractionated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. Three sulfated compounds eluting at 0.7, 1.1, and 3.0 M NaCl, called peaks I, II, and III, respectively, were obtained. The sulfated compound present in peak I was degraded by pronase or sodium alkaline treatment to a small sulfated resistant material, suggesting the presence of a proteoglycan (PG). Filtration analysis on Sephacryl S-500 and SDS-PAGE of the intact PG indicates that it has a high molecular weight (360,000 to over 1 x 10(6)). Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against this PG were produced. The specificity of one mAb, the 6H2, was demonstrated by size chromatography and ELISA analysis. The epitope recognized by this mAb seems to be present in the core protein of the PG. Both the extent of sulfation and the presence of different sulfated species of PGs were evaluated during the development of this mollusc. A twelvefold increase in the incorporation of sulfate to PGs per milligram of protein was found in veliger larvae compared to blastula-glastula stages. This change correlated well with the differential expression of the sulfated PG present in peak I. Biochemical and immunological analysis indicate that high levels of this PG are found in veliger and trocophore larvae in comparison with blastula-gastrula and early juveniles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces insulin resistance in hepatitis C virus infected patients: a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Freire, T O; Boulhosa, R S S B; Oliveira, L P M; de Jesus, R P; Cavalcante, L N; Lemaire, D C; Toralles, M B P; Lyra, L G C; Lyra, A C

2016-06-01

Insulin resistance promotes liver disease progression and may be associated with a lower response rate in treated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation may reduce insulin resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on insulin resistance in these patients. In a randomised, double-blind clinical trial, 154 patients were screened. After applying inclusion criteria, 52 patients [homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥2.5)] were randomly divided into two groups: n-3 PUFA (n = 25/6000 mg day(-1) of fish oil) or control (n = 27/6000 mg day(-1) of soybean oil). Both groups were supplemented for 12 weeks and underwent monthly nutritional consultation. Biochemical tests were performed at baseline and after intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test for comparisons and the Wilcoxon test for paired data. Statistical package r, version 3.02 (The R Project for Statistical Computing) was used and P < 0.05 (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant. Comparisons between groups showed that n-3 PUFA supplementation was more effective than the control for reducing HOMA-IR (P = 0.015) and serum insulin (P = 0.016). The n-3 PUFA group not only showed a significant reduction in HOMA-IR 3.8 (3.2-5.0) versus 2.4 (1.8-3.3) (P = 0.002); serum insulin 17.1 (13.8-20.6) μIU mL(-1) versus 10.9 (8.6-14.6) μIU mL(-1) (P = 0.001); and glycated haemoglobin 5.4% (5.0-5.7%) versus 5.1% (4.8-5.6%) (P = 0.011), but also presented an increase in interleukin-1 97.5 (0.0-199.8) pg mL(-1) versus 192.4 (102.2-266.8) pg mL(-1) (P = 0.003) and tumour necrosis factor 121.2 (0.0-171.3) pg mL(-1) versus 185.7 (98.0-246.9) pg mL(-1) (P = 0.003). n-3 PUFA supplementation reduces insulin resistance in genotype 1 HCV infected patients. © 2015 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Molecular Cloning and Expression Analysis of Eight PgWRKY Genes in Panax ginseng Responsive to Salt and Hormones.

PubMed

Xiu, Hao; Nuruzzaman, Mohammed; Guo, Xiangqian; Cao, Hongzhe; Huang, Jingjia; Chen, Xianghui; Wu, Kunlu; Zhang, Ru; Huang, Yuzhao; Luo, Junli; Luo, Zhiyong

2016-03-04

Despite the importance of WRKY genes in plant physiological processes, little is known about their roles in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. Forty-eight unigenes on this species were previously reported as WRKY transcripts using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Subsequently, one gene that encodes PgWRKY1 protein belonging to subgroup II-d was cloned and functionally characterized. In this study, eight WRKY genes from the NGS-based transcriptome sequencing dataset designated as PgWRKY2-9 have been cloned and characterized. The genes encoding WRKY proteins were assigned to WRKY Group II (one subgroup II-c, four subgroup II-d, and three subgroup II-e) based on phylogenetic analysis. The cDNAs of the cloned PgWRKYs encode putative proteins ranging from 194 to 358 amino acid residues, each of which includes one WRKYGQK sequence motif and one C₂H₂-type zinc-finger motif. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that the eight analyzed PgWRKY genes were expressed at different levels in various organs including leaves, roots, adventitious roots, stems, and seeds. Importantly, the transcription responses of these PgWRKYs to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) showed that PgWRKY2, PgWRKY3, PgWRKY4, PgWRKY5, PgWRKY6, and PgWRKY7 were downregulated by MeJA treatment, while PgWRKY8 and PgWRKY9 were upregulated to varying degrees. Moreover, the PgWRKY genes increased or decreased by salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and NaCl treatments. The results suggest that the PgWRKYs may be multiple stress-inducible genes responding to both salt and hormones.

A comparison of two prompt gamma imaging techniques with collimator-based cameras for range verification in proton therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hsin-Hon; Chang, Hao-Ting; Chao, Tsi-Chian; Chuang, Keh-Shih

2017-08-01

In vivo range verification plays an important role in proton therapy to fully utilize the benefits of the Bragg peak (BP) for delivering high radiation dose to tumor, while sparing the normal tissue. For accurately locating the position of BP, camera equipped with collimators (multi-slit and knife-edge collimator) to image prompt gamma (PG) emitted along the proton tracks in the patient have been proposed for range verification. The aim of the work is to compare the performance of multi-slit collimator and knife-edge collimator for non-invasive proton beam range verification. PG imaging was simulated by a validated GATE/GEANT4 Monte Carlo code to model the spot-scanning proton therapy and cylindrical PMMA phantom in detail. For each spot, 108 protons were simulated. To investigate the correlation between the acquired PG profile and the proton range, the falloff regions of PG profiles were fitted with a 3-line-segment curve function as the range estimate. Factors including the energy window setting, proton energy, phantom size, and phantom shift that may influence the accuracy of detecting range were studied. Results indicated that both collimator systems achieve reasonable accuracy and good response to the phantom shift. The accuracy of range predicted by multi-slit collimator system is less affected by the proton energy, while knife-edge collimator system can achieve higher detection efficiency that lead to a smaller deviation in predicting range. We conclude that both collimator systems have potentials for accurately range monitoring in proton therapy. It is noted that neutron contamination has a marked impact on range prediction of the two systems, especially in multi-slit system. Therefore, a neutron reduction technique for improving the accuracy of range verification of proton therapy is needed.

Altered Pituitary Gland Structure and Function in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

PubMed Central

Bonert, Vivien; Moser, Franklin; Mirocha, James; Melmed, Shlomo

2017-01-01

Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stressors, but links to neurophysiological and neuroanatomical changes are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether stress-induced cortisol alters negative feedback on pituitary corticotroph function and pituitary volume. Design: Prospective controlled study in an outpatient clinic. Methods: Subjects with PTSD and matched control subjects underwent pituitary volume measurement on magnetic resonance imaging, with pituitary function assessed by 24-hour urine free cortisol (UFC), 8:00 am cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and ACTH levels after 2-day dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone test. Primary outcome was pituitary volume; secondary outcomes were ACTH area under the curve (AUC) and 24-hour UFC. Results: Thirty-nine subjects were screened and 10 subjects with PTSD were matched with 10 healthy control subjects by sex and age. Mean pituitary volume was 729.7 mm3 [standard deviation (SD), 227.3 mm3] in PTSD subjects vs 835.2 mm3 (SD, 302.8 mm3) in control subjects. ACTH AUC was 262.5 pg/mL (SD, 133.3 pg/mL) L in PTSD vs 244.0 pg/mL (SD, 158.3 pg/mL) in control subjects (P = 0.80). In PTSD subjects, UFC levels and pituitary volume inversely correlated with PTSD duration; pituitary volume correlated with ACTH AUC in control subjects (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.88, P = 0.0009) but not in PTSD subjects. Conclusions: The HPA axis may be downregulated and dysregulated in people with PTSD, as demonstrated by discordant pituitary corticotroph function and pituitary volume vs intact HPA feedback and correlation of pituitary volume with ACTH levels in healthy control subjects. The results suggest a link between pituitary structure and function in PTSD, which may point to endocrine targeted therapeutic approaches. PMID:29264511

Quantification of nerve agent VX-butyrylcholinesterase adduct biomarker from an accidental exposure.

PubMed

Solano, Maria I; Thomas, Jerry D; Taylor, James T; McGuire, Jeffrey M; Jakubowski, Edward M; Thomson, Sandra A; Maggio, Vincent L; Holland, Kerry E; Smith, J Richard; Capacio, Benedict; Woolfitt, Adrian R; Ashley, David L; Barr, John R

2008-01-01

The lack of data in the open literature on human exposure to the nerve agent O-ethyl-S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate (VX) gives a special relevance to the data presented in this study in which we report the quantification of VX-butyrylcholinesterase adduct from a relatively low-level accidental human exposure. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry using the fluoride ion regeneration method for the quantification of multiple nerve agents including VX. Six human plasma samples from the same individual were collected after the patient had been treated once with oxime immediately after exhibiting signs of exposure. Detection limits of approximately 5.5 pg/mL plasma were achieved for the G-analogue of VX (G-VX). Levels of the G-VX ranged from 81.4 pg/mL on the first day after the exposure to 6.9 pg/mL in the sample taken 27 days after the exposure. Based on the reported concentration of human butyrylcholinesterase in plasma of approximately 80 nM, it can be calculated that inhibition levels of >or= 0.05% of BuChE can be accurately quantified. These data further indicate that the fluoride ion regeneration method is a potentially powerful tool that can be used to assess low-level exposure to VX.

Hybrid Synthetic Receptors on MOSFET Devices for Detection of Prostate Specific Antigen in Human Plasma.

PubMed

Tamboli, Vibha K; Bhalla, Nikhil; Jolly, Pawan; Bowen, Chris R; Taylor, John T; Bowen, Jenna L; Allender, Chris J; Estrela, Pedro

2016-12-06

The study reports the use of extended gate field-effect transistors (FET) for the label-free and sensitive detection of prostate cancer (PCa) biomarkers in human plasma. The approach integrates for the first time hybrid synthetic receptors comprising of highly selective aptamer-lined pockets (apta-MIP) with FETs for sensitive detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) at clinically relevant concentrations. The hybrid synthetic receptors were constructed by immobilizing an aptamer-PSA complex on gold and subjecting it to 13 cycles of dopamine electropolymerization. The polymerization resulted in the creation of highly selective polymeric cavities that retained the ability to recognize PSA post removal of the protein. The hybrid synthetic receptors were subsequently used in an extended gate FET setup for electrochemical detection of PSA. The sensor was reported to have a limit of detection of 0.1 pg/mL with a linear detection range from 0.1 pg/mL to 1 ng/mL PSA. Detection of 1-10 pg/mL PSA was also achieved in diluted human plasma. The present apta-MIP sensor developed in conjunction with FET devices demonstrates the potential for clinical application of synthetic hybrid receptors for the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers in complex samples.

Atmospheric concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers at near-source sites.

PubMed

Cahill, Thomas M; Groskova, Danka; Charles, M Judith; Sanborn, James R; Denison, Michael S; Baker, Lynton

2007-09-15

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in air samples from near suspected sources, namely an indoors computer laboratory, indoors and outdoors at an electronics recycling facility, and outdoors at an automotive shredding and metal recycling facility. The results showed that (1) PBDE concentrations in the computer laboratorywere higherwith computers on compared with the computers off, (2) indoor concentrations at an electronics recycling facility were as high as 650,000 pg/m3 for decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 209), and (3) PBDE 209 concentrations were up to 1900 pg/m3 at the downwind fenceline at an automotive shredding/metal recycling facility. The inhalation exposure estimates for all the sites were typically below 110 pg/kg/day with the exception of the indoor air samples adjacent to the electronics shredding equipment, which gave exposure estimates upward of 40,000 pg/kg/day. Although there were elevated inhalation exposures at the three source sites, the exposure was not expected to cause adverse health effects based on the lowest reference dose (RfD) currently in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), although these RfD values are currently being re-evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More research is needed on the potential health effects of PBDEs.

Capillary electrophoresis determination of glucosamine in nutraceutical formulations after labeling with anthranilic acid and UV detection.

PubMed

Volpi, Nicola

2009-04-05

A new robust CE method for the determination of the glucosamine (GlcN) content in nutraceutical formulations is described after its derivatization with anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid, AA). The CE separation of derivatized GlcN with AA was performed on an uncoated fused-silica capillary tube (50 microm I.D.) using an operating pH 7.0 buffer of 150 mM boric acid/50 mM NaH2PO4 and UV detection at 214 nm. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The detector response for GlcN was linear over the selected concentration range from 240 to 2400 pg (40-400 microg/mL) with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.980. The intra- and inter-day variations (CV%) were between 0.5 and 0.9 for migration time, and between 2.8 and 4.3 for peak area, respectively. The LOD and the LOQ of the method were approximately 200 and 500 pg, respectively. The intra- and inter-day accuracy was estimated to range from 2.8% to 5.1%, while the percent recoveries of GlcN in formulations were calculated to be about 100% after simple centrifugation for 10 min, lyophilization and derivatization with AA. The CE method was applied to the determination of GlcN content, in the form of GlcN-hydrochloride or GlcN-sulfate, of several nutraceutical preparations in the presence of other ingredients, i.e. chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C and/or methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as well as salts and other agents. The quantitative results obtained were in total conformity with the label claims.

A Novel Electrochemical Microfluidic Chip Combined with Multiple Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yao; Zhi, Xiao; Su, Haichuan; Wang, Kan; Yan, Zhen; He, Nongyue; Zhang, Jingpu; Chen, Di; Cui, Daxiang

2015-12-01

Early diagnosis is very important to improve the survival rate of patients with gastric cancer and to understand the biology of cancer. In order to meet the clinical demands for early diagnosis of gastric cancer, we developed a disposable easy-to-use electrochemical microfluidic chip combined with multiple antibodies against six kinds of biomarkers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Helicobacter pylori CagA protein (H.P.), P53oncoprotein (P53), pepsinogen I (PG I), and PG-II). The six kinds of biomarkers related to gastric cancer can be detected sensitively and synchronously in a short time. The specially designed three electrodes system enables cross-contamination to be avoided effectively. The linear ranges of detection of the electrochemical microfluidic chip were as follows: 0.37-90 ng mL-1 for CEA, 10.75-172 U mL-1 for CA19-9, 10-160 U L-1 for H.P., 35-560 ng mL-1 for P53, 37.5-600 ng mL-1 for PG I, and 2.5-80 ng mL-1for PG II. This method owns better sensitivity compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results of 394 specimens of gastric cancer sera. Furthermore, we established a multi-index prediction model based on the six kinds of biomarkers for predicting risk of gastric cancer. In conclusion, the electrochemical microfluidic chip for detecting multiple biomarkers has great potential in applications such as early screening of gastric cancer patients, and therapeutic evaluation, and real-time dynamic monitoring the progress of gastric cancer in near future.

Geometric Image Biomarker Changes of the Parotid Gland Are Associated With Late Xerostomia.

PubMed

van Dijk, Lisanne V; Brouwer, Charlotte L; van der Laan, Hans Paul; Burgerhof, Johannes G M; Langendijk, Johannes A; Steenbakkers, Roel J H M; Sijtsema, Nanna M

2017-12-01

To identify a surrogate marker for late xerostomia 12 months after radiation therapy (Xer 12m ), according to information obtained shortly after treatment. Differences in parotid gland (PG) were quantified in image biomarkers (ΔIBMs) before and 6 weeks after radiation therapy in 107 patients. By performing stepwise forward selection, ΔIBMs that were associated with Xer 12m were selected. Subsequently other variables, such as PG dose and acute xerostomia scores, were added to improve the prediction performance. All models were internally validated. Prediction of Xer 12m based on PG surface reduction (ΔPG-surface) was good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.82). Parotid gland dose was related to ΔPG-surface (P<.001, R 2  = 0.27). The addition of acute xerostomia scores to the ΔPG-surface improved the prediction of Xer 12m significantly, and vice versa. The final model including ΔPG-surface and acute xerostomia had outstanding performance in predicting Xer 12m early after radiation therapy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.90). Parotid gland surface reduction was associated with late xerostomia. The early posttreatment model with ΔPG-surface and acute xerostomia scores can be considered as a surrogate marker for late xerostomia. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of anabolic steroids in human hair using LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Deshmukh, Nawed; Hussain, Iltaf; Barker, James; Petroczi, Andrea; Naughton, Declan P

2010-10-01

New highly sensitive, specific, reliable, reproducible and robust LC-MS/MS methods were developed to detect the anabolic steroids, nandrolone and stanozolol, in human hair for the first time. Hair samples from 180 participants (108 males, 72 females, 62% athletes) were screened using ELISA which revealed 16 athletes as positive for stanozolol and 3 for nandrolone. Positive samples were confirmed on LC-MS/MS in selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The assays for stanozolol and nandrolone showed good linearity in the range 1-400pg/mg and 5-400pg/mg, respectively. The methods were validated for LLOD, interday precision, intraday precision, specificity, extraction recovery and accuracy. The assays were capable of detecting 0.5pg stanozolol and 3.0pg nandrolone per mg of hair, when approximately 20mg of hair were processed. Analysis using LC-MS/MS confirmed 11 athletes' positive for stanozolol (5.0pg/mg to 86.3pg/mg) and 1 for nandrolone (14.0pg/mg) thus avoiding false results from ELISA screening. The results obtained demonstrate the application of these hair analysis methods to detect both steroids at low concentrations, hence reducing the amount of hair required significantly. The new methods complement urinalysis or blood testing and facilitate improved doping testing regimes. Hair analysis benefits from non-invasiveness, negligible risk of infection and facile sample storage and collection, whilst reducing risks of tampering and cross-contamination. Owing to the wide detection window, this approach may also offer an alternative approach for out-of-competition testing.

Determination of low-molecular-weight dicarboxylic acids in atmospheric aerosols by injection-port derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Hsu, Ching-Lin; Ding, Wang-Hsien

2009-12-15

A rapid and environmental-friendly injection-port derivatization with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed to determine selected low-molecular weight (LMW) dicarboxylic acids (from C2 to C10) in atmospheric aerosol samples. The parameters related to the derivatization process (i.e., type of ion-pair reagent, injection-port temperature and concentration of ion-pair reagent) were optimized. Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA-OH) 20 mM in methanol gave excellent yield for di-butyl ester dicarboxylate derivatives at injection-port temperature at 300 degrees C. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) method instead of rotary evaporation was used to concentrate analytes from filter extracts. The recovery from filter extracts ranged from 78 to 95% with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 12%. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 25 to 250 pg/m(3). The concentrations of di-carboxylated C2-C5 and total C6-C10 in particles of atmospheric aerosols ranged from 91.9 to 240, 11.3 to 56.7, 9.2 to 49.2, 8.7 to 35.3 and n.d. to 37.8 ng/m(3), respectively. Oxalic acid (C2) was the dominant LMW-dicarboxylic acids detected in aerosol samples. The quantitative results were comparable to the results obtained by the off-line derivatization.

Efficacy of Long-Term Oral Vitamin B12 Supplementation after Total Gastrectomy: Results from a Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Moleiro, Joana; Mão de Ferro, Susana; Ferreira, Sara; Serrano, Miguel; Silveira, Margarida; Dias Pereira, António

2018-01-01

Background/Objectives Vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency is a common complication after total gastrectomy which may be associated with megaloblastic anemia and potentially irreversible neurologic symptoms. Intramuscular supplementation of VB12 has been considered the standard treatment, although it is associated with high costs and patient discomfort. Patients/Methods We performed a prospective uncontrolled study (ACTRN12614000107628) in order to evaluate the clinical and laboratory efficacy of long-term oral VB12 supplementation in patients submitted to total gastrectomy. All patients received daily oral VB12 (1 mg/day) and were evaluated every 3 months (clinical and laboratory evaluation: hemoglobin, VB12, total iron, ferritin, and folate). Results A total of 26 patients were included with a mean age of 64 years (29–79). Patients were included with a mean period of 65 months (3–309) after total gastrectomy. At inclusion time, 17/26 patients were under intramuscular VB12, and 9 had not started supplementation yet. There were normal serum VB12 levels in 25/26 patients (mean VB12 serum levels: 657 pg/mL). The mean follow-up period was 20 (8.5–28) months. During follow-up, all patients had normal VB12 levels and there was no need for intramuscular supplementation. The patient with low VB12 levels had an increase to adequate levels, which remained stable. There were no differences with statistical significance among VB12 levels at 6 (867 pg/mL), 12 (1,008 pg/mL), 18 (1,018 pg/mL), and 24 (1,061 pg/mL) months. Iron and folate supplementation was necessary in 21 and 7 patients, respectively. Conclusions Oral VB12 supplementation is effective and safe in patients who underwent total gastrectomy and should be considered the preferential form of supplementation. PMID:29761147

Sugars in Antarctic aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbaro, Elena; Kirchgeorg, Torben; Zangrando, Roberta; Vecchiato, Marco; Piazza, Rossano; Barbante, Carlo; Gambaro, Andrea

2015-10-01

The processes and transformations occurring in the Antarctic aerosol during atmospheric transport were described using selected sugars as source tracers. Monosaccharides (arabinose, fructose, galactose, glucose, mannose, ribose, xylose), disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose, lactulose), alcohol-sugars (erythritol, mannitol, ribitol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, galactitol) and anhydrosugars (levoglucosan, mannosan and galactosan) were measured in the Antarctic aerosol collected during four different sampling campaigns. For quantification, a sensitive high-pressure anion exchange chromatography was coupled with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer. The method was validated, showing good accuracy and low method quantification limits. This study describes the first determination of sugars in the Antarctic aerosol. The total mean concentration of sugars in the aerosol collected at the ;Mario Zucchelli; coastal station was 140 pg m-3; as for the aerosol collected over the Antarctic plateau during two consecutive sampling campaigns, the concentration amounted to 440 and 438 pg m-3. The study of particle-size distribution allowed us to identify the natural emission from spores or from sea-spray as the main sources of sugars in the coastal area. The enrichment of sugars in the fine fraction of the aerosol collected on the Antarctic plateau is due to the degradation of particles during long-range atmospheric transport. The composition of sugars in the coarse fraction was also investigated in the aerosol collected during the oceanographic cruise.

Hair to document drug-facilitated crimes: four cases involving bromazepam.

PubMed

Villain, Marion; Chèze, Marjorie; Dumestre, Véronique; Ludes, Bertrand; Kintz, Pascal

2004-09-01

The use of a drug to modify a person's behavior for criminal gain is not a recent phenomenon. However, the recent increase in reports of drug-facilitated crimes (sexual assault, so-called DFSA, robbery) has caused alarm in the general public. Drugs used can be difficult to detect (active products at low dosages, chemical instability), possess amnesic properties, and can be quickly cleared from body fluids. In case of long delay between the alleged crime and clinical examination, collection of blood or even urine can be of little value. This is the reason why this laboratory developed an original approach based on hair testing by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. To explore the detectability of a single absorption of bromazepam in hair, two volunteers (male and female) received a 6-mg dose. A strand of hair was sampled about one month after exposure and was cut into three segments of 2-cm long. After pulverization, 20 mg of hair was incubated overnight in a phosphate buffer (pH 8.4). The aqueous phase was extracted with 5 mL of a mixture of diethyl ether/methylene chloride (80:20) in the presence of diazepam-d5, which was used as internal standard (IS). Hair extract was separated on a XTerra MS C18 column using a gradient of acetonitrile and formate buffer. Detection was based on two daughter ions: transitions m/z 316.0 to 182.2 and 209.3 and m/z 290.1 to 154.1 and 198.2 for bromazepam and the IS, respectively. In the hair of the two subjects, bromazepam was detected in the proximal segment at 0.8 and 4.7 pg/mg, respectively. Hair analysis was applied to four authentic criminal cases. In the two first cases, bromazepam tested positive in the corresponding hair segment at 5.7, and 10.3 pg/mg. In another case, head hair was sampled 19 weeks after the alleged offense, and its length (< 4 cm) did not allow analysis of the corresponding period. However, 4.1 pg/mg of bromazepam was quantified in the victim's pubic hair. In these three cases, concentrations were consistent with a single exposure to bromazepam. In the last case, bromazepam was detected at 15 pg/mg in the segment corresponding to the period of the alleged offence but also in the range 2 to 7 pg/mg in the four other consecutive segments, making a single exposure statement difficult.

Immunomodulatory efficacy of ethanol extract of propolis on tumor-bearing mice with disseminated candidiasis.

PubMed

Khosravi, A R; Shokri, H; Darvishi, S; Taghavi, M

2014-12-01

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of propolis on immunosurveillance by measuring the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in tumor-bearing mice with disseminated candidiasis. The ethanol extract of propolis was selected for this study. Balb/C female mice were infected with Candida albicans (C. albicans) and inoculated with spontaneous mouse mammary tumor (SMMT). The serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) were assessed by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mice were treated daily with propolis solution (100mg/kg, 0.1 mL, orally) for 3 days before IV challenge with C. albicans and SC challenge with SMMT and continued for 10 days. The rates of survival and tumor growth of understudy mice were investigated as well. The levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-17 cytokines in culture supernatants were determined by ELISA. The mean tumor size was significantly increased in tumor-bearing mice infected with C. albicans (16.98 ± 0.49 mm(2)) as compared to other mice groups (P<0.05). The results showed a significant decline of IL-4 and IL-10 levels after propolis administration to tumor-bearing mice infected with C. albicans (53.41 pg/mL, 156.81 pg/mL and 63.45 pg/mL) (P < 0.05). The increment of TNF-α (433.85 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (120.43 pg/mL) levels were also observed. Data revealed that propolis has remarkable immunomodulatory effect, which provides a scientific validation for the popular use of this natural substance, and further investigation will help to understand propolis usefulness during immunosuppressive conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A High Sensitivity Micro Format Chemiluminescence Enzyme Inhibition Assay for Determination of Hg(II)

PubMed Central

Deshpande, Kanchanmala; Mishra, Rupesh K.; Bhand, Sunil

2010-01-01

A highly sensitive and specific enzyme inhibition assay based on alcohol oxidase (AlOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for determination of mercury Hg(II) in water samples has been presented. This article describes the optimization and miniaturization of an enzymatic assay using a chemiluminescence reaction. The analytical performance and detection limit for determination of Hg(II) was optimized in 96 well plates and further extended to 384 well plates with a 10-fold reduction in assay volume. Inhibition of the enzyme activity by dissolved Hg(II) was found to be linear in the range 5–500 pg·mL−1 with 3% CV in inter-batch assay. Due to miniaturization of assay in 384 well plates, Hg(II) was measurable as low as 1 pg·mL−1 within 15 min. About 10-fold more specificity of the developed assay for Hg(II) analysis was confirmed by challenging with interfering divalent metal ions such as cadmium Cd(II) and lead Pb(II). Using the proposed assay we could successfully demonstrate that in a composite mixture of Hg(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II), inhibition by each metal ion is significantly enhanced in the presence of the others. Applicability of the proposed assay for the determination of the Hg(II) in spiked drinking and sea water resulted in recoveries ranging from 100–110.52%. PMID:22163555

One-hour and two-hour postload plasma glucose concentrations are comparable predictors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Southwestern Native Americans.

PubMed

Paddock, Ethan; Hohenadel, Maximilian G; Piaggi, Paolo; Vijayakumar, Pavithra; Hanson, Robert L; Knowler, William C; Krakoff, Jonathan; Chang, Douglas C

2017-09-01

Elevated 2-h plasma glucose concentration (2 h-PG) during a 75 g OGTT predict the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, 1-h plasma glucose concentration (1 h-PG) is associated with insulin secretion and may be a better predictor of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the association between 1 h-PG and 2 h-PG using gold standard methods for measuring insulin secretion and action. We also compared 1 h-PG and 2 h-PG as predictors of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This analysis included adult volunteers without diabetes, predominantly Native Americans of Southwestern heritage, who were involved in a longitudinal epidemiological study from 1965 to 2007, with a baseline OGTT that included measurement of 1 h-PG. Group 1 (n = 716) underwent an IVGTT and hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp for measurement of acute insulin response (AIR) and insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (M), respectively. Some members of Group 1 (n = 490 of 716) and members of a second, larger, group (Group 2; n = 1946) were followed-up to assess the development of type 2 diabetes (median 9.0 and 12.8 years follow-up, respectively). Compared with 2 h-PG (r = -0.281), 1 h-PG (r = -0.384) was more closely associated with AIR, whereas, compared with 1 h-PG (r = -0.340), 2 h-PG (r = -0.408) was more closely associated with M. Measures of 1 h-PG and 2 h-PG had similar abilities to predict type 2 diabetes, which did not change when both were included in the model. A 1 h-PG cut-off of 9.3 mmol/l provided similar levels of sensitivity and specificity as a 2 h-PG cut-off of 7.8 mmol/l; the latter is used to define impaired glucose tolerance, a recognised predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The 1 h-PG was associated with important physiological predictors of type 2 diabetes and was as effective as 2 h-PG for predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus. The 1 h-PG is, therefore, an alternative method of identifying individuals with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Antiorthostatic immobilization with varied sodium intake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinghofer-Szalkay, H.; Haditsch, B.; Pilz, K.; Rössler, A.; Laszlo, Z.

The study investigated, in 10 normotensive male persons, heart rate responses to graded lower body suction (LBNP) with adaptation to various oral sodium clamping during both ambulatory (AMB) conditions for 4 days, and thereafter to additional antiorthostatic (6° head down) positioning. A ,low' (LS: 143+/-10 mM Na +/ d excreted) and a ,high' (HS: 434+/-17 mM Na +/d excreted) sodium treatment - in randomized order and separated =1 mo - followed a ,conditioning' run with moderate sodium (237+/-9 mM Na +/d excreted). Urinary volume and sodium output were monitored, hormone levels (PRA, aldosterone, AVP) determined, and extracellular volume (ECV) estimated by whole body electrical impedance spectroscopy. ECV was not differently reduced (p>0.1) in LS (-5.8+/-2.3%, p=0.018) and HS (-4.0+/-1.0%. p=0.002). Morning AVP was lower (5.5+/-0.1 pg/ml) in HS than in LS (7.2+/-0.3 pg/ml; N=7 days), as well as aldosterone (69+/-7 pg/ml in HS vs. 180+/-24 pg/ml in LS). LBNP dose responses of PRA and aldosterone were higher in LS than HS after 8 days AOB, whereas microvascular fluid filtration was unchanged by any experimental condition. Heart rate responses to LBNP were unchanged by sodium supply, whereas mean arterial and pulse pressure was lower in LS than HS during all LBNP intensities. Thus, HS was able to increase arterial blood and pulse pressure and reduced PRA and aldosterone levels during graded simulated orthostatic challenge, but did neither ameliorate AOB-induced ECV decrease nor alter LBNP-induced filtration and heart rate responses. These results are relevant for planning of future countermeasures in astronauts. Supported by the Austrian Research Fund (P13451-MED)

Association of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide with contrast-induced nephropathy and long-term outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease and relative preserved left ventricular function.

PubMed

Liu, Yuan-hui; Liu, Yong; Zhou, Ying-ling; Yu, Dan-qing; He, Peng-cheng; Xie, Nian-jin; Li, Hua-long; Wei-Guo; Chen, Ji-yan; Tan, Ning

2015-04-01

The aim of the present article was to evaluate the association of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and long-term outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and relative preserved left ventricular function (LVF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We prospectively enrolled 1203 consecutive patients with CKD and preserved LVF undergoing elective PCI. The primary end point was the development of CIN, defined as an absolute increase in serum creatinine (SCr) ≥0.5 mg/dL, from baseline within 48 to 72 hours after contrast medium exposure. CIN incidence varied from 2.2% to 5.2%. Univariate logistic analysis showed that lg-NT-pro-BNP was significantly associated with CIN (odds ratio [OR] = 3.93, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.22-6.97, P < 0.001). Furthermore, lg-NT-pro-BNP remained a significant predictor of CIN (OR = 3.30, 95% CI, 1.57-6.93, P = 0.002), even after adjusting for potential confounding risk factors. These results were confirmed by using other CIN criteria, which were defined as elevations of the SCr by 25% or 0.5 and 0.3 mg/dL from the baseline. The best cutoff value of lg-NT-pro-BNP for detecting CIN was 2.73 pg/mL (537 pg/mL) with 73.1% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (C statistic = 0.754, 95% CI, 0.67-0.84, P < 0.001). In addition, NT-pro-BNP ≥537 pg/mL (2.73 pg/mL, lg-NT-pro-BNP) was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and composite end points during 2.5 years of follow-up. NT-pro-BNP ≥537 pg/mL is independently associated with an increased risk of CIN with different definitions and poor clinical outcomes in patients with CKD and relative preserved LVF undergoing PCI.

Association of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide With Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Relative Preserved Left Ventricular Function

PubMed Central

Liu, Yuan-hui; Liu, Yong; Zhou, Ying-ling; Yu, Dan-qing; He, Peng-cheng; Xie, Nian-Jin; Li, Hua-long; Wei-Guo; Chen, Ji-yan; Tan, Ning

2015-01-01

Abstract The aim of the present article was to evaluate the association of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and long-term outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and relative preserved left ventricular function (LVF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We prospectively enrolled 1203 consecutive patients with CKD and preserved LVF undergoing elective PCI. The primary end point was the development of CIN, defined as an absolute increase in serum creatinine (SCr) ≥0.5 mg/dL, from baseline within 48 to 72 hours after contrast medium exposure. CIN incidence varied from 2.2% to 5.2%. Univariate logistic analysis showed that lg-NT-pro-BNP was significantly associated with CIN (odds ratio [OR] = 3.93, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.22–6.97, P < 0.001). Furthermore, lg-NT-pro-BNP remained a significant predictor of CIN (OR = 3.30, 95% CI, 1.57–6.93, P = 0.002), even after adjusting for potential confounding risk factors. These results were confirmed by using other CIN criteria, which were defined as elevations of the SCr by 25% or 0.5 and 0.3 mg/dL from the baseline. The best cutoff value of lg-NT-pro-BNP for detecting CIN was 2.73 pg/mL (537 pg/mL) with 73.1% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (C statistic = 0.754, 95% CI, 0.67–0.84, P < 0.001). In addition, NT-pro-BNP ≥537 pg/mL (2.73 pg/mL, lg-NT-pro-BNP) was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and composite end points during 2.5 years of follow-up. NT-pro-BNP ≥537 pg/mL is independently associated with an increased risk of CIN with different definitions and poor clinical outcomes in patients with CKD and relative preserved LVF undergoing PCI. PMID:25837748

Elevated Plasma Norepinephrine After In Utero Exposure to Cocaine and Marijuana

PubMed Central

Mirochnick, Mark; Meyer, Jerrold; Frank, Deborah A.; Cabral, Howard; Tronick, Edward Z.; Zuckerman, Barry

2008-01-01

Objective To compare plasma catecholamine concentrations between cocaine-exposed and unexposed term newborns and to determine the relationship between plasma catecholamines and newborn behavior. Methods Forty-six newborn infants participating in a prospective study of the neonatal and long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure were studied. Based on maternal self-report, maternal urine screening, and infant meconium analysis, 24 infants were classified as cocaine-exposed and 22 as unexposed. Between 24 and 72 hours postpartum, plasma samples for norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine, dopamine, and dihydroxyphenylalanine analysis were obtained. The Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale was administered at 1 to 3 days of age and at 2 weeks of age by examiners masked to the drug exposure status of the newborns. Results The cocaine-exposed newborns had increased plasma NE concentrations when compared to the unexposed infants (geometric mean, 923 pg/mL vs 667 pg/mL). There were no significant differences in plasma epinephrine, dopamine, or dihydroxyphenylalanine concentrations. Analysis for the effect of potential confounding variables revealed that maternal marijuana use was also associated with increased plasma NE, although birth weight, gender, and maternal use of alcohol or cigarettes were not. Geometric mean plasma NE was 1164 pg/mL in those infants with in utero exposure to both cocaine and marijuana compared to 812 pg/mL in those exposed to only cocaine and 667 pg/mL in those exposed to neither. Among the cocaine-exposed infants, plasma NE concentration correlated with an increased score for the depressed cluster (r = .53) and a decreased score for the orientation cluster (r = −.43) of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale administered at 1 to 3 days of age. Adjusting for marijuana exposure had no effect on these relationships between plasma NE and the depressed and orientation clusters. Conclusion Plasma NE is increased in newborns exposed to cocaine and marijuana. Increased plasma NE is associated with selected neurobehavioral disturbances among cocaine exposed infants at 1 to 3 days of life but not at 2 weeks. PMID:9093298

Atmospheric particulate mercury at the urban and forest sites in central Poland.

PubMed

Siudek, Patrycja; Frankowski, Marcin; Siepak, Jerzy

2016-02-01

Particulate mercury concentrations were investigated during intensive field campaigns at the urban and forest sites in central Poland, between April 2013 and October 2014. For the first time, quantitative determination of total particulate mercury in coarse (PHg2.2) and fine (PHg0.7) aerosol samples was conducted in Poznań and Jeziory. The concentrations in urban fine and coarse aerosol fractions amounted to < MDL ± 77.1 pg m(-3) and < MDL ± 604.9 pg m(-3), respectively. Aerosol samples collected during the whole study period showed statistically significant differences for particulate mercury concentrations. A strong impact of meteorological conditions (wind velocity, air mass direction, air temperature, and precipitation amount) on particulate mercury concentrations was also observed. In particular, higher variation and concentration range of PHg0.7 and PHg2.2 was reported for wintertime measurements. An increase in atmospheric particulate mercury during the cold season in the study region indicated that coal combustion, i.e., residential and industrial heating, is the main contribution factor for the selected particle size modes. Coarse particulate Hg at the urban site during summer was mainly attributed to anthropogenic sources, with significant contribution from resuspension processes and long-range transport. The highest values of PHg0.7 and PHg2.2 were found during westerly and southerly wind events, reflecting local emission from highly polluted areas. The period from late fall to spring showed that advection from the southern part of Poland was the main factor responsible for elevated Hg concentrations in fine and coarse particles in the investigated region. Moreover, September 2013 could be given as an example of the influence of additional urban activities which occurred approx. 10 m from the sampling site-construction works connected with replacement of the road surface, asphalting, etc. The concentrations of particulate Hg (>600.0 pg m(-3)) were much higher than during the following months when any similar situation did not occur. Our investigations confirmed that Hg in urban aerosol samples was predominantly related to local industrial and commercial emissions, whereas the main source of Hg in particulate matter collected at the forest site was connected with regional anthropogenic processes. This paper provides the results of the first long-term measurements of size-fractionated particulate mercury conducted in central Poland, which could be an important insight into atmospheric Hg processes within such a scarcely investigated part of Europe.

[Change and correlated factors of fasting level of the plasma endotoxin in subjects with different glucose tolerances and body mass indices].

PubMed

Liu, Yun-Hui; Zhao, Tie-Yun; Hou, Li-Qiong

2013-09-01

To investigate the change of the levels of fasting plasma endotoxin (ET) and assess its correlated factors in individuals with different glucose tolerances and body mass indices. The levels of fasting plasma ET were assayed by the endpoint chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate method in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The height, body mass, waist, hips, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured with the conventional methods; body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. All groups were divided into obesity (BMI>or=25 kg/m2) and non-obesity (BMI<25 kg/m2) subgroups. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 hours plasma glucose (2 hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), postprandial insulin (PINS), hemoglobin Alc (HbAlc), blood lipids, free fatty acids (FFA), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also analyzed, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The relationship of the levels of plasma ET with age, BMI, WHR, blood pressure, FBG, 2 hPG, FINS, PINS, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, blood lipids, FFA, AST and ALT were also analyzed. (1) The levels of plasma ET in T2DM group (n=37) was significantly higher than that in NGT group (n=37) [7. 1 (3. 7-11. 8) EU/mL vs. 4. 5 (2.2-6.3) EU/mL, P<0.05]. The levels of plasma ET in IGR group (n=23) C5.0 (2.4-10.3) EU/mLU was lower than that in T2DM group and higher than NGT group but the differences were not significant (P>0. 05). (2) The levels of plasma ET in the obesity T2DM subgroup was higher than that in the non-obesity T2DM subgroup but the differences were not significant [7. 3 (3. 8-13. 3) EU/mL vs. 7.0 (3. 6-10. 4) EU/mL, P>0. 05]. There was a remarkable difference in the levels of plasma ET between obesity and non-obesity subgroup of IGR (6.8 (2.9-13.2) EU/mL vs. 2.7 (1.6-5. 5) EU/mL, P<0. 05), similarly between obesity and non-obesity subgroup of NGT (6.2 (3. 4-12. 7) EU/mL vs. 2. 8 (1. 8-4. 9) EU/mL, P<0. 05). (3) Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that ET wasn' t the important factor influencing FBG and 2 hPG. But BMI and FBG were the important factors influencing ET. 2 hPG and WHR weren't the important factors influencing ET. With the increase in glucose metabolic abnormalities and BMI, the levels of plasma ET are gradually increased. ET isn't the important factor influencing FBG and 2 hPG. BMI and FBG are the important factors in influencing ET.

Treatment of pain in fibromyalgia patients with testosterone gel: Pharmacokinetics and clinical response.

PubMed

White, Hillary D; Brown, Lin A J; Gyurik, Robert J; Manganiello, Paul D; Robinson, Thomas D; Hallock, Linda S; Lewis, Lionel D; Yeo, Kiang-Teck J

2015-08-01

To test our hypothesis that testosterone deficiency plays an important role in chronic pain, a Phase I/II pilot study was initiated with 12 fibromyalgia patients to verify that a daily dose for 28days with transdermal testosterone gel would 1) significantly and safely increase mean serum testosterone concentrations from low baseline levels to mid/high-normal levels, and 2) effectively treat the pain and fatigue symptoms of fibromyalgia. Pharmacokinetic data confirmed that serum free testosterone concentrations were raised significantly above baseline levels, by assessment of maximum hormone concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) parameters: free testosterone Cmax was significantly raised from a mean of 2.64pg/mL to 3.91pg/mL (p<0.05), and 24hour free testosterone AUC was significantly raised from a mean of 35.0pg-hr/mL to 53.89pg-hr/mL. Assessment of the typical symptoms of fibromyalgia by patient questionnaire and tender point exam demonstrated significant change in: decreased muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue, and increased libido during study treatment. These results are consistent with the hypothesized ability of testosterone to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptoms not tightly related to fibromyalgia were not improved. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The secondary cell wall polysaccharide of Bacillus anthracis provides the specific binding ligand for the C-terminal cell wall-binding domain of two phage endolysins, PlyL and PlyG

PubMed Central

Ganguly, Jhuma; Low, Lieh Y; Kamal, Nazia; Saile, Elke; Forsberg, L Scott; Gutierrez-Sanchez, Gerardo; Hoffmaster, Alex R; Liddington, Robert; Quinn, Conrad P; Carlson, Russell W; Kannenberg, Elmar L

2013-01-01

Endolysins are bacteriophage enzymes that lyse their bacterial host for phage progeny release. They commonly contain an N-terminal catalytic domain that hydrolyzes bacterial peptidoglycan (PG) and a C-terminal cell wall-binding domain (CBD) that confers enzyme localization to the PG substrate. Two endolysins, phage lysin L (PlyL) and phage lysin G (PlyG), are specific for Bacillus anthracis. To date, the cell wall ligands for their C-terminal CBD have not been identified. We recently described structures for a number of secondary cell wall polysaccharides (SCWPs) from B. anthracis and B. cereus strains. They are covalently bound to the PG and are comprised of a -ManNAc-GlcNAc-HexNAc- backbone with various galactosyl or glucosyl substitutions. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) showed that the endolysins PlyL and PlyG bind to the SCWP from B. anthracis (SCWPBa) with high affinity (i.e. in the μM range with dissociation constants ranging from 0.81 × 10−6 to 7.51 × 10−6 M). In addition, the PlyL and PlyG SCWPBa binding sites reside with their C-terminal domains. The dissociation constants for the interactions of these endolysins and their derived C-terminal domains with the SCWPBa were in the range reported for other protein–carbohydrate interactions. Our findings show that the SCWPBa is the ligand that confers PlyL and PlyG lysin binding and localization to the PG. PlyL and PlyG also bound the SCWP from B. cereus G9241 with comparable affinities to SCWPBa. No detectable binding was found to the SCWPs from B. cereus ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) 10987 and ATCC 14579, thus demonstrating specificity of lysin binding to SCWPs. PMID:23493680

Antimicrobial peptides and nitric oxide production by neutrophils from periodontitis subjects

PubMed Central

Mariano, F.S.; Campanelli, A.P.; Nociti, F.H.; Mattos-Graner, R.O.; Gonçalves, R.B.

2012-01-01

Neutrophils play an important role in periodontitis by producing nitric oxide (NO) and antimicrobial peptides, molecules with microbicidal activity via oxygen-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively. It is unknown whether variation in the production of antimicrobial peptides such as LL-37, human neutrophil peptides (HNP) 1-3, and NO by neutrophils influences the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. We compared the production of these peptides and NO by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated neutrophils isolated from healthy subjects and from patients with periodontitis. Peripheral blood neutrophils were cultured with or without Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-LPS (Aa-LPS), Porphyromonas gingivalis-LPS (Pg-LPS) and Escherichia coli-LPS (Ec-LPS). qRT-PCR was used to determine quantities of HNP 1-3 and LL-37 mRNA in neutrophils. Amounts of HNP 1-3 and LL-37 proteins in the cell culture supernatants were also determined by ELISA. In addition, NO levels in neutrophil culture supernatants were quantitated by the Griess reaction. Neutrophils from periodontitis patients cultured with Aa-LPS, Pg-LPS and Ec-LPS expressed higher HNP 1-3 mRNA than neutrophils from healthy subjects. LL-37 mRNA expression was higher in neutrophils from patients stimulated with Aa-LPS. Neutrophils from periodontitis patients produced significantly higher LL-37 protein levels than neutrophils from healthy subjects when stimulated with Pg-LPS and Ec-LPS, but no difference was observed in HNP 1-3 production. Neutrophils from periodontitis patients cultured or not with Pg-LPS and Ec-LPS produced significantly lower NO levels than neutrophils from healthy subjects. The significant differences in the production of LL-37 and NO between neutrophils from healthy and periodontitis subjects indicate that production of these molecules might influence individual susceptibility to important periodontal pathogens. PMID:22850872

Association of Canine Osteosarcoma and Monocyte Phenotype and Chemotactic Function.

PubMed

Tuohy, J L; Lascelles, B D X; Griffith, E H; Fogle, J E

2016-07-01

Monocytes/macrophages are likely key cells in immune modulation in dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA). Increased peripheral monocyte counts are negatively correlated with shorter disease-free intervals in dogs with OSA. Understanding the monocyte/macrophage's modulatory role in dogs with OSA can direct further studies in immunotherapy development for OSA. That OSA evades the immune response by down-regulating monocyte chemokine receptor expression and migratory function, and suppresses host immune responses. Eighteen dogs with OSA that have not received definitive treatment and 14 healthy age-matched controls Clinical study-expression of peripheral blood monocyte cell surface receptors, monocyte mRNA expression and cytokine secretion, monocyte chemotaxis, and survival were compared between clinical dogs with OSA and healthy control dogs. Cell surface expression of multiple chemokine receptors is significantly down-regulated in peripheral blood monocytes of dogs with OSA. The percentage expression of CCR2 (median 58%, range 2-94%) and CXCR2 expression (median 54%, range 2-92%) was higher in control dogs compared to dogs with OSA (CCR2 median 29%, range 3-45%, P = 0.0006; CXCR2 median 23%, range 0.2-52%, P = 0.0007). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) (OSA, median 347.36 pg/mL, range 103.4-1268.5; control, 136.23 pg/mL, range 69.93-542.6, P = .04) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (P = .02) levels are increased in OSA monocyte culture supernatants compared to controls. Peripheral blood monocytes of dogs with OSA exhibit decreased chemotactic function when compared to control dogs (OSA, median 1.2 directed to random migration, range 0.8-1.25; control, 1.6, range of 0.9-1.8, P = .018). Dogs with OSA have decreased monocyte chemokine receptor expression and monocyte chemotaxis, potential mechanisms by which OSA might evade the immune response. Reversal of monocyte dysfunction using immunotherapy could improve survival in dogs with OSA. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in urine by gas chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Sklerov, J H; Kalasinsky, K S; Ehorn, C A

1999-10-01

A confirmatory method for the detection and quantitation of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is presented. The method employs gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS) using an internal ionization ion trap detector for sensitive MS-MS-in-time measurements of LSD extracted from urine. Following a single-step solid-phase extraction of 5 mL of urine, underivatized LSD can be measured with limits of quantitation and detection of 80 and 20 pg/mL, respectively. Temperature-programmed on-column injections of urine extracts were linear over the concentration range 20-2000 pg/mL (r2 = 0.999). Intraday and interday coefficients of variation were < 6% and < 13%, respectively. This procedure has been applied to quality-control specimens and LSD-positive samples in this laboratory. Comparisons with alternate GC-MS methods and extraction procedures are discussed.

Interaction of graphene family materials with Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurantowicz, Natalia; Sawosz, Ewa; Jaworski, Sławomir; Kutwin, Marta; Strojny, Barbara; Wierzbicki, Mateusz; Szeliga, Jacek; Hotowy, Anna; Lipińska, Ludwika; Koziński, Rafał; Jagiełło, Joanna; Chwalibog, André

2015-01-01

Graphene family materials have unique properties, which make them valuable for a range of applications. The antibacterial properties of graphene have been reported; however, findings have been contradictory. This study reports on the antimicrobial proprieties of three different graphene materials (pristine graphene (pG), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)) against the food-borne bacterial pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. A high concentration (250 μg/mL) of all the analyzed graphenes completely inhibited the growth of both pathogens, despite their difference in bacterial cell wall structure. At a lower concentration (25 μg/mL), similar effects were only observed with GO, as growth inhibition decreased with pG and rGO at the lower concentration. Interaction of the nanoparticles with the pathogenic bacteria was found to differ depending on the form of graphene. Microscopic imaging demonstrated that bacteria were arranged at the edges of pG and rGO, while with GO, they adhered to the nanoparticle surface. GO was found to have the highest antibacterial activity.

Cerium oxide-triggered 'one-to-many' catalytic cycling strategy for in situ amplified electronic signal of low-abundance protein.

PubMed

Tang, Juan; Chen, Xian; Zhou, Jun; Li, Qunfang; Chen, Guonan; Tang, Dianping

2013-08-07

Multifunctionalized thionine-modified cerium oxide (Thi-CeO2) nanostructures with redox ability and catalytic activity were designed as the bionanolabels for in situ amplified electronic signal of low-abundance protein (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA, used as a model) based on a cerium oxide-triggered 'one-to-many' catalytic cycling strategy. Initially, the carried CeO2 nanoparticles autocatalytically hydrolyzed the phosphate ester bond of l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AAP) to produce a new reactant (l-ascorbic acid, AA), then the generated AA was electrochemically oxidized by the assembled thionine on the Thi-CeO2, and the resultant product was then reduced back to AA by the added tris(2-carboxyethy)phosphine (TCEP). The catalytic cycling could be re-triggered by the thionine and TCEP, resulting in amplification of the electrochemical signal. Under the optimized conditions, the electrochemical immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.1 pg mL(-1) to 80 ng mL(-1) with a low detection limit of 0.08 pg mL(-1) CEA at the 3σblank level. In addition, the methodology was evaluated for the analysis of clinical serum samples, and was in good accordance with values obtained using the commercialized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Supplemental vitamin D and calcium in the management of African Americans with heart failure having hypovitaminosis D.

PubMed

Zia, Ayhan A; Komolafe, Babatunde O; Moten, Marriyam; Ahokas, Robert A; McGee, Jesse E; William Rosenberg, E; Bhattacharya, Syamal K; Weber, Karl T

2011-02-01

A dyshomeostasis of macro- and micronutrients, including vitamin D and oxidative stress, are common pathophysiologic features in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). In African Americans (AA) with CHF, reductions in plasma 25(OH)D are of moderate-to-marked severity (<20 ng/mL) and may be accompanied by ionized hypocalcemia with compensatory increases in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH). The management of hypovitaminosis D in AA with CHF has not been established. Herein, a 14-week regimen: an initial 8 weeks of oral ergocalciferol (50,000 IU once weekly); followed by a 6-week maintenance phase of cholecalciferol (1400 IU daily); and a CaCO₃ (1000 mg daily) supplement given throughout was designed and tested. Fourteen AA patients having a dilated (idiopathic) cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction (EF, <35%) were enrolled: all completed the initial 8-week course; and 12 complied with the full 14 weeks. At baseline, 8 and/or 14 weeks, serum 25(OH)D and PTH; serum 8-isoprostane, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, and echocardiographic EF were monitored. Reduced 25(OH)D at entry (14.4 ± 1.3 ng/mL) was improved (P < 0.05) in all patients at 8 weeks (30.7 ± 3.2 ng/mL) and sustained (P < 0.05) at 14 weeks (30.9 ± 2.8 ng/mL). Serum PTH, abnormally increased in 5 patients at baseline (104.8 ± 8.2 pg/mL), was reduced at 8 and 14 weeks (74.4 ± 18.3 and 73.8 ± 13.0 pg/mL, respectively). Plasma 8-isoprostane at entry (136.1 ± 8.8 pg/mL) was reduced at 14 weeks (117.8 ± 7.8 pg/mL; P < 0.05), whereas baseline EF (24.3 ± 1.7%) was improved (31.3 ± 4.3%; P < 0.05). Thus, the 14-week course of supplemental vitamin D and CaCO₃ led to healthy 25(OH)D levels in AA with heart failure having vitamin D deficiency of moderate-to-marked severity. Albeit a small patient population, the findings suggest that this regimen may attenuate the accompanying secondary hyperparathyroidism and oxidative stress and improve ventricular function.

High normal post-load plasma glucose, cardiometabolic risk factors and signs of organ damage in obese children.

PubMed

Di Bonito, Procolo; Licenziati, Maria Rosaria; Baroni, Marco Giorgio; Congiu, Tiziana; Incani, Michela; Iannuzzi, Arcangelo; Maffeis, Claudio; Perrone, Laura; Valerio, Giuliana; Del Giudice, Emanuele Miraglia

2014-08-01

To evaluate normoglycemic overweight/obese (Ow/Ob) children whose post-load plasma glucose (2hPG) cut-point may be significantly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and whether this cut-point predicts preclinical signs of organ damage. One thousand seven hundred and thrity four normoglycemic Ow/Ob children were stratified into quintiles of 2hPG, the sixth group was constituted by 101 children with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Moving from the lower quintiles of 2hPG to IGT, the groups differed for Prepubertal stage, BMI, fasting PG, insulin levels, blood pressure, and lipids. To evaluate the best cut-off of 2hPG related to CMRFs, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Youden's index was calculated. Insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high triglyceride/HDL-C ratio were associated with a 2hPG cut-off of 110 mg/dl. Children with 2hPG ≥110 mg/dl showed 1.3-3.2 fold higher risk to have high levels of ALT (as surrogate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) or increased carotid intima-media thickness. This study, performed in a large cohort of Ow/Ob children, shows that an atherogenic risk profile and preclinical signs of organ damage are associated with post-challenge elevations in plasma glucose still considered in the high normal range. Copyright © 2014 The Obesity Society.

Short-term temperature-dependent air-surface exchange and atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated naphthalenes and organochlorine pesticides

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

Lee, R.G.M.; Burnett, V.; Harner, T.

2000-02-01

Atmospheric concentrations of five organochlorine (OC) pesticides, some of which have been banned for a number of years, and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were measured at a U.K. site over periods of 6 h for 7 days resulting in 28 samples. Mean concentrations of the pesticides were {alpha}-HCH 90 pg m{sup {minus}3}, {gamma}-HCH 500, {rho},{rho}{prime}-DDE 8, dieldrin 63, endrin 22, and HCB 39. PCN mean homologue concentrations were {sub 3}CNs 67 pg m{sup {minus}3}, {sub 4}CNs 78, {sub 5}CNs 5, {sub 6}CNs 0.6, {sub 7}CNs 0.6, and {Sigma}PCNs 152. TEQ concentrations for those PCNs ascribed TEF values ranged between 0.36 andmore » 3.6 fg m{sup {minus}3} which corresponds to {approximately}3.0--30% of the TEQ concentrations of PCDD/Fs at the same site. All the compounds measured, except HCB, exhibited a strong temperature-dependent diurnal cycling. Results from Clausius-Clapeyron plots show that pesticide concentrations were controlled by temperature-driven air-surface recycling throughout the first 5 days when stable atmospheric conditions were dominant, while during the last 2 days advection became more influential as more unstable and cooler weather started to influence the site. PCN concentrations were controlled primarily by a mixture of recycling and advection throughout the first 5 days and then by advection in the final 2 days, suggesting that there are ongoing emissions from diffuse point sources of PCNs into the U.K. atmosphere. This study provides further evidence of the rapid air-surface exchange of semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) and shows how different factors alone or in combination can produce rapid changes in the atmospheric concentrations of past and present SOCs.« less

Development and validation of a LC-MS/MS method for the determination of clebopride and its application to a pharmacokinetics study in healthy Chinese volunteers.

PubMed

Tan, Zhirong; Ouyang, Dongsheng; Chen, Yao; Zhou, Gan; Cao, Shan; Wang, Yicheng; Peng, Xiujuan; Zhou, Honghao

2010-08-01

A sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the identification and quantification of clebopride in human plasma using itopride as an internal standard. The method involves a simple liquid-liquid extraction. The analytes were separated by isocratic gradient elution on a CAPCELL MG-III C(18) (5 microm, 150 mm x 2.1 mm i.d.) column and analyzed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with positive electrospray ionization (ESI) interface using the respective [M+H](+) ions, m/z 373.9-->m/z184.0 for clebopride, m/z 359.9-->m/z71.5 for itopride. The method was validated over the concentration range of 69.530-4450.0 pg/ml for clebopride. Within- and between-batch precision (RSD%) was all within 6.83% and accuracy ranged from -8.16 to 1.88%. The LLOQ was 69.530 pg/ml. The extraction recovery was on an average 77% for clebopride. The validated method was used to study the pharmacokinetics profile of clebopride in human plasma after oral administration of clebopride. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

High-Throughput, Protein-Targeted Biomolecular Detection Using Frequency-Domain Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Murdock, Richard J; Putnam, Shawn A; Das, Soumen; Gupta, Ankur; Chase, Elyse D Z; Seal, Sudipta

2017-03-01

A clinically relevant magneto-optical technique (fd-FRS, frequency-domain Faraday rotation spectroscopy) for characterizing proteins using antibody-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is demonstrated. This technique distinguishes between the Faraday rotation of the solvent, iron oxide core, and functionalization layers of polyethylene glycol polymers (spacer) and model antibody-antigen complexes (anti-BSA/BSA, bovine serum albumin). A detection sensitivity of ≈10 pg mL -1 and broad detection range of 10 pg mL -1 ≲ c BSA ≲ 100 µg mL -1 are observed. Combining this technique with predictive analyte binding models quantifies (within an order of magnitude) the number of active binding sites on functionalized MNPs. Comparative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies are conducted, reproducing the manufacturer advertised BSA ELISA detection limits from 1 ng mL -1 ≲ c BSA ≲ 500 ng mL -1 . In addition to the increased sensitivity, broader detection range, and similar specificity, fd-FRS can be conducted in less than ≈30 min, compared to ≈4 h with ELISA. Thus, fd-FRS is shown to be a sensitive optical technique with potential to become an efficient diagnostic in the chemical and biomolecular sciences. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analytical confirmation of synthetic cannabinoids in a cohort of 179 presentations with acute recreational drug toxicity to an Emergency Department in London, UK in the first half of 2015.

PubMed

Abouchedid, Rachelle; Hudson, Simon; Thurtle, Natalie; Yamamoto, Takahiro; Ho, James H; Bailey, George; Wood, Michelle; Sadones, Nele; Stove, Christophe P; Dines, Alison; Archer, John R H; Wood, David M; Dargan, Paul I

2017-06-01

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists are the largest group of new psychoactive substances reported in the last decade; in this study we investigated how commonly these drugs are found in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute recreational drug toxicity. We conducted an observational cohort study enrolling consecutive adult patients presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) in London (UK) January-July 2015 (6 months) with acute recreational drug toxicity. Residual serum obtained from a serum sample taken as part of routine clinical care was analyzed using high-resolution accurate mass-spectrometry with liquid-chromatography (HRAM-LCMSMS). Minimum clinical data were obtained from ED medical records. 18 (10%) of the 179 patient samples were positive for synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. The most common was 5F AKB-48 (13 samples, concentration 50-7600 pg/ml), followed by 5F PB-22 (7, 30-400 pg/mL), MDMB-CHMICA (7, 80-8000 pg/mL), AB-CHMINACA (3, 50-1800 pg/mL), Cumyl 5F-PINACA (1, 800 pg/mL) and BB-22 (1, 60 pg/mL). Only 9/18 (50%) in whom synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists were detected self-reported synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist use. The most common clinical features were seizures and agitation, both recorded in four (22%) individuals. Fourteen patients (78%) were discharged from the ED, one of the four admitted to hospital was admitted to critical care. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists were found in 10% of this cohort with acute recreational drug toxicity but self-reported in only half of these. This suggests that presentations to the ED with acute synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist toxicity may be more common than reported.

Death by self-mutilation after oral cannabis consumption.

PubMed

Delteil, Clemence; Sastre, Caroline; Piercecchi, Marie-Dominique; Faget-Agius, Catherine; Deveaux, Marc; Kintz, Pascal; Devooght, Marc-Antoine; Leonetti, George; Bartoli, Christophe; Pélissier-Alicot, Anne-Laure

2018-01-01

Major self-mutilation (amputation, castration, self-inflicted eye injuries) is frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and/or substance abuse. A 35-year-old man presented with behavioral disturbances of sudden onset after oral cannabis consumption and major self-mutilation (attempted amputation of the right arm, self-enucleation of both eyes and impalement) which resulted in death. During the enquiry, four fragments of a substance resembling cannabis resin were seized at the victim's home. Autopsy confirmed that death was related to hemorrhage following the mutilations. Toxicological findings showed cannabinoids in femoral blood (tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 13.5 ng/mL, 11-hydroxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) 4.1 ng/mL, 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH) 14.7 ng/mL, cannabidiol (CBD) 1.3 ng/mL, cannabinol (CBN) 0.7 ng/mL). Cannabinoid concentrations in hair (1.5 cm brown hair strand/1 segment) were consistent with concentrations measured in chronic users (THC 137 pg/mg, 11-OH-THC 1 pg/mg, CBD 9 pg/mg, CBN 94 pg/mg). Analysis of the fragments seized confirmed that this was cannabis resin with high levels of THC (31-35%). We discuss the implications of oral consumption of cannabis with a very high THC content. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new electrochemical substrate for rapid and sensitive in vivo monitoring of β-galactosidase gene expressions.

PubMed

Manibalan, Kesavan; Mani, Veerappan; Huang, Chih-Hung; Huang, Sheng-Tung; Chang, Pu-Chieh

2015-09-07

A 4-Methoxyphenyl-β-galactopyranoside (4-MPGal) substrate incorporating 4-methoxy phenol (4-MP) as an electrochemical reporter is described for the monitoring of β-Galactosidase (β-Gal) gene expressions. β-Gal derived from Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) were investigated, while a graphene oxide film modified electrode was employed as the transducer. The electrochemical signal of 4-MPG within 4-MPGal was masked by protecting their hydroxyl group with galactose. The externally added β-Gal triggered the deprotection through specific enzymatic hydrolysis with concomitant release of 4-MP. The apparent Km and Vmax values of 4-MPGal are determined to be 0.21 mM and 0.51 μM min(-1) mg of β-Gal(-1) (E. coli), which is consistent with the previous reports. To detect β-Gal derived from E. coli, cyclic voltammetry (CV) provides linear ranges of 12-1200 ng mL(-1) and 1.2-12 μg mL(-1) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5 ng mL(-1), while differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) shows a linear range of 1.2-120 ng mL(-1) and LOD of 1 ng mL(-1). To detect β-Gal derived from A. oryzae, CV provides linear ranges of 0.1-100 ng mL(-1) and 0.1-1 μg mL(-1) with a LOD of 0.06 ng mL(-1), while DPV shows a linear range of 10 pg mL(-1)-10 ng mL(-1) with a LOD of 8 pg mL(-1). Moreover, we set up a platform for the real-time in vivo monitoring of β-Gal gene expressions in E. coli cultivated through microbiological culture. The developed sensing platform using 4-MPGal as a substrate is simple, rapid, sensitive, specific and advantageous over its laborious optical analogues.

Hybrid Epitaxial Structures for Spintronics

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-06-03

superlat- magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on the short tice have a perpendicular magnetization, which are range chemical order in combination...Groot, EM. Mueller, PG. van Engen , K.H.J. Buschow, [76] EG. Monzon, M.L. Roukes, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 198-199 Phys. Rev. Lett. 50 (1983) 2024-2027

Can the analysis of built-in software of CPAP devices replace polygraphy in children?

PubMed

Khirani, Sonia; Delord, Vincent; Olmo Arroyo, Jorge; De Sanctis, Livio; Frapin, Annick; Amaddeo, Alessandro; Fauroux, Brigitte

2017-09-01

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for the scoring of residual respiratory events during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Studies comparing PSG scoring with automatic scoring by the built-in software of CPAP devices have reported acceptable agreements except for the hypopnea index (HI) in adult patients, but no study has yet been conducted in children. The aim of the present study was to compare the automatic scoring by CPAP device and manual scoring using the software tracings of the CPAP device integrating pulse oximetry (SpO 2 ) with in-lab polygraphy (PG). Consecutive clinically stable children treated with constant CPAP (ResMed) for at least one month and scheduled for a nocturnal PG were recruited. A pulse oximeter was connected to the CPAP device. The PG apnea-hypopnea index (AHI PG ), scored according to modified AASM guidelines, was compared with the automatic AHI reported by the CPAP device (AHI A CPAP ) and the manual scoring of the AHI on the CPAP software (AHI M CPAP ). Fifteen children (1.5-18.6 years) were included. Mean residual AHI PG was 0.9 ± 1.2/hour (0.0-4.6/hour) vs. AHI A CPAP of 3.6 ± 3.6/hour (0.5-14.7/hour) (p < 0.001), and AHI M CPAP of 1.2 ± 1.6/hour (0.0-5.1/hour) (p = 0.01). Correlation between AHI PG and AHI A CPAP was good (r = 0.667; p = 0.007), and improved when considering AHI M CPAP (r = 0.933; p < 0.001). Strong correlations were also observed between the PG apnea index (AI) and HI, and the manually scored AI and HI on CPAP, respectively. Manual scoring of respiratory events on the built-in software tracings of CPAP devices integrating SpO 2 signal may be helpful. These results have to be confirmed in patients with higher AHI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emissions of mercury in Southern Africa derived from long-term observations at Cape Point, South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunke, E.-G.; Ebinghaus, R.; Kock, H. H.; Labuschagne, C.; Slemr, F.

2012-05-01

Mercury emissions in South Africa have so far been estimated only by a bottom-up approach from activities and emission factors for different processes. In this paper we derive GEM/CO (GEM being gaseous elemental mercury, Hg0), GEM/CO2, GEM/CH4, CO/CO2, CH4/CO2, and CH4/CO emission ratios from plumes observed during long-term monitoring of these species at Cape Point between March 2007 and December 2009. The average observed GEM/CO, GEM/CO2, GEM/CH4, CO/CO2, CH4/CO2, and CH4/CO emission ratios were 2.40 ± 2.65 pg m-3 ppb-1 (n = 47), 62.7 ± 80.2 pg m-3 ppb-1 (n = 44), 3.61 ± 4.66 pg m-3 ppb-1 (n = 46), 35.6 ± 25.4 ppb ppm-1 (n = 52), 20.2 ± 15.5 ppb ppm-1 (n=48), and 0.876 ± 1.106 ppb ppm-1 (n=42), respectively. The observed CO/CO2, CH4/CO2, and CH4/CO emission ratios agree within the combined uncertainties of the observations and emissions with the ratios calculated from EDGAR (version 4.2) CO2, CO, and CH4 inventories for South Africa and Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique) in 2007 and 2008 (inventories for 2009 are not available yet). Total elemental mercury emission of 13.1, 15.2, and 16.1 t Hg yr-1 are estimated independently using the GEM/CO, GEM/CO2, and GEM/CH4 emission ratios and the annual mean CO, CO2, and CH4 emissions, respectively, of South Africa in 2007 and 2008. The average of these independent estimates of 14.8 ± 1.5 t GEM yr-1 is much less than the total emission of 257 t Hg yr-1 from older inventories. Considering that emission of GEM represents only 50-78% of all mercury emissions, our estimates come close to the total mercury emission estimates ranging between 40-50 t Hg yr-1 from more recent inventories.

Estimating the dim light melatonin onset of adolescents within a 6-h sampling window: the impact of sampling rate and threshold method

PubMed Central

Crowley, Stephanie J.; Suh, Christina; Molina, Thomas A.; Fogg, Louis F.; Sharkey, Katherine M.; Carskadon, Mary A.

2016-01-01

Objective/Background Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders often manifest during the adolescent years. Measurement of circadian phase such as the Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) improves diagnosis and treatment of these disorders, but financial and time costs limit the use of DLMO phase assessments in clinic. The current analysis aims to inform a cost-effective and efficient protocol to measure the DLMO in older adolescents by reducing the number of samples and total sampling duration. Patients/Methods A total of 66 healthy adolescents (26 males) aged 14.8 to 17.8 years participated in a study in which sleep was fixed for one week before they came to the laboratory for saliva collection in dim light (<20 lux). Two partial 6-h salivary melatonin profiles were derived for each participant. Both profiles began 5 h before bedtime and ended 1 h after bedtime, but one profile was derived from samples taken every 30 mins (13 samples) and the other from samples taken every 60 mins (7 samples). Three standard thresholds (first 3 melatonin values mean + 2 SDs, 3 pg/mL, and 4 pg/mL) were used to compute the DLMO. Agreement between DLMOs derived from 30-min and 60-min sampling rates was determined using a Bland-Altman analysis; agreement between sampling rate DLMOs was defined as ± 1 h. Results and Conclusions Within a 6-h sampling window, 60-min sampling provided DLMO estimates that were within ± 1 h of DLMO from 30-min sampling, but only when an absolute threshold (3 pg/mL or 4 pg/mL) was used to compute the DLMO. Future analyses should be extended to include adolescents with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders. PMID:27318227

Application of pH-sensitive fusogenic polymer-modified liposomes for development of mucosal vaccines.

PubMed

Watarai, Shinobu; Iwase, Tana; Tajima, Tomoko; Yuba, Eiji; Kono, Kenji; Sekiya, Yukio

2014-03-15

To evaluate the usefulness of pH-sensitive fusogenic polymer (succinylated poly(glycidol) (SucPG) and 3-methylglutarylated poly(glycidol) (MGluPG))-modified liposomes as mucosal vaccine in the induction of a protective immune responses was evaluated. Mice were nasally immunized with OVA-containing SucPG-modified liposomes. After immunization, significant Ag-specific Abs were detected in the serum and intestine. When sera were analyzed for isotype distribution, antigen-specific IgG1 Ab responses were noted in mice immunized with OVA-containing polymer-unmodified liposomes, whereas immunization with OVA-containing SucPG-modified liposomes resulted in the induction of OVA-specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgG3 Ab responses. In spleen lymphocytes from mice immunized with OVA-containing SucPG-modified liposomes, both IFN-γ and IL-4 mRNA were detected. The same result was obtained also in the mouse immunized with OVA-containing MGluPG-modified liposomes. Furthermore, we examined the induction of immune responses in chickens following intraocular immunization with Salmonella Enteritidis Ag-containing MGluPG-modified liposomes, and the protective effect against the challenge with S. Enteritidis. Immunization with S. Enteritidis Ag-containing MGluPG-modified liposomes induced significant Ab responses against S. Enteritidis in the serum and intestine. Less fecal excretion of bacteria was observed in chickens immunized with S. Enteritidis Ag-containing MGluPG-modified liposomes after challenge. The numbers of bacteria in the caecum were also lower in immunized chickens than in unimmunized controls. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Retrospective approach to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations in children.

PubMed

Özer, Işıl; Özçetin, Mustafa; Karaer, Hatice; Kurt, Semiha G; Şahin, Şemsettin

2011-07-01

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase reduces methyltetrahydrofolate, a cosubstrate in the remethylation of homocysteine, from methylenetetrahydrofolate. Congenital defects, hematologic tumors, and intrauterine growth retardation can occur during childhood. This study evaluated clinical and laboratory treatment approaches in children diagnosed with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations. Our group included 23 boys and 14 girls, aged 103.4 ± 70.8 months S.D. Clinical findings of patients and homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, hemogram, electroencephalography, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography data were evaluated in terms of treatment approach. Our patients' findings included vitamin B12 at 400.4 ± 224.6 pg/mL S.D. (normal range, 300-700 pg/mL), folate at 10.1 ± 4.5 ng/mL S.D. (normal range, 1.8-9 ng/mL), and homocysteine at 8.4 ± 4.7 μmol/L S.D. (normal range, 5.5-17 μmol/L). Eighty-eight percent of patients demonstrated clinical findings. In comparisons involving categorical variables between groups, χ(2) tests were used. No relationship was evident between mutation type, laboratory data, and clinical severity. All mothers who had MTHFR mutations and had babies with sacral dimples had taken folate supplements during pregnancy. To avoid the risk of neural tube defects, pregnant women with a MTHFR mutation may require higher than normally recommended doses of folic acid supplementation for optimum health. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Age at onset of DSM-IV pathological gambling in a non-treatment sample: Early- versus later-onset.

PubMed

Black, Donald W; Shaw, Martha; Coryell, William; Crowe, Raymond; McCormick, Brett; Allen, Jeff

2015-07-01

Pathological gambling (PG) is a prevalent and impairing public health problem. In this study we assessed age at onset in men and women with PG and compared the demographic and clinical picture of early- vs. later-onset individuals. We also compared age at onset in PG subjects and their first-degree relatives with PG. Subjects with DSM-IV PG were recruited during the conduct of two non-treatment clinical studies. Subjects were evaluated with structured interviews and validated questionnaires. Early-onset was defined as PG starting prior to age 33years. Age at onset of PG in the 255 subjects ranged from 8 to 80years with a mean (SD) of 34.0 (15.3) years. Men had an earlier onset than women. 84% of all subjects with PG had developed the disorder by age 50years. Early-onset subjects were more likely to be male, to prefer action games, and to have substance use disorders, antisocial personality disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, trait impulsiveness, and social anxiety disorder. Later-onset was more common in women and was associated with a preference for slots and a history of sexual abuse. Age at onset of PG is bimodal and differs for men and women. Early-onset PG and later-onset PG have important demographic and clinical differences. The implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aflatoxin exposure during the first 1000 days of life in rural South Asia assessed by aflatoxin B₁-lysine albumin biomarkers.

PubMed

Groopman, John D; Egner, Patricia A; Schulze, Kerry J; Wu, Lee S-F; Merrill, Rebecca; Mehra, Sucheta; Shamim, Abu A; Ali, Hasmot; Shaikh, Saijuddin; Gernand, Alison; Khatry, Subarna K; LeClerq, Steven C; West, Keith P; Christian, Parul

2014-12-01

Aflatoxin B1 is a potent carcinogen, occurring from mold growth that contaminates staple grains in hot, humid environments. In this investigation, aflatoxin B1-lysine albumin biomarkers were measured by mass spectrometry in rural South Asian women, during the first and third trimester of pregnancy, and their children at birth and at two years of age. These subjects participated in randomized community trials of antenatal micronutrient supplementation in Sarlahi District, southern Nepal and Gaibandha District in northwestern Bangladesh. Findings from the Nepal samples demonstrated exposure to aflatoxin, with 94% detectable samples ranging from 0.45 to 2939.30 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin during pregnancy. In the Bangladesh samples the range was 1.56 to 63.22 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin in the first trimester, 3.37 to 72.8 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin in the third trimester, 4.62 to 76.69 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin at birth and 3.88 to 81.44 pg aflatoxin B1-lysine/mg albumin at age two years. Aflatoxin B1-lysine adducts in cord blood samples demonstrated that the fetus had the capacity to convert aflatoxin into toxicologically active compounds and the detection in the same 2-year-old children illustrates exposure over the first 1000 days of life. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Screening of a ScFv Antibody With High Affinity for Application in Human IFN-γ Immunoassay

PubMed Central

Yang, Hang; Zhong, Yanfang; Wang, Juncheng; Zhang, Qinghong; Li, Xiulan; Ling, Sumei; Wang, Shihua; Wang, Rongzhi

2018-01-01

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a signal proinflammatory cytokine secreted by immune cell, and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. It has been regarded as an important marker for determination of disease-specific immune responses. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a feasible and accurate method to detect IFN-γ in clinic real blood samples. Until now, the immunoassay based on singe chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody for human IFN-γ is still not reported. In the present study, an scFv antibody named scFv-A8 with high specificity was obtained by phage display and biopanning, with the affinity 2.6 × 109 L/mol. Maltose binding protein (MBP) was used to improve the solubility of scFv by inserting an linker DNA between scFv and MBP tag, and the resulted fusion protein (MBP-LK-scFv) has high solubility and antigen biding activity. The expressed and purified MBP-LK-scFv antibody was used to develop the indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (ic-ELISA) for detection of human IFN-γ, and the result indicated that the linear range to detect IFN-γ was 6–60 pg/mL with IC50 of 25 pg/mL. The limit of detection was 2 pg/mL (1.3 fm), and the average recovery was 85.05%, further demonstrating that the detection method based on scFv has higher recovery and accuracy. Hence, the developed ic-ELISA can be used to detect IFN-γ in real samples, and it may be further provided a scientific basis for disease diagnosis. PMID:29563896

NT-pro-BNP predicts worsening renal function in patients with chronic systolic heart failure.

PubMed

Pfister, R; Müller-Ehmsen, J; Hagemeister, J; Hellmich, M; Erdmann, E; Schneider, C A

2011-06-01

Worsening renal function (WRF) is frequently observed in patients with heart failure and is associated with worse outcome. The aim of this study was to examine the association of the cardiac serum marker N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) and WRF. A total of 125 consecutive patients of a tertiary care outpatient clinic for heart failure prospectively underwent evaluation of renal function every 6 months. The association of baseline NT-pro-BNP with WRF was analysed during a follow up of 18 months. Twenty-eight (22.4%) patients developed WRF (increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL). Patients with WRF (2870 pg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 1063-4765) had significantly higher baseline NT-pro-BNP values than patients without WRF (547 pg/mL, IQR 173-1454). The risk for WRF increased by 4.0 (95% CI 2.1-7.5) for each standard deviation of log NT-pro-BNP. In multivariable analysis including age, baseline renal function, ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class and diuretic dose, only NT-pro-BNP and diabetes were independent predictors of WRF. At a cut-off level of 696 pg/mL, NT-pro-BNP showed a sensitivity of 92.9% and a negative predictive value of 96.4% for WRF. NT-pro-BNP is a strong independent predictor of WRF within 18 months in patients with systolic heart failure with a high negative predictive value. Further studies are needed to evaluate reno-protective strategies in patients with elevated NT-pro-BNP. © 2011 The Authors. Internal Medicine Journal © 2011 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Urine Albumin Excretion Is Associated with Cardiac Troponin T Detected with a Highly Sensitive Assay in a Community-Based Population.

PubMed

Xiao, Wenkai; Ye, Ping; Cao, Ruihua; Yang, Xu; Bai, Yongyi; Wu, Hongmei

2015-01-01

Urine albumin excretion is an important predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Minimally elevated levels of serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT), a marker of cardiomyocyte micronecrosis, can be detected with high sensitivity cTnT (hs-cTnT) assays. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between alterations in albuminuria and serum hs-cTnT levels in a community-based population. We examined the association between the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) and hs-cTnT levels in 1354 participants without overt cardiovascular disease in a community-based, cross-sectional study in Beijing, China. With the highly sensitive assay, cTnT levels were detectable in 90.5% of our subjects. The median (interquartile range) concentrations of hs-cTnT were 7 (5-10) pg/mL. After adjustment for several factors, UACR (odds ratio: 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.65; P = 0.002) was associated with a higher likelihood of elevated hs-cTnT (≥14 pg/ mL), whereas the relationship between UACR and a higher presence of detectable hs-cTnT (≥ 3 pg/ mL) was not significant. In addition, a fully adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with participants in the lowest UACR quartile, those in the highest quartile had a 2.43- fold (95% CI: 1.25-5.08; P = 0.006) increased risk of elevated hs-cTnT. Higher urine albumin excretion is associated with elevated hs-cTnT among persons without clinically evident cardiovascular disease, suggesting that albuminuria may be a potential risk factor for subclinical cardiovascular disease in the general population.

Serum decoy receptor 3 is a biomarker for disease severity in nonatopic asthma patients.

PubMed

Chen, Ming-Han; Kan, Hung-Tsai; Liu, Chun-Yu; Yu, Wen-Kuang; Lee, Shinn-Shing; Wang, Jia-Horng; Hsieh, Shie-Liang

2017-01-01

Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), a soluble receptor of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is a pleiotropic immunomodulator. The aim of this study was to investigate serum DcR3 levels in atopic and nonatopic asthma patients. The serum DcR3 levels of 70 adults with asthma and 20 healthy controls were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The asthma patients were divided into atopic and nonatopic subgroups, based on the presence or absence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific to allergen. Correlations between serum DcR3 levels and blood total-eosinophil counts, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores were analyzed. The mean serum DcR3 level was significantly higher in asthma patients than in healthy controls (266.1 ± 60.6 pg/mL vs. 63.7 ± 21.9 pg/mL, p = 0.003), but there was no significant difference between the mean serum DcR3 level of asthma patients with atopy (37 patients) and patients without atopy (33 patients; 298.7 ± 111.2 pg/mL vs. 230.6 ± 38.5 pg/mL, p = 0.064). However, the serum DcR3 level was positively correlated with the total eosinophil count (r = 0.448, p = 0.012) and inversely correlated with the percentages of predicted FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and ACT score (r = 0.409, p = 0.018; r = -0.399, p = 0.021; and r = -0.505, p = 0.003, respectively) in nonatopic asthma patients, but not in atopic patients. High serum DcR3 levels are associated with disease severity in nonatopic asthma patients, which suggests that DcR3 is a potential biomarker that can be used to predict the severity of nonatopic asthma. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Cloning and characterisation of a putative pollen-specific polygalacturonase gene (CpPG1) differentially regulated during pollen development in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.).

PubMed

Carvajal, F; Garrido, D; Jamilena, M; Rosales, R

2014-03-01

Studies in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. spp. pepo) pollen have been limited to the viability and morphology of the mature pollen grain. The enzyme polygalacturonase (PG) is involved in pollen development and pollination in many species. In this work, we study anther and pollen development of C. pepo and present the cloning and characterisation of a putative PG CpPG1 (Accession no. HQ232488) from pollen cDNA in C. pepo. The predicted protein for CpPG1 has 416 amino acids, with a high homology to other pollen PGs, such as P22 from Oenothera organensis (76%) and PGA3 from Arabidopsis thaliana (73%). CpPG1 belongs to clade C, which comprises PGs expressed in pollen, and presents a 34 amino acid signal peptide for secretion towards the cell wall. DNA-blot analysis revealed that there are at least another two genes that code for PGs in C. pepo. The spatial and temporal accumulation of CpPG1 was studied by semi-quantitative- and qRT-PCR. In addition, mRNA was detected only in anthers, pollen and the rudimentary anthers of bisexual flowers (only present in some zucchini cultivars under certain environmental conditions that trigger anther development in the third whorl of female flowers). However, no expression was detected in cotyledons, stem or fruit. Furthermore, CpPG1 mRNA was accumulated throughout anther development, with the highest expression found in mature pollen. Similarly, exo-PG activity increased from immature anther stages to mature anthers and mature pollen. Overall, these data support the pollen specificity of this gene and suggest an involvement of CpPG1 in pollen development in C. pepo. © 2013 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Lung inflation with hydrogen during the cold ischemia phase decreases lung graft injury in rats

PubMed Central

Liu, Rongfang; Fang, Xianhai; Meng, Chao; Xing, Jingchun; Liu, Jinfeng; Yang, Wanchao

2015-01-01

Hydrogen has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on lung ischemia–reperfusion injury when it is inhaled by donor or/and recipient. This study examined the effects of lung inflation with 3% hydrogen during the cold ischemia phase on lung graft function in rats. The donor lung was inflated with 3% hydrogen, 40% oxygen, and 57% nitrogen at 5 mL/kg, and the gas was replaced every 20 min during the cold ischemia phase for 2 h. In the control group, the donor lung was inflated with 40% oxygen and 60% nitrogen at 5 mL/kg. The recipient was euthanized 2 h after orthotropic lung transplantation. The hydrogen concentration in the donor lung during the cold ischemia phase was 1.99–3%. The oxygenation indices in the arterial blood and pulmonary vein blood were improved in the hydrogen group. The inflammation response indices, including lung W/D ratio, the myeloperoxidase activity in the grafts, and the levels of IL-8 and TNF-α in serum, were significantly lower in the hydrogen group (5.2 ± 0.8, 0.76 ± 0.32 U/g, 340 ± 84 pg/mL, and 405 ± 115 pg/mL, respectively) than those in the control group (6.5 ± 0.7, 1.1 ± 0.5 U/g, 443 ± 94 pg/mL, and 657 ± 96 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.05), and the oxidative stress indices, including the superoxide dismutase activity and the level of malonaldehyde in lung grafts were improved after hydrogen application. Furthermore, the lung injury score determined by histopathology, the cell apoptotic index, and the caspase-3 protein expression in lung grafts were decreased after hydrogen treatment, and the static pressure–volume curve of lung graft was improved by hydrogen inflation. In conclusion, lung inflation with 3% hydrogen during the cold ischemia phase alleviated lung graft injury and improved graft function. PMID:25662956

Hair ethyl glucuronide concentrations in teetotalers: Should we re-evaluate the lower cut-off?

PubMed

Crunelle, Cleo L; Yegles, Michel; De Doncker, Mireille; Cappelle, Delphine; Covaci, Adrian; van Nuijs, Alexander L N; Neels, Hugo

2017-05-01

Ethyl glucuronide in hair (hEtG) can be used to assess the retrospective consumption of alcohol. A lower cut-off of 7pg/mg hair in the 0-3cm proximal scalp hair segment has been used for repeated alcohol consumption in the previous three months. While a concentration below this cut-off is stated not to contradict self reported abstinence, it is often used to assess whether an individual has remained abstinent in the period prior to hair sampling. Here, we address hEtG concentrations in alcohol consuming individuals and critically evaluate this cut-off value. Ten individuals remained abstinent from alcohol for 12 weeks. A lock of hair was cut before the start of the study, and the regrown hairs were cut after twelve weeks of abstinence. Hair EtG concentrations were measured both at baseline and after 12 weeks of abstinence. Study compliance was assessed by urine analysis every 2-3 days by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.1μg/mL. HEtG concentrations were assessed in the first 3cm hair using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with an LLOQ of 0.2pg/mg. At the beginning of the study, participants had hEtG concentrations ranging between

Cushing's disease with pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a single center in Beijing, China: A retrospective study and literature review.

PubMed

Lu, Lin; Zhao, Yu Yue; Yang, Hong Bo; Tian, Xin Lun; Xu, Zuo Jun; Lu, Zhao Lin

2018-06-05

Patients with Cushing's disease (CD) with hypercortisolism have an increased risk of opportunistic infection. However, most CD patients exposed to infections are diagnostic latency, leading to a poor prognosis. Six patients in our hospital and an additional six patients in the literature were included in this study. Clinical information of CD patients with pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans are reviewed. The average baseline total cortisol and ACTH in serum at 8 am of all the patients was 44.85 μg/dL (normal range 4.0-22.3 μg/dL) and 200.3 pg/mL (normal range 0-46 pg/mL), respectively. Lymphopenia was found in 2 out of 6 patients in our hospital. The pulmonary radiologic findings included nodules (4/12), masses with or without a cavity (5/12), infiltration (5/12), and consolidation (4/12). The diagnosis of C.neoformans was established by lung pathology results (7/12), microorganism culture (3/12), and serum cryptococcal polysaccharide antigen (4/12). Lung lobectomy was performed in two patients who had a nodule in one lung lobe. Antifungal drugs were administered, including amphotericin-B (7/12), fluconazole (4/12), flucytosine (2/12) and liposomal amphotericin (1/12). Additional therapies for CD included trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery (9/12), adrenalectomy (1/12) and ketoconazole (2/12). Seven patients survived, and five patients died. Pulmonary C.neoformans is an uncommon but fatal opportunistic infection in CD patients. Pulmonary nodules or masses should be aggressively investigated to exclude the C.neoformans among CD patients. The infiltration lesions in chest CT scan and lymphopenia are associated with poor prognosis. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Validation of a liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometric method for the determination of 5-nitro-5'-hydroxy-indirubin-3'-oxime (AGM-130) in human plasma and its application to microdose clinical trial.

PubMed

Park, Min-Ho; Lee, Yun Young; Cho, Kyung Hee; La, Sookie; Lee, Hee Joo; Yim, Dong-Seok; Ban, Sooho; Park, Moon-Young; Kim, Yong-Chul; Kim, Yoon-Gyoon; Shin, Young G

2016-03-01

A liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of 5-nitro-5'-hydroxy-indirubin-3'-oxime (AGM-130) in human plasma to support a microdose clinical trial. The method consisted of a liquid-liquid extraction for sample preparation and LC-MS/MS analysis in the positive ion mode using TurboIonSpray(TM) for analysis. d3 -AGM-130 was used as the internal standard. A linear regression (weighted 1/concentration) was used to fit calibration curves over the concentration range of 10-2000 pg/mL for AGM-130. There were no endogenous interference components in the blank human plasma tested. The accuracy at the lower limit of quantitation was 96.6% with a precision (coefficient of variation, CV) of 4.4%. For quality control samples at 30, 160 and 1600 pg/mL, the between run CV was ≤5.0 %. Between-run accuracy ranged from 98.1 to 101.0%. AGM-130 was stable in 50% acetonitrile for 168 h at 4°C and 6 h at room temperature. AGM-130 was also stable in human plasma at room temperature for 6 h and through three freeze-thaw cycles. The variability of selected samples for the incurred sample reanalysis was ≤12.7% when compared with the original sample concentrations. This validated LC-MS/MS method for determination of AGM-130 was used to support a phase 0 microdose clinical trial. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Expression of MIF and TNFA in psoriatic arthritis: relationship with Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profiles and clinical variables.

PubMed

Bautista-Herrera, L A; De la Cruz-Mosso, U; Morales-Zambrano, R; Villanueva-Quintero, G D; Hernández-Bello, J; Ramírez-Dueñas, M G; Martínez-López, E; Brennan-Bourdon, L M; Baños-Hernández, C J; Muñoz-Valle, J F

2018-05-01

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis. The cause of this pathology is still unknown, but research suggests the diseases are caused by a deregulated cytokine production. MIF is a cytokine associated with immunomodulation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in inflammatory diseases. Based on this knowledge, the aim of this study was to determine the association of MIF and TNFA expression with Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in serum levels of PsA patients. A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 PsA patients and 30 control subjects (CS). The cytokine profiles were quantified by BioPlex MagPix system and the mRNA expression levels by real-time PCR. TNFA mRNA expression was 138.81-folds higher in PsA patients than CS (p < 0.001). Regarding MIF mRNA expression, no significant differences were observed; however, a positive correlation was identified between MIF mRNA expression and PsA time of evolution (r = - 0.53, p = 0.009). An increase of Th1 (IFNγ: PsA = 37.1 pg/mL vs. CS = 17 pg/mL, p < 0.05; TNFα: PsA = 24.6 pg/mL vs. CS = 9.8 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) and Th17 cytokine profiles (IL-17: PsA = 6.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 2.7 pg/mL, p < 0.05; IL-22: PsA = 8.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 1.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001), were found in PsA patients. Th2 cytokines were not significantly different in both groups. In conclusion, a high expression of TNFA mRNA, as well as an increase of Th1 and Th17 cytokine profiles evaluated by IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17, and IL-22 cytokines, was observed in PsA patients.

Relationship between circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and superovulatory response of high-producing dairy cows

PubMed Central

Souza, A. H.; Carvalho, P. D.; Rozner, A. E.; Vieira, L. M.; Hackbart, K. S.; Bender, R. W.; Dresch, A. R.; Verstegen, J. P.; Shaver, R. D.; Wiltbank, M. C.

2018-01-01

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and superovulatory response of dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 72) were milked twice daily and housed and fed individually in tiestalls. All animals were synchronized and flushed at 70 ± 3 d in milk (DIM), near peak production (39.6 kg/d). Blood samples for AMH analysis were collected at 3 different stages of a synchronized estrous cycle [at a random stage (40 ± 3 DIM), proestrus (50 ± 3 DIM), and diestrus (57 ± 3 DIM)]. Body weights were measured weekly from calving until embryo collection. Statistical analyses were performed with Proc CORR and Proc GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The 3 AMH samples from individual cows were correlated and not influenced by day of cycle. Surprisingly, AMH tended to be negatively correlated with body weight loss from calving to embryo collection (r = −0.22). More importantly, average AMH was highly associated (r = 0.65) with superovulation response (number of corpora lutea on the day of the flush, CLN), total structures collected (r = 0.48), and total transferable embryos (r = 0.37), but not percentage of fertilized embryos (r = −0.20) or degenerate embryos (r = 0.02). When cows were classified into quartiles (Q) of circulating AMH (Q1 = 0.01 to 82.6 pg/mL; Q2 = 91.1 to 132.5 pg/mL; Q3 = 135.3 to 183.8 pg/mL; Q4 = 184.4 to 374.3 pg/mL), we observed a >2-fold difference between first and fourth AMH quartiles in superovulation response (CLN: Q1 = 12.0 ± 1.5; Q2 = 14.7 ± 2.0; Q3 = 17.2 ± 1.2; Q4 = 25.6 ± 1.5) and embryo production. In conclusion, circulating AMH concentration was strongly associated with superovulation response, and evaluation of AMH could be used to identify cows with greater responses to superstimulation and thus improve efficiency of super-ovulation programs in dairy cows. PMID:25465542

N-Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in dichorionic diamniotic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction.

PubMed

Fujioka, Kazumichi; Mizobuchi, Masami; Sakai, Hitomi; Iwatani, Sota; Wada, Keiko; Yoshimoto, Seiji; Nakao, Hideto

2014-03-04

Monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) have known associations with cardiac complications. However, the cardiac load of dichorionic diamniotic (DD) twins with sIUGR (DD-sIUGR) remains unclear. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) is a convenient marker of cardiac dysfunction in neonates, and is elevated in MD twins with sIUGR (MD-sIUGR). However, there are no reports assessing serum NT-pro BNP levels in DD-sIUGR. Here, we aimed to clarify serum NT-pro BNP levels at birth in DD-sIUGR, and to compare them with those of MD-sIUGR. Forty-one DD twin pairs admitted to our center between October 2007 and January 2013 were enrolled in this study and separated into two groups: nine twins with sIUGR (DD-sIUGR group) and 32 twins without sIUGR (DD without sIUGR group). Sixteen MD twins with sIUGR (MD-sIUGR group) served as positive controls. Serum NT-pro BNP levels at birth in DD-sIUGR [median 2,115 pg/ml (range, 443-6,590 pg/ml)] were significantly higher than in DD without sIUGR [1,080 pg/ml (range, 313-3,470 pg/ml); p=0.001], and significantly lower than in MD twins with sIUGR [4,520 pg/ml (range, 529-62,400 pg/ml); p=0.04]. Serum NT-pro BNP levels between larger and smaller DD co-twins were significantly correlated (r = 0.582; p<0.0001). In conclusion, serum NT-pro BNP levels at birth in DD twins with sIUGR were higher than those without, and lower than in MD twins with sIUGR.

Response of circulating ghrelin levels to insulin therapy in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Soriano-Guillén, Leandro; Barrios, Vicente; Lechuga-Sancho, Alfonso; Chowen, Julie A; Argente, Jesús

2004-05-01

Ghrelin is secreted primarily by the stomach, although other tissues such as the pancreas synthesize a minor proportion. The discovery of a new cell type that produces ghrelin in the human pancreas and that this organ expresses GHS-R opens new perspectives in the understanding of the control of glucose metabolism. We have studied 22 children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus at four different points: at diagnosis before insulin therapy, after 48-60 h of insulin therapy, and after 1 and 4 mo of insulin treatment. At each point circulating levels of ghrelin, leptin, IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, and glucose were determined. Ghrelin levels were significantly decreased at diagnosis (573 +/- 68 pg/mL, p < 0.01) compared with controls (867 +/- 38 pg/mL) and remained decreased after insulin therapy (d 2: 595 +/- 68 pg/mL; 1 mo: 590 +/- 61 pg/mL; 4 mo: 538 +/- 67 pg/mL) with no differences before or after insulin treatment. There was a negative correlation between ghrelin levels and body mass index at all of the study points, whereas a negative correlation between ghrelin and glucose concentrations was only observed after insulin therapy. No correlation between ghrelin and HbA1c was found at any point. A positive correlation between ghrelin and IGFBP-1 was found after insulin therapy, but no correlation with other members of the IGF system or leptin was found. In conclusion, these data could indicate a possible link between glucose concentrations and ghrelin; hence, the persisting low ghrelin levels in diabetic children may suggest a defensive mechanism against hyperglycemia.

Simultaneous and sensitive detection of six serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based protein antibody microarrays

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yanfeng; Lou, Jianlong; Jenko, Kathy L.; Marks, James D.; Varnum, Susan M.

2012-01-01

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridium botulinum, are a group of seven (A–G) immunologically distinct proteins and cause the paralytic disease botulism. These toxins are the most poisonous substances known to humans and are potential bioweapon agents. Therefore, it is necessary to develop highly sensitive assays for the detection of BoNTs in both clinical and environmental samples. In the current study, we have developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based protein antibody microarray for the sensitive and simultaneous detection of BoNT serotypes A, B, C, D, E, and F. With engineered high-affinity antibodies, the BoNT assays have sensitivities in buffer ranging from 1.3 fM (0.2 pg/ml) to 14.7 fM (2.2 pg/ml). Using clinical and food matrices (serum and milk), the microarray is capable of detecting BoNT serotypes A to F to similar levels as in standard buffer. Cross-reactivity between assays for individual serotype was also analyzed. These simultaneous, rapid, and sensitive assays have the potential to measure botulinum toxins in a high-throughput manner in complex clinical, food, and environmental samples. PMID:22935296

Pediatric Reference Intervals for Free Thyroxine and Free Triiodothyronine

PubMed Central

Jang, Megan; Guo, Tiedong; Soldin, Steven J.

2009-01-01

Background The clinical value of free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) analysis depends on the reference intervals with which they are compared. We determined age- and sex-specific reference intervals for neonates, infants, and children 0–18 years of age for FT4 and FT3 using tandem mass spectrometry. Methods Reference intervals were calculated for serum FT4 (n = 1426) and FT3 (n = 1107) obtained from healthy children between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2008, from Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown University Medical Center Bioanalytical Core Laboratory, Washington, DC. Serum samples were analyzed using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with deuterium-labeled internal standards. Results FT4 reference intervals were very similar for males and females of all ages and ranged between 1.3 and 2.4 ng/dL for children 1 to 18 years old. FT4 reference intervals for 1- to 12-month-old infants were 1.3–2.8 ng/dL. These 2.5 to 97.5 percentile intervals were much tighter than reference intervals obtained using immunoassay platforms 0.48–2.78 ng/dL for males and 0.85–2.09 ng/dL for females. Similarly, FT3 intervals were consistent and similar for males and females and for all ages, ranging between 1.5 pg/mL and approximately 6.0 pg/mL for children 1 month of age to 18 years old. Conclusions This is the first study to provide pediatric reference intervals of FT4 and FT3 for children from birth to 18 years of age using LC/MS/MS. Analysis using LC/MS/MS provides more specific quantification of thyroid hormones. A comparison of the ultrafiltration tandem mass spectrometric method with equilibrium dialysis showed very good correlation. PMID:19583487

Assessment of exposure to PCDD/F, PCB, and PAH at a basic oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) and an iron ore sintering plant in the UK.

PubMed

Jackson, Kevin; Aries, Eric; Fisher, Raymond; Anderson, David R; Parris, Adrian

2012-01-01

An assessment was carried out at a UK integrated steelworks to investigate the exposure of workers via inhalation to dioxins [polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD/F)], polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) including benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Investigations focused on a basic oxygen steelmaking (BOS) plant and an iron ore sintering plant. The highest concentrations of PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB were found at the BOS vessels and sinter strand area at the BOS and sinter plant, respectively. A risk assessment was carried out by comparing the daily intake of PCDD/F and PCB via inhalation with the recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). For the most exposed category of worker in this study (i.e. sinter plant workers inside the strand area), the estimated daily intake via inhalation was estimated to be 0.25 pg WHO-toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQ) kg(-1) body weight (bw). Considering that the average UK adult exposure to PCDD/F from the diet is 1.8 pg WHO-TEQ kg(-1) bw day(-1), the results indicated that the estimated daily intake of PCDD/F and PCB via inhalation for sinter plant workers would not result in the recommended range of the TDI (1-4 pg WHO-TEQ kg(-1) bw day(-1)) being exceeded. Cancer risks for a 40-year occupational exposure period were determined by multiplying the estimated intake by the inhalation cancer potency factor for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. For the most exposed category of worker, cancer risks from exposure to PCDD/F and PCB ranged from 2.5 × 10(-6) to 5.2 × 10(-5). Under most regulatory programmes, excess cancer risks between 1.0 × 10(-6) and 1.0 × 10(-4) indicate an acceptable range of cancer risk, suggesting a limited risk from PCDD/F and PCB exposure for workers in the sinter plant. With regard to PAH, B[a]P concentrations were typically <10 ng m(-3) at all locations at both the sinter plant and the BOS plant. In several cases, particularly at the sinter plant, B[a]P concentrations were well below or only marginally above the target value of 1 ng m(-3) specified in ambient air by the European Commission in the fourth 'Daughter' Directive of the Air Quality Framework Directive suggesting a very low risk of exposure for workers. For PAH, excess cancer risks ranged from 2.4 × 10(-6) to 7.3 × 10(-6) for BOS plant workers and from for 5.3 × 10(-7) to 1.5 × 10(-5) for sinter plant workers, well within the acceptable range proposed by the US EPA.

Advancing the sensitivity of selected reaction monitoring-based targeted quantitative proteomics

PubMed Central

Shi, Tujin; Su, Dian; Liu, Tao; Tang, Keqi; Camp, David G.; Qian, Wei-Jun; Smith, Richard D.

2012-01-01

Selected reaction monitoring (SRM)—also known as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)—has emerged as a promising high-throughput targeted protein quantification technology for candidate biomarker verification and systems biology applications. A major bottleneck for current SRM technology, however, is insufficient sensitivity for e.g., detecting low-abundance biomarkers likely present at the low ng/mL to pg/mL range in human blood plasma or serum, or extremely low-abundance signaling proteins in cells or tissues. Herein we review recent advances in methods and technologies, including front-end immunoaffinity depletion, fractionation, selective enrichment of target proteins/peptides including posttranslational modifications (PTMs), as well as advances in MS instrumentation which have significantly enhanced the overall sensitivity of SRM assays and enabled the detection of low-abundance proteins at low to sub- ng/mL level in human blood plasma or serum. General perspectives on the potential of achieving sufficient sensitivity for detection of pg/mL level proteins in plasma are also discussed. PMID:22577010

Advancing the sensitivity of selected reaction monitoring-based targeted quantitative proteomics

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

Shi, Tujin; Su, Dian; Liu, Tao

2012-04-01

Selected reaction monitoring (SRM)—also known as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)—has emerged as a promising high-throughput targeted protein quantification technology for candidate biomarker verification and systems biology applications. A major bottleneck for current SRM technology, however, is insufficient sensitivity for e.g., detecting low-abundance biomarkers likely present at the pg/mL to low ng/mL range in human blood plasma or serum, or extremely low-abundance signaling proteins in the cells or tissues. Herein we review recent advances in methods and technologies, including front-end immunoaffinity depletion, fractionation, selective enrichment of target proteins/peptides or their posttranslational modifications (PTMs), as well as advances in MS instrumentation, whichmore » have significantly enhanced the overall sensitivity of SRM assays and enabled the detection of low-abundance proteins at low to sub- ng/mL level in human blood plasma or serum. General perspectives on the potential of achieving sufficient sensitivity for detection of pg/mL level proteins in plasma are also discussed.« less

Analysis of methyloxime derivatives of intact esters of testosterone and boldenone in equine plasma using ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Gray, Bobby P; Teale, Phil; Pearce, Clive M

2011-04-01

Analysis of equine plasma samples to detect the abuse of anabolic steroids can be complicated when the parent steroid is endogenous to the animal. Anabolic steroids are usually administered intramuscularly as synthetic esters and therefore detection of the exogenous esters provides unequivocal proof of illegal administration. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC-MSMS) method for the analysis of esters of testosterone (propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate, and decanoate) and boldenone (undecylenate) in equine plasma has been developed. Esters were extracted from equine plasma using a mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate and treated with methoxyamine hydrochloride to form methyloxime derivatives. Metenolone enanthate was used as an internal standard. After chromatographic separation, the derivatized steroid esters were quantified using selected reaction monitoring (SRM). The limit of detection for all of the steroid esters, based on a signal to noise ratio (S/N) of 3:1, was 1-3 pg/mL. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for the all of the steroid esters was 5 pg/mL when 2 mL of plasma was extracted. Recovery of the steroid esters was 85-97% for all esters except for testosterone decanoate which was recovered at 62%. The intra-day coefficient of variation (CV) for the analysis of plasma quality control (QC) samples was less than 9.2% at 40 pg/mL and less than 6.0% at 400 pg/mL. The developed assay was used to successfully confirm the presence of intact testosterone esters in equine plasma samples following intramuscular injection of Durateston® (mixed testosterone esters). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Profiles of blood biomarkers in alternating hemiplegia of childhood--increased MMP-9 and decreased substance P indicates its pathophysiology.

PubMed

Inui, Takehiko; Saito, Yoshiaki; Sakuma, Hiroshi; Hatakeyama, Hideyuki; Goto, Yu-ichi; Arai, Hidee; Sasaki, Masayuki

2012-03-01

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare disorder characterized by repeated plegic attacks, movement disorders, autonomic phenomena, and developmental delay. To obtain insights into the pathophysiology of AHC, we determined the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and substance P (SP) in the serum/plasma of AHC patients (n=6) and control subjects (n=11) by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Decreased levels of serum SP (382±161 pg/ml), increased levels of plasma MMP-9 (111.0±99.3 ng/mL) and increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (0.65±0.44) were revealed, compared to those in control subjects (SP: 620±223 pg/mL, p<0.05; MMP-9: 33.5±20.3 ng/mL, p<0.05; MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio 0.21±0.09, p<0.005). Serum CGRP levels in AHC patients (32.6±14.4 pg/mL) were comparable to those in control subjects (37.0±17.0 pg/mL). Increased MMP-9 levels may be linked to the vascular insult and is common in migraineurs. However, because AHC patients showed different changes in SP and CGRP levels compared to those shown by migraineurs, these results suggest that AHC has a pathomechanism different from the hypothesis of trigeminovascular theory. Decreased SP may represent the autonomic dysfunction in AHC, for which an etiology with progressive neuronal damage can be hypothesized. Copyright © 2011 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on a novel signal amplification strategy using highly loaded palladium nanoparticles/carbon decorated magnetic microspheres as signal labels.

PubMed

Ji, Lei; Guo, Zhankui; Yan, Tao; Ma, Hongmin; Du, Bin; Li, Yueyun; Wei, Qin

2015-06-15

An ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor for quantitative detection of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) was proposed based on a novel signal amplification strategy in this work. Carbon decorated Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres (Fe3O4@C) with large specific surface area and good adsorption property were used as labels to anchor palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) and the secondary antibodies (Ab2). Pd NPs were loaded on Fe3O4@C to obtain Fe3O4@C@Pd with core-shell structure by electrostatic attraction, which were further used to immobilize Ab2 due to the bonding of Pd-NH2. A signal amplification strategy was the noble metal nanoparticles, such as Pd NPs, exhibiting high electrocatalytic activities toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction. This signal amplification was novel not only because of the great capacity, but also the ease of magnetic separation from the sample solution based on their magnetic property. Moreover, carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) were used for the immobilization of primary antibodies (Ab1). Therefore, high sensitivity could be realized by the designed immunosensor based on this novel signal amplification strategy. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.5 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL toward AFP with a detection limit of 0.16 pg/mL (S/N=3). Moreover, it revealed good selectivity, acceptable reproducibility and stability, indicating a potential application in clinical monitoring of tumor biomarkers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-I in preterm infants with chorioamnionitis.

PubMed

Sato, Miho; Nishimaki, Shigeru; An, Hiromi; Shima, Yoshio; Naruto, Takuya; Sugai, Toshiyuki; Iwasaki, Shiho; Seki, Kazuo; Imagawa, Tomoyuki; Mori, Masaaki; Yokota, Shumpei

2009-04-01

The aim of our study was (i) to determine whether chorioamnionitis (CAM) is associated with an elevated soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNFR-I) level and (ii) to examine the time course of the concentration of sTNFR-I in preterm infants after birth. We measured sTNFR-I levels in the cord blood of 112 preterm infants (gestational age < or =34 weeks), and those in peripheral blood of 30 preterm infants on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The median value for the sTNFR-I was significantly elevated in 33 infants with CAM at stage 3 (4618 pg/mL) compared with the 52 infants without CAM (2866 pg/mL), or the 13 infants with CAM at stage 1 (3638 pg/mL) and the 14 infants at stage 2 (3242 pg/mL). The severity of CAM is an independent factor for the elevation of cord blood sTNFR-I. The sTNFR-I level on day 0 was significantly higher in eight infants with CAM at stage 3 than in the 22 infants without CAM or with CAM at stage 1 and 2; however there were no significant differences on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The serum level of sTNFR-I showed a significant gradual decline with time. We suggest that there is an association between elevated sTNFR-I levels in cord blood and maternal CAM, and this elevation may reflect the fetal inflammation. However the elevation of sTNFR-I could not persist postnatally for a long time.

Improved methods for signal processing in measurements of mercury by Tekran® 2537A and 2537B instruments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrose, Jesse L.

2017-12-01

Atmospheric Hg measurements are commonly carried out using Tekran® Instruments Corporation's model 2537 Hg vapor analyzers, which employ gold amalgamation preconcentration sampling and detection by thermal desorption (TD) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). A generally overlooked and poorly characterized source of analytical uncertainty in those measurements is the method by which the raw Hg atomic fluorescence (AF) signal is processed. Here I describe new software-based methods for processing the raw signal from the Tekran® 2537 instruments, and I evaluate the performances of those methods together with the standard Tekran® internal signal processing method. For test datasets from two Tekran® instruments (one 2537A and one 2537B), I estimate that signal processing uncertainties in Hg loadings determined with the Tekran® method are within ±[1 % + 1.2 pg] and ±[6 % + 0.21 pg], respectively. I demonstrate that the Tekran® method can produce significant low biases (≥ 5 %) not only at low Hg sample loadings (< 5 pg) but also at tropospheric background concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and total mercury (THg) (˜ 1 to 2 ng m-3) under typical operating conditions (sample loadings of 5-10 pg). Signal processing uncertainties associated with the Tekran® method can therefore represent a significant unaccounted for addition to the overall ˜ 10 to 15 % uncertainty previously estimated for Tekran®-based GEM and THg measurements. Signal processing bias can also add significantly to uncertainties in Tekran®-based gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) measurements, which often derive from Hg sample loadings < 5 pg. In comparison, estimated signal processing uncertainties associated with the new methods described herein are low, ranging from within ±0.053 pg, when the Hg thermal desorption peaks are defined manually, to within ±[2 % + 0.080 pg] when peak definition is automated. Mercury limits of detection (LODs) decrease by 31 to 88 % when the new methods are used in place of the Tekran® method. I recommend that signal processing uncertainties be quantified in future applications of the Tekran® 2537 instruments.

Aptamer based peptide enrichment for quantitative analysis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone by LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Richards, S L; Cawley, A T; Cavicchioli, R; Suann, C J; Pickford, R; Raftery, M J

2016-04-01

Over recent years threats to racing have expanded to include naturally occurring biological molecules, such as peptides and proteins, and their synthetic analogues. Traditionally, antibodies have been used to enable detection of these compounds as they allow purification and concentration of the analyte of interest. The rapid expansion of peptide-based therapeutics necessitates a similarly rapid development of suitable antibodies or other means of enrichment. Potential alternative enrichment strategies include the use of aptamers, which offer the significant advantage of chemical synthesis once the nucleic acid sequence is known. A method was developed for the enrichment, detection and quantitation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in equine urine using aptamer-based enrichment and LC-MS/MS. The method achieved comparable limits of detection (1 pg/mL) and quantification (2.5 pg/mL) to previously published antibody-based enrichment methods. The intra- and inter-assay precision achieved was less than 10% at both 5 and 20 pg/mL, and displayed a working dynamic range of 2.5-100 pg/mL. Significant matrix enhancement (170 ± 8%) and low analytical recovery (29 ± 15%) was observed, although the use of an isotopically heavy labelled GnRH peptide, GnRH (Pro(13)C5,(15)N), as the internal standard provides compensation for these parameters. Within the current limits of detection GnRH was detectable up to 1h post administration in urine and identification of a urinary catabolite extended this detection window to 4h. Based on the results of this preliminary investigation we propose the use of aptamers as a viable alternative to antibodies in the enrichment of peptide targets from equine urine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinical and Molecular Inflammatory Response in Sjögren Syndrome-Associated Dry Eye Patients Under Desiccating Stress.

PubMed

López-Miguel, Alberto; Tesón, Marisa; Martín-Montañez, Vicente; Enríquez-de-Salamanca, Amalia; Stern, Michael E; González-García, María J; Calonge, Margarita

2016-01-01

To evaluate the response of the lacrimal function unit in Sjögren syndrome (SS)-associated dry eye patients exposed to 2 simulated daily life environmental conditions. Prospective crossover pilot study. Fourteen female SS dry eye patients were exposed for 2 hours to a controlled normal condition (23 C, 45% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s) and a controlled adverse condition that simulates desiccating stress (23 C, 5% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s). The following dry eye tests were performed before and after the exposure: tear osmolarity, phenol red thread test, conjunctival hyperemia, fluorescein tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining, and Schirmer test. Levels of 16 molecules were analyzed in tears by multiplex immunobead analysis. Clinical evaluation showed lacrimal functional unit impairment after the desiccating stress: significantly increased tear osmolarity (315.7 ± 3.0 vs 327.7 ± 5.1 mOsm/L, P = .03), conjunctival hyperemia (1.3 ± 0.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.1, P = .05), and corneal staining in temporal (3.5 ± 0.5 vs 4.7 ± 0.4, P = .01) and nasal (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.5 ± 0.5, P = .04) areas. Tear concentrations increased for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (16 557.1 ± 4047.8 vs 31 895.3 ± 5916.5 pg/mL, P = .01), interleukin-6 (63.8 ± 20.2 vs 111.5 ± 29.6 pg/mL, P = .02), interleukin-8 (2196.1 ± 737.9 vs 3753.2 ± 1106.0 pg/mL, P = .03), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (101 515.6 ± 37 088.4 vs 145 867.1 ± 41 651.5 pg/mL, P = .03). After the simulated normal condition, only a significant increase in nasal corneal staining (2.9 ± 0.5 vs 3.6 ± 0.5, P = .03) was observed. Even a short exposure to a desiccating environment can produce a significant deterioration of the lacrimal function unit in female SS dry eye patients. The often unnoticed exposure to these conditions during daily life may increase inflammatory activity rapidly, triggering an ocular surface deterioration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the atmosphere of Taizhou, a major e-waste dismantling area in China.

PubMed

Han, Wenliang; Feng, Jialiang; Gu, Zeping; Chen, Duohong; Wu, Minghong; Fu, Jiamo

2009-12-01

Concentrations, congener profiles, gas-particle partitioning and size distributions of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the atmosphere of Taizhou were studied to evaluate the impact of e-waste recycling on the environment. Total concentration of 13 PBDEs near the e-waste dismantling area was 506 pg m(-3) in summer and 1,662 pg m(-3) in winter, about 7 times higher than that of the reference urban site, but much lower than that of Guiyu, another major e-waste dismantling area in China. This should be attributable to the centralized management measures taken in recent years in Taizhou. BDE-209 was the major congener and mainly in coarse particles.

Determination of free and total (free plus protein-bound) melatonin in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

PubMed

Rizzo, Vittoria; Porta, Camillo; Moroni, Mauro; Scoglio, Enrico; Moratti, Remigio

2002-07-05

A simple, sensitive and accurate method for the estimation of free and total (free plus protein-bound) melatonin (MLT) in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is described. Via Chem-Elut cartridges, free and total MLT (the latter obtained after a deproteinization step) were quantified in dichloromethane-extracted samples and analyzed in one chromatographic run by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorimetric detection. The column used was an Extrasil ODS-2 (3 microm, 150 x 4.6 mm I.D.), while the mobile phase consisted of 75 mM sodium acetate-acetonitrile (72:28, v/v) (pH 5.0). Repeatability and reproducibility of the method were 3.24 and 9.4%, respectively. The recovery of melatonin from plasma and CSF was 99.9+/-4.0% for non-deproteinized samples and 93.2+/-4.8% for deproteinized samples. The detection limit of the assay was 0.5 pg/ml. In human plasma, the mean+/-SD concentrations in the darkness period were 23.18+/-7.44 pg/ml for free melatonin and 82.5+/-36.48 pg/ml for total melatonin, while the lowest concentrations detected during daytime were 2.23+/-2.22 and 7.40+/-5.68 pg/ml, respectively. Detection of MLT in CSF was 5.01+/-2.31 and 28.55+/-6.95 pg/ml for the free and total fraction, respectively.

Evaluation of background soil and air polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations on a hill at the outskirts of a metropolitan city.

PubMed

Kuzu, S Levent; Saral, Arslan; Güneş, Gülten; Karadeniz, Aykut

2016-07-01

Air and soil sampling was conducted inside a forested area for 22 months. The sampling location is situated to the north of a metropolitan city. Average atmospheric gas and particle concentrations were found to be 180 and 28 pg m(-3) respectively, while that of soil phase was detected to be 3.2 ng g(-1) on dry matter, The congener pairs of PCB#4-10 had the highest contribution to each medium. TEQ concentration was 0.10 pg m(-3), 0.07 pg m(-3), 21.92 pg g(-1), for gas, particle and soil phases, respectively. PCB#126 and PCB#169 contributed to over 99% of the entire TEQ concentrations for each medium. Local sources were investigated by conditional probability function (CPF) and soil/air fugacity. Landfilling area and medical waste incinerator, located to the 8 km northeast, contributed to ambient concentrations, especially in terms of dioxin-like congeners. The industrial settlement (called Dilovasi being to the east southeast of 60 km distant) contributed from southeast direction. Further sources were identified by potential source contribution function (PSCF). Sources at close proximity had high contribution. Air mass transportation from Aliaga industrial region (being to the southwest of 300 km distant) moderately contributed to ambient concentrations. Low molecular weight congeners were released from soil body. 5-CBs and 6-CBs were close to equilibrium state between soil/air interfaces. PCB#171 was close to equilibrium and PCB#180 was likely to evaporate from soil, which constitute 7-CBs. PCB#199, representing 8-CBs deposited to soil. 9-CB (PCB#207) was in equilibrium between soil and air phases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.