Absorption Of Cu Research Articles

Interaction effects of oxytetracycline and copper at different ratios on marine microalgae Isochrysis galbana

Contamination with both oxytetracycline (OTC) and Cu is prevalent in water. OTC can chelate with Cu to form OTC + Cu composites. Through the study of the effects of the interaction of OTC and Cu on the algae Isochrysis galbana at multiple coordination ratios, it was found that the OTC + Cu complex was antagonistic to algae growth after 24 h of exposure but was synergistic in treatment (T) 3 and T4 after 48 and 72 h. Compared with OTC alone, the addition of Cu addition significantly inhibited the biosynthesis of chlorophyll a, but the ratio (R) in the OTC + Cu and OTC treatments gradually increased from T1 to T4. The addition of Cu also led to a significant increase in malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species, but R gradually decreased and increased, respectively, from T1 to T4. The accumulation of OTC in algae was considerably promoted by the addition of Cu, with R increasing 1.5 in T2 to 2.6 in T4; moreover, the residue of OTC in water was reduced in the presence of algae. OTC alone dramatically inhibited the absorption of Cu by algae, while in the presence of OTC + Cu, only the two high-OTC treatments showed a significant decrease in Cu absorption. In addition, the absorption of Mg was markedly inhibited in all OTC treatments and the adsorption of K in the high-OTC treatment, but these inhibitory effects were alleviated in the OTC + Cu treatment. These results indicated that the effects of the OTC + Cu complex on algae were different from the effects of OTC and Cu alone.

The influence of supplemental zinc and dietary fiber concentration on mineral retention of beef steers.

The objective was to determine if zinc (Zn) retention improved with supplemental Zn above recommended concentrations with increasing dietary fiber concentration. Angus steers (n = 32; 309 ± 4.2 kg body weight [BW]) with GeneMax gain scores of 3, 4, or 5 were utilized in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (8 steers per treatment). Steers were stagger started (four blocks of eight steers) and stratified by BW within growing diets to one of two Zn strategies (ZNTRT), no supplemental Zn (analyzed 36 mg Zn/kg dry matter [DM]; CON) or supranutritional Zn (CON + 60 mg Zn/kg DM as ZnSO4 + 60 mg Zn/kg DM as Zn–amino acid complex; SUPZN). Dietary fiber strategies (FIBER) were formulated to target two fiber supplementation rates representing high fiber (HF; ~35% neutral detergent fiber [NDF]) or low fiber (LF; ~25% NDF). Within block, steers received HF for 60 d; then pens were randomly assigned to LF or HF for finishing. Steers fed LF were transitioned for 15 d; on day 75, steers were moved to metabolism crates and adapted for 10 d, followed by 5 d of total fecal and urine collection. Retention of Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, and N were calculated. The model for analysis of metabolism data included the fixed effects of ZNTRT, FIBER, block, and the interaction of ZNTRT × FIBER, with the three-way interaction of ZNTRT × FIBER × block as random. Steer was the experimental unit (n = 8 per treatment combination). Zinc did not affect initial 60-d performance (P ≥ 0.62). DM and organic matter digestibility were lesser (P = 0.02) and N digestibility tended to be lesser (P = 0.07) in CON vs. SUPZN. Intake and digestibility of NDF and acid detergent fiber were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in HF vs. LF. Digestibility and retention of N as a percentage of intake were greater (P ≤ 0.04) whereas N retention as grams per day tended to be greater in HF vs. LF (P = 0.06). Apparent absorption of Zn tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in CON vs. SUPZN. A ZNTRT × FIBER effect was identified for Zn retention (milligrams per day; P = 0.01) where within SUPZN Zn retention was greater in HF vs. LF (P < 0.01). Apparent absorption and retention of Zn were greater (% of intake; P ≤ 0.02) in HF vs. LF. Apparent absorption of Cu, Fe, and Mn was unaffected by ZNTRT or FIBER (P ≥ 0.24). Increasing dietary Zn increased Zn retained regardless of changes in coefficient of absorption. In addition, dietary fiber content may impact trace mineral and N metabolism by steers, potentially due to increased release of these nutrients from feed as fiber digestibility increases. It appears dietary Zn concentrations and diet composition influence trace mineral absorption in beef steers.

Phytoremediation of Copper in Mineral, Distilled and Surface Water using Limnocharis Flava plant

Abstract Phytoremediation provides a low cost and sustainable remediation to eliminate the contaminants in water particularly heavy metals. Some plants have the ability to absorb certain metals while some plants do not. This research investigates the potential of different green plants to absorb copper (Cu) in three types of water; distilled, mineral and surface water. A green plant scientifically named as Limnocharis Flava plant were found to be effective in absorbing the Cu contaminants. The rate of absorption of Cu for different plants and water types were determined and monitored in fume cupboard equipped with tungsten bulb under controlled environment; light intensity, humidity, temperature and concentration of CuSO4. In just 5 days of experiment, the highest rate of absorption of Cu was observed in distilled water where the efficiency was 39.9%. Meanwhile, the absorption efficiency of copper in surface water and mineral water samples were 31.5% and 23.6% respectively. The absorption of Cu in different types of water fitted the 1st order, Rate Law model with >90% coefficient of determination. Other plant named Hydrilla Verticillata were studied using the same metal contaminant and conditions resulted with no observable Cu absorption. The concentration of Cu in the water samples throughout the research were analyzed at 324.8 nm wavelength using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).

Ectomycorrhizal fungi may not act as a barrier inhibiting host plant absorption of heavy metals

Whether the huge external hyphal system of ectomycorrhizae that promotes host plants' acquisition of water and nutrients can selectively inhibit their transport of heavy metals at the same time remains unclear. In this experiment, we designed and conducted two types of soil-pot test to clarify the effects of EMF on the absorption and transport of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) by host Pinus thunbergii seedlings. In the root-bag test, external hyphae took the initiative into the Cu/Cd-contaminated bulk soil, absorb and transport Cu and Cd to the rhizosphere soils and further transport it to the shoots of the host plants. Inoculation with EMF also promoted the uptake of nutrients by host plants, thereby increasing their biomass and improving Cu/Cd tolerance compared with non-inoculated plants. Inoculation with EMF species with higher Cu or Cd tolerance generated more phytostabilization and phytoextraction of Cu or Cd by host plants. In a short-term exposure test, inoculation with EMF accelerated the absorption of Cu and Cd by P. thunbergii within 12 h of Cu or Cd irrigation. Therefore, we concluded that EMF do not act as a barrier inhibiting the absorption of heavy metals by host plants, but rather promote this absorption. Improving the plant's nutritional status and promoting growth, diluting heavy metal concentrations, thereby reducing the toxic effects of heavy metals on host plants. These results provide the theoretical basis for the application of EMF in plant–microbial combinations for the phytostabilization and phytoextraction of heavy metal–contaminated soils.

Distribution features and internal relations of heavy metals in soil–maize system of mining area, Anhui Province, Eastern China

ABSTRACTA total of 59 topsoil and corresponding maize plants were collected from this study area. The spatial distribution, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression of heavy metals were researched detailedly in this article. The results showed that distribution characteristics of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Ni) in different parts of maize plants (immature stage) accumulated mostly in stems, with Pb mainly accumulated in roots (mature period), and Cd and Ni mostly in leaves. Except for the southeastern local region of this mining area, Mn and Cu possessed roughly similar spatial distribution characteristics. The results of partial correlation analysis indicated that Cu, Cd in the roots of the tested maize plants and Ni in soil may have antagonistic effects, Cu (soil)–Cu (stem) and Ni (soil)–Pb (stem) had a certain promoting effect. Besides, Cu, Pb, and Ni in soil promoted the absorption of Cu, Pb, and Ni in the leaves, whereas Cr and Pb in soil can promote the enrichment of Mn in maize grains. Our findings suggested that the concentrations of heavy metals in maize organs could be predicted accurately using the established models.

Effect of Ca-bentonite on Cu and Zn Forms in Compost and Soil, and Their Absorption by Chinese Cabbage

Aerobic composting was conducted to evaluate the effects of the different ratios (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) of Ca-bentonite (CB) on the speciation of Cu and Zn during pig manure composting, while pot experiment was performed to investigate the role of CB-added compost on the bio-availability of Cu and Zn to Chinese cabbage and its biomass. The results showed that the exchangeable fractions of Cu and Zn decreased, while their oxidized and residual fractions gradually increased during composting; CB addition reduced the distribution ratios of bio-available Cu and Zn in mature compost by approximately 19.84%-48.90% and 4.94%-16.39%, compared to those in the 0% CB-added treatment, and the best result was found in the 10% CB-added treatment.. Meanwhile, the pot experiment confirmed that the addition of compost considerably increased soil organic matter (OM) and electrical conductivity (EC) but decreased soil pH value. On the contrary, the application of CB effectively decreased EC and increased soil pH but inhibited OM mineralization in soil as compared to non-amended treatment. While addition of compost significantly increased plant dry biomass as compared to that with soil alone, maximum biomass was obtained[(6.51±0.34) g·pot-1] in 10% CB-added compost. After the application of CB-added compost, the contents of the bio-available factions of Cu in the harvested soil increased, while the contents of the exchangeable fractions of Zn decreased by 38.91%, 43.69%, 46.02%, 45.12%, and 54.65%, respectively. The absorption of Cu and Zn by Chinese cabbage was considerably reduced after the application of compost, while the uptake of Zn in the plant declined as the CB rates increased, and the absorption of Cu increased. The study indicated that 10% CB addition could significantly reduce the bioavailability of Cu and Zn in compost, and also showed a continuous effect on restricting the bioavailability of Zn after land utilization. Meanwhile CB amendment enhanced Chinese cabbage biomass and reduced the uptake of Zn.

Boron-zinc interaction in the absorption of micronutrients by cotton

B-Zn interaction modifies the nutritional dynamics of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in cotton. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of B and Zn concentrations on the absorption of Cu, Fe and Mn in cotton plants grown in a nutrient solution. A completely randomized experimental design with three replicates was performed, in a 4×5 factorial scheme, corresponding to four concentrations of B (0, 20, 40 and 80 μM L-1) and five concentrations of Zn (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 μM L-1). At 115 days after emergence, the plants were collected, divided into roots, shoots and fruits, and chemically analyzed. The results allowed to conclude that the Cu content and total Cu in the fruit, total Cu in the roots, Cu efficiency, Fe content in the roots, Fe absorption efficiency, Mn content in the fruit, and Mn absorption efficiency of cotton are influenced by the concentrations of B in the solution. The interaction between B and Zn affected the total Fe in the roots, Fe content and total Fe content in the fruit, Fe transport efficiency, total Mn in the shoots and Mn transport efficiency. In addition, Zn acts differently according to the supply of B and vice versa.

Absorption of Cu(II) in layered diaminoalkyl- and monoaminoalkyl-polysilsesquioxane

Lamellar polysilsesquioxane containing two kinds of aminoalkyl groups were synthesized using alkanoic acids. Our intension with this synthesis was to increase the exposure to the absorbate of the absorption sites in the polymer solid without sacrificing its high density of sites. That is, this method is designed to weaken the interactions around the amine sites that inhibit diffusion of the aqueous cation pollutants. The mixing ratio, x: y, of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AP silane) and N-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AeAP silane) in the liquid precursor agrees well with that of the AP and AeAP groups in the solid, [(C13H27COOH)x(C12H23CH(COOH)CH2COOH)y(NH2C3H6)x(NH2C2H4NHC3H6)ySi10O15]n or [(MAS)x(C12SA)y(AP)x(AeAP)ySi10O1.5]n (x + y = 10). A good lamellar structure was obtained with x: y ratio higher than 2: 8. FT-IR spectroscopy reveals that increasing the x: y ratio enhances the bands due to hydrogen-bonded –COOH and dissociated –COO-, suggesting an increase in water molecule insertion around the carboxyl and amine groups with x: y. In 13C CP-MAS NMR, unresolved peaks due to carboxylate carbons disappear at x: y = 4: 6 and 2: 8, suggesting that carboxylate is isolated at these mixing ratios probably due to hydration. In addition, continuous growth of the peak due to ionized carboxylate is observed. The amount of absorbed aqueous Cu(II) is particularly large when x: y = 4: 6, which is revealed by analysis with the Langmuir equation. In contrast, the ESR spectrum of Cu(II) is independent on the x: y ratio, suggesting the accessibility of the absorption sites is simply improved when x: y = 4: 6. It is likely that this mixing ratio provides a particularly effective structure for exposing the absorption sites of aqueous Cu(II).

Intestinal fate of dietary zinc and copper: Postprandial net fluxes of these trace elements in portal vein of pigs

In pig, the assessment of bioavailability of dietary trace minerals with classical approaches such as relative bioavailability estimates or digestive tract balances have often generated inconsistent responses. In the present study, net portal-drained-viscera fluxes were monitored after a meal to assess intestinal absorption of zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu) according to dietary sources and levels of these trace minerals. Twelve pigs were surgically equipped with portal and carotid catheters and a portal ultrasonic flow probe for 12-h postprandial measurements. In a cross-over design, pigs received boluses of inorganic (I) or organic (O) dietary Cu and Zn at adequate (A, 20 and 200mg, respectively) or high (H, 40 and 400mg, respectively) level just before a 0.8-kg meal (semi-purified diet). Whatever treatments, arterial Zn increased by 72% at 45min postprandial and gradually declined thereafter (P<0.01). Arterial Zn were greater by 11% after O than I (P=0.02) and by 19% after H than A (P<0.01) meals. Net portal-drained-viscera fluxes of Zn during the first 240min postprandial were greater by 44% after O than I (P=0.10) and by 51% after H than A (P=0.07) meals. For Cu, portal-drained-viscera fluxes of Cu up to 240min postprandial were greater (P=0.03) after A than H meals. Those results suggest that Zn is absorbed rapidly, likely in the upper digestive tract of pigs and, whatever dietary levels, more efficiently after O meals. It appears that H levels of both Zn and Cu interfered with intestinal absorption of Cu and/or stimulate post-absorption enterocyte sequestration of this mineral.

Potential for heavy metal (copper and zinc) removal from contaminated marine sediments using microalgae and light emitting diodes

The effects of monochromatic (blue, yellow and red LED) and mixed wavelengths (fluorescent lamp) on the adsorption and absorption of Cu and Zn by Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nitzschia sp., Skeletonema sp., and Chlorella vulgaris were investigated. In addition, we confirmed the potential of microalgae for phytoremediation of these heavy metals from contaminated marine sediment by using microcosm experiments that incorporated LEDs and semipermeable membrane (SPM) tube containing microalgae. Among the four microalgae, C. vulgaris grown under red LED exhibited the highest Cu and Zn removal with values of 17.5 × 10-15 g Cu/cell and 38.3 × 10-15 g Zn/cell, respectively. Thus, C. vulgaris could be a useful species for phytoremediation. In the microcosm experiments with SPM containing C. vulgaris, the highest Cu and Zn removal from sediment and interstitial water showed under red LED. Therefore, phytoremediation using LED and SPM tube containing microalgae could be utilized as an eco-friendly technique for remediating contaminated marine sediment.

Variation in Nutrient Absorption by Thompson Seedless Grape (&lt;i&gt;Vitis vinifera&lt;/i&gt; L.) on Different Rootstocks as Influenced by Soil Chemical Characteristics

A survey was conducted to study the variation in nutrient absorption (petiole /Soil content) by Thompson Seedless grape as influenced by soil chemical characteristics on its own root, Dog Ridge and 110R rootstocks with an aim to provide guidelines in nutrient application with reference to the soil chemical characteristic and rootstock. Nutrient absorption was influenced most on own root followed by Dog Ridge and 110R roots. N followed by Zn, P and K were the most influenced nutrients on own root, while K, Mn and Zn on Dog Ridge; and Fe, N, K and Zn on 110R. All the soil chemical characteristics were ineffective in the absorption of Cu in vines on any root. Thompson Seedless root were more sensitive to soil pH in the absorption of P and S, and to CaCO3 levels in Ca absorption with a threshold level of 8.0 per cent. 110R root were independent of OC in N absorption, while Dog Ridge root exhibited dependence on OC for S absorption. Rootstocks in general, were more efficient in S beyond 1.5dSm-1. The ability to restrict the absorption of Na by rootstocks was dependent on the free calcium levels in the soil. 110R was most efficient in restricting the absorption of Na below 12.5 per cent, while Dog Ridge was equally efficient in the range of 12.5 – 17.0 per cent. Variation in the efficiency in nutrient absorption with the rootstock at different levels of soil chemical characteristics was attributed to the specific ion contributing to the chemical character, its interaction with other nutrient ions, their relative abundance and the preferential absorption by the roots.

The single or combined effects of Suaeda heteroptera and Nereis succinea on the distribution of different Cu forms in sediments

Bioavailability of copper(II) to Suaeda heteroptera and Nereis succinea was analyzed in this paper by comparing the concentrations of the copper (Cu) chemical forms in sediments to the Cu concentrations in the tissues of S. heteroptera and N. succinea. The morphological distribution of heavy metals in the sediment was related to the concentration of Cu added to the sediment. In the S. heteroptera treatment groups, available Cu in sediments decreased, and N. succinea activities improved the sediment physical and chemical properties, and thus increased the bioavailable Cu for S. heteroptera uptake. The Cu contents reached 160.75mg/kg in S. heteroptera and 2801.4mg/kg in N. succinea. When S. heteroptera and N. succinea were combined, significantly more Cu was removed from the sediments than for the two working separately. Therefore, the existence of N. succinea could enhance the absorption of Cu in the coastal sediment planted with S. heteroptera and had a positive impact on environmental pollution.

Sub-micron-sized polyethylenimine-modified polystyrene/Fe3O4/chitosan magnetic composites for the efficient and recyclable adsorption of Cu(II) ions

A sub-micron-sized polyethylenimine(PEI)-modified polystyrene/Fe3O4/chitosan magnetic composite (PS/Fe3O4/CS-PEI) was developed as a novel adsorbent for the removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The PS/Fe3O4/CS-PEI microspheres with a diameter of ∼300nm can be highly monodisperse and conveniently separated from suspensions by a magnet due to their excellent magnetism. When the PS/Fe3O4/CS-PEI microspheres were used as an absorbent for the absorption of Cu(II) ions, the adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics well fitted the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity was about 204.6mgg−1, which was higher than those of other chitosan adsorbents reported recently. The adsorption was considerably fast, reaching the equilibrium within 15min. In addition, the adsorbed Cu(II) ions could be effectively desorbed using 0.1molL−1 NaOH solution, and the regeneration study proved that the composite microspheres could be repeatedly utilized without significant capacity loss after six cycles. All the results demonstrated that the synthesized sub-micron-sized magnetic PS/Fe3O4/CS-PEI composites can be used as an ideal adsorbent of Cu(II) ions for environmental cleanup applications.

Investigation of visible‐light absorption in Cu2O/TiO2 heterojunctions with an interstitial at the interface

The effect of Cu/O/Ti interstitials on the visible‐light absorption in Cu2O/TiO2 heterojunctions has been investigated by ab initio methods. The three interstitials are, respectively, doped at the interface of the Cu2O/TiO2 heterojunctions. The Ti interstitial efficiently improves the visible‐light absorption, whereas the O interstitial reduces the visible‐light absorption. An independent characteristic of the visible‐light absorption is found for doping with the Cu interstitial. These phenomena originate from the different concentrations of delocalized electrons induced by the doping atom. The doping with Ti atoms could induce the aggregation of Cu ions, which release more delocalized electrons and so improve the visible‐light absorption in a Cu2O/TiO2 heterojunction.

Efeito do extrato húmico solúvel em água e biofertilizante sobre o desenvolvimento de mudas de Callophyllum brasiliense

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de extrato húmico solúvel em água (EHSA), biofertilizante Hortbio® (HORT) e a combinação dos dois produtos sobre o crescimento vegetativo, indicador fisiológico (medida do teor de clorofila) e a capacidade de absorção de nutrientes em mudas de guanandi (Callophyllum brasiliense). A adição isolada ou em conjunto de EHSA e HORT não alterou a altura das mudas, o número de folhas, a matéria seca foliar e radicular e a área radicular e foliar durante a fase inicial de crescimento em viveiro. Entretanto, os teores de clorofila e N total aumentaram significativamente nas mudas que receberam os tratamentos HORT e EHSA+HORT. Além disso, a adição de HORT resultou em maiores teores de S, Zn, B, Mg, Mn e Cu nas plantas, enquanto a aplicação do ESHA aumentou os teores de K, Mg, S e B. Os teores de P e Ca não tiveram seus teores alterados pela aplicação dos tratamentos, mas a adição do EHSA e ESHA+HORT reduziram significativamente a absorção de Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn.Effects of water-soluble humic extract and biofertilizer on development of Callophyllum brasiliense seedlingsThe objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of water-soluble humic extract (EHSA), Hortbio® biofertilizer (HORT) and both compounds combination (EHSA+HORT) on vegetative growth, nutrient absorption and chlorophyll levels in guanandi (Callophyllum brasiliense) seedlings. Isolated and combined additions of EHSA and HORT did not affect seedlings height, number of leaves, leaf and root dry matter and leaf area during early stages of seedling growth. However, HORT and EHSA+HORT treatments increased chlorophyll levels and total N content. Addition of HORT resulted in S, Zn, Mg, Mn and Cu increases in the seedlings leaves, while ESHA application increased K, Mg, S and B. P and Ca levels were not altered by the treatments, however, addition of EHSA and EHSA+HORT reduced significantly the absorption of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn.Index terms: Forestry production; Guanandi; Vegetative growth

Utilization of macrominerals and trace elements in pregnant heifers with distinct feed efficiencies

The objective of the study was to evaluate utilization of dietary minerals and trace elements in pregnant heifers with distinct residual feed intakes (RFI). Feed intake, body weight (BW), and body composition traits were recorded in 36 crossbred heifers over a period of 37 wk, starting shortly after weaning at 8.3 (0.10; standard deviation) mo of age with an average BW of 276 (7.8) kg. Both BW and body composition were monitored regularly throughout the study, whereas individual feed intake was assessed during the last 84 d of the trial. Data recorded were used to calculate RFI for each heifer. Heifers were ranked based on RFI and assigned to high (n=14) or low (n=10) RFI groups. After the RFI study, 24 selected heifers [age 18.2 (0.14) mo; 87.5 (4.74) d in gestation; 497 (8.5) kg of BW] were used in an indirect digestibility trial (lignin as internal marker). Heifers were fed a ration containing corn silage, haylage, and a mineral premix in which Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn, and Co were provided in the diet according to National Research Council requirements of pregnant replacement heifers. The digestibility trial lasted 1 wk, during which samples of feces were gathered twice daily, and blood and liver biopsy samples were collected on the last day. We noted no significant differences between low- and high-RFI heifers in dry matter digestibility. Apparent absorption of Cu, Zn, and Mn was increased in heifers with low RFI, and apparent absorption of Co tended to be greater for these animals. Concentrations of macrominerals and trace elements in serum of pregnant heifers were similar for both groups except for Se, which was increased in the serum of low-RFI heifers. Liver concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn did not differ between low- and high-RFI heifers. In conclusion, whereas improved absorption of some trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co) and increased Se serum concentration appear to be associated with superior feed efficiency in pregnant heifers, further studies are needed to investigate the causality of such relationships.

Colloidal synthesis of Cu-ZnO and Cu@CuNi-ZnO hybrid nanocrystals with controlled morphologies and multifunctional properties.

Metal-semiconductor hybrid nanocrystals have received extensive attention owing to their multiple functionalities which can find wide technological applications. The utilization of low-cost non-noble metals to construct novel metal-semiconductor hybrid nanocrystals is important and meaningful for their large-scale applications. In this study, a facile solution approach is developed for the synthesis of Cu-ZnO hybrid nanocrystals with well-controlled morphologies, including nanomultipods, core-shell nanoparticles, nanopyramids and core-shell nanowires. In the synthetic strategy, Cu nanocrystals formed in situ serve as seeds for the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of ZnO, and it eventually forms various Cu-ZnO hetero-nanostructures under different reaction conditions. These hybrid nanocrystals possess well-defined and stable heterostructure junctions. The ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectra reveal morphology-dependent surface plasmon resonance absorption of Cu and the band gap absorption of ZnO. Furthermore, we construct a novel Cu@CuNi-ZnO ternary hetero-nanostructure by incorporating the magnetic metal Ni into the pre-synthesized colloidal Cu nanocrystals. Such hybrid nanocrystals possess a magnetic Cu-Ni intermediate layer between the ZnO shell and the Cu core, and exhibit ferromagnetic/superparamagnetic properties which expand their functionalities. Finally, enhanced photocatalytic activities are observed in the as-prepared non-noble metal-ZnO hybrid nanocrystals. This study not only provides an economical way to prepare high-quality morphology-controlled Cu-ZnO hybrid nanocrystals for potential applications in the fields of photocatalysis and photovoltaic devices, but also opens up new opportunities in designing ternary non-noble metal-semiconductor hybrid nanocrystals with multifunctionalities.

Treatment of Clinical Cases of Migraine

According to WHO nearly 303 million people, of all ages, are affected with migraine. Migraine does occur among children but the incidence is almost same in both the sexes prior to adolescence. However, after menarche the incidence among women is higher (70%) than men (30%). Moreover, even in women incidence varies with the periodicity of the reproductive milestones as menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, menopause and use of contraceptives. These phenomena points towards the implication of hormonal changes during these phases of reproduction. Hormones may influence the induction of migraine directly. The trigeminal ganglia and periaqueductal gray are densely populated with estrogen (alpha and beta) and progesterone (A and B) receptors which regulate primarily the headache signs. During menstruation, increased level of estrogen stimulates the alpha receptors and activates ERK present in neurons having peripherin, a known marker of nociceptive neurons, thus, causing menstrual migraine. Estrogen also down-regulates antinociceptive GABA, IL-R1 and Zn-fingers. During pregnancy increased levels of progesterone stimulate A/B receptors which are antinociceptive in nature and result in milder or almost complete remission of migraine attacks. Hormones may induce migraine indirectly by disrupting mineral homeostasis. Estrogen enhances the absorption of Cu and increases its half-life which interferes in the absorption of Zn. Zinc is required for the synthesis of melatonin and CoQ10 essential for growing women. Hence, the deficiency caused by Cu through estrogen exacerbates the deficiency of zinc, melatonin and CoQ10 which are always typically low in migraineurs. Melatonin has been considered as a prodrug which stimulates the most important antioxidant enzymes namely CuZn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (a se-enzyme), and glutathione reductase. Moreover, Zn deficiency reduces the activity of ZnCu-SOD. Magnesium deficiency is quite common in migraineurs and Mg is very essential part of many enzymes which play roles in the production of energy as ATP. Mg and vit.B6 modulates the level of NO in the cell, both of which are deficient in migraineurs. Due to deficiency of Mg the trapped NO within the cell is not removed which combines with superoxide in the cell and generates peroxynitrite which is a potent free radical resulting in myelin degeneration at specific areas denuding hypersensitive neurons inducing migraines. Iron stimulates nitric oxide synthase and produce more NO but this enzyme is inhibited by zinc thus antagonizes more NO production. Furthermore, there is adrenal fatigue, depression and somnolism in migraine patients. There is reduced production of cortisol from adrenal cortex which stimulates the synthesis of ceruloplasmin (a copper transporter) and transferrin (an iron transporter) in the liver. Both iron and copper are transition metals which become free and stored in deep areas of the brain and peripheral nervous tissue where these ions catalyse the oxidation of catecholamines and produce highly reactive radicals which also cause neurodegeneration, lipid-peroxidation and demyelination exposing hypersensitive neurons inducing migraines. Moreover, Zn is an essential part of Zn-fingers (Krox20 and Krox24) which induce the differentiation of Schwann cells responsible for the myelination/remyelination of peripheral nerves. Zinc in itself is an effective antioxidant and protects nervous tissue in general, hence, prevents and/or help in the treatment of migraine. Other hormones and neurotransmitters as prolactin, thyroxine, parathyroid hormone, Vit. D, insulin, melatonin, 5HT, GABA, etc., also play very important roles in homeostasis of minerals and indirectly aids in the induction of migraine. This imbalance causes myelin degeneration, due to generation of free radicals, at specific sites of nervous system. It can be treated most effectively by restoring this imbalance with exogenous administration of zinc sulfate 75 mg+200 mg magnesium citrate twice daily+one capsule Vit. B-complex+one capsule Vit. E 400 IU+200 mg Coenzyme Q10 twice daily. All these medications were given orally for six weeks. This line of treatment was more effective than our previous one in amelioration of migraine in all the 27 patients. Further studies on large population of migraineurs with different mineral and vitamin combinations are required before finally adopting in general practice of medical treatment.

Characterization of Cu(II) and Cd(II) resistance mechanisms in Sphingobium sp. PHE-SPH and Ochrobactrum sp. PHE-OCH and their potential application in the bioremediation of heavy metal-phenanthrene co-contaminated sites.

Soil that is co-contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is difficult to bioremediate due to the ability of toxic metals to inhibit PAH degradation by bacteria. We demonstrated the resistance mechanisms to Cu(II) and Cd(II) of two newly isolated strains of Sphingobium sp. PHE-SPH and Ochrobactrum sp. PHE-OCH and further tested their potential application in the bioremediation of HM-phenanthrene (PhA) co-contaminated sites. The PHE-SPH and PHE-OCH strains tolerated 4.63 and 4.34 mM Cu(II) and also showed tolerance to 0.48 and 1.52 mM Cd(II), respectively. Diverse resistance patterns were detected between the two strains. In PHE-OCH cells, the maximum accumulation of Cu(II) occurred in the cell wall, while the maximum accumulation was in the cytoplasm of PHE-SPH cells. This resulted in a sudden suppression of growth in PHE-OCH and a gradual inhibition in PHE-SPH as the concentration of Cu(II) increased. Organic acid production was markedly higher in PHE-OCH than in PHE-SPH, which may also have a role in the resistance mechanisms, and contributes to the higher Cd(II) tolerance of PHE-OCH. The factors involved in the absorption of Cu(II) or Cd(II) in PHE-SPH and PHE-OCH were identified as proteins and carbohydrates by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, both strains showed the ability to efficiently degrade PhA and maintained this high degradation efficiency under HM stress. The high tolerance to HMs and the PhA degradation capacity make Sphingobium sp. PHE-SPH and Ochrobactrum sp. PHE-OCH excellent candidate organisms for the bioremediation of HM-PhA co-contaminated sites.

Rat intestine absorption kinetics study on cucurbitacin B-sodium deoxycholate/ phospholipid mixed nanomicelles with in vitro everted gut sacs model

To investigate the absorption kinetics of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs in rat different intestinal segments and compared with the absorption of Cu B suspension. The in vitro everted gut sacs model was established to study the absorption characteristics of Cu B-SDC/ PLC-MMs in rat duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon, and the content of cucurbitacin B was detected by HPLC method, and the effects of concentrations on intestinal absorption were evaluated as well. The results showed that the absorption of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs was linearity at different intestine segment and different concentrations (R2 > 0.9), which was consistent with zero order rate process. The Ka of different intestine segments showed a concentration-dependent increasing along with the raised concentration of Cu B-SDC/ PLC-MMs, indicating that it was likely to be a mechanism of passive absorption. The best absorption site of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs was ileum, and its absorptions in different intestinal segments were superior to cucurbitacin B suspension. SDC/PLC-MMs could significantly enhance the intestinal absorption of cucurbitacin B, and the study of intestinal absorption kinetics of Cu B-SDC/PLC-MMs had gave a support to its further reasonable solidfication.