Biological Constituents Research Articles

Investigation of chemical constituents of Artemisia absinthium

The aerial part of Artemisia absinthium, collected in Almaty region of Kazakhstan, investigated for chemical constituent with sufficiently completed quantitative and qualitative analysis. Biological active constituents such as organic acid (1.08%) and flavonoids (0.52%) together with the moisture content (7.14%), total ash (6.4%), and extractives (12.82%) of plant A. absinthium were determined. In the ash of the plant was found 8 macro-micro elements, main of them was K (417.930 μg/ml), Ca (116.0225 μg/ml), Mg (26.2250 μg/ml), Na (15.9825 μg/ml) by using the method of multi-element atomic emission spectral analysis at the Institute of Combustion Problems. Additionally, twenty amino acids and eight fatty acids were identified from A. absinthium. As the results showed that the major contents of amino acids were glutamate (2380 mg/100g), aspartate (1200 mg/100g) and alanine (712 mg/100g), and main contents of fatty acids were linoleic (44.8%) and oleic (30%) acids, relatively.

Harvesting energy from Faraday waves

Since their discovery in 1831, Faraday waves have played a crucial role in the development of novel methodologies for vibration absorption or assembly of microscale materials including soft matter and biological constituents. This work discusses a fundamentally different application of Faraday waves. A new methodology is proposed to harness energy from environmental vibrations via the activation of Faraday waves on the surface of a magnetic fluid. To this end, a proof-of-concept of the proposed harvester is first presented and its performance is experimentally analyzed near the principal parametric resonances of the first and second modes. Subsequently, a mathematical model is constructed to describe the dynamic behavior of the harvester using perturbation techniques. The model is validated against experimental data and light is shed onto the favorable conditions for energy harvesting.

Space Dust Collisions as a Planetary Escape Mechanism.

It is observed that hypervelocity space dust, which is continuously bombarding Earth, creates immense momentum flows in the atmosphere. Some of this fast space dust inevitably will interact with the atmospheric system, transferring energy and moving particles around, with various possible consequences. This paper examines, with supporting estimates, the possibility that by way of collisions the Earth-grazing component of space dust can facilitate planetary escape of atmospheric particles, whether they are atoms and molecules that form the atmosphere or larger-sized particles. An interesting outcome of this collision scenario is that a variety of particles that contain telltale signs of Earth's organic story, including microbial life and life-essential molecules, may be "afloat" in Earth's atmosphere. The present study assesses the capability of this space dust collision mechanism to propel some of these biological constituents into space. Key Words: Hypervelocity space dust-Collision-Planetary escape-Atmospheric constituents-Microbial life. Astrobiology 17, 1274-1282.

High Latitude Epipelagic and Mesopelagic Scattering Layers—A Reference for Future Arctic Ecosystem Change

Scattering structures, including deep (>200 m) scattering layers are common in most oceans, but have not previously been properly documented in the Arctic Ocean. In this work, we combine acoustic data for distribution and abundance estimation of zooplankton and fish with biological sampling from the region west and north of Svalbard, to examine high latitude meso- and epipelagic scattering layers and their biological constituents. Our results show that typically, there was strong patchy scattering in the upper part of the epipelagic zone (440 m) in the Arctic habitat north of Svalbard compared to those south in the Fram Strait west of Svalbard (WMD ~400 m). The surface integrated backscatter (Nautical Area-Scattering Coefficient, NASC, sA [m2∙nmi-2]) was considerably lower in the waters around Svalbard compared to the more southern regions (62-69oN). Also, the mesopelagic nautical area scattering coefficient was a factor of approximately 6-10 lower around Svalbard compared to the areas in the south-eastern part of the Norwegian Sea ~62o30’N. The documented patterns and structures, particularly the DSL and its constituents, will be key reference points for understanding and quantifying future changes in the pelagic ecosystem at the entrance to the Arctic Ocean.

Endmember search and proportion estimates from airborne hyperspectral surveys

ABSTRACTThe estimation of areas of land-cover elements is required for many natural resource management programmes and is also used by the mineral and petroleum resource communities either for detection of mineral abundances or monitoring of environmental remediation and other off-site impacts. When the identification of many constituent elements is desired, remote sensors that possess many spectral bands are often deployed, providing data that can be used in a spectroscopic (or other) analysis. At the size of a (remotely sensed) ground sample (represented as an image pixel), which with current technology is typically a few metres, the sample is heterogeneous and typically composed of several biological and geological constituents. It is of interest to first identify the constituent elements and their number and, second, to estimate their relative abundance. When no suitable spectral library is available for a particular data set, an exploratory approach using a blind unmixing method may be used to detect and estimate the endmembers themselves – an exploratory approach because there is no guarantee that the spectral endmembers fitted using blind unmixing will correspond to the ‘pure’ materials of interest to a particular application. Further, if employing a blind unmixing technique to each image in a large multi-image survey independently, there is no guarantee that compatible sets of endmembers will be found to produce maps that are seamless across contiguous images. The aim of this article is to examine the potential for applying blind unmixing at the whole-of-survey level as a way to finding endmembers and proportion maps that are cross-swath consistent and broadscale applicable. We demonstrate that a mosaic of many radiometrically block-adjusted swaths of data from the HyMap airborne hyperspectral imager (HyVista Corporation) can be unmixed as a single image using the Iterated Constrained Endmembers blind unmixing algorithm. The major endmembers are validated against available Analytical Spectral Devices ground spectra and broadscale abundance maps of the type targeted by both vegetation and soil mapping communities are produced.

A reliable protocol for colorimetric determination of iron oxide nanoparticle uptake by cells

Size, shape, and surface properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can influence their interaction with biological systems, particularly the incorporation by tumor cells and consequently the biological activity and efficiency in biomedical applications. Several strategies have been used to evaluate cellular uptake of SPIONs. While qualitative methods are generally based on microscopy techniques, quantitative assays are carried out by techniques such as inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and flow cytometry. However, inexpensive colorimetric methods based on equipments commonly found in chemistry and biochemistry laboratories are preferred for routine measurements. Nevertheless, colorimetric assays must be used judiciously, particularly when nanoparticles are involved, since their interaction with biological constituents tends to lead to quite underestimated results. Thus, herein described is a colorimetric protocol using 2,2'-bipyridine as chromogenic ligand, where each step was optimized and validated by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, realizing a highly reproducible and reliable method for determination of iron content in cells incubated with SPIONs. The limit of blank and limit of detection were determined to be as low as 0.076 and 0.143μg Fe/mL, using sample volumes as small as 190μL and a number of cells as low as 2.0×105. Furthermore, three different types of surface-functionalized nanoparticles were incorporated in cells and evaluated through this protocol, enabling to monitor the additive effect of o-phosphorylethanolamine (PEA) and folic acid (FA) conjugation on iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION-PEA and SPION-PEA/FA), that enhanced the uptake by HeLa cells, respectively, by four and ten times when compared to SPIONs conjugated with nonbioactive molecules. Graphical abstract Colorimetric determination of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) incorporated by cells.

LC-MS/MS profiles and interrelationships between the anti-inflammatory activity, total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of Kalasin 2 cultivar peanut sprout crude extract

Peanut is a potent natural source of phytochemical compounds and is associated with human health. In the present study, we determined the biological activity and chemical constituents of peanuts germinated for 0–9days. The ungerminated seed coat exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, phenolic compound content and anti-inflammatory activity. During the germination process, on the first germination day, root extract showed the highest antioxidant potential, phenolic compound content and anti-inflammatory activity. The kernel exhibited a low phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity at the early stage of germination and significantly increased after 9days of germination. Resveratrol increased to 7.19±0.07µg/g dry weight on the second day of germination. LC-MS/MS showed a variety of phenolic compounds and stilbene derivatives in different parts of germinated peanut. These results suggest that the peanut sprout exerts high anti-inflammatory effects that may be related to the polyphenolic content and antioxidant properties.

An expert system based on hybrid ICA-ANN technique to estimate macerals contents of Indian coals

Coal, as an initial source of energy, requires a detailed investigation in terms of ultimate analysis, proximate analysis, and its biological constituents (macerals). The rank and calorific value of each type of coal are managed by the mentioned properties. In contrast to ultimate and proximate analyses, determining the macerals in coal requires sophisticated microscopic instrumentation and expertise. This study emphasizes the estimation of the concentration of macerals of Indian coals based on a hybrid imperialism competitive algorithm (ICA)–artificial neural network (ANN). Here, ICA is utilized to adjust the weight and bias of ANNs for enhancing their performance capacity. For comparison purposes, a pre-developed ANN model is also proposed. Checking the performance prediction of the developed models is performed through several performance indices, i.e., coefficient of determination (R 2), root mean square error and variance account for. The obtained results revealed higher accuracy of the proposed hybrid ICA-ANN model in estimating macerals contents of Indian coals compared to the pre-developed ANN technique. Results of the developed ANN model based on R 2 values of training datasets were obtained as 0.961, 0.955, and 0.961 for predicting vitrinite, liptinite, and inertinite, respectively, whereas these values were achieved as 0.948, 0.947, and 0.957, respectively, for testing datasets. Similarly, R 2 values of 0.988, 0.983, and 0.991 for training datasets and 0.989, 0.982, and 0.985 for testing datasets were obtained from developed ICA-ANN model.

Developing organ-on-a-chip concepts using bio-mechatronic design methodology

Mechatronic design is an engineering methodology for conceiving, configuring and optimising the design of a technical device or product to the needs and requirements of the final user. In this article, we show how the basic principles of this methodology can be exploited for in vitro cell cultures—often referred to as organ-on-a-chip devices. Due to the key role of the biological cells, we have introduced the term bio-mechatronic design, to highlight the complexity of designing a system that should integrate biology, mechanics and electronics in the same device structure. The strength of the mechatronic design is to match the needs of the potential users to a systematic evaluation of overall functional design alternative. It may be especially attractive for organs-on-chips where biological constituents such as cells and tissues in 3D settings and in a fluidic environment should be compared, screened and selected. Through this approach, design solutions ranked to customer needs are generated according to specified criteria, thereby defining the key constraints of the fabrication. As an example, the bio-mechatronic methodology is applied to a liver-on-a-chip based on information extrapolated from previous theoretical and experimental knowledge. It is concluded that the methodology can generate new fabrication solutions for devices, as well as efficient guidelines for refining the design and fabrication of many of today’s organ-on-a-chip devices.

Size, Composition, and Source Profiles of Inhalable Bioaerosols from Colorado Dairies.

Particulate matter emissions from agricultural livestock operations contain both chemical and biological constituents that represent a potential human health hazard. The size and composition of these dusts, however, have not been well described. We evaluated the full size distribution (from 0 to 100 μm in aerodynamic diameter) and chemical/biological composition of inhalable dusts inside several Colorado dairy parlors. Four aerodynamic size fractions (<3, 3-10, 10-30, and >30 μm) were collected and analyzed using a combination of physiochemical techniques to understand the structure of bacterial communities and chemical constituents. Airborne particulate mass followed a bimodal size distribution (one mode at 3 μm and a second above 30 μm), which also correlated with the relative concentrations of the following microbiological markers: bacterial endotoxin, 3-hydroxy fatty acids, and muramic acid. Sequencing of the 16S-rRNA components of this aerosol revealed a microbiome derived predominantly from animal sources. Bacterial genera included Staphlyococcus, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus, all of which have proinflammatory and pathogenic capacity. Our results suggest that the size distribution of bioaerosols emitted by dairy operations extends well above 10 μm in diameter and contains a diverse mixture of potentially hazardous constituents and opportunistic pathogens. These findings should inform the development of more effective emissions control strategies.

The Organogermanium Compound Ge-132 Interacts with Nucleic Acid Components and Inhibits the Catalysis of Adenosine Substrate by Adenosine Deaminase.

Poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl)germasesquioxane] (Ge-132) is a water-soluble organogermanium compound that exerts various physiological effects, including anti-inflammatory activity and pain relief. In water, Ge-132 is hydrolyzed to 3-(trihydroxygermyl)propanoic acid (THGP), which in turn is capable of interacting with cis-diol compounds through its trihydroxy group, indicating that this compound could also interact with diol-containing nucleic acid constituents. In this study, we evaluated the ability of THGP to interact with nucleosides or nucleotides via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. In addition, we evaluated the effect of added THGP on the enzymatic activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) when using adenosine or 2'-deoxyadenosine as a substrate. In solution, THGP indeed formed complexes with nucleotides or nucleosides through their cis-diol group. Moreover, the ability of THGP to form complexes with nucleotides was influenced by the number of phosphate groups present on the ribose moiety. Notably, THGP also inhibited the catalysis of adenosine by ADA in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, interactions between THGP and important biological nucleic acid constituents might be implicated in the physiological effects of Ge-132.

High sensitivity surface plasmon resonance (SPR) refractive index sensor in 1.5 μm

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based sensor is proposed and demonstrated for operation in the 1500 nm region. The sensor operates by the immersion of microfibers with a 25-μm diameter waist in chemical solutions that have varying external effective refractive indices. The sensor is fabricated using a homemade single-mode tapered fiber with a uniform waist coated on all sides with a gold layer approximately 45 nm thick by means of a vacuum electron beam evaporator machine. The transmission dips in the sensor’s optical spectrum are highly responsive to any perturbations in the external medium refractive index, thus providing high sensitivity. The proposed sensor system has multiple potential applications in biological and chemical constituent and reaction measurements.

Groundwater hydrochemical assessment of the crystalline aquifer of Suleja, North Central Nigeria

This research work aimed at assessing the waste dump impacts on groundwater physic-chemical and biological constituents of Suleja environ. Hydrochemistry and groundwater flow mapping techniques were employed during the field work. After the preliminary survey, seven groundwater samples were collected monthly at different locations within the study area; totaling forty three (43) samples during the dry season (between the months of November, 2015 to April, 2016) for standard water quality laboratory analysis. The data sets obtained from the laboratory were subjected to descriptive statistics and correlation matrix to establish their relationship, including water quality index were calculated. The hydrochemical results revealed high mean concentrations of conductivity followed by total hardness, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, temperature and pH (Conductivity > TH > TDS > Alk > Temp. > pH). The minor ionic distributions revealed higher mean concentrations of Sulphate followed by chloride, bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, and nitrate ions (SO4 > Cl- > HCO3 > CO2 > NO3). The major ionic parametric mean concentrations revealed higher value of calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium ions (Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+). The heavy metals ions revealed higher mean concentrations of iron followed by zinc, manganese, and copper during the dry season. The elevated values of chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand observed indicate presence of organic compounds in the groundwater of some area. The observed wide range of standard deviation and variance in some of the parameters are indications that there is substantial difference in the groundwater chemistry within the study area. Hydrochemical result depict high level of average concentration of temperature, sulphate (SO4), iron (Fe2+) and total hardness (TH) to have range above their standard permissible limit for drinking or domestic purposes water quality (WHO and NSDWQ). Though there are other ionic compounds that show low average level of its content but high level of maximum concentrations such as chloride, COD and BOD. The WQI value for dry seasons is 4.89 which indicate that the groundwater in the area is excellent in quality. Correlation matrix revealed positive relationship between pH, TH (total hardness), SO4, NO3, Cl-, Mg2+ and Ca2+ and positive connectivity between Na+ and K+. All this suggest that major sources of the solute for the groundwater enrichment are from weathering of lithological framework and anthropogenic activities essentially. Groundwater flow mapping revealed that the groundwater of Suleja vicinity is structurally controlled and it equally shows somewhat possibility of high potential of groundwater aquifer which make it suitable for groundwater borehole development.Keywords: Hydrochemistry, Hydrogeology, Water quality Index, Waste dump, Suleja Area

Influence of exposure to coarse, fine and ultrafine urban particulate matter and their biological constituents on neural biomarkers in a randomized controlled crossover study

BackgroundEpidemiological studies have reported associations between air pollution and neuro-psychological conditions. Biological mechanisms behind these findings are still not clear. ObjectivesWe examined changes in blood and urinary neural biomarkers following exposure to concentrated ambient coarse, fine and ultrafine particles. MethodsFifty healthy non-smoking volunteers, mean age 28years, were exposed to coarse (2.5–10μm, mean 213μg/m3) and fine (0.15–2.5μm, mean 238μg/m3) concentrated ambient particles (CAPs), and filtered ambient and/or medical air. Twenty-five participants were exposed to ultrafine CAP (mean size 59.6nm, range 47.0–69.8nm), mean (136μg/m3) and filtered medical air. Exposures lasted 130min, separated by ≥2weeks, and the biological constituents endotoxin and β-1,3-d-glucan of each particle size fraction were measured. Blood and urine samples were collected pre-exposure, and 1-hour and 21-hour post-exposure to determine neural biomarker levels. Mixed-model regressions assessed associations between exposures and changes in biomarker levels. ResultsResults were expressed as percent change from daily pre-exposure biomarker levels. Exposure to coarse CAP was significantly associated with increased urinary levels of the stress-related biomarkers vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and cortisol when compared with exposure to filtered medical air [20% (95% confidence interval: 1.0%, 38%) and 64% (0.2%, 127%), respectively] 21hours post-exposure. However exposure to coarse CAP was significantly associated with decreases in blood cortisol [−26.0% (−42.4%, −9.6%) and −22.4% (−43.7%, −1.1%) at 1h and 21h post-exposure, respectively]. Biological molecules present in coarse CAP were significantly associated with blood biomarkers indicative of blood brain barrier integrity. Endotoxin content was significantly associated with increased blood ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 [UCHL1, 11% (5.3%, 16%) per ln(ng/m3+1)] 1-hour post-exposure, while β-1,3-d-glucan was significantly associated with increased blood S100B [6.3% (3.2%, 9.4%) per ln(ng/m3+1)], as well as UCHL1 [3.1% (0.4%, 5.9%) per ln(ng/m3+1)], one-hour post-exposure. Fine CAP was marginally associated with increased blood UCHL1 when compared with exposure to filtered medical air [17.7% (−1.7%, 37.2%), p=0.07] 21hours post-exposure. Ultrafine CAP was not significantly associated with changes in any blood and urinary neural biomarkers examined. ConclusionAmbient coarse particulate matter and its biological constituents may influence neural biomarker levels that reflect perturbations of blood-brain barrier integrity and systemic stress response.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Gymnema sylvestre and Andrographis paniculata in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a difficult metabolic disorder that has seriously impact the human health and quality of life. Medicinal plants are being used to control diabetes However, they are not entirely effective and no one has ever been reported to have fully recovered from diabetes. Many plants have been used for the management of diabetes mellitus in various traditional systems of medicine worldwide as they are a great source of biological constituents and many of them are known to be effective against diabetes. Medicinal plants with antihyperglycemic activities are being more desired, owing to lesser sideeffects and low cost. Streptozotocin was induced to all groups of rats at dosage of 35 -55mg/kg except for the normal. Streptozotocin induced diabetes in sprague dawly rats were used to study antidiabetic activity of methonolic extract of two medicinal plants Gymnema sylvestre,Andrographis paniculata methanolic leaf extract was administered orally in graded doses of 30 mg/kg,50mg /kg sprague dawly rats Gymnema sylvestre at a dose of 30mg/kg and Andrographis paniculata at a dose of 50mg/kg showed significant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative effect which was evident from the 1st week of treatment.

Foliar applications of alpha-tocopherol improves the composition of fresh pods of Vigna radiata subjected to water deficiency

Alpha-tocopherol (α-Toc), so-called vitamin E, is a low molecular weight lipophilic antioxidant that generally protects plants from stress-induced cellular oxidation. It is well known that exogenously applied α-Toc is effective in improving plant growth and developmental processes under adverse environmental conditions. The current study was performed to determine the best concentration of α-Toc [0 (no spray), 100, 200, and 300 mg L-1] that could improve the biological yield and chemical constituents of fresh green pods of mung bean (Vigna radiata) and hence their quality under varying water regimes. Foliar spray of α-Toc significantly improved total soluble proteins, chlorophyll a and b, total soluble sugars, proline, phenolics, total free amino acids, nonreducing sugars, and activities of SOD, POD, and CAT under water stress conditions. However, no prominent change was observed in reducing sugars and biological yield due to externally applied α-Toc in either mung bean cultivar subjected to either water regime. Both mung bean cultivars (Cyclone 7008 and Cyclone 8009) showed similar behavior in chlorophyll a and b, while cv. Cyclone 7008 was superior with respect to the concentrations of total soluble sugars and total free amino acids, whereas Cyclone 8009 was better in activities of CAT, SOD, and POD. Overall, externally applied 200 and 300 mg L-1 α-Toc considerably enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT), chlorophyll a and b, proline, and total phenolic contents in both mung bean cultivars.

Evaluation of biological activities and chemical constituent of storage medicinal plant materials used as a traditional medicine in Nepal

Aim: The main aims of the study were to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidant, antibacterial and chemical constituents of storage medicinal plant materials used as a traditional medicine in Nepal. Methods: Phytochemical screening, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antibacterial activities, anti-oxidant assay of the crude extract (water, methanol, n-hexane and acetone) were carried out to identify the biological activities and phytonutrients present in the different extract. The chemical constituents present in the crude extract were analyzed using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with UV detector. Results: Evaluated medicinal plant materials were found to have diverse phytonutrients. Results revealed that methanol extract of Pakhanved and Jethimadhu have highest total flavonoids and polyphenol content. Among the selected medicinal plant materials Jethimadhu extract revealed the highest antioxidant activities. Furthermore, evaluated medicinal plants extract were found to exert a range of in vitro growth inhibition activity against both gram positive and gram negative species. The highest antibacterial activities were observed in the case of methanol extract, whereas, least activity was observed with the hexane extract. HPLC analysis of the acetone extract of Jethimadhu reveals the presence of diosmetin. Conclusions: Our result revealed that among the five evaluated medicinal plant materials, Jethimadhu extract revealed biological activities and exhibits a higher amount of polyphenol and flavonoid content.

Study of Biological Activity and Chemical Constituent of Annona Reticulata

The methanol and hexane extract of leaf of Annona reticulata, vernacularly known as ‘Sareefa’ were subjected to biological assay and column chromatography respectively. Column chromatography of the hexane extract of the leaf of A. reticulata resulted in the isolation of one pure compound PF1. The compound PF1 was suggested as β-sitosterol by comparing TLC, IR and melting point with authentic sample. The antibacterial activity against two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) and Escherichia coli (gram negative) was done by agar well diffusion method and Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) was observed. The ZOI obtained ranged from 8 to 12 mm. The methanol extract of leaf showed moderate antibacterial activity on comparison with standard antibiotic streptomycin. The Antioxidant activity of the extract was tested using scavenging activity of DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2- Picrylhydrazyl) radical method. The IC50 value of A. reticulata was found (41 µg/ml). The standard compound has shown IC50 value as 120 µg/ml. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the extract was positively associated with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract. This study revealed that methanolic leaf extract of A. reticulata comprise effective potential source of natural antioxidant, which might be helpful in preventing the progress of various oxidative stresses.Journal of Institute of Science and TechnologyVolume 21, Issue 1, August 2016, page: 157-163

Creating High-Resolution Multiscale Maps of Human Tissue Using Multi-beam SEM.

Multi-beam scanning electron microscopy (mSEM) enables high-throughput, nano-resolution imaging of macroscopic tissue samples, providing an unprecedented means for structure-function characterization of biological tissues and their cellular inhabitants, seamlessly across multiple length scales. Here we describe computational methods to reconstruct and navigate a multitude of high-resolution mSEM images of the human hip. We calculated cross-correlation shift vectors between overlapping images and used a mass-spring-damper model for optimal global registration. We utilized the Google Maps API to create an interactive map and provide open access to our reconstructed mSEM datasets to both the public and scientific communities via our website www.mechbio.org. The nano- to macro-scale map reveals the tissue’s biological and material constituents. Living inhabitants of the hip bone (e.g. osteocytes) are visible in their local extracellular matrix milieu (comprising collagen and mineral) and embedded in bone’s structural tissue architecture, i.e. the osteonal structures in which layers of mineralized tissue are organized in lamellae around a central blood vessel. Multi-beam SEM and our presented methodology enable an unprecedented, comprehensive understanding of health and disease from the molecular to organ length scale.

An integrated approach for identifying priority contaminant in the Great Lakes Basin - Investigations in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River and Milwaukee Estuary areas of concern.

Environmental assessment of complex mixtures typically requires integration of chemical and biological measurements. This study demonstrates the use of a combination of instrumental chemical analyses, effects-based monitoring, and bio-effects prediction approaches to help identify potential hazards and priority contaminants in two Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), the Lower Green Bay/Fox River located near Green Bay, WI, USA and the Milwaukee Estuary, located near Milwaukee, WI, USA. Fathead minnows were caged at four sites within each AOC (eight sites total). Following 4d of in situ exposure, tissues and biofluids were sampled and used for targeted biological effects analyses. Additionally, 4d composite water samples were collected concurrently at each caged fish site and analyzed for 132 analytes as well as evaluated for total estrogenic and androgenic activity using cell-based bioassays. Of the analytes examined, 75 were detected in composite samples from at least one site. Based on multiple analyses, one site in the East River and another site near a paper mill discharge in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River AOC, were prioritized due to their estrogenic and androgenic activity, respectively. The water samples from other sites generally did not exhibit significant estrogenic or androgenic activity, nor was there evidence for endocrine disruption in the fish exposed at these sites as indicated by the lack of alterations in ex vivo steroid production, circulating steroid concentrations, or vitellogenin mRNA expression in males. Induction of hepatic cyp1a mRNA expression was detected at several sites, suggesting the presence of chemicals that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. To expand the scope beyond targeted investigation of endpoints selected a priori, several bio-effects prediction approaches were employed to identify other potentially disturbed biological pathways and related chemical constituents that may warrant future monitoring at these sites. For example, several chemicals such as diethylphthalate and naphthalene, and genes and related pathways, such as cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3), estrogen receptor alpha1 (esr1), chemokine ligand 10 protein (CXCL10), tumor protein p53 (p53), and monoamine oxidase B (Maob), were identified as candidates for future assessments at these AOCs. Overall, this study demonstrates that a better prioritization of contaminants and associated hazards can be achieved through integrated evaluation of multiple lines of evidence. Such prioritization can guide more comprehensive follow-up risk assessment efforts.