Plasma Copper Research Articles

Plasma Copper Concentration Is Associated with Cardiovascular Mortality in Male Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. We investigated whether, in KTR, post-transplantation copper status is associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality and potential effect modification by sex. In this cohort study, plasma copper was measured using mass spectrometry in extensively-phenotyped KTR with a functioning allograft >1-year. Cox regression analyses with the inclusion of multiplicative interaction terms were performed. In 660 KTR (53 ± 13 years old, 56% male), the median baseline plasma copper was 15.42 (IQR 13.53-17.63) µmol/L. During a median follow-up of 5 years, 141 KTR died, 53 (38%) due to cardiovascular causes. Higher plasma copper was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in the overall KTR population (HR 1.37; 95% CI, 1.07-1.77 per 1-SD, p = 0.01). Sex was a significant effect modifier of this association (Pinteraction = 0.01). Among male KTR, higher plasma copper concentration was independently associated with a two-fold higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.42-3.07 per 1-SD, p < 0.001). Among female KTR, this association was absent. This evidence offers a rationale for considering a sex-specific assessment of copper's role in cardiovascular risk evaluation. Further studies are warranted to elucidate whether copper-targeted interventions may decrease cardiovascular mortality in male KTR.

Metal-induced oxidative stress and human plasma protein oxidation after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Pathogenesis of COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a global pandemic and public health emergency in 2020. Viral infection can induce oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inflammation and environmental stress are major sources of oxidative stress after infection. Micronutrients such as iron, copper, zinc, and manganese play various roles in human tissues and their imbalance in blood can impact immune responses against pathogens including SARS CoV-2. We hypothesized that alteration of free metal ions during infection and metal-catalyzed oxidation plays a critical role towards pathogenesis after infection. We analyzed convalescent and hospitalized COVID-19 patient plasma using orthogonal analytical techniques to determine redox active metal concentrations, overall protein oxidation, oxidative modifications, and protein levels via proteomics to understand the consequences of metal-induced oxidative stress in COVID-19 plasma proteins. Metal analysis using ICP-MS showed significantly greater concentrations of copper in COVID-19 plasma compared to healthy controls. We demonstrate significantly greater total protein carbonylation, other oxidative modifications, and deamidation of plasma proteins in COVID-19 plasma compared to healthy controls. Proteomics analysis showed that levels of redox active proteins including hemoglobulin were elevated in COVID-19 plasma. Molecular modeling concurred with potential interactions between iron binding proteins and SARS CoV-2 surface proteins. Overall, increased levels of redox active metals and protein oxidation indicate that oxidative stress-induced protein oxidation in COVID-19 may be a consequence of the interactions of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with host cell metal binding proteins resulting in altered cellular homeostasis.

Alterations in Antioxidant Micronutrient Concentrations in Placental Tissue, Maternal Blood and Urine and the Fetal Circulation in Pre-eclampsia.

Trace elements such as selenium and zinc are vital components of many enzymes, including endogenous antioxidants, and can interact with each other. Women with pre-eclampsia, the hypertensive disease of pregnancy, have been reported as having changes in some individual antioxidant trace elements during pregnancy, which are related to maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. We hypothesised that examination of the three compartments of (a) maternal plasma and urine, (b) placental tissue and (c) fetal plasma in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women would allow identification of biologically significant changes and interactions in selenium, zinc, manganese and copper. Furthermore, these would be related to changes in the angiogenic markers, placental growth factor (PlGF) and Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 (sFlt-1) concentrations. Venous plasma and urine were collected from healthy non-pregnant women (n = 30), normotensive pregnant controls (n = 60) and women with pre-eclampsia (n = 50) in the third trimester. Where possible, matched placental tissue samples and umbilical venous (fetal) plasma were also collected. Antioxidant micronutrient concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Urinary levels were normalised to creatinine concentration. Plasma active PlGF and sFlt-1 concentrations were measured by ELISA. Maternal plasma selenium, zinc and manganese were all lower in women with pre-eclampsia (p < 0.05), as were fetal plasma selenium and manganese (p < 0.05 for all); maternal urinary concentrations were lower for selenium and zinc (p < 0.05). Conversely, maternal and fetal plasma and urinary copper concentrations were higher in women with pre-eclampsia (p < 0.05). Differences in placental concentrations varied, with lower overall levels of selenium and zinc (p < 0.05) in women with pre-eclampsia. Maternal and fetal PlGF were lower and sFlt-1 higher in women with pre-eclampsia; maternal plasma zinc was positively correlated with maternal plasma sFlt-1 (p < 0.05). Because of perceptions that early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia have differing aetiologies, we subdivided maternal and fetal data accordingly. No major differences were observed, but fetal sample sizes were small following early-onset. Disruption in these antioxidant micronutrients may be responsible for some of the manifestations of pre-eclampsia, including contributing to an antiangiogenic state. The potential benefits of mineral supplementation, in women with deficient intakes, during pregnancy to reduce pre-eclampsia remain an important area for experimental and clinical research.

Theoretical estimations of the incoherent pumping of laser-induced copper plasma

The optical pumping of laser-induced copper plasma by incoherent light of a fast-discharge xenon flashlamp is proposed to enhance the stimulated emission of the laser-induced plasma (LIP). To study the spatiotemporal evolution of the incoherent pumping of LIP, a numerical approach based on the collisional-radiative model and kinetic equations has been employed. The influence of total density and gas temperature on the stimulated emission and gain coefficient of the plasma plume was studied. The results show an enhancement of the intensity of the spectral lines of atomic copper. This idea demonstrates that the pumping of LIP by a low energy, fast-discharge flashlamp may be replacement for the expensive laser-pumped LIP for the improvement of the sensitivity of the related spectral diagnostics methods of plasma, such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Comparison of serum copper levels between coronary artery disease patients and normal individuals: a case-control study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of death in technologically developed and developing countries. Copper, an active redox element, is involved in energy production through various mechanisms. Copper and coronary artery disease can be associated directly, through its direct effect on the vascular endothelium, or indirectly through lipoprotein metabolism. Hence an evaluation of copper in the coronary artery disease individual is important.&#x0D; The aim is to compare the relationship of serum copper levels between coronary artery disease patients and control individuals based on age, sex, hypertension and diabetes mellitus.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The study design was a case-control study in which proven coronary artery disease patients attending cardiology OPD were selected as cases. Control individuals were mainly selected from the master health check-up. Serum copper levels, plasma glucose, cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and serum HDL &amp; LDL cholesterol were done. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) was also measured. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 24.&#x0D; Result: The correlation of serum copper level with other quantitative parameters is determined by calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficient among cases and controls.&#x0D; Conclusion: The serum copper level is significantly (p=0.001) higher in CAD patients than in age, sex, DM, and HT-matched controls. The serum copper level has a significant (p=0.001) effect on disease, and the adjusted odds ratio is 1.032 (CI 1.011–1.054). In addition, the serum copper level has a significant (0.01) negative correlation with LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.

Chronic Corticosterone Exposure Suppresses Copper Transport through GR-Mediated Intestinal CTR1 Pathway in Mice.

Numerous studies have discovered that chronic stress induces metabolic disorders by affecting iron and zinc metabolism, but the relationship between chronic stress and copper metabolism remains unclear. Here, we explore the influence of chronic corticosterone (CORT) exposure on copper metabolism and its regulatory mechanism in mice. Mice were treated with 100 μg/mL CORT in drinking water for a 4-week trial. We found that CORT treatment resulted in a significant decrease in plasma copper level, plasma ceruloplasmin activity, plasma and liver Cu/Zn-SOD activity, hepatic copper content, and liver metallothionein content in mice. CORT treatment led to the reduction in duodenal expression of copper transporter 1 (CTR1), duodenal cytochrome b (DCYTB), and ATPase copper-transporting alpha (ATP7A) at the mRNA and protein level in mice. CORT treatment activated nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and down-regulated CRT1 expression in Caco-2 cells, whereas these phenotypes were reversible by an antagonist of GR, RU486. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that GR bound to the Ctr1 promoter in Caco-2 cells. Transient transfection assays in Caco-2 cells demonstrated that the Ctr1 promoter was responsive to the CORT-activated glucocorticoid receptor, whereas mutation/deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor element (GRE) markedly impaired activation of the Ctr1 promoter. In addition, CORT-induced downregulation of Ctr1 promoter activity was markedly attenuated in Caco-2 cells when RU486 was added. These findings present a novel molecular target for CORT that down-regulates intestinal CTR1 expression via GR-mediated trans-repression in mice.

Metallomics in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prevalence is increasing worldwide, and the prognosis is poor with 5-year survival < 50% in high risk patients. The relationship between metal exposure/essential metal dyshomeostasis and PAH/right ventricular dysfunction is less investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate vegetable consumptions and metal levels between PAH patients and controls. This was a prospective, single center pilot study. Questionnaires were completed by all study subjects (20 PAH patients and 10 healthy controls) on smoking, metal exposure risks, metal supplements, and vegetable consumptions. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure 25 metal levels in blood, plasma, and urine using an X Series II quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS 9.5 and results with p value < 0.05 were considered significant. Vegetables consumptions (broccoli risk ratio[RR] = 0.4, CI = (0.2, 0.9)], cabbage [RR = 0.2, CI = (0.1, 0.8)], and brussel sprouts [RR = 0.2, CI = (0.1, 0.5)]) are associated with less risks of PAH. In the plasma samples, silver (p < 0.001), and copper (p = 0.002) levels were significantly higher in PAH patients. There was significant positive correlation between cardiac output and cardiac index with plasma levels of silver (r = 0.665, p = 0.001 and r = 0.678 p = 0.001), respectively. There was significant correlation between mixed venous saturation, 6-min walk distance, and last BNP with plasma levels of chromium (r = -0.520, p = 0.022; r = -0.55, p = 0.014; r = 0.463, p = 0.039), respectively. In conclusion, there are significant differences between PAH and control groups in terms of vegetable consumptions and metal concentrations. Silver and chromium levels are correlated with clinical indicators of PAH severities.

The first trimester plasma copper-zinc ratio is independently related to pregnancy-specific psychological distress symptoms throughout pregnancy

ObjectivesHigh plasma copper (Cu) and low zinc (Zn) levels have been associated with depression. However, most studies used low sample sizes and a cross-sectional design, and perinatal data are scarce. We investigated the possible association between pregnancy-specific psychological distress and the plasma CuZn ratio using a prospective design. MethodsPregnancy-specific distress symptoms were assessed at each trimester by means of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale, negative affect subscale, in 2036 pregnant women. Cu and Zn were assessed at 12 wk of gestation in plasma samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Growth mixture modeling determined trajectories of women's pregnancy-specific negative affect (P-NA) symptoms, which were entered in a multiple logistic regression analysis as dependent variable and the CuZn ratio as independent variable. ResultsTwo P-NA symptom classes were found: 1) persistently low (n = 1820) and 2) persistently high (n = 216). A higher CuZn ratio was independently associated with persistently high P-NA symptom scores (odds ratio = 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.04) after adjustment for confounders. A sensitivity analysis was performed excluding all women with high P-NA scores at 12 wk of gestation (>1 SD above the mean P-NA score). In the 1719 remaining women, a higher CuZn ratio significantly predicted the development of increasing P-NA symptom scores after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio = 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.95). ConclusionsA higher CuZn plasma ratio is an independent determinant of developing pregnancy-specific distress symptoms throughout pregnancy, suggesting that micronutrients could be used as novel biomarkers for psychological distress research of perinatal mood disorders.

Associations between multiple metals exposure and biological aging: Evidence from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort

Aging is related to a progressive decline in physiological functions and is affected by environmental factors. Metal exposures are linked with many health effects, but have poorly understood associations with aging. In this study, a total of 33,916 participants from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort were included to establish biological age (BA) predictors by using recent advanced algorithms, Klemera and Doubal method (KDM) and Mahalanobis distance. Two biological aging indexes (BAIs), recorded as KDM-accel [the residual from regressing KDM-BA on chronological age] and physiological dysregulation (PD), were separately defined and tested on their associations with mortality by using Cox proportional hazard models. Among 3320 subjects with laboratory determinations of 23 metals in plasma, the individual and overall associations between these metals and BAIs were evaluated by using multiple-linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) models. Both BAIs were prospectively associated with all-cause mortality among the whole participants [KDM-accel: HR(95%CI) = 1.23(1.18, 1.29); PD: HR(95%CI) = 1.37(1.31, 1.42)]. Each 1-unit increment in ln-transformed strontium and molybdenum were cross-sectionally associated with a separate 0.71- and 0.34-year increase in KDM-accel, and each 1 % increment in copper, rubidium, strontium, cobalt was cross-sectionally associated with a separate 0.10 %, 0.10 %, 0.09 %, 0.02 % increase in PD (all FDR < 0.05). The WQS models observed mixture effects of multi-metals on aging, with a 0.20-year increase in KDM-accel and a 0.04 % increase in PD for each quartile increase in ln-transformed concentrations of all metals [KDM-accel: β(95%CI) = 0.20(0.08, 0.32); PD: β(95%CI) = 0.04(0.02, 0.06)]. Our findings revealed that plasma strontium, molybdenum, copper, rubidium and cobalt were associated with accelerated aging. Multi-metals exposure showed mixture effects on the aging process, which highlights potential preventative interventions.

The Practice and Clinical Utility of Trace Metal Testing for Hematology Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Trace metals play a critical role in human physiology and pathology. Deficiencies or toxicities in trace metals are associated with hematologic abnormalities and disorders and are included in the investigation of some hematology patients. For example, lead, copper and zinc levels may be included in the work-up of patients with unexplained anemia. The practice and clinical utility of these trace metal testing in unselected patients referred to hematology, however, are not well described. We examined the current practice of trace metal testing including lead, copper, and zinc, in hematology patients at a single tertiary care centre with the goal of informing future laboratory utilization of these investigations by hematologists. Methods: We investigated all adult patients who underwent trace metal testing ordered by hematologists between January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, at London Health Science Centre in London, Ontario, Canada. A retrospective chart review was performed to extract clinical and laboratory data including lead (whole blood), copper (plasma) and zinc (plasma) levels. Abnormal trace metal results were defined based on standard laboratory reference ranges. Primary outcomes were indications for trace metal testing and frequency of abnormal tests. Secondary outcomes included associated occupational exposures and clinical utility of testing, defined as the proportion of patients with an abnormal result that impacted diagnosis or management (including interventions such as advice to reduce exposures or initiate treatment such as chelation therapy or supplementation). Results: Preliminary results on 102/189 patients within our defined cohort revealed mean age 58 years with 32 men and 70 women tested for trace metals (Table 1a). Common indications for testing of each metal included work up for cytopenias, most commonly anemia (Table 1b). The three most common trace metals tested were 48/102 (47%) lead, 91/102 (89%) zinc, and 93/102 (91%) copper. Abnormal results were identified in 49 (48%) of the 102 patients with 12/48 (25%) in lead, 39/91 (42.9%) in zinc, and 9/93 (9.7%) copper testing. For lead, all abnormal results were toxicities, all abnormal results for zinc were deficiencies, and abnormal results for copper had a mix of both deficiencies and toxicities. Clinical utility was identified in one patient (8.3%) with an abnormal lead level, three (5.1%) with abnormal zinc levels, but none in the copper group. The single occupational exposure identified was toxic lead (greater than 50 times the upper limit of normal) in a patient with normal blood counts who made lead bullets. Data analysis for the full cohort is in progress and will be presented in the future. Conclusion: In this single-centre retrospective study, we characterized the use of trace metal testing for lead, zinc and copper deficiencies and toxicities by hematologists. Abnormal levels in these three metals are relatively common (48% for the entire cohort) with the highest frequency in zinc (43%) and lead (25%). However, despite the identification of abnormal results, clinical utility was low as management of patients with abnormal levels were not affected. This may indicate that the level of abnormality was trivial and did not require intervention in the majority of these identified. With this preliminary data, we speculate that some trace metal testing may be ordered as a non-specific panel of laboratory investigations for various indications and slightly abnormal results do not lead to any change in clinical management. Further investigations to explore the degree of trace metal level abnormalities and the impact on clinical diagnosis and management in these hematology patients are underway. The role of trace metal testing, the relationship between abnormal trace metal results and cytopenias such as anemia and impact on management will help to inform future clinical practice in hematology. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Associations of Dietary and Plasma Copper Levels with Liver Function in a Chinese Population.

The potential mechanisms underlying the association between copper (Cu) exposure and impaired liver function are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations of dietary Cu intake and plasma Cu levels with liver function biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess liver function biomarkers-namely, levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST)-in 2376 subjects in Guangxi, China. Dietary Cu intake was determined from a food frequency questionnaire containing 109 common foods. Plasma Cu concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression and multivariate restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to evaluate the correlations of plasma Cu levels and dietary Cu levels with liver function biomarkers. The covariate-adjusted results of the linear regression analysis showed that plasma Cu levels were significantly negatively correlated with serum IBIL (β = - 0.37), DBIL (β = - 0.22), and TBIL levels (β = - 0.32) (all p < 0.05), and dietary Cu was negatively correlated with serum AST levels (β = - 0.12, p < 0.05). The RCS analysis further indicated a negative linear relationship between dietary Cu levels and AST levels. In summary, our results suggested that the plasma Cu level is associated with serum bilirubin levels and that dietary Cu intake is associated with serum AST levels. Further studies are needed to validate these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Study the Impact of Laser Energy on Laser-Induced Copper Plasma Parameters By Spectroscopic Analysis Technique

In this paper, spectroscopic analysis (OES) for copper (Cu) plasma was achieved at atmospheric pressure. Q switched Nd: YAG pulsed laser with a fundamental wavelength (1064 nm), energy range (500-800) mJ, frequency (6 Hz), and laser pulses (10-30 pulses) was applied to induce copper plasma. Based on the spectroscopic analysis, plasma parameters like electron temperature (Te), electron density (ne), Debye length (λD), and plasma frequency (fp) have been calculated. The results demonstrated that the laser energy affects all plasma parameters, with an electron temperature (Te) range of (0.6820-0.8949) eV and electron number density (ne) range of (13.667-17.235)×1017 cm−3. Also, the image of the place of laser bombardment of copper (Cu) metal shows three diameters or circles, each circle bears a different color from the other. It can be described as a crater, and the interaction of the laser with copper metal is obvious by laser ablation, and here the effect of the increased energy of the laser appears during the spectroscopic diagnosis and the process of metal bombardment.

Laboratory observation of plasmoid-dominated magnetic reconnection in hybrid collisional-collisionless regime

Magnetic reconnection, breaking and reorganization of magnetic field topology, is a fundamental process for rapid release of magnetic energy into plasmas that occurs pervasively throughout the universe. In natural circumstances, the plasma properties on either side of the reconnection layer are almost asymmetric, in particular for the collision rates that critically determine the underlying reconnection mechanism. To date, all laboratory experiments on magnetic reconnections have been limited to purely collisional or collisionless regimes. Here, we report a well-designed experimental investigation on magnetic reconnections in a hybrid collisional-collisionless regime by interactions between laser-ablated copper and plastic plasmas. We directly observe the topology evolutions of the whole process of this asymmetric magnetic reconnection by highly-resolved proton radiography. Through this, we show that the growth rate of tearing instability in such a hybrid regime is still extremely large, resulting in rapid formation of multiple plasmoids and generation of plasmoid-dominated current sheet.

Relationship Between Markers of Chronic Inflammation and Copper Nutritional Status in Obese Women.

Adipose tissue dysfunction causes the development of metabolic complications, such as low-grade chronic inflammation, which may to alter copper homeostasis in obese individuals. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between markers of chronic inflammation and copper nutritional status in obese women. Cross-sectional study involved women aged 20-50years, divided into two groups: case (BMI > 35kg/m2) and control (18.5 > BMI > 24.9kg/m2). Plasma and erythrocyte copper concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme in the erythrocytes was determined with an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-10, and IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined by using flow cytometer. Serum IL-6 concentrations were 105% higher in the case group compared to eutrophic women. Plasma copper concentrations were 20.5% higher, and erythrocyte copper concentrations were 23.5% lower in patients with obesity. In addition, erythrocyte SOD activity was 20% lower in obese participants when compared to eutrophic women. Our study identified significant negative correlation between the cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 and the SOD activity in the case group, suggesting a possible influence of chronic inflammation on copper distribution in obese individuals.

Comparative study on the copper plasma confined with upward and downward conical cavities in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

In this study, the confinement effects of upward and downward conical cavities on laser-induced copper plasma were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy and fast imaging technique. It follows from the time-integrated spectra, the time-resolved spectra, and the spatial distributions of spectral intensity that the superior enhancement effects on spectral intensity are obtained in the upward conical cavity. Compared to the plasmas without confinement, plasma temperature and electron number density are increased in the presence of upward conical cavity, while no enhancements are obtained in the downward conical cavity. Reflection model of shockwave in a conical cavity is established to interpret these phenomena. The enhancement of the plasma plume confined in the upward conical cavity results from the compression of the plume towards its central region by the shockwave, as well as the accelerated collisions between the particles therein. No enhancement effect of the plasma in the downward conical cavity is obtained because of the radial expansion of plasma plume and the population reduction of excited species in the plasma primary core due to the pressure of oblique downward shockwave. This shockwave reflection model is further verified by the fast imaging, where the direct observation of the plasma plume agrees well with the enhancement effects of the two cavities on the spectral intensity.

Effects of Chronic Exposure to Molybdate and Tetrathiomolybdate Supplementation of Water on Immature Rats Acutely Infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. 1. Effects on Outcome of Infection and Host Health

Low molybdate (MoO4) exposure via drinking water in mature rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis raised liver and plasma copper (Cu) concentrations. The possibility that anthelmintic effects were attributable to conversion of MoO4 to tetrathiomolybdate (MoS4) in a non-ruminant species was investigated by giving three groups of 18 immature rats drinking water containing 70mg Mo l-1 as MoO4 (group A), 5mg Mo l-1 as MoS4 (group B) or no supplement (group C), while receiving a commercial cubed diet. After 41 days, 12 rats from each group were inoculated subcutaneously with 2,000 L3-stage N. brasiliensis larvae. Subgroups were killed 7, 8 or 9 days post infection (dpi), when adult worms are normally expelled, and enzyme markers for the inflammatory response to infection were measured in plasma or liver. Male rats given MoS4 prior to infection grew more slowly than those given MoO4. Eight dpi, females given MoS4 had lost more bodyweight than those in group C, while those given MoO4 had gained weight. Mean worm counts at 7 dpi were 160, 65 and 250±30.6 (SE), respectively, in groups C, A and B, and differed significantly from each other (P<0.05) but only rats given MoO4 remained infected 9 dpi (mean worm count 52±16.4): Faecal egg counts followed a broadly similar pattern. Both Mo sources pre-empted increases in liver and duodenal superoxide dismutase activity, induced by infection 7 and 9 dpi, respectively, in group C and enlarged the femur: neither source prevented hypertrophy of the small intestine and a rise in serum mast cell protease concentration caused by infection. Since data for plasma Cu concentration and caeruloplasmin oxidase activity, reported separately, indicated MoO4 was thiolated invivo, differences between Mo sources may be attributable to differences in the degree of thiolation, extent of thiomolybdate exposure and rates of thiomolybdate degradation at critical times in host or parasite development.

A novel arc plasma generating method by coaxial hybrid a ring arc to constraint arc: Principle and progress

Controlling of arc pressure in an arcing system is a critical and basic issue for welding application. A novel arcing torch is proposed to improve the controllability, a ring tungsten cathode is coaxial embedded into the water-cooling copper plasma arc nozzle. In the arcing process, the arc current flows into a single arc after it heats the anode and breaks into two branches to earth into the two separated cathodes: the center path works as the ordinary plasma arc and flows into the inner tungsten, the outer bypass free arc surrounds the center arc and flows into the ring tungsten. In this way, a coaxial hybrid arc forms based on a high-density plasma arc and a less-density ring free arc. Serial experiments were done to observe and measure the arc properties, including the arc column shape, arc pressure and anode state. It is observed that the outer arc can be fully absorbed into the inner arc to form a stable single hybrid arc. The hybrid arc properties are related to the two paths of arc current; the outer ring arc current has smaller pressure/current ratio than the central constraint plasma arc current. With such a version torch model, the employing current level of the ring arc is limited and lower than 40A to obtain stable hybrid arc. The results show the proposed arcing torch model is promising to control the output arc pressure with increased accuracy.

Mass spectrometry and SomaScan technologies to detect a plasma copper proteome in two human populations

Mass spectrometry and SomaScan technologies to detect a plasma copper proteome in two human populations

Metalloprotein status in Indian patients with beta thalassemia trait

Introduction and Aim: Beta Thalassemia trait (BTT) is the most prevalent heterozygous hemoglobinopathy in Asian population. The current study aims to evaluate plasma antioxidant metalloproteins like SOD, ceruloplasmin, ferritin and correlate them with the trace elements in patients with BTT. Materials and Methods: The subjects included in the study were divided into two groups comprising of 40 BTT patients in group I and 40 age and sex matched normal individuals in group II. Cation exchange HPLC was used for hemoglobin variant analysis. Plasma iron, copper, ceruloplasmin and SOD were assayed using the spectrophotometric method while zinc was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and ferritin by ECLIA. Results: There was a marked reduction in plasma trace elements in BTT compared to healthy controls. The decrease in zinc (p&lt;0.001) and copper (p&lt;0.04) was statistically significant. Both SOD and ferritin levels were significantly lower in BTT patients (p&lt;0.001). However, an apparent decrease was observed in ceruloplasmin levels. Iron and ferritin showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.84 p=0.01), similarly copper and ceruloplasmin correlated positively (r=0.92 p=0.001) in BTT patients. Interestingly HbF correlated negatively with all the three trace elements. Conclusion: It can be concluded that decreased antioxidant metalloproteins may lead to free radical toxicity in BTT. The study highlights the indirect role of trace elements in oxidative stress and draws attention on the requirement for regular and timely assessment of metalloenzymes and periodic administration of trace elements in reduction of free radical damage and associated complications in BTT patients.

Effects of unmagnetized and magnetically confined laser induced copper plasma ions on the surface, optical, wetting, electrical and mechanical properties of PMMA

Effects of unmagnetized and Magnetically Confined Laser-Induced Cu plasma Ions (MCLICPI) on surface, optical, wetting, electrical and mechanical properties of PMMA have been explored by SEM, UV–visible spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, four probe method and hardness tester respectively. The enhancement in maximum fluence from 3.7 × 1016 to 3. 8 × 1017 ions/cm2 and energy from 5.1 keV to 6.7 keV of MCLICPI are attributed to magnetic confinement and Joule’s heating effect. SEM analysis reveals the formation of beaded structures, pits, dendrites and flakes on PMMA. Growth of CuO and Cu2O phases and variations in hydrophilicity of PMMA are observed after ion irradiation. Significant increase in electrical conductivity and hardness of MCLICPI irradiated PMMA is observed. The ions range, electronic and nuclear stopping are 122 Å, 2.7 eV/Å, 57.5 eV/Å for unmagnetized and 146 Å, 3.1 eV/Å, 61.7 eV/Å for MCLICPI respectively.