Decrease In Cu Research Articles

Short and long term modulation of tissue minerals concentrations following oral administration of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed oil to laboratory rats

BackgroundNigella sativa, or commonly called black cumin is a small herb of family Ranunculaceae is a well-known medicinal plant but its effects on tissue mineral concentrations of animal bodies is unknown. PurposeTo study the effect of oral administration of fixed oil of black cumin seeds on tissues mineral content using laboratory rats as experimental model. Study designExperimental animals were exposed to two oral doses of seed oil (60 and 120 ml kg−1 body weight). Short- and long term experiments lasted 24 h and 60 days respectively, with three replicates each. MethodsOil extracted from black cumin seeds was subjected to GC–MS to identify chemical components. Following the wet digestion in nitric acid, samples of whole blood and organs of rats were subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometry for determination of elements concentrations. Data were compared statistically at p < .05. ResultsCompared to control, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn showed decrease, whereas Co, Na, Mg and K demonstrated increase, but Ca showed both increase and decrease in most of the tissues upon short term exposure to low and high doses of black cumin oil. During long term exposure, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu exhibited decrease; Co, Na, Mg and Ca concentrations demonstrated an upregulation, whereas Ni and Zn showed increase and decrease in most of the tissues. Comparison of short term with long term experiments at low dose revealed increases in Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, K and Ca, a decrease in Cr, Mn, Ni and Cu in most tissues, but both increase and decrease in Na. At high dose, an increase occurred in Fe, Ni, Zn, K, Ca, Mg, a decrease in Cr, while both increase and decrease in Cu, Co and Na concentrations. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that oral administration of black cumin seeds oil to laboratory rats significantly alters tissue trace elements and electrolytes concentrations. The study appears beneficial but indicates modulatory role of black cumin oil as regards mineral metabolism with far reaching implications in health and disease.

Risk factors for development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Considerable attention has been focused on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which occasionally develops after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The present study aimed to clarify the prevalence, sequential change in properties and risk factors for NAFLD development after PD. We enrolled 196 patients who underwent PD and a computed tomography (CT) scan 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. NAFLD was defined as a liver‐to‐spleen attenuation ratio on plain CT of <0.9. We compared various clinical factors between the NAFLD group and the control group. Individual prevalence of NAFLD at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after surgery was 12%, 21% and 15%. Significantly different factors by univariate analysis were as follows: 1 month: age, sex, total protein (TP), total cholesterol (TC) and copper (Cu); 6 months: sex, disease, surgical method, portal vein resection (PVR), frequency of defecation, TC and Cu; 1 year: age, sex, disease, surgical method, PVR, frequency of defecation, TP and Cu. Risk factors by multivariate analysis were as follows: 1 month: not elderly age, female sex and a decrease in Cu; 6 months: female sex and a decrease in Cu; 1 year: a decrease in Cu. NAFLD after PD frequently developed in women with a decrease in serum Cu and was influenced by various factors related to poor digestion and absorption associated with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

A novel composite-diffusion brazing process based on transient liquid phase bonding of a Cf/SiC composite to Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract combining composite-brazing with transient liquid phase bonding (TLP), a novel process named composite-diffusion brazing was introduced to join C f /SiC composite and Ti-6Al-4V at 930 °C for 30–120 min using (Ti-Zr-Cu-Ni)+16 vol%TiC. The added TiC particles distribute uniformly in the joints, which contributes to relax the residual stresses in the joints. The composition homogenization between interlayer and TC4 leads to the decrease of Cu and Ni contents in the interlayer, thereby the heat-resistance of joints has been improved significantly. When the dwelling time is 120 min, the melting-point of joints is raised to 1217 °C, which is 300 °C higher than that of filler. Besides that, the joints exhibit excellent high-temperature mechanical properties. The shear strengths of the joints at 800 °C reaches to 137.4 MPa, when the dwelling time is 90 min. Thus, the new composite-diffusion brazing process has the superiorities of both composite-brazing and TLP.

Bearing capacity of foundations on soft clays with granular column and trench

The bearing capacity of foundations on soft clays under undrained conditions has been computed with inclusion of (i) a single vertical granular trench below a strip footing and (ii) a granular column placed below a circular footing. A lower bound plane strain and axisymmetric limit analysis, in conjunction with finite elements and an optimization procedure, has been used. The efficiency factor (ξ) has been determined by varying Bt/Bf; where (i) Bt=diameter of the column (width of the trench) and (ii) Bf=diameter of the circular footing (width of the strip footing). The effect of (i) the depth (D) of the column (trench) and (ii) the angle of internal friction (ϕ) of the column (trench) material has been explored for a wide range of cu/(γBf); cu and γ imply undrained cohesion and the unit weight of the clay mass, respectively. Factor ξ increased quite significantly with increases in Bt/Bf and D/Bf. Factor ξ improved further with (i) increases in ϕ and (ii) decreases in cu/(γBf).

Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of Glycated Albumin.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The process of AD can begin 20 years before any symptom of cognitive loss. Thus, the development of systems for early diagnosis and prevention is very important. The mechanism of AD is still under debate. Nevertheless, higher levels of glycated albumin in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma are observed in AD patients. Therefore, glycated albumin could be a biomarker of AD development. Electrochemical biosensor for direct determination of glycated albumin was based on thiol derivative of pentetic acid (DTPA) complex with Cu(II) created on gold electrode surface. His-tagged domains of Receptors for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) were applied as analytical active element for glycated albumin recognition. The binding of glycated albumin by His6- RAGE domains was monitored using Osteryoung square - wave voltammetry. Electrodes modified with His6 - RAGE VC1 natural domain generated decrease of Cu(II) redox currents in the presence of glycated albumin. Human albumin, Aβ 1-40 and S100B protein caused negligible influence on biosensors responses towards glycated albumin. The detection limits were: 2.3 pM, 1.1 pM, 2.9 pM and 3.1 pM in the presence of: buffer, buffer + albumin, buffer + S100B, buffer + Aβ1-40 , respectively. The presented electrochemical biosensor was successfully applied for the determination of glycated albumin. Considering analytical parameters such as good selectivity and sensitivity in pM range, biosensor could be recommended as an analytical tool for medical samples analysis.

Degradation of citrate promotes copper co-precipitation within aluminium-(hydr)oxides in calcareous soils

In this study, we provide experimental evidences that in calcareous soils microbial degradation/decomposition of citrate can promote Al-(hydr)oxide precipitation concurrently decreasing copper (Cu) solubility by a coprecipitation process. Citrate is an organic acid anion commonly released by roots to increase nutrient availability or to limit Al toxicity. However, under specific environmental conditions (i.e. high microbial activity of Al-citrate-degrading bacteria, alkaline pH), this organic acid may become ineffective in mobilizing Cu for the plant acquisition process. To demonstrate this, a calcareous soil and an artificial soil system have been treated with citrate solutions; then, changes in Al and Cu solubility and the formation of Cu-containing Al-(hydr)oxides were monitored. Both in experiments with the artificial soil and in those where the soil was inoculated with microbial strains, the formation of Cu-Al coprecipitates not only occurred but was also concurrent with the decrease of Cu and Al solubility. The role of bacteria in metal-citrate complex degradation has been assessed, and the 16S rDNA of bacteria related with these processes has been sequenced for genus identification. Bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Bradyrhizobium and Sphingopixis have been identified as possible candidates to degrade Al- and Cu-citrate complexes thus triggering the metal precipitation phenomena.

The co-induced effects of molybdenum and cadmium on the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and trace element contents in duck kidneys

The aims of this study were determining the co-induced effects of dietary Cadmium (Cd) and high intake of Molybdenum (Mo) on renal toxicity in ducks. 240 healthy 11-day-old ducks were randomly divided into 6 groups, which were treated with Mo or/and Cd at different doses added to the basal diet for 120 days. Ducks of control group were fed with basal diet, LMo and HMo groups were fed with 15mg/kg Mo and 100mg/kg Mo respectively; ducks of Cd group were provided with 4mg/kg Cd which was added into basal diet. Two combination groups were treated with 15mg/kg Mo+4mg/kg Cd and 100mg/kg Mo+4mg/kg Cd respectively. On days 30, 60, 90 and 120, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and contents of trace elements were detected. In addition, transmission electron microscopic examination was used for ultrastructural studies. The results indicated that the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) showed an upward tendency in treatment groups in comparison with control group, and in the later period of the experiment it showed a significant rise in joint groups compared with the Mo and Cd group (P<0.01); the contents of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) decreased in joint groups in the later period (P<0.05) while the contents of Mo and Cd significantly increased (P<0.01); zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) concentration had a slight downtrend in treated groups, but showed no significant difference (P>0.05). The ultrastructural analysis showed that kidney tissues were severely injured in joint groups on day 120. These results suggested that the combination of Mo and Cd could aggravate damages to the kidney. In addition, dietary of Mo or/and Cd caused the decrease of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Se contents, inflammatory response and pathological lesions whose mechanism is somehow linked with Mo and Cd deposition in kidney.

Simultaneous Evaporation of Cu and Sn from Liquid Steel

In order to understand evaporation refining of tramp elements in molten ferrous scrap, Cu and Sn, a series of experiments were carried out using liquid–gas reaction in a levitation melting equipment. Effect of S and C, which are abundant in hot metal from ironmaking process, was examined and analyzed by employing a comprehensive evaporation kinetic model developed by the present authors (Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:250–258, 2014; Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:259–266, 2014; Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:267–277, 2014; Jung and Kang in Metall Mater Trans B 10.1007/s11663-016-0601-5, 2016). Evaporation of Cu and Sn were treated by evaporation of individual species such as Cu(g), CuS(g), Sn(g), and SnS(g), along with CS2(g). Decrease of Cu and Sn content in liquid steel was in good agreement with the model prediction. Optimum conditions of steel composition for the rapid evaporation of Cu and Sn were proposed by utilizing the model predictions.

Abundance and Significance of Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Calcium in the Hearts of Patients With Friedreich Ataxia

Cardiomyopathy is a frequent cause of death in patients with Friedreich ataxia (FA), and a characteristic pathological feature is the focal accumulation of iron (Fe) in cardiomyocytes. This restricted localization of the metal contrasts with the diffuse cardiac Fe overload in hemochromatosis and transfusion siderosis. Nevertheless, heart Fe in FA contributes to cardiomyocyte necrosis, inflammation, and scarring as the disease progresses. A putative mechanism of cardiomyopathy in FA is Fe-mediated oxidative damage. Two other transition metals zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), are diffusely distributed throughout normal hearts and the hearts of patients with FA. The myocardium in FA is also prone to deposits of calcium in the form of scattered concretions. In this study, heart tissues (left and right ventricular walls and ventricular septum) of 23 patients with genetically confirmed FA and 8 normal controls were obtained at autopsy and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, and calcium. The principal assay methods were inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and plasma mass spectrometry. Total levels of Fe in bulk extracts were not significantly higher than normal, and the concentrations of Zn also remained in the normal range. Cu levels, however, were significantly lower in FA. In conclusion, the decrease of Cu may be important in consideration of the potential benefit of Cu supplements in FA cardiomyopathy.

Photosynthetic capability and Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn contents in two Moraceae species under different phosphorus levels

The strong adaptability of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. to low phosphorus (P) conditions can be attributed to the large amount of root-exuded organic acids and the high efficiency of P extraction. However, microelement contents are influenced by low-P stress, and their effects on the photosynthetic capability of B. papyrifera remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-P treatment on net photosynthetic rate (PN); chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) characteristics; and Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn contents of B. papyrifera and Morus alba L. seedlings. Results show that B. papyrifera exhibited better photosynthetic capability under moderate P deficiency (0.125, 0.063, and 0.031 mmol/L P treatments), whereas the photosynthetic capability of M. alba decreased under moderate and severe P deficiency (0.016 and 0 mmol/L P treatments). Under moderate P deficiency, the decrease in Cu and Zn contents in B. papyrifera was lower than that in M. alba. Under severe P deficiency, a considerable decrease of photosynthetic capability in B. papyrifera and M. alba was associated with low Cu and Zn contents. The PN of the two Moraceae species exhibited a better correlation with Cu and Zn contents than with Fe or Mn content. P deficiency could not only decrease cyclic photophorylation and photosynthetic efficiency, but could also affect the stability of thylakoid membrane structure and electron transport efficiency by influencing the contents of Cu or Zn, thereby affecting photosynthesis.

The effect of calcium, magnesium, and sulphate ions on the surface properties of copper activated sphalerite

Hydrophobicity and many other surface properties of copper (Cu) activated sphalerite can be changed by calcium, magnesium and sulphate ions in solutions, but have not been quantitatively investigated previously. Here, the effect of Ca(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2, MgSO4 and CaSO4 on the surface properties of Cu-activated sphalerite was studied using contact angle (CA) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and zeta potential measurements. The CA measurements show that the hydrophobicity of sphalerite developed after copper activation, but the presence of 30mM Ca(NO3)2 or Mg(NO3)2 or MgSO4 decreased its hydrophobicity: CA reduced from 67° to 48°. The presence of 30mM of Ca2+ and SO42− ions in solutions reduced CA further to 42°. This CA change could be due to the simultaneous presence of ionic calcium species and calcium sulphates that precipitated as gypsum. The XPS data show Cu presence on the sphalerite surface after copper activation in the salt solutions was in the Cu(I) state. The effect of Ca(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2, MgSO4 and CaSO4 on the copper activated sphalerite surface appeared to be the same, namely a decrease in Cu(I) adsorption and polysulphide formation. Neither Ca2+ nor CaSO4 were detected by surface analysis, but some Mg ions were found on the surface. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the presence of calcium and magnesium ions on the sphalerite surface. The role of calcium and magnesium ions in copper activation of sphalerite appears to be that of moderators which act to reduce the amount of Zn replaced by Cu on the sphalerite surface, whether SO4 is present or not.

Copper and iron changes in Parkinson's disease brain; implications for aetiology and potential for novel treatments

Event Abstract Back to Event Copper and iron changes in Parkinson's disease brain; implications for aetiology and potential for novel treatments Katherine Davies1, Benjamin Trist2, Veronica Cottam2, Dominic J. Hare3, Sylvain Bohic4, Asuncion Carmona5, Richard Ortega5 and Kay L. Double2* 1 Neuroscience Research Australia, Australia 2 The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, Australia 3 Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Technology Sydney, and The University of Melbourne , Australia 4 Universite Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, France 5 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Bordeaux, France We have used sensitive, high resolution biophysical imaging methods to investigate biometals changes at the single cell level in the Parkinson’s disease brain. Consistent with a large body of bulk tissue reports, we identified increased intraneuronal Fe in the degenerating substantia nigra in this disorder, a change not present in non-degenerating brain regions. We have suggested that Fe and dopamine form a potent biochemical redox couple, thus the accumulation of Fe within the dopaminergic substantia nigra in the Parkinson’s disease brain may contribute to the selective vulnerability of this brain region. We also identified significantly decreased Cu levels in these same neurons, associated with altered cellular Cu transport pathways. Decreased intraneuronal Cu was also present in the substantia nigra in incidental Lewy body disease prior to the onset of neuronal loss, suggesting this change occurs early in the disease process. The decrease in Cu in these vulnerable neurons is associated with alterations in cuproproteins. Regional changes in cuproproteins in the Parkinson’s disease brain may contribute to the accumulation of intraneuronal Fe in this disorder, but also to mechanisms of degeneration linked to dysfunction of the cuproprotein superoxide dismutase 1. We suggest that normalisation of brain Fe and Cu levels in Parkinson’s disease brain represents a tractable target for neuroprotective therapy. Keywords: Copper, Iron, Substantia Nigra, Parkinson, neurodegeneration Conference: 14th Meeting of the Asian-Pacific Society for Neurochemistry, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 27 Aug - 30 Aug, 2016. Presentation Type: Symposium 3: Metals in the Aetiology and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases Topic: 14th Meeting of the Asian-Pacific Society for Neurochemistry Citation: Davies K, Trist B, Cottam V, Hare DJ, Bohic S, Carmona A, Ortega R and Double KL (2016). Copper and iron changes in Parkinson's disease brain; implications for aetiology and potential for novel treatments. Conference Abstract: 14th Meeting of the Asian-Pacific Society for Neurochemistry. doi: 10.3389/conf.fncel.2016.36.00015 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 26 Jul 2016; Published Online: 11 Aug 2016. * Correspondence: Prof. Kay L Double, The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia, kay.double@sydney.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Katherine Davies Benjamin Trist Veronica Cottam Dominic J Hare Sylvain Bohic Asuncion Carmona Richard Ortega Kay L Double Google Katherine Davies Benjamin Trist Veronica Cottam Dominic J Hare Sylvain Bohic Asuncion Carmona Richard Ortega Kay L Double Google Scholar Katherine Davies Benjamin Trist Veronica Cottam Dominic J Hare Sylvain Bohic Asuncion Carmona Richard Ortega Kay L Double PubMed Katherine Davies Benjamin Trist Veronica Cottam Dominic J Hare Sylvain Bohic Asuncion Carmona Richard Ortega Kay L Double Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Functionally Graded Si Based Thin Films as Negative Electrodes for Next Generation Lithium Ion Batteries

A functionally graded SiCu film is deposited by magnetron sputtering to overcome the quick failure problem of the Si thick film electrode. As the stress induced by lithium intercalation along the electrode and the embrittlement caused by lithium segregation at the electrode-current collector interface are believed to be the main reasons for capacity fade, depositing a pure Cu layer first, then providing a gradual increase in Si is believed to be a promising solution for future high capacity next generation lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes. This electrode delivers 2073mAhg−1 with 80% coulombic efficiency in the first cycle and retains 70% of its initial capacity after 100th cycle. We believe that pure Cu layer at the bottom minimizes the segregation of Li due its inactive behavior and increases the adhesion of the coating. Moreover, the gradual decrease of Cu in the first 1.7micron of the film diverts the stress propagation along the thickness while improving the deformation characteristic during cycling. And, the existence of 10% at. Cu atoms at the top region (around 0.7 micron) along with Si atoms, improves the physical as well as the mechanical properties of the electrode leading to a high electrochemical performance.

Nutritional disorder in Pfaffia glomerata by mercury excess in nutrient solution

ABSTRACT: The mineral nutritional homeostasis in response to different concentrations of Hg (0, 25 and 50μM) was evaluated in Pfaffia glomerata plant. The exposure to the highest level of Hg (50µM) caused a decreasing in shoot and root fresh weights of 15.5% and 20%, respectively. Both shoot and root Hg concentrations increased linearly with increasing external Hg concentrations. Ca concentration decreased in shoot only at 50µM Hg, whereas shoot K and Mg concentrations decreased at both 25 and 50µM Hg, when compared to the control. A significant decrease in Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations in plants exposed to Hg was observed, but most Zn, Mn, and Cu in the roots. On the other hand, P concentration increased in both root and shoot of plants exposed at 25 and 50µM Hg, whereas Na concentration increased only in the root at 25 and 50µM Hg exposure. In general, tissue nutrient concentrations in P. glomerata plantlets exposed to Hg were significantly decreased, which indicates that the Hg may cause alteration on the mineral nutritional homeostasis of this species.

Bearing capacity of a circular foundation on layered sand–clay media

The bearing capacity of a circular footing lying over fully cohesive strata, with an overlaying sand layer, is computed using the axisymmetric lower bound limit analysis with finite elements and linear optimization. The effects of the thickness and the internal friction angle of the sand are examined for different combinations of cu/(γb) and q, where cu=the undrained shear strength of the cohesive strata, γ=the unit weight of either layer, b=the footing radius, and q=the surcharge pressure. The results are given in the form of a ratio (η) of the bearing capacity with an overlaying sand layer to that for a footing lying directly over clayey strata. An overlaying medium dense to dense sand layer considerably improves the bearing capacity. The improvement continuously increases with decreases in cu/(γb) and increases in ϕ and q/(γb). A certain optimum thickness of the sand layer exists beyond which no further improvement occurs. This optimum thickness increases with an increase in ϕ and q and with a decrease in cu/(γb). Failure patterns are also drawn to examine the inclusion of the sand layer.

Sedimentary Evidence of Environmental Degradation in Sanliqi Lake, Daye City (A Typical Mining City, Central China).

To reconstruct the history of environmental degradation in Sanliqi Lake (Daye City, central China), multiple proxies were analyzed in a sedimentary core which was dated using (137)Cs and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs). The results show that Sanliqi Lake has experienced serious degradation during the past 60 years, resulting from a large influx of metals and nutrients. Expansion of agricultural and industrial activities between 1945 and 1993 enhanced nutrient and metal enrichment, indicated by increases in metals, SCPs, magnetic susceptibility, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and total organic carbon. Further enrichment of Zn, Cd, Ni and Cr after 1993 was linked to a recent intensification of mining activities. Decreases in Cu and Pb after 2006 probably resulted from recent environmental remediation. This study verified the coupling between lake sediment pollution and human activities in Daye City during the past 60 years. The reconstructed history of lake pollution can provide reference information for continued restoration of Sanliqi Lake and other similar heavily polluted lakes in the developing regions.

Organo-montmorillonites as carbon paste electrode modifiers

Alkylammonium derivatives of montmorillonite (standards SAz-1 and SWy-2, Source Clay Repository (USA)) were prepared by sorption of hexadecyltrimethylammonium, benzyldimethylhexadecylammonium and hexadecylpyridinium cations. Characterization of the prepared alkylammonium montmorillonites by means of X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy proved a presence of alkylammonium cations in the montmorillonites structure. Intercalation as well as ion exchange process is supposed during the alkylammonium cation sorption into the montmorillonite structure. Cyclic voltammetry of the pair [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− on carbon paste electrodes modified with the alkylammonium derivatives exhibited slightly different electrochemical behaviour of the derivatives in comparison with the original montmorillonites. Sorption properties of all alkylammonium derivatives were studied by means of batch sorption experiments (sorption of Cu, Zn, Pb) as well as by means of voltammetry of Cu(II) on carbon paste electrodes modified with the montmorillonites. The metal sorption was decreased on about 50 % in the case of the alkylammonium montmorillonites. Both techniques showed a significant decrease of Cu(II) sorption in the case of montmorillonites modified with the alkylammonium cations.

Deficiency of macro- and micronutrients induced by Lentinula edodes

Mushroom Lentinula edodes has been widely studied therapeutically. However, there is no data regarding its daily intake level safety. Since L. edodes has many active compounds known to bind to metals, we evaluated macro and micronutrients in liver and kidney of healthy rats after subchronic exposure to L. edodes. Rats were divided into four groups, receiving water and L. edodes at 100, 400 and 800mg/kg/day. The treatment lasted 30 days. Essential elements (Zn, Cu, Mg, Fe, Mn, Se, Co, Mo, and Li) were analyzed in an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in Cu, Fe, Mn and Co levels in liver of rats receiving L. edodes at the highest doses. In kidney, Mn, Mo and Li concentrations significantly dropped in the groups exposed to the highest doses. In this way, an important point is revealed concerning the food safety from L. edodes, once its chronic and high consumption could contribute to macro and micronutrients deficiency. Additionally, we speculate that the daily use of L. edodes could be unsuccessful for patients in mineral therapy besides being able to be unsafe for individuals with some propensity to mineral deficiency.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of vitex honey against paracetamol induced liver damage in mice.

Fourteen vitex honeys from China were investigated to evaluate its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced liver damage. All honey samples exhibited high total phenolic content (344-520 mg GAE per kg), total flavonoid content (19-31 mg Rutin per kg), and strong antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power and Ferrous ion-chelating ability. Nine phenolic acids were detected in vitex honey samples, in which caffeic acid was the main compound. Honey from Heibei Zanhuang (S2) ranked the highest antioxidant activity was orally administered to mice (5 g kg(-1), 20 g kg(-1)) for 70 days. In high-dose (20 g kg(-1)), vitex honey pretreatment resulting in significant increase in serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity (15.07%) and decrease in Cu(2+)-mediate lipoprotein oxidation (80.07%), and suppression in alanine aminotransferase (75.79%) and aspartate aminotransferase (74.52%), enhancement in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and reduction in malondialdehyde (36.15%) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (19.6%) formation compared with paracetamol-intoxicated group. The results demonstrated the hepatoprotection of vitex honey against paracetamol-induced liver damage might attribute to its antioxidant and/or perhaps pro-oxidative property.

Efficient sorption of Cu(2+) by composite chelating sorbents based on potato starch-graft-polyamidoxime embedded in chitosan beads.

Ionic composites based on cross-linked chitosan (CS) as matrix and poly(amidoxime) grafted on potato starch (AOX) as entrapped chelating resin were prepared as beads, for the first time in this work, by two strategies: (1) thorough mixing of previously prepared AOX in the CS solution followed by the bead formation and (2) thorough mixing of the potato starch-g-poly(acrylonitrile) (PS-g-PAN) copolymer in the initial CS solution, followed by bead formation, the amidoximation of the nitrile groups taking place inside the beads. Ionotropic gelation in tripolyphosphate was used to obtain the composite beads, and in situ covalent cross-linking by epichlorohydrin was carried out to stabilize the beads in the acidic pH range. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the swelling ratio values in the acidic pH range confirmed the influence of the synthesis strategy on the structure of the CS/AOX composites. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to reveal the morphology of the novel composites, both before and after their loading with Cu(2+). The binding capacity of Cu(2+) ions as a function of sorbent composition, synthesis strategy, pH, sorbent dose, contact time, initial concentration of Cu(2+), and temperature was examined in batch mode. The main difference between the composites prepared with the two strategies consisted of the higher sorption capacity and the much faster settlement of the equilibrium sorption for the composite prepared by the in situ amidoximation of PS-g-PAN. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Sips isotherms were applied to fit the sorption equilibrium data. The maximum equilibrium sorption capacity, qm, evaluated by the Langmuir model at 25 °C was 133.15 mg Cu(2+)/g for the CS/AOX composite beads prepared with the first strategy and 238.14 mg Cu(2+)/g for the CS/AOX composite beads prepared with the second strategy, at the same AOX content. The pseudo-second order kinetic model well fitted the sorption kinetics data, supporting chemisorption as the mechanism of interaction between the chelating composites and the Cu(2+) ions. The CS/AOX composite sorbents could be reused up to five sorption/desorption cycles with no significant decrease in Cu(2+) sorption capacity.