Differences In Cu Research Articles

Characterizing the 2D single atom solutions to capture CO2 by the digital twin model

The digital twin model is developed to characterize the CO2 capture by the Cu and B 2D single atom solution (2DSAS). The key digital functions distributions f[], g[] and h[] characterize the physical 2DSAS system with the digital code 1 and 0. The thermoelectrical effect of the 2DSAS is analyzed. The digital code combinations of Cu atoms sorting from 1111 to 11,111 with B atoms sorting from 00 to 000 were identified as more suitable for CO2 capture. The effects of velocity difference of Cu and B atoms, temperature and CO2 loading were discussed. CO2 desorption efficiency was increased by an average 4.2 % and the energy consumption of desorption was reduced by 35.4 % at h[] of 3.5 × 10-6 m/s to 5 × 10-6 m/s. The 2DSAS of Cu and C, Cu and N and Cu and Si were suggested for CO2 capture.

Gender-related alterations of serum trace elements and neurometabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex of patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundIt is widely known that sex differences have a significant impact on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aims to evaluate the sex-related connection between serum trace elements and changes in neurometabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of MDD patients. Methods109 untreated MDD patients and 59 healthy controls underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) under resting conditions. We measured metabolic ratios in the ACC from both sides. Additionally, venous blood samples were taken from all participants to detect calcium (Ca), phosphorus, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), ceruloplasmin (CER), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) levels. We performed association and interaction analyses to explore the connections between the disease and gender. ResultsIn individuals with MDD, the Cu/Zn ratio increased, while the levels of Mg, CER, Zn and Fe decreased. Male MDD patients had lower Cu levels, while female patients had an increased Cu/Zn ratio. We observed significant gender differences in Cu, CER and the Cu/Zn ratio in MDD. Male patients showed a reduced N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/phosphocreatine + creatine (PCr + Cr) ratio in the left ACC. The NAA/PCr + Cr ratio decreased in the right ACC in patients with MDD. In the left ACC of male MDD patients, the Cu/Zn ratio was inversely related to the NAA/PCr + Cr ratio, and Fe levels were negatively associated with the GPC + PC/PCr + Cr ratio. ConclusionsOur findings highlight gender-specific changes in Cu homeostasis among male MDD patients. The Cu/Zn ratio and Fe levels in male MDD patients were significantly linked to neurometabolic alterations in the ACC.

Tuning Cu2O morphologies of Cu2O/Ni foam electrodes for the control of reactivity and nitrogen selectivity in direct ammonia electrooxidation reaction

Direct electrochemical oxidation of ammonia (AEO) using non-precious metal catalysts is an energy-efficient and low-carbon-footprint method for ammonia removal from wastewater. In this work, Cu2O with three types of morphologies, including flower, particle, and sheet, were electrodeposited on Ni foam substrates (Cu2O/NF) for direct AEO. The Cu2O flower-deposited NF electrode showed the largest electrochemical surface area (19.6 cm2) and the smallest Cu2O size (200–600 nm) among all Cu2O/NF electrodes. In the ammonia solution, the peak current densities of direct AEO from cyclic voltammograms (CVs) at 10 mVs−1 on the Cu2O flower, Cu2O particle, and Cu2O sheet-deposited NF electrodes reached 4.6, 3.1, and 2.2 mAcm−2, respectively. The result showed that, at an initial pH of 11 and an applied potential of 0.95 V vs. Hg/HgO, the order of three types of Cu2O morphologies with respect to ammonia removal efficiency and rate is: Cu2O flower (52%, 4.1×10−3 min−1) > Cu2O particle (38%, 2.6×10−3 min−1) > Cu2O sheet (30%, 1.8×10−3 min−1). Interestingly, ammonia oxidation to N2 on the Cu2O sheet-deposited NF electrode exhibited the highest selectivity (SN2: 60%), which was much higher than the Cu2O flower-deposited NF electrode (SN2: 31%). The high SN2 of Cu2O sheets was ascribed to the presence of the stable Cu(I) sheet structure during direct AEO, confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. On the other hand, the Cu(II)-rich flower structure facilitated the formation of NO3-. Our findings demonstrate that the surface morphologies of Cu2O deposited on the NF electrode show significant stability difference of Cu(I), which determines reactivity and N selectivity during direct AEO.

Monthly and Pregnancy-Related Concentration of Cu and Zn in Serum of Mares in an Equine Breeding Herd

Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are trace minerals with multiple biological functions, playing roles in fetal development and immune regulation. Despite their known significance, research on Cu and Zn administration and supplementation for pregnant mares is insufficient. This study aims to evaluate Cu and Zn serum concentrations monthly throughout the year and through pregnancy in Polish Konik mares. The study was conducted in 2020 on 36 mares from the Polish state stud farm, with 24 mares in the pregnant group and 12 mares in the non-pregnant group. Monthly blood samples were collected, and serum Cu and Zn concentrations were measured. The total Cu concentration in the serum of all mares was higher (p < 0.0001) in August and September (13.98 ± 3.00 μmol/L) than in May, June, July, and November (11.04 ± 2.74 μmol/L). Similarly, the total Zn concentration was higher (p < 0.0001) in August, September, October, November, and December (19.80 ± 9.72 μmol/L) than in May, June, and July (14.50 ± 6.94 μmol/L). No evidence of a linear relation between Cu and Zn concentrations was demonstrated (slopes difference p < 0.001). No differences in Cu (p > 0.05) or Zn (p > 0.05) concentrations were found between pregnant (Cu: 12.08 ± 3.01 μmol/L; Zn: 18.02 ± 9.03 μmol/L) and non-pregnant (Cu: 11.23 ± 2.51 μmol/L; Zn: 18.59 ± 10.37 μmol/L) mares in any of the examined months of the year. In conclusion, the month of the year, rather than pregnancy, affects serum Cu and Zn concentrations.

Heavy Metal Concentration in Mangrove Soils under Sonneratia caseolaris Trees: The Case of Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park

The local ecosystem potentiality is pressurized by the getting up heavy metal concentrations, especially in Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park. This mangrove forest park, which is dominated by Sonneratia caseolaris, is a well-known place to visit for people who like nature in Kuala Selangor Peninsular Malaysia. However, the investigations on heavy metal concentration in mangrove soils under S. caseolaris are still limited. This study aims to find out the concentration of heavy metal in mangrove soil under S. caseolaris. The soil samples were taken from under S. caseolaris trees zone. Five plots were built up on mangrove soils through the Selangor River. Five sub-plots, each measuring 2 m ´ 2 m, were made for sample collection in each plot. The heavy metal contents and the geo-accumulation index (I-geo) were evaluated. As the results, the concentration of heavy metals on soils such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) under the S. caseolaris trees of 240.24 mg/kg, 6.89 mg/kg, 25.46 mg/kg, 34.88 mg/kg, and 0.14 mg/kg, respectively. The I-geo ratio indicated that the soils have low heavy metal deposits, with Cd having the lowest concentration and Zn having the highest. There is a significant difference between Zn and Cr concentrations on the soils in five plots, but there are no significant differences for Cu, Pb, and Cd. In general, the heavy metal contents throughout the sampling area were considered not polluted, since the amount of trace elements in the soil was relatively low compared to the average limit. Keywords: heavy metal, Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park, Kuala Selangor, mangrove, Sonneratia caseolaris

An all-biopolymer self-assembling hydrogel film consisting of chitosan and carboxymethyl guar gum: A novel bio-based composite adsorbent for Cu2+ adsorption from aqueous solution

A novel bio-based composite adsorbent, all biopolymer self-assembled hydrogel film has been prepared by eco-friendly amalgamating chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl guar gum (CMGG) biopolymers in water without needing small molecules for cross-linking. Various analysis demonstrated the electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bondings within the network structure are responsible for gelling, crosslinking, and forming a 3D structure. Various experimental parameters were optimized to evaluate the CS/CMGG's potential for removing Cu2+ ions from aqueous solution, including pH, dosage, Cu(II) initial concentration, contact time, and temperature. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models are highly correlated with the kinetic and equilibrium isotherm data, respectively. Using the Langmuir isotherm model for an initial metal concentration of 50 mg/L at pH 6.0 and 25 °C, the maximum adsorption of Cu(II) was calculated to be 155.51 mg/g. A combination of adsorption-complexation and ion exchange must be involved in Cu(II) adsorption on the CS/CMGG. Five cycles of the loaded CS/CMGG hydrogel regeneration and reuse were successfully achieved without an appreciable difference in Cu(II) removal percentage. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that copper adsorption occurred spontaneously (ΔG°: −2.85 J/mol, 298 K) and exothermically (ΔH°: −27.58 J/mol). A reusable bio-adsorbent for removing heavy metal ions was developed that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and efficient.

Effects of replacing inorganic salts of trace minerals with organic trace minerals in the pre- and postpartum diets on mineral status, antioxidant biomarkers, and health of dairy cows.

Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of complete replacement of supplementary inorganic salts of trace minerals (ITM; cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) sulfates and sodium (Na) selenite) by organic trace minerals (OTM; Co, Cu, Mn, Zn proteinates, and selenized yeast) in both pre- and postpartum diets on trace minerals (TM) concentrations in body fluids and liver, antioxidant and inflammation biomarkers in blood, and postpartum health of dairy cows. Pregnant cows were blocked by parity and body condition score and randomly assigned to ITM (n = 136) or OTM (n = 137) 45 d before expected calving. Both groups received the same pre- and postpartum diets except for the source of supplementary TM. The day of calving was considered study d 0 and blood was collected on d -45, -21, -14, -10, -7, -3, 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 23, 65, and 105 for analyses of TM and biomarkers. Concentrations of TM were also investigated in the liver (d 105), milk (d 7, 23, 65, 105), urine (d -21, 21, 65, 105), ruminal fluid and feces (d -21, 21, 65). Incidence of clinical and subclinical health conditions were evaluated. Complete replacement of ITM by OTM resulted in greater concentration of selenium (Se) in serum (0.084 vs. 0.086 µg/mL; P < 0.01), milk (0.24 vs. 0.31 µg/g; P < 0.01), and ruminal fluid (0.54 vs. 0.58 µg/g; P = 0.06), and reduced concentration of Se in urine (1.54 vs. 1.23 µg/g; P<0.01). For concentration of Co in serum, an interaction between treatment and time was detected (P < 0.01). Cows supplemented with OTM had greater concentrations of Co on d -7 and 0 (0.30 vs. 0.33 ng/mL; P < 0.01) but lower concentrations of Co on d 23, 65, and 105 (0.34 vs. 0.31 ng/mL; P < 0.05), in addition to reduced concentration of Co in feces (1.08 vs. 0.99 µg/g; P = 0.04) and, for multiparous only, in urine (0.019 vs. 0.014 µg/g; P < 0.01). Cows supplemented with OTM had lower postpartum concentrations of glutamate dehydrogenase (20.8 vs. 17.8 U/L; P < 0.05) and higher albumin on d -10 (36.0 vs. 36.7 g/L; P = 0.04) and 23 (36.9 vs. 37.6 g/L; P = 0.03) relative to calving. Primiparous cows fed OTM had lower concentration of ceruloplasmin in plasma (55 vs. 51 mg/L; P ≤ 0.05). Cows supplemented with OTM had less incidence of lameness (14% vs. 7%; P = 0.05), elevated nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) (61% vs. 44%; P < 0.01), and multiple metabolic problems (35% vs. 20%; P < 0.01). Despite the lack of differences in Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations and antioxidant capacity, complete replacement of ITM by OTM altered concentrations of Se and Co, supported liver and hoof health, and reduced the risk of postpartum elevated NEFA.

Effect of non-covalent self-dimerization on the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of mixed Cu(i) complexes.

A series of six new Cu(i) complexes with ([Cu(N-{4-R}pyridine-2-yl-methanimine)(PPh3)Br]) formulation, where R corresponds to a donor or acceptor p-substituent, have been synthesized and were used to study self-association effects on their structural and electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction results showed that in all complexes the packing is organized from a dimer generated by supramolecular π stacking and hydrogen bonding. 1H-NMR experiments at several concentrations showed that all complexes undergo a fast-self-association monomer-dimer equilibrium in solution, while changes in resonance frequency towards the high or low field in specific protons of the imine ligand allow establishing that dimers have similar structures to those found in the crystal. The thermodynamic parameters for this self-association process were calculated from dimerization constants determined by VT-1H-NMR experiments for several concentrations at different temperatures. The values for K D (4.0 to 70.0 M-1 range), ΔH (-1.4 to -2.6 kcal mol-1 range), ΔS (-0.2 to 2.1 cal mol-1 K-1 range), and ΔG 298 (-0.8 to -2.0 kcal mol-1 range) are of the same order and indicate that the self-dimerization process is enthalpically driven for all complexes. The electrochemical profile of the complexes shows two redox Cu(ii)/Cu(i) processes whose relative intensities are sensitive to concentration changes, indicating that both species are in chemical equilibrium, with the monomer and the dimer having different electrochemical characteristics. We associate this behaviour with the structural lability of the Cu(i) centre that allows the monomeric molecules to reorder conformationally to achieve a more adequate assembly in the non-covalent dimer. As expected, structural properties in the solid and in solution, as well as their electrochemical properties, are not correlated with the electronic parameters usually used to evaluate R substituent effects. This confirms that the properties of the Cu(i) complexes are usually more influenced by steric effects than by the inductive effects of substituents of the ligands. In fact, the results obtained showed the importance of non-covalent intermolecular interactions in the structuring of the coordination geometry around the Cu centre and in the coordinative stability to avoid dissociative equilibria.

Helium irradiation-induced swelling resistance of heterogeneous nanoparticles in an iron-based multi-principal element alloy

In this work, we studied the resistance to helium-irradiation-induced swelling of the Fe6Cr1.2Mn0.8Cu1.5Mo0.3V0.2 alloy containing highly thermally stable Cu nanoprecipitates for nuclear applications using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the Cu nanoprecipitate/matrix interface and the nanoprecipitate itself can trap helium bubbles, creating open volume sinks of helium bubbles; large helium bubbles tend to be dispersed at the interface, while small helium bubbles are distributed in the matrix. The SAXS results indicate that the average size of helium bubbles is 1.3–1.7 nm, and the distribution of helium bubbles in the two samples varies due to the difference in Cu nanoprecipitation/matrix interface density, which was also verified via TEM. In addition, a low swelling ratio (0.05%/dpa) of the alloy was calculated, further confirming the feasibility of heterogeneous nanoprecipitation management of helium damage in irradiation tolerant materials. These nanostructured materials have the potential to reduce the helium effect by providing more nucleation sites for helium bubbles.

Solid-state interfacial reaction of Sn-Ag solders with polycrystalline Cu and (0 0 1) Cu substrate

• For sn-Ag solder, the growth of Cu 3 Sn on (0 0 1)Cu is faster than on polycrystalline Cu in aging. • Ag increases the difference in Cu 3 Sn thickness on (0 0 1)Cu and polycrystalline Cu in aging. • Ag is beneficial to maintain the preferred orientation of Cu 6 Sn 5 in aging. The growth of Cu 3 Sn is associated with the formation of Kirkendall voids and is important to the reliability of solder joints. In this paper, the effect of Ag on the growth behavior of Cu 3 Sn on (0 0 1) Cu and polycrystalline Cu during aging was compared. Besides, the orientation evolution of Cu 6 Sn 5 on (0 0 1) Cu during aging was also investigated. Results suggested the growth rate of Cu 3 Sn on (0 0 1) Cu is higher than that of polycrystalline Cu during solid-state aging and the difference in the Cu 3 Sn layer thickness increases with the increases of Ag content in the solder. Moreover, the addition of Ag is beneficial to maintaining the preferred orientation of Cu 6 Sn 5 on (0 0 1) Cu during solid-state aging. The results have great help to deepen the understanding of the difference in growth behavior of intermetallic compounds on (0 0 1) Cu and polycrystalline Cu during aging.

The association between essential trace element (copper, zinc, selenium, and cobalt) status and the risk of early embryonic arrest among women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.

Early embryonic arrest (EEA) leads to repeated cessation of fresh cycles among infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Whether the levels of some essential trace elements [copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and cobalt (Co)] in the bodies of women are related to the risk of EEA warrants study. Our study aimed to investigate the associations of peripheral blood levels of Cu, Zn, Se, and Co and their mixtures with the risk of EEA. A total of 74 EEA cases (123 IVF cycles) and 157 controls (180 IVF cycles) from the reproductive center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in Hefei, China, between June 2017 and March 2020 were included in our study. Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. Cu, Zn, Se, and Co levels were measured in blood samples collected on the day of oocyte retrieval when infertile women entered clinical treatment for the first time using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to evaluate the associations of four essential trace element concentrations individually with the risk of EEA, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to explore the associations between four essential trace element mixtures and the risk of EEA. Se concentrations of infertile women were significantly lower in the case group compared with the control group. Co levels were significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group. The differences in Cu and Zn concentrations between the two groups were not significant. Based on single-metal models, Co was positively associated with the risk of EEA before and after adjustment for all confounders (odd ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-2.52; OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.37-3.77, respectively), and Se was negatively associated with the risk of EEA before adjustment for all confounders (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07-0.51). BKMR analyses showed that Se was significantly and negatively associated with the risk of EEA when all the other three metals (Cu, Zn, and Co) were fixed at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentiles, whereas Zn displayed a significant and positive association with the risk of EEA when all the other three metals (Cu, Se and Co) were fixed at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentiles. Co did not show any effect on the risk of EEA when all the other metals (Cu, Zn, and Se) were fixed at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentiles. In addition, an increasing trend of the joint effect of four essential trace elements on the risk of EEA was found, although it was not statistically significant. The levels of essential trace elements (Cu, Zn, Se, and Co) might correlate with the risk of EEA to some extent. The present study might provide a real-world perspective on the relationship between essential trace elements and the risk of EEA when considering them as a single element or as mixtures.

Estimation of Serum Levels of Heavy Metals in Patients with Chronic Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis Before the COVID-19 Era: A Pilot Study.

Objective:Various metals play role in the survival and pathogenesis of the invasive fungal disease. The objectives of this study were to compare the levels of heavy metals in patients with chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (CIFR) and healthy controls, and to analyze their role in disease outcome.Methods:Twenty-three patients (15 with invasive mucormycosis and 8 with invasive aspergillosis, Group 1), and 14 healthy controls (Group 2) were recruited. Blood samples were collected from each group into ion-free tubes and analyzed for serum levels of Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Gallium (Ga), Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se), Rubidium (Rb), Strontium (Sr), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb). The final outcome of the patients during their hospital stay was categorized clinico-radiologically as improved or worsened, or death.Results:The levels of all metals were higher in Group 1 except for As and Pb. However, the differences in Cu (p=0.0026), Ga (p=0.002), Cd (p=0.0027), and Pb (p=0.0075) levels were significant. Higher levels of Zn (p=0.009), Se (p=0.020), and Rb (p=0.016) were seen in the invasive aspergillosis subgroup. Although Zn (p=0.035), As (p=0.022), and Sr (p=0.002) levels were higher in patients with improved outcome, subgroup analysis showed no differences.Conclusion:The levels of some heavy metals in CIFR significantly differ from those of the general population and also vary with the type of the disease and its outcome. These levels may not have a direct effect on the outcome of the patient, but they do play a role in the pathogenesis of the invading fungus.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM ZINC, COPPER AND SELENIUM LEVELS AND THE DEGREE OF LIVER DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C.

The aim: To evaluate the content of trace elements Zn, Cu and Se in blood serum and their relationship with viral load and the degree of liver fibrosis according to the results of the FibroMax test in patients with CHC. Materials and methods: 62 outpatients with a verified diagnosis of CHC were under observation, in which serum Zn, Cu and Se levels, viral load and degree of liver fibrosis were determined according to the FibroMax test. Results: HCV 1b genotype was detected in all patients. The proportion of patients with a high viral load was 32%, with a low viral load - 68%. In 19% of patients, the level of Zn was below normal, and the levels of Cu and Se were within the reference values. The proportion of patients without fibrosis was 32%, 16% had minimal fibrosis, 40% had moderate fibrosis, 8% had progressive fibrosis, and 3% had severe fibrosis. 68% of patients had active inflammation of various degrees, liver steatosis - 65%, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis - 48%, inflammation caused by alcohol consumption was absent. No statistically significant difference was found in serum trace element levels and viral load (p>0.05). A weak negative correlation between the level of Zn and the degree of fibrosis (ρ=-0.340, p=0.007) and a negligible negative correlation between the level of Zn and inflammation activity (ρ=-0.286, p=0.024) were revealed. Patients with fibrosis grade ≥F2 had lower Zn levels compared to patients with fibrosis ≤F1 (0.607 (0.540, 0.691) mg/l vs. 0.716 (0.593, 0.875) mg/l, p=0.01), and when comparing there was no difference in Cu and Se levels (р>0.05). Conclusions: Thus, there is a relationship between the level of Zn in blood serum and the degree of liver damage in patients with CHC, which indicates the prospects for further research.

Biotite geochemistry and its implication on the temporal and spatial difference of Cu and Mo mineralization at the Xiaokele porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, NE China

The Late Jurassic large Xiaokele porphyry Cu-Mo deposit is newly discovered in the northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China. Both Cu and Mo mineralizations have occurred in the potassic stage and are present in the potassic zone, but only Mo (Cu negligible) mineralization has been developed in the phyllic stage and is present in the phyllic zone. The cause for such temporal and spatial difference of Cu and Mo mineralization at Xiaokele remains unclear. In this study, biotite major element compositions were studied to reveal the magmatic-hydrothermal processes, and the temporal and spatial difference of Cu and Mo mineralization at Xiaokele. Biotite geochemical data show that the magmatic biotites (Bi-I), and the potassic-stage (Bi-II) and phyllic-stage (Bi-III) hydrothermal biotite are Mg-biotites, and that mineralization at Xiaokele occurred under 52–86 MPa (equivalent to 1.95–3.32 km depth). Calculated oxygen fugacity of Bi-I, Bi-II, and Bi-III biotites are all above nickel-nickel oxide (NNO) oxygen buffer, suggesting that these biotites were formed under oxidizing conditions. The decreasing Cl and largely constant F content from Bi-I, Bi-II to Bi-III result in an increasing trend of IV(F/Cl), indicating different elemental behavior between F and Cl during the magmatic-hydrothermal fluid evolution. Given that Cl content is a key Cu-transporting ligand in porphyry type mineral systems, the decreasing Cl content in Bi-III indicates lower Cu transporting capacity in the phyllic stage, resulting in the negligible Cu mineralization in the phyllic zone. Since F is important for Mo transport in hydrothermal systems, we conclude that the constant F content reflects stable Mo transporting capacity in the fluids, resulting in significant Mo mineralization in both the potassic and phyllic zones. Our results show that biotite geochemistry can be used to explain the temporal and spatial distribution of Cu and Mo mineralization in porphyry Cu-Mo systems.

The Level of Zinc, Copper and Antioxidant Status in the Blood Serum of Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

The aim of this study was to analyze selected indicators of oxidative stress. The study subjects consisted of 42 women with Hashimoto’s disease and a control group of 30 healthy women. The concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the serum was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and the total antioxidative potential by the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) method. In addition, an assessment of concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total phenolics was carried out. Our research showed a significant difference in TBARS concentration (p < 0.0001 (ES: 0.92)) without significant differences in Zn, Cu, FRAP and total phenolics concentrations. Analysis of the correlation of the obtained results of biochemical tests for both groups showed a highly significant dependence of FRAP and total phenolics concentration in the blood of the examined women (r = 0.5283, p = 0.0003). The obtained results indicate no differences in Cu, Zn, and FRAP concentrations in the blood between two analyzed groups and a significantly higher concentration of TBARS in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis women. The concentration of total phenolics significantly influences the value of the FRAP.

Efficient regulation of copper homeostasis underlies accession-specific sensitivities to excess copper and cadmium in roots of Arabidopsis thaliana

The commonly used Arabidopsis thaliana natural accessions Columbia (Col-0) and Wassilewskija (Ws) are known to differ in their metal sensitivity, with Col-0 being more sensitive to copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) than Ws. As both Cu and Cd are known to affect Cu homeostasis, it was investigated whether this process is part of an accession-specific mechanism underlying their difference in metal sensitivity. As roots are the first contact point during metal exposure, responses were compared between roots of both accessions of hydroponically grown plants exposed to excess Cu or Cd for 24 and 72 h.Root Cu levels increased in both accessions under Cu and Cd exposure. However, under Cu exposure, the downregulation of Cu transporter (COPT) genes in combination with a more pronounced upregulation of metallothionein gene MT2b indicated that Ws plants coped better with the elevated Cu concentrations. The Cd-induced disturbance in Cu homeostasis was more efficiently counteracted in roots of Ws plants than in Col-0 plants. This was indicated by a higher upregulation of the SPL7-mediated pathway, crucial in the regulation of the Cu homeostasis response.In conclusion, maintaining the Cu homeostasis response in roots is key to accession-specific differences in Cu and Cd sensitivity.

Roles of bacterial cell and extracellular polymeric substance on adsorption of Cu(II) in activated sludges: A comparative study

Activated sludge adsorbs heavy metals in the water during the water treatment process, which brings trouble to the subsequent treatment of the waste sludge. However, the role of bacterial cell and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) on adsorption of heavy metal remains elusive. Here, we found the anammox sludge possessed the highest Cu(II) adsorption capacity (14.68 mg/g SS), followed by the activated sludge and denitrifying sludge. The Cu(II) adsorption capacities of sludges increased when sludge dosages and initial Cu(II) concentrations increased. These sorption processes were all well explained by Langmuir isotherms. Analysis of the Cu(II) distribution found that Cu(II) adsorbed by bacterial cells (35 %) were much higher than the Cu(II) adsorbed by EPS (4–11 %). This implied that bacterial cells were the most important carrier for the sludge to adsorb Cu(II). Additionally, the difference in Cu(II) adsorption of sludge was due to the inconsistent Cu(II) content adsorbed by EPS. Correlation analysis showed that the EPS content highly positively correlated with the Cu(II) content adsorbed by EPS, which indicates that the EPS content was crucial factor causing the difference in Cu(II) adsorption. FITR analysis shows that another key factor for disparate Cu(II) adsorption was functional groups, including amide I and amide II of protein, C–H from aliphatic, as well as OH and CO from carboxylic acid. This study provides more information for understanding the role of the bacterial cell and EPS in the adsorption of heavy metals, which might provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of heavy metals-containing sludge.

Elemental Characterization of Ciders and Other Low-Percentage Alcoholic Beverages Available on the Polish Market

Seventy-three samples of alcoholic beverages and juices that were purchased on the Polish market and home-made were analyzed for their elemental profiles. The levels of 23 metals were determined by ICP-MS (Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Tl), ICP-OES (Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ti and Zn) and CVAAS (Hg) techniques in twenty-five samples of ciders widely available on the Polish market; six samples of home-made ciders; two samples of juices used in the production of these ciders; and forty samples of low-percentage, flavored alcoholic beverages based on beer. The gathered analytical data confirmed that the final elemental fingerprint of a product is affected by the elemental fingerprint of the ingredients used (apple variety) as well as the technology and equipment used by the producer, and in the case of commercial ciders, also the impact of type of the packaging used was proven. These factors are specific to each producer and the influence of the mentioned above parameters was revealed as a result of the performed analysis. Additionally, the inclusion of the home-made ciders in the data set helped us to understand the potential origin of some elements, from the raw materials to the final products. The applied statistical tests revealed (Kruskal–Wallis and ANOVA) the existence of statistically significant differences in the concentration of the following metals: Ag, Al, B, Bi, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, Ti and Zn in terms of the type of cider origin (commercial and home-made). In turn, for different packaging (can or bottle) within one brand of commercial cider, the existence of statistically significant differences for Cu, Mn and Na was proved. The concentrations of all determined elements in the commercial cider from the Polish market and home-made cider samples can be considered as nontoxic, because the measured levels of elements indicated in the regulations were lower than the allowable limits. Moreover, the obtained results can be treated as preliminary for the potential authentication of products in order to distinguish the home-made (fake) from the authentic products, especially for premium-class alcoholic beverages.

The grain mineral composition of barley, oat and wheat on soils with pH and soil phosphorus gradients

The decreasing mineral concentrations in the grains of cereals have recently stimulated research to better understand the cropping determinants of grain mineral composition. This study aimed to analyze the effects of liming on the mineral concentrations in the grains of three cereal crops: barley, oat, wheat. The hypothesis tested was that soil pH is the main driver of the grain nutrient concentrations in crops, through its influence on the soil extractable minerals. Macro nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, P, S), micro-nutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn) and some trace elements (As, Cd, Pb) were analyzed. Two long term liming trials in SE England (1962 -) were studied, with the same crops sown in the same years. On each site, four liming rates were applied to 32 plots to create a pH range from approximately 4.5 to 7.5. The trials were subdivided into two P fertiliser treatments, consisting of a nil and regular P inputs. For a given crop, the effects of pH, soil type, concentrations of nutrients in soil extracts and of P treatment on the grain mineral concentrations were tested. This pairwise analysis was followed by a multiple linear regression analysis in order to determine the main explanatory variable for crop mineral concentration. Liming had a significant impact on most of the soil extractable mineral concentrations, except extractable K and Mg. The grain mineral concentrations exhibited significant differences between crops, the concentrations in wheat being the smallest. pH proved to have a larger direct effect on mineral concentrations in grain (e.g. Ca, Mg, P, Mn) than through its influence on extractable nutrients (e.g. Cd). Grain nutrients responses to pH were, however, not the same in the three crops. Differences in Cu and Zn were mostly accounted for by the effect of soil type, the soil with the higher CEC leading to the higher grain concentrations. For Fe, Pb and K, no correlation could be found between the grain mineral concentrations and the explanatory variables. Difficulties in explaining the grain mineral concentrations are due to specific crop responses to nutrients, usefulness of soil extractions, and complex physiological processes in mineral translocation from roots to grains. The results underline the difficulty of using ordinary soil analysis for predicting the quality of cereal grains for nutrition, and caution in the use of grain testing to recommend soil fertility enhancing practices.

Slight ligand modifications within multitopic linear hydroxamates promotes connectivity differences in Cu(ii) 1-D coordination polymers

Two novel hydroxamic acids have been used in constructing two 1-D coordination polymers. Slight structural differences promote connectivity changes upon Cu(ii) metalation as rationalised using DFT calculations and Hirschfeld surface analysis.