High Levels Of Zinc Research Articles

Definition of management zones for zinc levels in function of the use of soil and landscape position

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important elements on plant nutrition. Zinc participates in a large number of enzymes, and its basic functions in the plant are related to the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and phosphates. Furthermore, Zn acts in the formation of auxins, RNA, and ribosomes (BORKERT, 1989). This work aimed at evaluating the Zn contents in soils from Inconfidentes region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The tool used to conduct this study was the geostatistical analysis with the aid package geoR (RIBEIRO JR. E DIGGLE, 2001) R software (R CORE TEAM, 2016). From the analysis, it was possible to conclude higher soil zinc levels were found in regions with higher elevation as well higher latitude and longitude

Phyto-dehydration of confined sludge: a sustainable approach for the management of polluted ponds

Leaf transpiration drives many of the processes involved in phyto-technologies, and it can represent a useful mechanism to remove water from different kind of storage basins presenting inorganic, organic or microbiological contamination (phyto-dehydration), with the aim to reduce the risk of environmental contamination. In this framework, a mesocosm-scale trial was carried out to test the capacity of different helophyte species to reduce the excess of water in an artificial pond filled with oversaturated sludge. The sludge derives from the digestion of pig slurries, presents high levels of zinc and copper and for most of the year is covered by a water layer of about 20 cm due to rainfalls. This layout (water layer over the sludge) was reproduced inside the mesocosms, where four helophyte species (Phragmites australis and a mix of Carex acutiformis, Iris pseudacorus and Juncus effusus) were planted on floating frames. Plant growth and functionality were monitored for one year, along with their water consumption capacity; the vegetation impact on sludge chemistry, sludge microbial community and sludge greenhouse gases emission/uptake were also evaluated. The sensitivity of the phyto-dehydration system to the reduction of water level occurring during summer in the pond was investigated reducing the water input to the mesocosms. P. australis and C. acutiformis successfully established in the mesocosms, while a significant mortality was recorded for I. psudacorus and J. effusus. Once established, plants were able to grow in the mesocosms, and no metal toxicity effect was observed on photosynthesis rates that were comparable with values reported for natural stands of the species. Plants significantly increased (from 24 to 63%, depending on the species) the amount of water lost by the mesocosms and counteracted the reduction of sludge organic carbon that could lead to a mobilization of the heavy metals bound to organic matter: furthermore, plants decreased the rates of mesocosm greenhouse gas emission and reduced the sludge pathogen (Enterobacteriaceae) occurrence. Water limitations reversibly reduced the water consumption and CO2 uptake capacity of the mesocosms. The results of this study demonstrated that the water balance of a sludge/water system can be effectively modified through the phyto-dehydration approach, increasing significantly the amount of water lost. Although the low tolerance of two species to the sludge/water environment after plantation needs to be further investigated, this phyto-technology can represent a promising approach to manage the excess of water in polluted ponds.

Cadmium uptake and zinc-cadmium antagonism in Australian tropical rock oysters: Potential solutions for oyster aquaculture enterprises

Variable and occasionally high concentrations of cadmium in wild oysters at a remote location with the potential to develop aquaculture enterprises motivated research into the distribution and sources of metals in oysters, seawater, sediment, suspended solids and phytoplankton.Saccostrea mytiloides and Saccostrea mordax contained cadmium concentrations exceeding the food standard maximum level (ML) at three of four sites. At one site with high zinc levels in sediment, oyster cadmium levels were below the ML. Metal levels in seawater were not correlated with cadmium levels in oysters but high cadmium/zinc ratios were measured in Trichodesmium erythraeum blooms.We suggest that oysters accumulate cadmium mainly from annual phytoplankton blooms except at sites where zinc availability is sufficiently high to prevent uptake though a mechanism of antagonistic exclusion. Knowledge of the source and uptake mechanisms of cadmium in oysters should lead to new management strategies to reduce cadmium levels in farmed oysters.

Nematode assemblages in the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf collected during a two-year survey

Nematode assemblages along the northern continental shelf of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) were examined to understand the structure of the meiobenthic community in the area. Meiofauna were collected at 36–187m depths on the northern GOM continental shelf in 2013–2014. Sediment was collected from 37 stations with a multicorer and analyzed for nematode diversity, trace metals, and granulometry. Over 3800 nematodes were identified from 151 genera and 32 families. Cluster analysis revealed distinct nematode assemblages in the eastern study areas (Florida/Alabama) versus western areas (Louisiana/Mississippi) that corresponded with two different sediment profiles in the eastern and western Gulf shelf. These areas demonstrated higher levels of silt and aluminosilicate compounds in the west due to the outflow of the Mississippi River, and higher levels of sand fractions in Florida, far from the River outflow. Further, significant (SIMPROF) temporal changes were revealed by the cluster analysis, as the 2014 eastern nematode assemblages grouped together but separately from the 2013 eastern nematode cluster, though the collection methods and identification processes were identical. Conversely, the 2013–2014 nematode assemblages from the Louisiana/Mississippi sites grouped as one significant cluster. As nematode communities are known to correlate to areas of organic enrichment, trace metals were used as indicators of Mississippi River-derived silty sediments that have elevated levels of organic matter. The data show that nematode abundances at each site correlated positively with high levels of Aluminum and Zinc, near the Mississippi River outflow, as well as with high levels of silt+clay. Conversely, nematode densities correlated negatively with Calcium and Strontium, which are elevated in Florida. Nematode density was not related to water depth. The most abundant genera identified in the study were Sabatieria, Dorylaimopsis, Pselionema, Tricoma, and Halalaimus. This study will be useful in understanding the abiotic factors that influence the meiobenthic community and will facilitate future assessments of natural and man-made disturbances.

Retention of proteins and minerals after cooking in cowpea genotypes1

ABSTRACT Cowpea is a tolerant crop to water deficit, with moderate protein and mineral contents, as well as fast cooking, which are important requirements for semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the retention of total proteins and minerals after cooking in cowpea genotypes, in order to select those that best preserve these nutrients contents. Twenty-four genotypes were evaluated, being ten lines, five commercial cultivars and nine landraces maintained by farmers. Cooking had a reduced effect on the contents of protein, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc in cowpea grains, with significant effects only in a few genotypes. A significant and positive correlation was observed only for grain yield x zinc content and protein content x cooking time. The line CPCR3F6L17 presented a high grain yield and high levels of protein, potassium, iron and zinc after cooking, showing to be a promising option for the studied region.

Zinc mediates the SREBP-SCD axis to regulate lipid metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans

Maintenance of lipid homeostasis is crucial for cells in response to lipid requirements or surplus. The SREBP transcription factors play essential roles in regulating lipid metabolism and are associated with many metabolic diseases. However, SREBP regulation of lipid metabolism is still not completely understood. Here, we showed that reduction of SBP-1, the only homolog of SREBPs in Caenorhabditis elegans, surprisingly led to a high level of zinc. On the contrary, zinc reduction by mutation of sur-7, encoding a member of the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family, restored the fat accumulation and fatty acid profile of the sbp-1(ep79) mutant. Zinc reduction resulted in iron overload, which thereby directly activated the conversion activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), a main target of SREBP, to promote lipid biosynthesis and accumulation. However, zinc reduction reversely repressed SBP-1 nuclear translocation and further downregulated the transcription expression of SCD for compensation. Collectively, we revealed zinc-mediated regulation of the SREBP-SCD axis in lipid metabolism, distinct from the negative regulation of SREBP-1 or SREBP-2 by phosphatidylcholine or cholesterol, respectively, thereby providing novel insights into the regulation of lipid homeostasis.

Differential expression of neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and candidate miRNA regulating NRG1 transcription in the chicken oviduct in response to hormonal changes1

Neuregulin 1 (NRG1), a signaling protein that binds to members of the erythroblastoma (ErbB) family, is known to play essential biological roles in mediating cell-cell interactions and orchestrating vital cell functions in the heart and nervous system. NRG1 is closely associated with developmental processes in various organs and expression of several NRG1 isoforms are regulated by estrogen. However, NRG1 expression and its hormonal regulation during development of the female reproductive tract remain unknown. The reproductive system of chickens undergoes dynamic morphological and functional changes in response to estrogen and the molting process. Therefore, in the current study, we found differential expression of NRG1 and candidate microRNA regulating chicken NRG1 transcription in response to estrogen stimulation and/or the molting process. The results revealed that relative expression of NRG1 mRNA increased in the oviducts of chicks treated with diesthylstilbestrol (DES; a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen). Additionally, abundant NRG1 mRNA expression was primarily in the glandular (GE) and luminal (LE) epithelia of the magnum in the developing chick oviduct in response to exogenous estrogen. Also, NRG1 expression decreased during regression of the oviduct following induced molting by feeding high levels of zinc in the diet, and then gradually resurged as the oviduct underwent remodeling and recrudescence in laying hens. In addition, the present results revealed changes in relative expression of candidate chicken microRNA (miR-222a, miR-222b-3p and miR-1611) targeting NRG1 transcription in chicken oviducts in response to exogenous estrogen. In conclusion, these results provide the first evidence that NRG1 is a novel estrogen-responsive gene closely correlated with the estrogen-dependent development of the oviduct of chicks and regeneration of the oviduct after molting. Further, regulation of NRG1 expression involving at least 3 chicken miRNA is likely a prerequisite for those estrogen regulated developmental events.

Respiration disruption and detoxification at the protein expression levels in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) under zinc exposure

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) can accumulate high levels of zinc (Zn) without obvious toxicity, but the related molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In the present study, C. gigas were exposed to excess Zn for 9days and the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were examined using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method. In total, 2667 proteins containing at least two peptides and detected in both replicates were used for proteomic analysis. Among these DEPs, 332 were up-regulated and 282 were down-regulated. KEGG enrichment analysis of DEPs revealed that Zn exposure mainly distrubed ‘tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle’, ‘electron transport chain (ETC)’ and ‘glutathione (GSH) metabolism’ processes in oysters. Further key protein expressions enriched in these metabolism pathways were analyzed. In TCA cycle, Zn inhibited the Fe-containing protein expressions, which may lead to the accumulation of succinate and induce anaerobiosis. In ETC metabolism process, Zn inhibited ETC complex protein expressions, including complex I–IV, which may affect the electron transport process. Furthermore, Zn induced phytochelatin (PC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) expression in GSH catabolism. The proteins play important roles in Zn detoxification and ROS elimination process. The transcriptional expressions of genes encoding these proteins were observed using real-time PCR analysis, and there was good consistency between these two datasets. Overall, we provide direct evidence for Zn toxicity and detoxification mechanisms at protein level.

Abstract 1589: Zinc inhibits androgen receptor expression to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth

Abstract Background: Prostate gland contains high level of intracellular zinc which is dramatically diminished during cancer development. Due to the obscure role of zinc in this process, therapeutic application using zinc and its supplement is very limited. This study aims to clarify the role(s) of zinc and its intervening mechanism. Material and methods: Treated by zinc chloride (15-150 µM), several prostate cancer cell lines were applied to confocal microscopy for intracellular trafficking of exogenous zinc, in vitro proliferation assays for their growth, prostate specific antigen (PSA)-based reporter-mediated transactivation, and Western blot for detection of androgen receptor (AR), PSA and ubiquitination. Further in vivo studies were performed to demonstrate the effect of zinc (10-20 mg/kg) on xenograft cancer growth using syngeneic animals followed by tumor analyses. Results: Zinc chloride suppressed androgen-dependent proliferation of human prostate cancer cells and accordingly zinc chloride dramatically inhibited androgen-mediated transactivation and several androgen target protein expressions, including PSA and p21. Further investigation showed that addition of zinc chloride strikingly downregulated AR protein levels after 4 hours up to 24 hours in both human LNCaP and murine TRAMP C2 prostate cancer cell lines. AR downregulation resulted from facilitated protein degradation instead of transcriptional control. Further in vivo study was carried out using syngeneic mice bearing C2 subcutaneous tumors. Peritoneal injection of zinc chloride significantly reduced tumor size. Analysis of these tumors revealed that there were reduced expression of AR and increased cell death. Conclusions: Zinc has been shown to inhibit incumbent oncogenic NF-κB pathway. These results also suggest that intracellular zinc inhibits cell growth via downregulation of AR to inhibit growth of prostate cancer. Considering that AR functions as a major effector in prostate cancer development and progression into castration resistant prostate cancer, loss of zinc may be a critical step for this devastating disease and further studies can be performed to develop zinc-based cancer therapeutics. Citation Format: Phuong Kim To, Young-Suk Cho, Se-Young Kwon, Taek Won Kang, Kyung Keun Kim, Chaeyong Jung. Zinc inhibits androgen receptor expression to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1589. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1589

Use of portable X-ray fluorescence in the analysis of surficial sediments in the exploration of hydrothermal vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge

Hydrothermal plumes released from the eruption of sea floor hydrothermal fluids contain large amounts of oreforming materials. They precipitate within certain distances from the hydrothermal vent. Six surficial sediment samples from the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) were analyzed by a portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analyzer on board to find a favorable method fast and efficient enough for sea floor sulfide sediment geochemical exploration. These sediments were sampled near, at a moderate distance from, or far away from hydrothermal vents. The results demonstrate that the PXRF is effective in determining the enrichment characteristics of the oreforming elements in the calcareous sediments from the mid-ocean ridge. Sediment samples (>40 mesh) have high levels of elemental copper, zinc, iron, and manganese, and levels of these elements in sediments finer than 40 mesh are lower and relatively stable. This may be due to relatively high levels of basalt debris/glass in the coarse sediments, which are consistent with the results obtained by microscopic observation. The results also show clear zoning of elements copper, zinc, arsenic, iron, and manganese in the surficial sediments around the hydrothermal vent. Sediments near the vent show relatively high content of the ore-forming elements and either high ratios of copper to iron content and zinc to iron content or high ratios of copper to manganese content and zinc to manganese content. These findings show that the content of the ore-forming elements in the sediments around hydrothermal vents are mainly influenced by the distance of sediments to the vent, rather than grain size. In this way, the PXRF analysis of surface sediment geochemistry is found to satisfy the requirements of recognition geochemical anomaly in mid-ocean ridge sediments. Sediments with diameters finer than 40 mesh should be used as analytical samples in the geochemical exploration for hydrothermal vents on mid-oceanic ridges. The results concerning copper, zinc, arsenic, iron, and manganese and their ratio features can be used as indicators in sediment geochemical exploration of seafloor sulfides.

Zinc is a potent and specific inhibitor of IFN-\u03bb3 signalling

Lambda interferons (IFNL, IFN-λ) are pro-inflammatory cytokines important in acute and chronic viral infection. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs12979860 and rs8099917 within the IFNL gene locus predict hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance, as well as inflammation and fibrosis progression in viral and non-viral liver disease. The underlying mechanism, however, is not defined. Here we show that the rs12979860 CC genotype correlates with increased hepatic metallothionein expression through increased systemic zinc levels. Zinc interferes with IFN-λ3 binding to IFNL receptor 1 (IFNLR1), resulting in decreased antiviral activity and increased viral replication (HCV, influenza) in vitro. HCV patients with high zinc levels have low hepatocyte antiviral and inflammatory gene expression and high viral loads, confirming the inhibitory role of zinc in vivo. We provide the first evidence that zinc can act as a potent and specific inhibitor of IFN-λ3 signalling and highlight its potential as a target of therapeutic intervention for IFN-λ3-mediated chronic disease.

Zinc Induces Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Upregulation of Human β-defensin-2 in Human Prostate Epithelial Cells

Zinc is considered to be one of the most essential trace minerals for the immune system. High levels of prostatic zinc are associated with prostatic antimicrobial activities. Zinc-deficient individuals experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. Zinc appears to play a crucial role in maintaining prostate health. This study aimed to clarify the role of zinc in human prostate epithelial cell defense against bacterial infection. To explore the effect of zinc on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated induction of human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2), the normal human prostate epithelial cell lines (RWPE-1) were co-treated with zinc/LPS and HBD-2 mRNA expression was quantitated by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also conducted a Western blot analysis to determine whether zinc stimulates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and -2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways. To investigate the involvement of the p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in zinc-mediated upregulation of HBD-2, quantitative real-time PCR and immunocytochemical staining were then used to quantify HBD-2 mRNA expression and protein production, respectively, which was treated with either U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) or SB203580 (p38MAPK inhibitor) prior to each analysis of HBD-2.

Low-Affinity Zinc Sensor Showing Fluorescence Responses with Minimal Artifacts.

The study of the zinc biology requires molecular probes with proper zinc affinity. We developed a low-affinity zinc probe (HBO-ACR) based on an azacrown ether (ACR) and an 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO) fluorophore. This probe design imposed positive charge in the vicinity of a zinc coordination center, which enabled fluorescence turn-on responses to high levels of zinc without being affected by the pH and the presence of other transition-metal ions. Steady-state and transient photophysical investigations suggested that such a high tolerance benefits from orchestrated actions of proton-induced nonradiative and zinc-induced radiative control. The zinc bioimaging utility of HBO-ACR has been fully demonstrated with the use of human pancreas epidermoid carcinoma, PANC-1 cells, and rodent hippocampal neurons from cultures and acute brain slices. The results obtained through our studies established the validity of incorporating positively charged ionophores for the creation of low-affinity probes for the visualization of biometals.

The zinc efflux activator SczA protects Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 2 D39 from intracellular zinc toxicity.

Zinc is an essential trace element that serves as a catalytic cofactor in metalloenzymes and a structural element in proteins involved in general metabolism and cellular defenses of pathogenic bacteria. Despite its importance, high zinc levels can impair cellular processes, inhibiting growth of many pathogenic bacteria, including the major respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Zinc intoxication is prevented in S. pneumoniae by expression of the zinc exporter CzcD, whose expression is activated by the novel TetR-family transcriptional zinc-sensing regulator SczA. How zinc bioavailability triggers activation of SczA is unknown. It is shown here through functional studies in S. pneumoniae that an unannotated homodimeric TetR from S. agalactiae (PDB 3KKC) is the bona fide zinc efflux regulator SczA, and binds two zinc ions per protomer. Mutagenesis analysis reveals two metal binding sites, termed A and B, located on opposite sides of the SczA C-terminal regulatory domain. In vivo, the A- and B-site SczA mutant variants impact S. pneumoniae resistance to zinc toxicity and survival in infected macrophages. A model is proposed for S. pneumoniae SczA function in which both A- and B-sites were required for transcriptional activation of czcD expression, with the A-site serving as the evolutionarily conserved intracellular sensing site in SczAs.

Trace Metals in Water, Bottom Sediment, Shrimp and Dependent Human Blood in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr) levels were investigated in the water, bottom sediment, shrimp (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) of Okumeshi River using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS);and blood of individuals that feed on the shrimps using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS).The descriptive statistics such as the mean, range and standard error were for significant differences in the heavy metals, nutrients and total hydrocarbons in water and sediment samples was done using ANOVA (P < 0.05). Duncan Multiple Range (DMR) test was used to identify the source of variance using SPSS version 19.1.The order of accumulation in the matrices studied was bottom sediment > shrimp > water > human blood. High level of zinc and copper in human blood can be attributed to their high concentrations in all environmental matrices. It can also be attributed to the high biological accumulation factors of the metals in the shrimp. Copper also has a high essentiality in the respiratory pigment haemocyanin of shrimps. These facts are buttressed by the significant correlations of copper and zinc concentrations in the shrimp with their concentrations in human blood. The observed insalubrity of the shrimps is a prognostic of chronic health hazards to the consumers; which is also a function of the predominant oil exploration activities. Copper had an uninterrupted transit into the blood of the consumers from the aqueous phase. While zinc showed some significant level of biomagnification. The study provided an early signal of likely impending catastrophe; necessitating a proactive regulation of trace metals released into the aquatic system through the prevalent anthropogenic activities; mainly oil exploration.

Hydroponic production of vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) for improving nutritional security and economic viability in Kenya

AbstractThis study used a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the potential for hydroponic production of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) in Kenya. Hydroponic systems have potential for increased efficiency in water and land use, but their potential has not been critically evaluated in many developing countries. To address this gap in knowledge, this study assessed the nutritional density and economic viability of hydroponic systems built from local materials. Specifically, vegetable amaranth was grown hydroponically and evaluated for increased nutritional density of key micronutrients. Manipulation of the nutrient solution used in hydroponic systems changed the bioaccumulation of zinc, iron and carotenoids, which are three of the most common micronutrients lacking in Kenyan diets. Economic viability was assessed with a benefit-cost analysis that compared three different hydroponic systems to soil-based production and purchasing vegetables from local markets. This analysis showed that none of the hydroponic systems were profitable under current conditions, but sensitivity analyses revealed certain scenarios where they could become so. Overall, hydroponic production has the potential to create nutrient-dense crops with high levels of zinc, iron, or carotenoids. However, hydroponic systems may be better suited to crops of higher value than amaranth, areas where soil-based production is not an option, or regions where vegetable markets are not available.

Levels of heavy metals and their binding protein metallothionein in type 2 diabetics with kidney disease.

Hyperglycemia, a major metabolic disturbance present in diabetes, promotes oxidative stress. Activation of antioxidant defense is an important mechanism to prevent cell damage. Levels of heavy metals and their binding proteins can contribute to oxidative stress. Antiradical capacity and levels of metallothionein (MT), metals (zinc and copper), and selected antioxidants (bilirubin, cysteine, and glutathione) were determined in 70 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects and 80 healthy subjects of Caucasian origin. Single nucleotide polymorphism (rs28366003) in MT gene was detected. Antiradical capacity, conjugated bilirubin, and copper were significantly increased in diabetics, whereas MT and glutathione were decreased. Genotype AA of rs28366003 was associated with higher zinc levels in the diabetic group. The studied parameters were not influenced by renal function. This is the first study comprehensively investigating differences in MT and metals relevant to oxidative stress in T2DM. Ascertained differences indicate increased oxidative stress in T2DM accompanied by abnormalities in non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems.

Bioremoval of Heavy Metals from Effluent of Port Harcourt Refinery Using Pluerotus ostreatus

The presence of heavy metals in refinery effluent has the potential to pose significant risks to human health and the environment. However, the conventional heavy metal removal has limitations hence the need to introduce alternative treatments. Recently, there have been considerable interests in bio-adsorption of heavy metal using fungus. In the present study, the effectiveness of iron, zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium and chromium removal from refinery effluent was evaluated using living white rot fungus (spawn) viz., Pleurotus ostreatus. The fungus was amended with sawdust and rice bran. Physiochemical analysis of the effluent on day zero indicated the presence of Iron (0.775 mg/L), Zinc (0.750 mg/L), Lead (0.031 mg/L), Nickel (0.188 mg/L), Chromium (0.025 mg/L) and Cadmium (0.054 mg/L). P. ostreatus bioremoved the metals under study at pH 7.6, Temperature at 26.8°C and contact time 60 days with substrate (sawdust mixed with rice bran). Throughout the research, the percentage of removal was found to increase with increasing contact time. The heavy metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Sawdust mixed with rice bran colonized with P. ostreatus spawn could be utilized as an excellent biosorbent thus exhibiting efficiency for Iron 80%, Zinc 99%, Lead 94%, Nickel 99%. Chromium 93%, and Cadmium 96% respectively. The analysis of variance of the five variables: lead, iron, nickel, cadmium and chromium showed that there was no significant difference at P<0.05 with the exception of iron. It was observed that P. ostreatus is efficient in bioremoving heavy metals as the levels of remaining heavy metals in the refinery effluent were below the limit of detection (<0.001 mg/L). This validates P. ostreatus as a potential bio-sorbent and can be employed in treatment of environments polluted with effluent containing high levels of lead, zinc, iron, nickel, cadmium and chromium.

Differential expression of neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and candidate miRNA regulating NRG1 transcription in the chicken oviduct in response to hormonal changes.

Neuregulin 1 (NRG1), a signaling protein that binds to members of the erythroblastoma (ErbB) family, is known to play essential biological roles in mediating cell-cell interactions and orchestrating vital cell functions in the heart and nervous system. NRG1 is closely associated with developmental processes in various organs and expression of several NRG1 isoforms are regulated by estrogen. However, expression and its hormonal regulation during development of the female reproductive tract remain unknown. The reproductive system of chickens undergoes dynamic morphological and functional changes in response to estrogen and the molting process. Therefore, in the current study, we found differential expression of and candidate microRNA regulating chicken transcription in response to estrogen stimulation and/or the molting process. The results revealed that relative expression of mRNA increased in the oviducts of chicks treated with diesthylstilbestrol (DES; a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen). Additionally, abundant NRG1 mRNA expression was primarily in the glandular (GE) and luminal (LE) epithelia of the magnum in the developing chick oviduct in response to exogenous estrogen. Also, expression decreased during regression of the oviduct following induced molting by feeding high levels of zinc in the diet, and then gradually resurged as the oviduct underwent remodeling and recrudescence in laying hens. In addition, the present results revealed changes in relative expression of candidate chicken microRNA (, and ) targeting transcription in chicken oviducts in response to exogenous estrogen. In conclusion, these results provide the first evidence that is a novel estrogen-responsive gene closely correlated with the estrogen-dependent development of the oviduct of chicks and regeneration of the oviduct after molting. Further, regulation of expression involving at least 3 chicken miRNA is likely a prerequisite for those estrogen regulated developmental events.

Physiological Changes of Salivary Parameters in Patients with End Stage Renal Failure

Background: Many oral diseases were recorded in ESRD patients including as gingivitis, tooth mobility, xerostomia, ammonia-like smell, mucosal pallor and lesions, malocclusion and an increased risk of dental erosion. Salivary changes among ESRD patients might be attributed to renal failure, use of multiple medications, vomiting, depressive mood and low oral health hygiene. Aim of study: to assess the salivary changes of patients with end stage renal disease.To determine whether there is changes in salivary compositions and biochemical parameters (urea, creatinine, salivary PH) of patients with end stage renal failure.To find whether there is change in salivary trace element (zinc, copper).To identify whether there is change in salivary electrolyte (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate).Determine whether there is a change in salivary enzymes (amylase). Subjects, Materials and Methods :A cross sectional study carried out in two dialysis centers in Baghdad (Al-Khadhimya Teaching Hospital and Al-Karamah Teaching Hospital) through a period from 1 st of March to end of 30 th of July, 2015 on convenient sample of 64 patients with end stage renal diseases and on 64 healthy controls. Salivary samples were collected by the researcher at the end of dialysis. Saliva was collected using the standard way of collection. The samples controlled to avoid drooling or swallowing. Whole saliva was collected under resting conditions in a quiet room. Duration was between 0900 and noon at least 1 h after di- alysis. Each patient was asked to chew a piece of Arabic gum (0.5-0.7 gm) for one minute, all saliva was removed expectoration, chewing was continued for five minutes with the same piece of gum and saliva was collected in sterile screw capped bottle . Salivary urea and Amylase were analyzed by specific kits, while slivary PH was tested by a hand-held pH meter . Salivary trace elements of saliva were analyzed at the Poisoning Consultation Center/Specialized Surgeries hospital by flame atomic absorption following standardized procedure. Results: Mean age of ESRD patients was 50.1±14.9 years, males were more than females. No significant difference was observed between patients and controls regarding age and gender.There was a highly significant difference in salivary Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Copper, Urea and Amylase levels between ESRD patients and controls (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in sal- ivary Zinc level between ESRD patients and controls (p=0.02). There was a significant association between increased age of ESRD patients and HT (p=0.04). A significant association was observed between HT among ESRD patients and high salivary Zinc level (p=0.008). Conclusion: Abnormal high Salivary Urea concentration in ESRD patients are associated with or was high and it was a significant predictor of ESRD. This study showed that salivary minerals (Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Copper) were more likely to be re- duced in ESRD patients undergone hemodialysis.