Increasing Copper Content Research Articles

Potential Role of Copper in Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Copper is a fundamental element for the homeostasis of the body. It is the third most abundant essential transition metal in humans. Changes in the concentration of copper in the blood are responsible for numerous diseases affecting various organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver. Even small copper deficiencies can lead to the development and progression of several pathologies. On the other hand, excessive exposure to copper can cause toxicity in many human organs, leading to various systemic alterations. In the kidney, increased copper concentration in the blood can cause deposition of this element in the kidneys, leading to nephrotoxicity. One of the most interesting aspects of copper balance is its influence on diabetes and the progression of its complications, such as Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Several studies have shown a close relationship between copper serum levels and altered glycemic control. An imbalance of copper can lead to the progression of diabetes-related complications and impaired antioxidant homeostasis. A high Zinc/Copper (Zn/Cu) ratio is associated with improved renal function and reduced risk of poor glycemic control in patients with type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, the progression of DKD appears to be related to the extent of urinary copper excretion, while regulation of adequate serum copper concentration appears to prevent and treat DKD. The aim of this review is to evaluate the possible role of copper in DKD patients.

Promotion of ausferrite formation in as-sintered Fe–Mo–Si–C-(Cu) composites due to Cu addition

A sintered composite with ductile iron microstructure is novel type of materials. Design of these sintered composites can be done based on the interaction between iron or iron-based powder and silicon carbide powder. Previous result revealed that the matrix of the reference sintered composite, produced from pre-alloyed Fe-0.85Mo + 4.0 wt % silicon carbide powder mixture, had a complex microstructural feature consisting of a black particle (solid silicon carbide residue core/graphite shell) enveloped with ferrite halo, pearlite and ausferrite. The matrix of the reference sintered composite could be modified by using proper composite composition. It was hypothesized that the addition of copper powder, the austenite stabilizer, to the reference sintered composite would alter the microstructure due to change of austenite stability. It was found that when copper powder contents of ≥2.0 wt % were added to the reference sintered composite, pearlite was completely replaced by ausferrite. The ausferrite scales decreased with increasing copper content. When 6.0 wt % copper was added, the large free copper particles and fine spherical Cu particles were observed in ferrite halos and bainitic ferrite plates of ausferrite. Ultimate tensile strengths of >650 MPa and yield strength of >350 MPa were obtained in experimental sintered composites. The typical strength-ductility trade off was not observed in experimental sintered composites. Low elongation values were observed in sintered Cu-added composites although they had high austenite fraction. It is suggested that the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect, which occurs by the transformation from retained austenite to martensite during straining, is not fully obtained from high austenite fraction.

Nickel reduces blossom-end rot even under calcium deficiency conditions; evidence from physiological responses of the NI - CA interaction

The isolated study of calcium (Ca) as a cause of blossom-end rot (BER), has not demonstrated advances in the knowledge of this physiological disorder. Recent studies have shown that the Ni-Ca interaction can increase tomato yield and reduce the incidence of BER. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of nickel (Ni) and Ca interaction on the physiology of tomato plants focusing on nutrient balance, gas exchange and activity of urease and glyoxalase I and II enzymes. Tomato plants were grown in pots with substrate. A random design was used in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme. Two Ca doses (sufficient Ca - Ca S = 0.35; and deficient Ca - Ca D = 0.70 g kg−1) and four Ni doses (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg dm−3) was used. The activity of the glyoxalases I and II were used as an indicator of a stress condition. In plants grown under Ca S, the Ni application showed an increase in leaf content of nitrogen, phosphorus, Ca, iron, zinc, boron, copper and Ni, as well the gas exchange enhanced. The urease activity increased as a function of the Ni doses increase. Plants grown with Ca S and Ni doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg dm−3 showed the lowest glyoxalase activities. The use of Ni at the mentioned doses should be considered in tomato fertilization programs focused on BER reduction.

Thermal and wear properties of Al/Cu functionally graded metal matrix composite produced by severe plastic deformation method

The past decade has witnessed a huge growth in functionally graded materials (FGM) with attractive properties. This paper is a preliminary attempt to investigate Al/Cu FGM produced by a new methodology consisting of cold roll bonding (CRB) and accumulative roll bonding (ARB) processes. The results of microstructural characterizations reveal that the volume fraction of copper changed gently across the FGM. The observed distribution of copper's pieces was achieved by using the ARB process in which the reinforcement can be well distributed in the matrix. The findings of tensile tests revealed that, with an increase in Cu content, the ultimate tensile strength of layers increased while the elongation decreased. Also, the elongation of FGMMC which was about 4.6 was the least value and its tensile strength which was around 367 MPa was as much as that of Al/80%Cu but less than that of Cu layer. The results of wear tests showed that as the volume fraction of the reinforcement rose, friction coefficient and volumetric worn loss declined; indeed, hard copper layers can be plastically deformed as much as aluminum. Then, a smaller amount of material was abraded during pin on disk interaction. Based on the results of thermal diffusivity, with an increase in copper content, the thermal conductivity increased from Al layer with 155.5 W/mK to Cu layer with 283.3 W/mK indicating the good conductance of the Al/Cu interface and copper's pieces. Further, the thermal conductivity of FGMMC with 201.67 W/mK was more than all laminated composites except Cu layer.

Electrochemical behavior of Sn-9Zn-xCu solder alloy in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at room temperature

The effect of Cu addition on potentiodynamic and static immersion corrosion behavior of Sn-9Zn-xCu (x=0,1,2,3 wt%) was evaluated for their application in the electronic industry. Samples of solder alloy were prepared through vacuum induction furnace melting. Techniques such as SEM, XRD, and XPS were applied to evaluate the morphology and corrosion products on the surface. Microstructural characterization and phase analysis before the corrosion test show the presence of Cu 5 Zn 8 and Cu 6 Sn 5 intermetallics in the matrix. The primary corrosion products were found to be zinc hydroxide chloride Zn 5 (OH) 8 Cl 2 .H 2 O, tin oxide chloride hydroxide (Sn 3 O(OH) 2 Cl 2 ), SnO, and ZnO. The possible reasons for the generation of zinc corrosion products were critically discussed, and the most precise mechanism was proposed. Adding 1 to 3 wt.% copper to the Sn-9Zn solder alloy increased its corrosion resistance, owing to coarser and more evenly distributed corrosion-vulnerable Zn-rich precipitates. Static corrosion tests show that the weight loss decreases with increased copper content, indicating an increase in corrosion resistance. Sn-9Zn-3Cu alloys recorded the maximum corrosion resistance among all the alloys in the above corrosion tests.

The investigation of the NH3-SCR performance of a copper-based AEI-CHA intergrown zeolite catalyst.

This work prepared an ISAPO-34/SAPO-18 intergrown zeolite using phosphate organoamine as the structure guiding agent. Physical-chemical characterizations by XRD, SEM, TG, and BET showed that the SAPO-34/SAPO-18 presents a cross-stacked cubic block-like microscopic morphology, with characteristic diffusive diffraction peaks at 2θ = 16-18° and 30-33° and a specific surface area of 557m2g-1. The series of copper-based catalysts prepared from SAPO-34/SAPO-18 showed a shift of the active temperature window to a lower temperature with increasing copper content. Moreover, the Brønsted acid site decreased significantly due to copper ion exchange and zeolite structure framework damage. Among them, the 1.2wt% sample showed the widest active temperature window, with a T90 range of 175-435°C. After low-temperature hydrothermal aging treatment, the zeolite structure was eroded and the catalyst activity deteriorated significantly.

Growth, microstructure and optical characteristics of doped LiNbO3:Gd and LiNbO3:Cu:Gd lithium niobate crystals

Double- and single-doped lithium niobate (LN) crystals were grown by Czochralski at air from platinum crucibles: sample 1 ([Cu] = 0.57, [Gd] = 0.07 wt%), sample 2 ([Cu] = 0.041, [Gd] = 0.076 wt%), sample 3 ([Gd] = 0.003 wt%), sample 4 ([Gd] = 0.01 wt%), sample 5 ([Gd] = 0.05 wt%) and sample 6 ([Gd] = 0.26 wt%). Macro- and microstructure of as-grown LiNbO3:Cu:Gd and LiNbO3:Gd crystals have been studied by optical microscopy. Laser conoscopy, photoinduced light scattering (PILS) and optical spectroscopy have studied optical transmission, optical uniformity and photorefraction in LN crystals. Such a composition have been determined for a four-component system Li2O–Nb2O5–CuO—Gd2O3, at which a highly compositionally and optically uniform LiNbO3:Cu:Gd crystal (sample 2, [Cu] = 0.041, [Gd] = 0.076 wt%) can be grown. Raman spectra in 180-grade scattering geometry have determined conditions for the excitation of transverse and longitudinal polar modes during Raman scattering in LiNbO3:Cu:Gd crystals. A great increase in 175 and 603 cm−1 Raman bands intensities has been detected at an increase in copper concentration; it has been explained as a manifestation of photorefractive effect.

Radiosensitization-Related Cuproptosis LncRNA Signature in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

A new treatment modality targeting cuproptosis is gradually entering the public horizon. Cuproptosis is a new form of regulated cell death distinct from ferroptosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. Previous studies have discovered that the copper level varies considerably in various cancers and that an increase in copper content is directly associated with the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after radiation, the potential utility of cuproptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is still unclear. This research aimed to develop a prediction signature based on lncRNAs associated with cuproptosis to predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients following radiation. Methods: Expression data of primary tumors and adjacent solid tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, along with the corresponding clinical and mutational data. Univariate and multivariate COX analyses and LASSO regression analyses were performed to obtain a predictive signature of lncRNAs associated with cuproptosis. The data were randomly grouped into a training group used for model construction and a test group used for model validation. The model was validated by drawing a survival curve, risk curve, independent prognostic analysis, ROC curve PFS analysis, etc. Results: The lncRNA signature consisting of six cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (AC104088.1, PPP4R3B-DT, AC006042.3, LUCAT1, HHLA3-AS1, and LINC02029) was used to predict the prognosis of patients. Among them, there were three high-risk lncRNAs (LUCAT1, HHLA3-AS1, and LINC02029) with HR > 1 and three protective lncRNAs (AC104088.1, PPP4R3B-DT, and AC006042.3), with an HR < 1. Data analysis demonstrated that the cuproptosis-related lncRNA signatures could well predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients after radiation. Patients in the high-risk category receive a worse prognosis than those in the low-risk group. Cuproptosis-related risk prediction demonstrated better predictive qualities than age, gender, and pathological stage factors. Conclusion: The risk proposed model can independently predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients after radiotherapy, provide a foundation for the role of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in NSCLC after radiotherapy, and provide a clinical strategy for radiotherapy combined with cuproptosis in NSCLC patients.

Tailoring the structural and magnetic traits of copper modified BaFe12O19 nanostructured hexaferrites for recording media application

Barium nanohexaferrites, with a chemical composition of Ba1-0.5xCu0.5xFe12O19 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) have been successfully produced using the sol–gel auto-combustion approach for tuning its structural, morphological, optical and magnetic properties. The current work has been carried out to control the coercivity of synthesized specimens, with the modification of copper ions at the barium sites of BaFe12O19 hexaferrites. The XRD patterns of synthesized specimens’ shows the formational of hexagonal-like crystal structure with P63/mmc space geometry. In the XRD diffraction patterns, the characteristic peaks (110), (008), (107), (114), (108), (203), (205), (206), (1011), (300), (217), (2011), (220), (2014)along with some impurity phases of hematite (α-Fe2O3) were observed. The crystallite size “D” was estimated from the observed XRD patterns using the Debye-Scherrer formula in the range of 41.94–83.91 nm respectively. The FESEM studies of the BM2 and BM3 specimens reveal the presence of agglomerated grains with a hexagonal shape and an average size of ∼ 277 and ∼ 469 nm respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray spectra of synthesized nanohexaferrites shows only peaks of copper, iron, barium, and oxygen which clearly confirms the higher purity of pure and doped barium hexagonal nanoferrites. The transmission electron micrograph of BM1 nanohexaferrite illustrates the production of the nanoparticles that are agglomeratedand spherical, and have an average particle size of 53.32 nm. The Raman spectrum of undoped and copper doped BaFe12O19 hexagonal nanoferrites shows the formation of seven Raman active vibrational modes in the frequency range of 200–800 cm−1. At room temperature (300 K), the magnetic traits of the produced barium hexagonal nanoferrites were measured, and using these measurements, a variety of magnetic parameters (Ms, Hc, Mr, and Ha) were reported. The value of saturation magnetization (Ms) increases from 37.75 emu/g to 59.97 emu/g with increased low copper content up to x = 0.1. In contrast, with the increasing copper content up to x = 0.3, the value of Ms shows a decline to 28.31 emu/g. In this work, admirable values of Ms (28.31–59.97 emu/g) and Hc (684–2563 Oe) were obtained, making these nanohexaferrites as beneficial candidates for the recording media and EMI shielding applications.

Comparison of a novel form of zinc with zinc oxide bolus licensed for prevention of facial eczema, and interaction with copper oxide in sheep.

To evaluate a novel elemental zinc bolus compared with a registered positive control zinc oxide bolus and assess serum zinc concentrations following concomitant treatment with a capsule containing copper oxide needles. Forty Romney-cross ewes were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design study. On Day 0, 20 ewes received novel boluses containing elemental zinc (Investigational Veterinary Product, IVP) while 20 received a zinc oxide bolus (control; CP). Half the animals in each zinc treatment group (n=10) were treated with a copper oxide needle capsule [Copasure® - Ewe]. Weekly, from Day -7 to 56, all ewes were assessed for signs of photosensitization, and for 10 ewes from each zinc treatment groups, samples were collected for analysis of serum GGT activity, serum zinc concentrations, faecal zinc concentrations and on Days -7 and 56, liver copper concentrations. Multivariable random-effects models assessed the effects of zinc treatment, copper treatment, treatment interactions and time on all analytes. Regression models examined associations between serum and faecal zinc concentrations and GGT activity. Low spore numbers indicated low Pithomyces chartarum challenge. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher in the IVP than in the CP group [p < 0.0001] and varied by time [p < 0.001] and positively associated with faecal zinc concentration [p < 0.001]. Copper treatment did not affect serum zinc [p=0.82] or faecal zinc [p=0.92] concentrations. Liver copper concentrations did not differ between zinc treatment groups on Day -7 [p=0.6] or Day 56 [p=0.95]. Only the CP/no copper group had no increase in liver copper concentrations.

Metallothionein Expression as a Physiological Response against Metal Toxicity in the Striped Rockcod Trematomus hansoni.

Metal bioaccumulation and metallothionein (MT) expression were investigated in the gills and liver of the red-blooded Antarctic teleost Trematomus hansoni to evaluate the possibility for this species to face, with adequate physiological responses, an increase of copper and cadmium concentrations in its tissues. Specimens of this Antarctic fish were collected from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea) and used for a metal exposure experiment in controlled laboratory conditions. The two treatments led to a significant accumulation of both metals and increased gene transcription only for the MT-1. The biosynthesis of MTs was verified especially in specimens exposed to Cd, but most of these proteins were soon oxidized, probably because they were involved in cell protection against oxidative stress risk by scavenging reactive oxygen species. The obtained data highlighted the phenotypic plasticity of T. hansoni, a species that evolved in an environment characterized by naturally high concentrations of Cu and Cd, and maybe the possibility for the Antarctic fish to face the challenges of a world that is becoming more toxic every day.

Alloying Elements Effect on the Recrystallization Process in Magnesium-Rich Aluminum Alloy.

This paper addresses the study of the complex effect of alloying elements (magnesium, manganese, copper and zirconium) on changes in magnesium-rich aluminum alloy composition, fine and coarse particle size and number, recrystallization characteristics and mechanical properties. The data obtained made it possible to analyze change in the chemical composition, sizes of intermetallic compounds and dispersoids depending on alloying elements content. The effect of the chemical composition on the driving force and the number of recrystallization nuclei was studied. It was established that the addition of alloying elements leads to grain refinement, including through the activation of a particle-stimulated nucleation mechanism. As a result, with Mg increase from 4 to 5%, addition of 0.5% Mn and 0.5% Cu, the grain size decreased from 72 to 15 µm. Grain refinement occurred due to an increase in the number of particle-stimulated nuclei, the number of which at minimal alloying rose from 3.47 × 1011 to 81.2 × 1011 with the maximum concentration of Mg, Mn, Cu additives. The retarding force of recrystallization, which in the original alloy was 1.57 × 10−3 N/m2, increased to 5.49 × 10−3 N/m2 at maximum alloying. The influence of copper was especially noticeable, the introduction of 0.5% increasing the retarding force of recrystallization by 2.39 × 10−3 N/m2. This is due to the fact that copper has the most significant effect on the size and number of intermetallic particles. It was established that strength increase without ductility change occurs when magnesium, manganese and copper content increases.

Multiple metals exposure and blood mitochondrial DNA copy number: A cross-sectional study from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort

ObjectiveMitochondria are essential organelles that execute fundamental biological processes, while mitochondrial DNA is vulnerable to environmental insults. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and mixture effect of plasma metals on blood mitochondria DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). MethodsThis study involved 1399 randomly selected subcohort participants from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort. The blood mtDNAcn and plasma levels of 23 metals were determined by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), respectively. The multiple linear regression was used to explore the association between each metal and mtDNAcn, and the LASSO penalized regression was performed to select the most significant metals. We also used the quantile g-computation analysis to assess the mixture effect of multiple metals. ResultsBased on multiple linear regression models, each 1% increase in plasma concentration of copper (Cu), rubidium (Rb), and titanium (Ti) was associated with a separate 0.16% [β(95% CI) = 0.158 (0.066, 0.249), P = 0.001], 0.20% [β(95% CI) = 0.196 (0.073, 0.318), P = 0.002], and 0.25% [β(95% CI) = 0.245 (0.081, 0.409), P = 0.003] increase in blood mtDNAcn. The LASSO regression also confirmed Cu, Rb, and Ti as significant predictors for mtDNAcn. There was a significant mixture effect of multiple metals on increasing mtDNAcn among the elder participants (aged ≥65), with an approximately 11% increase in mtDNAcn for each quartile increase in all metal concentrations [β(95% CI) = 0.146 (0.048, 0.243), P = 0.004]. ConclusionsOur results show that plasma Cu, Rb and Ti were associated with increased blood mtDNA, and we further revealed a significant mixture effect of all metals on mtDNAcn among elder population. These findings may provide a novel perspective on the effect of metals on mitochondrial dysfunction.

Improved biocompatibility and antibacterial property of zinc alloy fabricated with γ-polyglutamic acid-g-dopamine/copper coatings for orthopedic implants

Zinc-lithium (Zn-Li) alloys have attracted considerable attention as potential biodegradable orthopedic implant materials. However, the biocompatibility and antibacterial property need further improvement to meet the clinical requirements. In this study, poly(γ-glutamic acid)-g-dopamine/copper (γ-PGA-g-DA/Cu) hybrid coatings were fabricated on a Zn alloy to improve its biocompatibility and antibacterial performance. Corrosion analysis in simulated body fluid indicated that the γ-PGA-g-DA/Cu coatings afforded tunable degradation rates of Zn alloys. The cytotoxicity evaluation revealed that the presence of copper ions in the coatings could reduce the cytotoxicity problem caused by zinc ions and enhance the biocompatibility of Zn alloy. In vitro antibacterial tests exhibited that the antibacterial activity of Zn alloy enhanced due to the γ-PGA-g-DA/Cu coatings and the antibacterial performance of γ-PGA-g-DA/Cu coated samples increased with increasing copper content of the coatings. In summary, γ-PGA-g-DA/Cu coatings provide a feasible strategy to design Zn alloy implant materials with improved functional performance.

Role of suspended particulate material on growth and metal bioaccumulation in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from a French coastal semi-enclosed production area, Arcachon Bay

Arcachon Bay is a prominent oyster production area on the coast of Western Europe, and is subject to chemical contamination including by trace metals. Recently, the national “mussel-watch” monitoring network – using local bivalves as semi-quantitative bioindicators of coastal chemical contamination – highlighted a significant increase in copper (Cu) concentrations in oysters from this bay. Here, we conducted a one-year multi-compartment and multi-parameter field study to investigate some aspects of the surrounding environment of oysters that could explain their metal bioaccumulation. Sediment, seawater (through punctual and passive sampling), particles (suspended particulate material of selected sizes, including trophic resources for oysters) and transplanted oysters were regularly collected at two contrasted sites of the bay (i.e. under continental versus more oceanic influence). These matrices were characterised for their total Cu, zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations. Several physico-chemical and biological parameters (e.g. salinity, particle loads, oyster growth rate and condition indices, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions, etc.) were also analysed. Overall, sediment, particles and oysters from the outermost site had slightly lower δ 13 C values, confirming the more oceanic influence in this part of the bay. Among organic particles, although dinoflagellates tended to be more abundant at the outermost site while ciliates were more abundant at the innermost site of the bay, the two sites did not differ in mean total microphytoplankton and diatom densities. However, the variations observed for most of the other parameters studied show that oysters located near the continental shore are exposed to higher loads of particles in general, and to higher metal contents in the dissolved phase and “bulk” seawater (dissolved plus particulate phases) during the year. While fluvial inputs and continental/urban run-offs are suspected sources of anthropogenic metal inputs into the bay, (fine) sediment particle resuspension appears to be a likely major contributor to metal release and hence to the contamination of the bay including oysters. The decline of seagrass beds in the last two decades in the bay could also have decreased the potential of fine particle retention in the sedimentary stratum. Concomitantly, oysters presenting the highest metal concentrations were those with the lower growth rates and condition indices, which may be induced by physical constraints, high amounts of pseudo-faeces produced and/or reduced food and energy acquisition by oysters due to high particle loads in the water column. The findings of this study imply that using raw metal concentrations in bivalves to monitor marine coastal contamination can lead to misleading interpretations if potentially great spatial variations in bivalve growth rates or condition indices are not considered. Finally, peculiar trends were observed for Cu compared to other metals, highlighting the need of further studies to fully address the Cu contamination in this marine system (e.g. specific sources of contamination for this metal in the bay). This study more broadly raises the issue of potentially man-induced ecological changes (e.g. modification of natural habitats) and their consequences on metal transfer and physiological performance of marine biota. • A multi-compartment and multi-parameter study to unravel oyster metal contamination. • Higher contamination found in dissolved and particulate seawater phases inside the bay. • Contamination likely explained by river flows and tidal resuspension of sediments. • Higher particle loads observed with higher oyster metal concentrations and lower growth. • Differences in oyster bioaccumulation patterns for copper compared to other metals.

Thermal transport properties and microstructure of the solid Bi-Cu alloys

Thermal transport properties of solid Bi-Cu alloys have been investigated over a wide composition range and temperature range between 25 and 250 °C. The flash method was used to determine thermal diffusivity. Thermal diffusivity was discovered to decrease continuously with increasing temperature and bismuth content. The indirect Archimedean method was used to determine the density of the Bi-Cu alloys at 25 °C. The obtained results show that the density of the studied alloys decreases slightly as the copper content increases. Thermal conductivity of the alloys was calculated using measured diffusivity, density, and a calculated specific heat capacity. The thermal conductivity of the studied Bi-Cu alloys decreases with increasing temperature and bismuth content, similar to thermal diffusivity. SEM with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to examine the microstructure and melting behavior of Bi-Cu alloys, respectively. The eutectic temperature was measured to be 269.9±0.1 °C, and the measured phase transition temperatures and heat effects were compared to the results of CALPHAD thermodynamic calculations.

Evaluation of Trace Elements in Patients with Senile Cataract

Background: Senile cataract is a common cause of blindness among older people. The problem is common among adults of age 40 and older. There are various factors that cause senile cataracts among adults. These factors include protein and lipid variations, genetic role, and the existence of trace elements like magnesium, zinc and copper. Aim and objectives: To evaluate the level of zinc and relationship between copper, and magnesium in patients with senile cataract by comparing with healthy subjects. Material and Methods: This study has a key focus on examining the effect of trace elements on senile cataract patients. We conducted experiments when 100 people (50 patients and 50 non-patients). Absorption spectrometry was used to examine the blood samples of the people who took part in the research. Results: It was noted during the results that most of the patients developed senile cataracts after crossing the age of 50. It was also noted from the results that the concentration of copper and zinc was higher in the patients as compared to the non-patients, while the concentration of magnesium was lower in the patients as compared to the non-patients. Based on these results, it can be stated that an increase in the concentration of copper and zinc increases the chances of senile cataracts. The decline in the concentration of magnesium increases the chances of senile cataracts. Also, out of these patients, a majority of them were females. Therefore, there are chances of biased results in this study that can be improved in future studies with the number of patients and an equal number of males and females. Conclusion: The concentrations of copper and zinc were significantly higher in patients than in the non-patients, whereas the concentration of magnesium was lower in the patients than in the non-patients. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that an increase in copper and zinc concentrations increases the risk of senile cataracts. Keywords: zinc, copper, magnesium, senile cataract, healthy subjects.

Experimental Exposure to Bisphenol A Has Minimal Effects on Bone Tissue in Growing Rams-A Preliminary Study.

Simple SummaryBisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known synthetic compound that belongs to the group of chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system in humans and animals. Although bones represent a potential target for these compounds, studies investigating BPA-related effects in bones in large farm animals are limited. We exposed young rams aged 9–12 months to BPA through feed for 64 days and investigated the effects of BPA on bone length, mass, microscopic structure, mineral content, strength, and serum bone parameters. We discovered that BPA had no significant effects on most of the parameters studied. Only manganese was decreased, and copper increased in the femurs of the BPA-exposed rams. These results suggest that a 2-month, low-dose exposure to BPA in growing rams did not affect the macro- and microstructure, metabolism, and biomechanical behavior of femur bones; however, it did affect the composition of microelements in bone, which could affect the bone in the long term.Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known synthetic compound that belongs to the group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Although bone tissue is a target for these compounds, studies on BPA-related effects on bone morphology in farm animals are limited. In this preliminary study, we investigated the effects of short-term dietary BPA exposure on femoral morphology, metabolism, mineral content, and biomechanical behavior in rams aged 9–12 months. Fourteen rams of the Istrian Pramenka breed were randomly divided into a BPA group and a control group (seven rams/group) and exposed to 25 µg BPA/kg bw for 64 days in feed. Blood was collected for determination of bone turnover markers (procollagen N-terminal propeptide, C-terminal telopeptide), and femurs were assessed via computed tomography, histomorphometry, three-point bending test, and mineral analysis. BPA had no significant effects on most of the parameters studied. Only mineral analysis showed decreased manganese (50%; p ≤ 0.05) and increased copper content (25%; p ≤ 0.05) in the femurs of BPA-exposed rams. These results suggest that a 2-month, low-dose exposure to BPA in growing rams did not affect the histomorphology, metabolism, and biomechanical behavior of femurs; however, it affected the composition of microelements, which could affect the histometric and biophysical properties of bone in the long term.

Hydrothermally synthesized nickel copper phosphate thin film cathodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitor devices

Transition metal phosphate (TMP) based materials are developing as advanced type electrode materials for hybrid supercapacitors (SCs) due to their unprecedented conductivity, and rich redox activity. Attracted by these fabulous physicochemical characteristics of metal phosphates, binder-free nickel copper (Ni-Cu) phosphate thin films directly grown on stainless steel (SS) substrate by hydrothermal method. The morphological alteration from microplates like nickel phosphate to microrods like copper phosphate is detected with increasing copper content in Ni-Cu phosphate thin films. The optimal 1:1 ratio of nickel and copper in Ni-Cu phosphate (Ni1.62Cu1.35(PO4)2·H2O) thin film illustrates high specific capacitance (Cs) (capacity (Cc)) of 711 F g−1 (355.5 C g−1) at 1.5 A g−1. More significantly, a hybrid aqueous SC (HASC) and all-solid-state SC (HASSC) electrochemical energy storage devices (ESDs) have been fabricated. The HASC device showed superior Cs (85 F g−1 at 0.8 A g−1) with specific energy (SE) of 30 Wh kg−1 at 1.27 kW kg−1 specific power (SP). Additionally, HASSC device offers a higher Cs (52 F g−1 at 0.6 A g−1) with 18.53 Wh kg−1 SE at 1.64 kW kg−1 SP. Also, both HASC and HASSC devices exhibit excellent long-term durability of 84.81 and 80.83 %, respectively, after 5000 GCD cycles. Moreover, HASSC device brightens a panel of 201 red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) illustrating its commercial practicability to next-generation hybrid energy storage devices.

Copper Monitoring in Vineyard Soils of Central Italy Subjected to Three Antifungal Treatments, and Effects of Sub-Lethal Copper Doses on the Earthworm Eisenia fetida.

The extensive employment of copper-based fungicides has increased copper concentration in vineyard soils. The present study’s objectives were to monitor copper concentration in two vineyard soils during two cropping seasons and study the ecotoxicological effects on the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Total, soluble, and bioavailable copper fractions were measured at the end of two cropping seasons and different depths in two vineyards of central Italy, characterised by three anticryptogamic control methods: copper compounds, chitosan, and combined treatments of them. A laboratory experiment to assess the effects on Eisenia fetida was conducted with soil samples collected in the vineyards with a mean copper concentration of 60 mg/kg and two higher concentrations of 90 and 150 mg/kg. Results showed low levels of total copper concentration in the first 20 cm of soils, regardless of antifungal treatment, highlighting prudent management of the vineyards under study, but the soluble fractions showed a significant increase in all samples during the two cropping seasons. At the dose of 150 mg/kg, earthworms suffer during the first two days, showing weight loss and DNA damage, but they are able to recover until day 28, showing no permanent harm at this copper concentration in soil.