Pentaacetic Acid Research Articles

A study of nZVI DTPA induced degradation of selective organic pollutants by the help of ac conductivity measurement

In this work, diethylene triamine pentacetic acid (DTPA) stabilized nano scale zero valent iron (nZVI)) has been synthesized through co precipitation method. A systematic characterization of DTPA stabilized nZVI has been performed. It has been found that DTPA stabilized nZVI is well dispersed with less aggregation. Average particle size obtained is within 50 nm. In the presence of ultrasound irradiation (US), the degradation of some water pollutants like methyl orange (MO), azo based textile dyes and phenols by the help of DTPA stabilized nZVI is recorded over 95 %, 85 %within 10−15 min and 70 % within 30−40 min respectively. In this work, the ac conductivity of different water pollutants during degradation has also been studied which shows prominent distinguishable characteristics and helps to get an idea about the degradation of the pollutants without using spectrophotometric analysis. Reusability of nanoparticles was monitored in this work up to three cycles. 85 % MO degradation have been observed up to the last cycle.

Determination of Chromium in Natural Water by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry Using In Situ Bismuth Film Electrode.

Development of adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) combined with in situ prepared bismuth film electrode (in situ BiFE) on glassy carbon disk surface using diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) as a complexing agent and NO3− as a catalyst to determine the trace amount of chromium (VI) is demonstrated. According to this method, in the preconcentration step at Edep = −800 mV, the bismuth film is coated on the surface of glassy carbon electrodes simultaneously with the adsorption of complexes Cr(III)-DTPA. In addition to the influencing factors, the stripping voltammetry performance factors such as deposition potential, deposition time, equilibration time, cleaning potential, cleaning time, and technical parameters of differential pulse and square wave voltammetries have been investigated, and the influence of Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Ca(II), Fe(III), SO42−, Cl−, and Triton X has also been investigated. This method gained good repeatability with RSD <4% (n = 9) for the differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DP-AdSV) and RSD < 3% (n = 7) for the square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SqW-AdSV), and low limit of detection: LOD = 12.10−9 M ≈ 0.6 ppb (at a deposition potential (Edep) of −800 mV and the deposition time (tdep) of 50 s) and LOD = 2.10−9 M ≈ 0.1 ppb (at Edep = −800 mV and tdep = 160 s) for the DP-AdSV and SqW-AdSV, respectively. This method has been successfully applied to analyze chromium in natural water.

The predictive value of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced MRI imaging features combined with quantitative parameters for the pathologic grading of hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl- diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI imaging features combined with quantitative parameters for the pathologic grading of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Eighty patients (65 males, 15 females; range 30-74 years,average age (59±11) years old) with HCC who underwent curative resection or biopsy from June 2016 to June 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University after Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were evaluated retrospectively.According to the pathological results of the postoperative pathology, eighty patients were divided into poorly differentiated group (26 cases, 22 males, 4 females) and moderately-well differentiated group (54 cases, 43 males, 11 females). In Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, qualitative parameters were assessed. Quantitative parameters including tumor size, tumor-to-liver signal intensity ratio(SIR) of arterial phase (AP), portal vein phase (PP), equilibrium phase (EP) and hepatobiliary phase (HBP), contrast enhancement ration AP (CER-AP)were measured and calculated. Clinical data and qualitative parameters between poorly differentiated group and moderately-well differentiated group were analyzed by using χ(2) test.Quantitative parameters were analyzed by using independent sample t test. Statistically significant qualitative parameters, quantitative parameters, qualitative combined with quantitative parameters and AFP combined with qualitative and quantitative parameters were included in binary logistic regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the four prediction model for the pathologic grading of HCC. Results: There was a statistical difference between poorly differentiated group and moderately-well differentiated group in AFP, arterial peritumoral enhancement, arterial rim enhancement, peritumoral hypointensity on HBP and tumor signal (all P<0.05). In two groups, tumor size, SIR-AP and SIR-PP were (7.0±3.7) vs (3.9±2.4)cm,1.11±0.29 vs 1.31±0.32 and 0.89±0.21 vs 1.03±0.27 (all P<0.05). AUC of qualitative parameters, quantitative parameters, qualitative combined with quantitative parameters and AFP combined with qualitative and quantitative parameters were 0.805, 0.804, 0.855, 0.892.There was a statistical difference between qualitative parameters and qualitative combined with quantitative parameters in sensitivity(80.8% vs 92.3%, P<0.05). Conclusion: Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI imaging features combined with quantitative parameters can be used to predict the pathologic grading of HCC preoperatively, which has a great applicative value.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) T1 mapping with low-dose gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) is promising in identifying clear cell renal cell carcinoma histopathological grade and differentiating fat-poor angiomyolipoma.

This study aimed to identify clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) histopathological grade and differentiate it from fat-poor angiomyolipoma (AML). This was achieved through contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) T1 mapping with intravenous low-dose gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). In total, 56 consecutive patients received MR scanning between January 2016 and December 2018 using the pre- and post- contrast-enhanced T1 mapping sequences with low-dose Gd-DTPA (0.036 mmol/kg). RCCs were pathologically proven in 40 patients after surgery and graded according to the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) classification system. Ten AMLs were pathologically proven by surgery histopathology and six AMLs were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients were followed up for more than half a year. The mean T1 values of the renal lesion and ipsilateral normal renal parenchyma were measured before and after Gd-DTPA administration (T1p and T1e). The reduction of T1 value (T1d) and the ratio of its reduction (T1d %) were calculated and compared. In 40 ccRCCs, higher-grade [International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) grade 3 and 4] and lower-grade (ISUP grade 1 and 2) ccRCCs were noted in 13 and 27 patients, respectively. The mean T1p was 1,514.8±139.4 ms and the mean T1d was 907.7±193.7 ms in the higher-grade ccRCCs, which were significantly higher than in the lower-grade ccRCCs (T1p =1,251.7±151.5 ms and T1d =648.5±218.2 ms, respectively; P<0.001). Fat-poor AMLs had higher T1p (1,677.3±104.8 ms) and T1e (865.6±251.5 ms) as compared to ccRCCs (P<0.001). Combined T1p + T1d showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) (0.912) in the differentiation of higher-grade ccRCCs from lower-grade ccRCCs (P=0.010). Combined T1p + T1e had the highest AUC (0.956) in the differentiation between ccRCCs and fat-poor AMLs (P=0.010). All T1 mapping metrics could discriminate between normal renal parenchyma and renal lesions (P<0.001). No significant difference was found in the T1p and T1e at different parts of the ipsilateral normal renal parenchyma. Interobserver agreement for quantitative longitudinal relaxation time in the T1 maps was excellent. Contrast-enhanced T1 mapping with low-dose Gd-DTPA may provide a more reliable and accurate approach in identifying ccRCCs histopathological grade and differentiating ccRCCs from fat-poor AMLs.

Value of Gd-EOB-DTPA-Enhanced MRI and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Detecting Residual Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Drug-Eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization

To investigate the value of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in diagnosing residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE). Sixty-two patients (50 men, 12 women; mean age, 56.8 ± 1.4 years) with 74 HCCs who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI in 1-2-month intervals after DEB-TACE were retrospectively studied. Imaging features derived from Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI were analyzed and compared between residual HCCs and necrotic tumors. The sensitivity and specificity of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and DWI with quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in diagnosing residual HCCs were calculated and compared, based on the reference standard of pathology and/or angiography. Thirty-three residual HCCs and 41 necrotic tumors were diagnosed. Residual HCCs presented characteristics of arterial hypervascularity (90.91%) and DWI hyperintensity (78.78%), which were of importance in differentiating necrotic tumors (p< 0.05). DWI showed lower sensitivity (78.79% vs. 96.97%, p< 0.001) and specificity (78.05% vs. 100%, p< 0.001) than Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in diagnosing residual HCCs after DEB-TACE. Residual HCCs had a significantly higher mean ADC value than necrotic tumors (1.30 ± 0.32 × 10-3 mm2/s vs. 1.55 ± 0.50 × 10-3 mm2/s, p< 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for identifying residual HCCs demonstrated that the threshold ADC value of 1.25 × 10-3 mm2/s had 84.85% sensitivity and 87.80% specificity. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI is superior to DWI in diagnosing residual HCCs after DEB-TACE, and arterial hypervascularity and DWI hyperintensity are important imaging features in distinguishing residual HCCs from necrotic tumors.

Sialic acid–targeted drug delivery and imaging system for pH- and glutathione-triggered multiple anticancer drug release and enhanced oxidative stress

The emergence of multiple drug delivery systems can solve the disadvantages of single-drug therapy, such as high dose and easy generation of drug resistance. Here, we designed a sialic acid–targeted dextran-mercaptopurine prodrug linked by carbonyl vinyl sulfide for coordinate ZnO quantum dots to achieve multiple drug delivery (doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine), which can be released under the trigger of pH and glutathione. To enhance the antitumor effect, we used inorganic photosensitizer CdSe quantum dots to achieve photodynamic therapy, which can produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radicals) under light conditions. Notably, we found that glutathione is consumed by the delivery of 6-mercaptopurine. It is able to efficiently amplify intracellular oxidative stress via increasing •OH generation. After chelating 99mTc4+ radioisotopes by diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, the drug delivery system could be tracked under in vivo single-photon emission computed tomography imaging. The results showed that the phenylboronic acid targeting substance can specifically recognize sialic acid, so that the drug system has a good accumulation in the tumor site, which can better increase the therapeutic effect. Compared to free doxorubicin, the drug system can reduce the IC50 value of cells 4.4-fold under light conditions and significantly inhibit tumor growth in vivo. These data indicate that the sialic acid–targeted nanomedicine system has achieved ideal antitumor effects and apparent photodynamic therapy effects and has broad application prospects.

Fluorescent DTPA-Silk Fibroin Nanoparticles Radiolabeled with 111In: A Dual Tool for Biodistribution and Stability Studies.

This work aims to provide an effective and novel dual tool for the biodistribution studies of biopolimeric nanoparticles by using modified silk fibroin nanoparticles as a model. This is an indispensable step in the evaluation of the applicability of biopolymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. In this work, we report a new facile method for radiolabeling silk fibroin nanoparticles conjugated to the chelating agent diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Nanoparticles were characterized by means of dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy. The in vitro studies included stability in biological media and evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles in a cell culture. The in vivo study was focused on a scintigraphic study over 24 h conducted on New Zealand rabbits, after intra-articular injection of [111In]In-nanoparticles containing 8.03 ± 0.42 MBq. Biodistribution of the nanoparticles was also assessed ex vivo by fluorescence microscopy of post mortem biopsied organs. This radiolabeling method was reproducible and robust with high radiolabeling efficiency (∼80%) and high specific activity suitable for in vivo studies. Radiolabeled nanoparticles, having a hydrodynamic radius of 113.2 ± 2.3 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.101 ± 0.015, and a Z-potential of -30.1 ± 2.0 mV, showed an optimum retention in the articular space, without activity clearance up to 24 h post injection. Thus, an easy and robust radiolabeling method has been developed, and its applicability is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo studies, showing its value for future investigation of silk fibroin nanoparticles as versatile and stable (steady) local drug delivery systems for consideration as a therapeutic option, particularly in the treatment of joint disorders.

Effect of convection enhanced delivery on the microstructure of brain extracellular space in aged rats

To compare the changes of extracellular space (ECS) structure and local drug distribution in adult brain and aged brain at different drug delivery rates in minimally invasive treatment of encephalopathy by convection enhanced delivery (CED) via ECS pathway. Thirty-six SD male rats were divided into adult rats group (2-8 months, n=18) and aged rats group (18-24 months, n=18) according to the age of the month. According to the drug rates (0.1 μL/min, 0.2 μL/min, and 0.3 μL/min), they were randomly divided into 3 subgroups, 6 in each subgroup. Gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) with a concentration of 10 mmol/L were introduced into the caudate nucleus of each group of rats by stereotactic injection. Tracer-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to dynamically monitor the diffusion and distribution images of the Gd-DTPA in the brain interstitial system (ISS). Using the self-developed MRI image measurement and analysis system software to process and analyze the obtained images, the diffusion coefficient, clearance rate, volume fraction, and half-life of each group of rats in the caudate nucleus ECS could be acquired. The effects and differences of drug clearance and ECS structural function in the brain of aged rats and adult rats were compared and analyzed at different drug delivery rates. Magnetic tracer DECS-mapping technique was used to observe the distribution and drainage of tracer in caudate nucleus. At the injection rate of 0.1 μL/min, the volume fraction in the aged rats was increased compared with that in the adult rats (18.20%±0.04% vs. 17.20%±0.03%, t=3.752, P=0.004), and the degree of tortuosity was decreased (1.63±0.04 vs. 1.78±0.09, t=-3.680, P=0.004), the drug clearance rate was decreased [(1.94±0.68) mm2/s vs. (3.25±0.43) mm2/s, t=-3.971, P=0.003], and the molecular diffusion in ECS was increased [(3.99±0.21)×10-4 mm2/s vs. (3.36±0.37)×10-4 mm2/s, t=3.663, P=0.004]. When the rate of injection increased to 0.2 μL/min, the drug clearance in ECS of the aged rats was slowed down [(2.53±0.45) mmol/L vs. (3.37±0.72) mmol/L, t=-1.828, P=0.021]. However, there were no significant differences in volume fraction, molecular diffusion in ECS and macroscopic drug metabolism parameters. When the rate of injection increased to 0.3 μL/min, the volume fraction in the aged rats was decreased (17.20%±0.03% vs. 18.20%±0.05%, t=-0.869, P=0.045), and the drug clearance rate in ECS was significantly accelerated [(4.04±0.76) mmol/L vs. (3.26±0.55) mmol/L, t=1.786, P=0.014], and there was no significant difference in tortuosity and the rate of molecular diffusion in the ECS. The drug clearance and ECS structural parameters of brain ECS in aged brain with CED administration were changed at different rates, and it has the least effect on ECS in the aged brain at the injection rate of 0.2 μL/min. For the application of CED for the treatment of encephalopathy, we should consider the influence of factors such as age and injection rate, and provide reference for the development of individualized clinical treatment plan for minimally invasive treatment of encephalopathy via ECS pathway.

Influence of Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid (DTPA) amendment on the uptake of some essential trace elements by &lt;I&gt;Amaranthus hybridus L.&lt;/I&gt;

The present study was aimed at determining the potential in the uptake and translocation of essential trace elements by Amaranthus hybridus L. seedlings and the effects of added 0.0025M DTPA as a bioremediation technology to increase the contents of trace elements in edible parts. Four week old Amaranthus hybridus L. seedlings were transplanted in hydroponic solution treated with copper and zinc and then monitored in a greenhouse for 72 hr where significant changes in fresh weights were observed. The study was divided into two experiments first batch contains chelate and second batch contain unchelated treatments in three different combination of copper, zinc and Cu/Zn treatments. Cu2+ was restricted in the roots and no significant changes (p&gt;0.05) in the accumulation of Cu2+ was observed with respect to addition of DTPA to different concentration compared to unchelated treatments. However, accumulation and transportation of Zn2+ from roots to shoots was increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) to 2-3 fold after DTPA application compared to unchelated treatments as it helped to increase the metal bioavailability. Furthermore, in Cu/Zn combination, unchelated Cu2+ was found to accumulate more when compared to the chelated with the same Cu2+ concentration. Likewise, unchelated Zn2+ was significantly translocated as compared with chelate-assisted treatments of same zinc concentration. This indicates that in the presence of copper, zinc uptake was favorably translocated. Translocation factor was calculated to find relation with metal uptake in Amaranth hybridus L. seedlings.&#x0D; Keywords: Essential elements, DTPA amendment, hydroponic, Amaranthus hybridus L.

Surgical details and renal function change after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

To investigate whether differences in surgical details during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy impact postoperative renal function. Patient, tumor and perioperative characteristics of 751 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy were analyzed with respect to the difference in ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate measured by diethylenetetramine pentaacetic acid renal scan. Detailed surgical methods defined for tumor excision (cutting vs splitting), hemostasis (suturing vs clipping) and renorrhaphy (continuous vs interrupted) were analyzed for early glomerular filtration rate decline and long-term recovery. The glomerular filtration rate of the entire cohort decreased by 9.8mL/min/1.73m2 (22%) at 3months postoperatively, gradually increasing thereafter. The recovery slope was 1.7mL/min/1.73m2 /year during a median follow-up period of 23.0months. Early glomerular filtration rate decline was more pronounced in the cutting group (23.5 vs 20.1%, P=0.009). Clipping was associated with less glomerular filtration rate decline throughout the observation period, and the recovery slope was also significantly higher (2.7 vs 1.1mL/min/1.73m2 /year). In multivariate analysis, early decline was associated with age, preoperative glomerular filtration rate, parenchymal volume loss and ischemia >25min. With respect to long-term recovery, suturing had the greatest adverse impact (β=-5.060, P<0.0001, 95% confidence interval -7.709, -2.411) in addition to parenchymal volume reduction and early decline. In the propensity-matched cohort accounting for differences in tumor size and complexity, suturing was persistently associated with a significant glomerular filtration rate decline until >2years after surgery. Hemostatic sutures during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy might interfere with long-term renal function recovery irrespective of parameters that determine the initial function change. As the splitting method reduces the use of sutures, modifying these details might help preserve renal function.

Effects of the joint application of phosphate rock, ferric nitrate and plant ash on the immobility of As, Pb and Cd in soils

Phosphate rock (PR) and ferric salts have been frequently used to immobilize heavy metal(loid)s in soils, but in varied efficiencies referring to different metal(loid) pollutants. This study explored the effective application of plant ash (PA) to the previous formula of phosphate rock (PR) and ferric salts (Fe(NO3)3) (PR + Fe3++PA), compared to only PR, on the bioavailability and immobility of multi-metal(loid)s of selected arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soils. Results from NaHCO3- extraction and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) implied the increase of the As mobility in soils by 7.0% and 2.6% using PR only, but the significant reduction of the As mobility by 24.2% and 82.4% jointly using PR + Fe3++PA. Meanwhile, the application of either PR alone or PR + Fe3++PA in soil significantly decreased Pb and Cd extracting in diethylene triamine pentacetate acid (DTPA) and TCLP, particularly, the immobilization effect of PR + Fe3++PA was better than that of PR. The leaching column test further confirmed the high durability of PR + Fe3++PA on the immobilization of As and Pb under the continuous acid exposure, but likely slightly increased the mobility of Cd (the accumulated concentration of Cd, 5.88 μg/L) compared to that (3.16 μg/L) in the untreated column (UN-column), which were both much lower than the level V (100 μg/L) of the Chinese National Quality Standard for Surface Water (GB 3838–2002). Therefore, PR + Fe3++PA exhibited the significant enhancement on the immobilization of As, Pb and Cd under simulated acid rain (SAR) leaching.

Assessment of Split Renal Function Using a Combination of Contrast-Enhanced CT and Serum Creatinine Values for Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to develop a novel method to estimate single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using a combination of contrast-enhanced CT and serum creatinine (SCr) values and to validate the resulting estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) by comparing them with the single-kidney Gates GFR, which is based on renal dynamic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty-two patients with asymmetric renal disease who underwent unenhanced and triphasic contrast-enhanced CT of the kidneys, 99mTc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid renal dynamic imaging, and SCr testing within 1 week were retrospectively included. The eGFR was split into single-kidney GFRs of the left and right kidneys by a proportionality factor derived from the products of renal volume and CT number increments of the multiphasic CT images, which produced unenhanced phase (yielded by the renal volume proportional factor alone), arterial phase, venous phase, and nephrographic phase CT split eGFRs. The four CT split eGFRs were compared with the Gates GFR using the paired-sample t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS. Correlation coefficients and 95% CIs between the four CT split eGFRs and Gates GFR were as follows: unenhanced phase, 0.729 (95% CI, 0.626-0.805); arterial phase, 0.781 (95% CI, 0.685-0.849); venous phase, 0.788 (95% CI, 0.690-0.839); and nephrographic phase, 0.842 (95% CI, 0.758-0.902) (all, p < 0.001). The paired differences between the CT split eGFRs and Gates GFR were as follows: unenhanced phase, 2.04 ± 10.85 (95% CI, 0.01-4.07) mL/min/1.73 m2; arterial phase, 2.04 ± 10.56 (95% CI, 0.06-4.02) mL/min/1.73 m2; venous phase, 2.04 ± 10.04 (95% CI, 0.16-3.92) mL/min/1.73 m2; and nephrographic phase, 2.04 ± 8.92 (95% CI, 0.37-3.71) mL/min/1.73 m2. These results suggest a maximum deviation from the Gates GFR of ± 44.9% for the unenhanced phase eGFR, ± 43.7% for the arterial phase eGFR, ± 41.6% for the venous phase eGFR, and ± 36.9% for nephrographic phase eGFR. CONCLUSION. Split renal function can be estimated using a combination of contrast-enhanced CT and SCr values to calculate eGFR. The CT images of the nephrographic phase may be the optimal choice to use in this proposed method.

Soil and foliar zinc application to biofortify broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.): effects on the zinc concentration and bioavailability

Agronomic zinc (Zn) biofortification of crops could help to alleviate dietary Zn deficiency, which is likely to affect more than one billion people worldwide. To evaluate the efficiency of agronomic Zn biofortification of broccoli, four application treatments were tested: no Zn application (control); soil application of 5 mg/kg ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;·7 H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O (soil); two sprays (15 mL/pot each) of 0.25% (w/v) ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;·7 H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O (foliar); and soil + foliar combination. Soil Zn application increased Zn-DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) concentration by 3.7-times but did not affect plant growth or plant Zn concentration. Foliar Zn application increased stem + leaves and floret Zn concentration by 78 and 23 mg Zn/kg, respectively, with good bioavailability based on phytic acid concentration. Boiling decreased mineral concentration by 19%, but increased bioavailability by decreasing the phytic acid concentration. The entire broccoli could constitute a good nutritional source for animals and humans. An intake of 100 g boiled florets treated with the foliar treatment will cover about 36% of recommended dietary intake (RDI) of Zn, together with 30% of Ca, 94% of K, 32% of Mg, 6% of Na, 55% of P, 60% of S, 10% of Cu, 22% of Fe, 43% of Mn, and 35% of Se RDIs.

A Novel Low-Temperature Non-Corrosive Sulfate/Sulfide Scale Dissolver

The oil and gas production operations suffer from scale depositions. The scale precipitations have a damaging impact on the reservoir pores, perforations, downhole and completion equipment, pipeline network, wellhead chokes, and surface facilities. Hydrocarbon production possibly decreased because of the scale accumulation in the well tubular, leading to a well plugging, this requires wells to be shut-in in severe cases to perform a clean-out job. Therefore, scale deposition is badly affecting petroleum economics. This research aims to design a scale dissolver with low cost, non-damaging for the well equipment and has a high performance at the field operating conditions. This paper presents a novel non-corrosive dissolver for sulfate and sulfide composite scale in alkaline pH and works at low-temperature conditions. The scale samples were collected from a production platform from different locations. A complete description of the scale samples was performed as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The new scale dissolver was prepared in different concentrations to examine its dissolution efficiency for the scale with time at low temperatures. The experimental design studied the solid to fluid ratio, temperature, solubility time, and dissolution efficiency in order to achieve the optimum and most economic performance of solubility in terms of high dissolution efficiency with the smallest possible amount of scale dissolver. A solubility comparison was performed with other commercial-scale-dissolvers and the corrosion rate was tested. The experimental work results demonstrated the superior performance of the new scale dissolver. The new scale dissolver showed a solubility efficiency of 91.8% at a low temperature of 45 °C and 79% at 35 °C. The new scale dissolver showed a higher solubility ratio for the scale sample than the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (20 wt. %), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) (20 wt. %), and HCl (10 wt. %). The corrosion rate for the new non-corrosive dissolver was 0.01357 kg/m2 (0.00278 lb./ft²) which was considered a very low rate and non-damaging for the equipment. The low corrosive effect of the new dissolver will save the extra cost of adding the corrosion inhibitors and save the equipment from the damaging effect of the corrosive acids.

International intercomparison on internal dose assessment (ICIDOSE 2017)

Internal dose assessment intercomparison exercises are useful tools: to verify the performance of an internal dosimetry service; to promote the harmonisation of dose assessments; and to identify weaknesses where further improvements are necessary. However, no such international intercomparisons have been performed for more than ten years. In the period May 2014–May 2016, the ‘Technical Recommendations for Monitoring Individuals for Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides’ were developed on the initiative of the European Commission, and later published within the EC Radiation Protection series, as RP188. In 2017 the Working Group ‘Internal Dosimetry’ of the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) organised a new intercomparison action, named ICIDOSE 2017, with the main aim of testing the practical applicability of these technical recommendations (RP188). Four case studies were proposed to participants: an artificially created case of inhalation of 60Co to simulate a simple special monitoring case; a real case of inhalation of 125I, with simple routine monitoring; a real and more complex case of incorporation of 234+235+238U, featuring both confirmatory and special monitoring; and a complex real case of an accidental incorporation of 241Am, including multiple administrations of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA). Results were received from 66 participants from 26 countries; these were compared to reference or recommended solutions, developed for each case based on the application of RP188. In cases 1, 2 and 4 only a small number of results were identified as outliers, with the spread of all the results, expressed as the geometric standard deviation (GSD) of the values, assessed as 1.07, 1.04 and 1.43, respectively. This observed spread of the submitted results was improved from those obtained from similar cases in previous intercomparison exercises, showing that the availability of RP188 contributes to the harmonisation of the internal dose assessment process. There was a much wider spread of results for the uranium case: this case was characterised by an absence of any prior knowledge of the exposure scenario, and participants assumed a range of different exposure pathways and patterns.

Efficacy of copper foliar spray in preventing copper deficiency of rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a calcareous soil

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to foliar copper (Cu) application in correcting Cu deficiency in calcareous soils. Two native soil Cu contents were tested in successive growing seasons. The soil “1” contained 0.35 mg kg−1 of Cu (Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid extraction). It was evaluated during the 2016-17 season. The soil “2” contained 0.61 mg kg−1. It was studied during the 2017-18 season. The rainfall amount was around 289 mm and 429 mm, respectively, for 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. For the soil “1”, the Cu treatments were: control, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1%. For the soil “2”, the Cu tested levels were: control, 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%. Cu was applied at the early boot growth stage in the sulfate form. The results showed that the response of grain yield to Cu foliar feeding was not related to the tested native soil Cu content. A significant grain yield increase, due to Cu spray, was revealed during the rainfall season (429 mm) in soil “2”. This increase was around 8% at 0.018% of Cu compared to control. However, Cu foliar application higher than 0.03% induced leaf damage. The Cu content of flag leaf and kernels showed a linear response to Cu supply. Flag leaf Cu content was around 5 mg kg−1 in control and exceeded 30 mg kg−1 at Cu application over than 0.03%.

Simultaneous separation of Am and Cm from Nd and Sm by multi-step extraction using the TODGA-DTPA-BA-HNO3 system

Abstract The simultaneous separation of Am and Cm from lanthanides is important for atomic energy fields. However, the process is difficult owing to the chemical behavior of trivalent metal ions with similar ionic radii. All lanthanides, Am, and Cm can be extracted by diglycolamide (DGA). In addition, relatively high separation factors between An and Ln were obtained by the extraction system of TODGA, DTPA (diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid) and HNO3. In this work, DTPA-BA (diethylenetriamine-N,N′,N″-triacetic-N,N″-bisamide), which is an improved version of DTPA, was employed for the separation of Ln and An. After performing a basic study on DTPA-BA, a relatively high separation factor (approximately 8) for actinides/lanthanides was obtained. Then, the multi-step extraction was performed. Thus, the recoveries of 94.7 % for Nd and 4.7 % for Am and Cm in organic phase, and 5.3 % Nd and 95.3 % for Am and Cm in aqueous phase were obtained.

Reversion of arterial calcification by elastin-targeted DTPA-HSA nanoparticles

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) are characterized by pathologic calcifications in the media of large- and medium sized arteries. GACI is associated with biallelic mutations in ENPP1 in the majority of cases, whereas mutations in ABCC6 are known to cause PXE. Different treatment approaches including bisphosphonates and orally administered pyrophosphate (PPi) were investigated in recent years, but reversion of calcification could not be achieved. With this study, we pursued the idea of a combination of controlled drug delivery through nanoparticles and active targeting via antibody conjugation to develop a treatment for GACI and PXE.To establish a suitable drug delivery system, the chelating drug diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was conjugated to nanoparticles composed of human serum albumin (HSA) as biodegradable and non-toxic particle matrix. To accomplish an active targeting of the elastic fibers exposed through calcification of the affected areas, the nanoparticle surface was functionalized with an anti-elastin antibody. Cytotoxicity and cell interaction studies revealed favorable preconditions for the intended i.v. application. The chelating ability was evaluated in vitro and ex vivo on aortic ring culture isolated from two mouse models of GACI and PXE. The positive results led to the conclusion that the produced nanoparticles might be a promising therapy in the treatment of GACI and PXE.

In vivo deposition study of a new generation nebuliser utilising hybrid resonant acoustic (HYDRA) technology.

Conventional nebulisation has the disadvantages of low aerosol output rate and potential damage to macromolecules due to high shear (jet nebulisation) or cavitation (ultrasonic nebulisation). HYDRA (HYbriD Resonant Acoustics) technology has been shown to overcome these problems by using a hybrid combination of surface and bulk sound waves to generate the aerosol droplets. We report the first in vivo human lung deposition study on such droplets. Twelve healthy adult subjects inhaled saline aerosols radiolabelled with technetium-99m complexed with diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (99mTc-DTPA). The distribution of the aerosolised droplets in the lungs was imaged by single photon emission computed tomography combined with low dose computed tomography (SPECT/CT). The volume median diameter and geometric standard deviation of the droplets were 1.32±0.027µm and 2.06±0.040, respectively. The mean delivery efficiency from the nebuliser into the body was 51.2%. About 89.1±4.3% and 2.3±1.4% of the inhaled radiolabelled dose deposited in the lungs and oropharynx, respectively. The deposition was symmetrical and diffusive between the two lungs, with a mean penetration index of 0.82. Thus, the prototype HYDRA nebuliser showed excellent in vivo aerosol deposition performance, demonstrating its potential to be further developed for clinical applications.

Functional Expression and Characterization of Acetyl Xylan Esterases CE Family 7 from Lactobacillus antri and Bacillus halodurans.

Acetyl xylan esterase (AXE; E.C. 3.1.1.72) is one of the accessory enzymes for xylan degradation, which can remove the terminal acetate residues from xylan polymers. In this study, two genes encoding putative AXEs (LaAXE and BhAXE) were cloned from Lactobacillus antri DSM 16041 and Bacillus halodurans C-125, and constitutively expressed in Escherichia coli. They possess considerable activities towards various substrates such as p-nitrophenyl acetate, 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate, glucose pentaacetate, and 7-amino cephalosporanic acid. LaAXE and BhAXE showed the highest activities at pH 7.0 and 8.0 at 50°C, respectively. These enzymes are AXE members of carbohydrate esterase (CE) family 7 with the cephalosporine-C deacetylase activity for the production of antibiotics precursors. The simultaneous treatment of LaAXE with Thermotoga neapolitana β-xylanase showed 1.44-fold higher synergistic degradation of beechwood xylan than the single treatment of xylanase, whereas BhAXE showed no significant synergism. It was suggested that LaAXE can deacetylate beechwood xylan and enhance the successive accessibility of xylanase towards the resulting substrates. The novel LaAXE originated from a lactic acid bacterium will be utilized for the enzymatic production of D-xylose and xylooligosaccharides.