Respiratory Pigment Research Articles

Relationship Between Energy, Protein, Iron, and Calcium Intake with Hemoglobin Levels of Pregnant Women

Hemoglobin levels are a parameter that measures respiratory pigment in red blood cells. A decrease in hemoglobin levels can lead to anemia. Factors contributing to hemoglobin levels include inadequate nutrient intake, particularly iron and protein, as well as the effect of inhibitors on iron absorption such as calcium. This study aims to assess the intake of energy, protein, iron, and calcium in relation to hemoglobin levels among pregnant women. This research employs a Cross-Sectional study design. The sample consisted of 55 pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. Data collection on energy, protein, iron, and calcium intake was done using the SQ-FFQ questionnaire, while hemoglobin levels were measured using an Hb meter (EasyTouch GCHb), and data were analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation test. The results showed that pregnant women had adequate energy intake (41.8%), excess protein intake (40%), adequate iron intake (89.1%), and adequate calcium intake (80%). Abnormal hemoglobin levels were observed in the third trimester of pregnancy (16.3%), whereas normal hemoglobin levels were found in the second trimester (34.5%). Statistical tests revealed no significant relationship between energy intake (p = 0.223), protein (p = 0.201), iron (p = 0.327), and calcium (p = 0.641) with hemoglobin levels. The conclusion of this study is that there is no significant relationship between energy, protein, iron, and calcium intake and hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in Parung Panjang District, Bogor Regency. Pregnant women should regularly consume calcium supplements and iron tablets to meet their iron and calcium needs, which can help prevent anemia.

PERBEDAAN HASIL KADAR HEMOGLOBIN MENGGUNAKAN HEMATOLOGY ANALYZER DAN POCT

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in red blood cells that carries O2 throughout the body. Hemoglobin contains iron which makes blood red. The hemoglobin level is a measure of the respiratory pigment present in the erythrocytes, which is used to determine anemia. This study was to see if there were differences in the results of hemoglobin levels using a hematology analyzer and POCT. This study used a hematology analyzer and POCT to determine the accuracy of the results obtained on the examination of hemoglobin levels. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the results of hemoglobin levels using a hematology analyzer and POCT. This type of research is analytic observational with a cross sectional approach. This study used venous blood samples using the hematology analyzer method and capillary blood samples using the POCT method as many as 54 samples. Collecting data using purposive sampling technique. The research was conducted in May 2023. The analytical test used the Independent T Test. Based on the research results, the p-value = 0.212 so that H0 is accepted, which means that there is no difference in the results of hemoglobin levels using a hematology analyzer and POCT. Based on the independent t test, the results obtained were a p-value of 0.212, which means that there was no difference in the results of hemoglobin levels using a hematology analyzer and POCT.

"The effect of gravity on the evolution of life on earth based on general relativity and the low of free fall "

The radius of the universe can be determined by combining the Einstein formulas, which determine the degree of gravitational redshift and describe the angle of refraction of a beam of light running along celestial bodies. The relationship between the two equations is made by the ratio of the total angle to the angle of deflection of the beam of light passing by the Earth according to the rules of Euclidean geometry (2∙π/α). The so-called Darwinian evolutionary distances measured from the color changes of the respiratory pigments of biological creatures (in connection with the phase of their circulation) can be paralleled with this. It is possible to measure these to the radius of the universe determined in this way. During the nearly 4-billion-year uninterrupted process of Darwinian evolution, living organisms presumably adapted to surface gravity during mutations as well as to any other environmental factor. In this way, they can accelerate continuously along the imaginary straight line from the origin of life to the appearance of the human race, i.e., within the short evolutionary distance, due to the attractive effect of gravity. During the free fall from the past to the present, the curvature of space-time may gradually appear in their physiological processes and anatomical structure. Specifically in their circulatory system, the rate of evolution would correspond to the most qualitatively advanced level, i.e., the velocity of human blood circulation. In this way, the evolution accelerating to almost the speed of light is reduced to 5.23 cm/s due to an enormous time dilation (as a proportion of angles; α/2/π). With this average human blood flow velocity, together with data from cardiac and circulatory procedures, a toroidal, or even more refined, ‘interlocking figure 8 model’ can be constructed. It reflects the dimensions, flow and pressure conditions of the pulmonary and systemic circulation, as well as the work of the heart.

The Pharmacological Effect of Hemin in Inflammatory-Related Diseases: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Hemin is a commonly used drug in the treatment of acute attacks of porphyria, due to its capability of restoring normal levels of hemoproteins and respiratory pigments. In addition, this drug has demonstrated the capacity to induce the heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme. At the moment, there are 3 known HO isoenzymes in mammals: HO-1, HO-2, and HO-3. The first of these shows cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Currently, medicines used in inflammatory disorders have increased toxicity, especially over longer time frames, which highlights the need to investigate new, safer options. Indeed, the current nonclinical evidence demonstrates the potential that hemin has a significant anti-inflammatory effect in several animal models of inflammation-related diseases, such as experimental colitis, without significant side effects. However, the underlying mechanism(s) are still not fully understood. In addition, past nonclinical studies have applied different therapeutic regimens, making it relatively difficult to understand which is optimal. According to the literature, there is a lack of review articles discussing this topic, highlighting the need for a summary and analysis of the available preclinical evidence to elucidate the abovementioned issues. Therefore, a qualitative synthesis of the current evidence is essential for the research and medical communities. This systematic review aims to summarize and analyze currently available nonclinical data to ascertain the potential anti-inflammatory effect of hemin in animal models. Throughout the development of this protocol, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The comprehensive search strategy will be carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus without any filters associated with publication date. Only in vivo, nonclinical studies that evaluated the potential anti-inflammatory effect of hemin will be included. The evaluated outcomes will be the observed clinical signs, inflammatory and other biochemical markers, and macroscopic and microscopic evaluations. To analyze the potential risk of bias, we will use the risk of bias tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). Currently, it is not possible to disclose any results since the project is still in initial steps. More specifically, we are currently engaged in the identification of eligible articles through the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The work was initiated in April 2023, and it is expected to be finished at the end of 2023. Concerning the major gap in the literature regarding the underlying mechanism(s) and treatment-related properties, this systematic review will be essential to clearly summarize and critically analyze the nonclinical data available, promoting a clearer vision of the potential anti-inflammatory effect of hemin. PROSPERO CRD42023406160; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=406160. PRR1-10.2196/48368.

Comparative analysis of three families of hygrophilid snails shows that the egg mass fluid protein haemocyanin-like 1 (Hcl-1) is unique to planorbids

ABSTRACT The egg mass fluid (EMF) of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Hygrophila: Planorbidae) contains haemocyanin-like 1 (Hcl-1) protein, distinct from respiratory haemocyanins. The distribution of Hcl-1 was investigated among major families of Hygrophila, Physidae and Lymnaeidae, both of which employ respiratory haemocyanins, and Planorbidae, a group that evolved haemoglobin as a respiratory pigment. Immunoblotting detected c. 150 kDa protein (molecular weight of Hcl-1) cross-reactive with anti-keyhole limpet haemocyanin antiserum in the EMF of planorbids Bulinus globosus and Planorbella duryi (from a genus closely related to Biomphalaria), but not Physella acuta (Physidae) and Ladislavella elodes (Lymnaeidae). High throughput sequence data revealed Hcl-1 homologs from Bulinus globosus and Planorbella duryi, representative species that span the range of planorbid phylogeny, but not from Physella acuta (Physidae) and Lymnaea stagnalis (Lymnaeidae). A domain architecture comprising only three functional units (FUs) and predicted secondary structures within the C-terminal FU distinguish planorbid Hcl-1 protein from molluscan respiratory haemocyanins that are natively assembled as functional didecamers. Immunoblotting confirmed a monomeric configuration of native Hcl-1. Molecular clock analysis estimated divergence of Hcl-1 proteins from gastropod respiratory haemocyanins at 267 ± 143 Ma. It is hypothesized that Hcl proteins originated in the ancestor of the planorbid lineage when evolution of respiratory haemoglobin altered selective pressures for maintaining original function, facilitating mutation and refunctionalization of the ancestral respiratory haemocyanin in Planorbidae.

Impact of some mineral fertilizers on the pulmonary and direct surface respiration of the allospecies of Planorbarius corneus superspecies (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Planorbidae) from the Ukrainian water bodies

The vicariant genetic allospecies of the superspecies complex of the great ramshorn snail Planorbarius corneus s. lato, “western” and “eastern” – in Right Bank and Left Bank Ukraine, respectively, – are among the widespread and numerous gastropods in the Ukrainian river network. They possess two modes of respiration: pulmonary and surface (diffusive). The gas exchange in these snails is connected to the presence of the respiratory pigment hemoglobin in their internal liquid medium (hemolymph), which transports oxygen in their tissues and organs, and carbon dioxide to the lungs. We studied the features of impact of three mineral fertilizers widespread in Ukraine (nitrate, potassium and phosphate) used in concentrations measured in MPC 0.01 mg/L (0.5, 1, 2, 3) on the indexes of pulmonary and surface diffusive respiration in both P. corneus s. lato allospecies. Exposure of experimental individuals to 0.5 MPC-solutions of mentioned fertilizers does not affect them. The increase of toxicant concentration up to 2 MPC, however, is followed by an increase in respiratory activity (p≤0.05–0.001), but beyond that up to 3 MPC induces a significant decline (p≤0.001). Considered individually, the examined mineral fertilizers presented the following order by their impact on great ramshorns: nitrate > potassium > phosphate. The “eastern” allospecies appeared to be more sensitive and less durable for all aforementioned pollutants by both lung and direct diffusive respiration, compared to the “western” allospecies (p≤0.05–0.001).

Glassfrogs conceal blood in their liver to maintain transparency.

Transparency in animals is a complex form of camouflage involving mechanisms that reduce light scattering and absorption throughout the organism. In vertebrates, attaining transparency is difficult because their circulatory system is full of red blood cells (RBCs) that strongly attenuate light. Here, we document how glassfrogs overcome this challenge by concealing these cells from view. Using photoacoustic imaging to track RBCs in vivo, we show that resting glassfrogs increase transparency two- to threefold by removing ~89% of their RBCs from circulation and packing them within their liver. Vertebrate transparency thus requires both see-through tissues and active mechanisms that "clear" respiratory pigments from these tissues. Furthermore, glassfrogs' ability to regulate the location, density, and packing of RBCs without clotting offers insight in metabolic, hemodynamic, and blood-clot research.

РЕСПИРАТОРНЫЕ СВОЙСТВА КРОВИ PLANILIZA HAEMATOCHEILUS (TEMMINCK & SCHLEGEL, 1845) И ZOSTERISESSOR OPHIOCEPHALUS (PALLAS, 1814)

The natural mobility of the organisms affects the functional state and development of many organ systems and tissues. It influences, first of all, oxygen supply systems: respiratory, circulatory, blood. Of particular interest are molecular complexes whose functional characteristics are determined at the genetic level. These include respiratory pigments, hemoglobin in particular, to which this work is devoted. The gas transport properties of the blood of a highly mobile mullet-pilengas (Planiliza haematocheilus) and a sedentary bottom species – grass goby (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus) were studied. Blood was obtained by puncture of the caudal artery. Heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Pilengas' blood had a higher concentration of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. The differences in hemoglobin were almost 40% (p <0.01), in erythrocytes about 2 times (p <0.01) (p <0.001). With respect to the mean cell hemoglobin content (MCN), the results were the opposite. Pilengas' blood was characterized by low affinity for oxygen and increased sensitivity to pH. The value of P50 and the values of the Born effect (r) in pilengas were 25-26% (p <0.01) and 2.7-2.8 times (p <0.001), respectively, higher than in grass goby. The values of the Hill coefficient (n), intracellular concentrations of nucleotide triphosphates and Cl- coincided in both species. The differences obtained reflect the process of adaptation of the pilengas organism to a highly mobile lifestyle.

Violacein: A Promising Bacterial Secondary Metabolite

Pigment is a secondary metabolite produced by microorganisms. As a natural product, bacterial pigments are being studied for their applications in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industry. Purple and blue bacterial pigments are less common. Violacein, a purple pigment is an indole derivative with molecular mass of 343.3. Some bacteria like Pseudoalteromonas sp. 520P1, Chromobacterium violaceum, Janthinobacterium lividum, Duganella violaceinigra, Collimonas and Iodobacter species are reported for violacein production. It is produced by vio operon comprising of vioABCDE genes. Violacein production is beneficial to the bacterial cell as it acts as a respiratory pigment involved in the regulation of tryptophan production, active in defensive mechanism and helps cell survival in stressed conditions. Carbon source, pH, temperature, incubation period and agitation rate are factors affecting violacein production. Violacein has shown antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer and antiparasitic activity. It also displayed immunostimulatory, gastroprotective and antioxidant properties. Violacein gained industrial importance as a coloring agent in cosmetic, food and textile industries. This review intended to describe the violacein production by bacteria, its advantages to bacteria producing it, factors affecting its production and its applications.

Interspecific Variation in Oxygen‐Binding Properties of Scorpion Hemocyanin

Though they don’t display much structural variation in their respiratory systems, scorpions exhibit variable lifestyles that may necessitate different aerobic capacities. These lifestyles are largely conserved at the family level – typically, members of the family Buthidae do not burrow, unlike most members of Scorpionidae. Among digging scorpions, burrows can be dug overnight and may reach depths of up to 1m. Scorpions, like many other arachnids, utilize hemocyanin as a respiratory pigment in the hemolymph. We therefore hypothesized that the oxygen‐binding affinity of hemocyanin would vary between buthids and scorpionids. To test this hypothesis, we used a Blood Oxygen Binding System (Loligo Systems) to determine the partial pressure of oxygen required to reach 50% oxygen‐saturation of hemocyanin (P50) among three buthids (Leiurus hebraeus, Buthus Israelis, and Hottentotta judaicus) and two scorpionids (Scorpio fuscus and Scorpio palmatus). We predicted that scorpionids would have higher P50 values, as lower O2 affinity would enhance oxygen release at the muscles during intense bouts of exercise. Our preliminary data supports this hypothesis ‐ buthids had lower P50 values than scorpionids. Mean (±SD) P50 values of buthids (12.34±1.83 Torr for L. hebraeus (n=8), 18.86±2.89 Torr for B. Israelis(n=13), and 19.78±6.38 Torr for H. judaicus (n=8)) were significantly lower than that of S. fuscus (46.11±10.57 Torr; n=9). S. palmatus had a lower P50 (25.73±8.64 Torr) than all three buthids, though the differences were not significant – perhaps due to small sample size (n=4). Taken together, these data suggest hemocyanins in scorpions have evolved to address the physiological demands associated with burrowing behavior.

Іnfluence of some heavy metals to the pulmonary and direct diffusive respiration of the great ramshorn Planorbarius corneus allospecies (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Planorbidae) from the Ukrainian river system

The vicaristic genetic allospecies (“western” and “eastern”) of superspecies complex Planorbarius corneus s. lato from Ukrainian river network have the combined bimodal respiration mode. These molluscs use their true lungs for atmospheric oxygen breathing, and the diffusive (surface) respiration is used for soluble oxygen consumption. Oxygen transportation to different tissues and organs and carbon dioxide from them to lungs occurs due to respiratory pigment hemoglobin in their liquid internal medium (hemolymph), circulating in vessels, lacunas and sinuses of these animals’ open circulatory system. The aim of present study was to clarify the features and difference levels of lung and surface respiration for “western” and “eastern” allospecies under the impact of heavy metal ions in water environment (MPC: 0.5, 1, 2, 3). It was established that the toxins could be ranged by their toxicity level for activation of molluscs’ respiratory function: Cu2+>Zn2+>Ni2+ >Mn2+. The “eastern” allospecies appeared to be more sensitive and less durable for all aforementioned toxins by both lung and direct diffusive respiration, comparing to the “western” allospecies.

Globins in the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii shed new light on hemoglobin evolution in bilaterians

BackgroundHow vascular systems and their respiratory pigments evolved is still debated. While many animals present a vascular system, hemoglobin exists as a blood pigment only in a few groups (vertebrates, annelids, a few arthropod and mollusk species). Hemoglobins are formed of globin sub-units, belonging to multigene families, in various multimeric assemblages. It was so far unclear whether hemoglobin families from different bilaterian groups had a common origin.ResultsTo unravel globin evolution in bilaterians, we studied the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii, a species with a slow evolving genome. Platynereis exhibits a closed vascular system filled with extracellular hemoglobin. Platynereis genome and transcriptomes reveal a family of 19 globins, nine of which are predicted to be extracellular. Extracellular globins are produced by specialized cells lining the vessels of the segmental appendages of the worm, serving as gills, and thus likely participate in the assembly of a previously characterized annelid-specific giant hemoglobin. Extracellular globin mRNAs are absent in smaller juveniles, accumulate considerably in growing and more active worms and peak in swarming adults, as the need for O2 culminates. Next, we conducted a metazoan-wide phylogenetic analysis of globins using data from complete genomes. We establish that five globin genes (stem globins) were present in the last common ancestor of bilaterians. Based on these results, we propose a new nomenclature of globins, with five clades. All five ancestral stem-globin clades are retained in some spiralians, while some clades disappeared early in deuterostome and ecdysozoan evolution. All known bilaterian blood globin families are grouped in a single clade (clade I) together with intracellular globins of bilaterians devoid of red blood.ConclusionsWe uncover a complex “pre-blood” evolution of globins, with an early gene radiation in ancestral bilaterians. Circulating hemoglobins in various bilaterian groups evolved convergently, presumably in correlation with animal size and activity. However, all hemoglobins derive from a clade I globin, or cytoglobin, probably involved in intracellular O2 transit and regulation. The annelid Platynereis is remarkable in having a large family of extracellular blood globins, while retaining all clades of ancestral bilaterian globins.

The haemoglobin subunits alpha and beta: Old and new genetic variants in the Italian Mediterranean buffalo

Haemoglobin (HB), the most widely distributed respiratory pigment in the animal kingdom, is among the best characterized oxygen-binding proteins, both at functional and molecular level. However, very little information is available about the genomic features of HB in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), even though there are reports in literature confirming the presence of interesting polymorphisms at the protein level in Mediterranean buffalo. We hence address the characterization of exonic as well as intronic nucleotide polymorphism in the haemoglobin subunit alpha and beta in a set of nine Italian Mediterranean buffaloes exhibiting different HB phenotypes. The nine buffaloes were selected from a random set of 398 samples, previously analysed for their HB protein polymorphism, in order to account for both globin variants and the evolution of intron variability within the most common domesticated species of the family Bovidae. All four sequenced clones of the subunit alpha were 1311 bp, whereas the length of the five different sequenced clones of the subunit beta ranged from 1841 to 1960 bp, due to an insertion of 119 nucleotides. Six polymorphic sites were detected in the four amplicons of alpha subunit. Among them, two variations concern exclusively haplotype A, while four sequence variations were found to be specific to haplotype B. Several variations, both in exonic and intronic regions, were detected in the B. bubalis subunit beta. In conclusion, the nucleotide sequence variants observed in this work substantiate the known haemoglobin protein polymorphisms, and an updated protein nomenclature is provided here. In addition, we observed a high sequence similarity in the overall pattern of variation in the haemoglobin subunits, possibly the results of a concerted evolution, with relatively more extensive gene homogenization in river buffalo than in other ruminant species.

Viviparity in the dermapteran Arixenia esau: respiration inside mother\u2019s body requires both maternal and larval contribution

Earwigs (Dermaptera) use different strategies to increase their reproductive success. Most species lay eggs; however, viviparity of the matrotrophic type has been reported in two groups: Hemimeridae and Arixeniidae. In Arixeniidae, offspring develop in two separate places: inside an ovary (the intraovarian phase) and within a uterus (the intrauterine phase). Both morphological and physiological aspects of viviparity in Arixeniidae have begun to be unraveled only recently. Here, we characterize how the first instar larvae of Arixenia esau, developing inside the mother’s reproductive system, manage respiration and gas exchange. Using modern light and electron microscopy techniques as well as immunological approach, we provide a detailed account of the maternal and larval tissue interactions during the intrauterine development. We demonstrate that respiration in the Arixenia first instar larvae relies on the extensive tracheal system of the mother as well as a respiratory pigment (hemocyanin) present within the body cavity of the larvae. Our results indicate that the larval fat body tissue is the likely place of the hemocyanin synthesis. Our study shows that characteristic cone-shaped lobes of the outgrowths located on the larval abdomen are a part of a placenta-like organ and mediate the gas exchange between the maternal and larval organisms. Based on the obtained results, we propose that Arixenia esau evolved a unique biphasic system supporting respiration of the first instar larvae during their development inside the mother’s reproductive tract.

Will giant polar amphipods be first to fare badly in an oxygen-poor ocean? Testing hypotheses linking oxygen to body size.

It has been suggested that giant Antarctic marine invertebrates will be particularly vulnerable to declining O2 levels as our ocean warms in line with current climate change predictions. Our study provides some support for this oxygen limitation hypothesis, with larger body sizes being generally more sensitive to O2 reductions than smaller body sizes. However, it also suggests that the overall picture is a little more complex. We tested predictions from three different, but overlapping, O2-related hypotheses accounting for gigantism, using four Antarctic amphipod species encompassing a wide range of body sizes. We found a significant effect of body size, but also of species, in their respiratory responses to acutely declining O2 tensions. The more active lifestyle of intermediate-sized Prostebbingia brevicornis was supported by a better respiratory performance than predicted by the oxygen limitation hypothesis alone, but consistent with the symmorphosis hypothesis. We suggest that giant polar amphipods are likely to be some of the first to fare badly in an O2-poor ocean. However, the products of past evolutionary innovation, such as respiratory pigments that enhance O2-transport and novel gas exchange structures, may in some species offset any respiratory disadvantages of either large or small body size. This article is part of the theme issue 'Physiological diversity, biodiversity patterns and global climate change: testing key hypotheses involving temperature and oxygen'.

Phenazine enables the anaerobic respiration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa via electron transfer with a polarised graphite electrode

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 is widely distributed in fresh water, soil, and marine environments and can act as electrochemically active bacteria for bioconversion in bioelectrochemical systems. Phenazine, an active redox compound produced by PAO1, could be beneficial for its producers as an alternative respiratory pigment. Here, we demonstrated that phenazine promoted electron transfer of PAO1 to poised-potential electrodes, thus facilitating the anaerobic growth of P. aeruginosa PAO1. The growth and extracellular electron transfer of P. aeruginosa PAO1 were studied under four anaerobic conditions: with poised potential but without phenazine, with phenazine but without poised potential, with both phenazine and poised potential, and without phenazine and without poised potential in a phosphate-buffered saline medium bioreactor. The results showed that anaerobic conditions, without polarized electrode or without phenazine, did not support the colony formation of P. aeruginoa PAO1 on filters. Phenazine enhanced the electron transport between P. aeruginosa PAO1 and poised-potential electrode. These findings provided an insight into understanding the anaerobic respiration of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with poised-potential electrodes.

Reversible uptake of molecular oxygen by heteroligand Co(II)\u2013l-\u03b1-amino acid\u2013imidazole systems: equilibrium models at full mass balance

BackgroundThe paper examines Co(II)–amino acid–imidazole systems (where amino acid = l-α-amino acid: alanine, asparagine, histidine) which, when in aqueous solutions, activate and reversibly take up dioxygen, while maintaining the structural scheme of the heme group (imidazole as axial ligand and O2 uptake at the sixth, trans position) thus imitating natural respiratory pigments such as myoglobin and hemoglobin. The oxygenated reaction shows higher reversibility than for Co(II)–amac systems with analogous amino acids without imidazole. Unlike previous investigations of the heteroligand Co(II)–amino acid–imidazole systems, the present study accurately calculates all equilibrium forms present in solution and determines the K_{{{text{O}}_{2} }}equilibrium constants without using any simplified approximations. The equilibrium concentrations of Co(II), amino acid, imidazole and the formed complex species were calculated using constant data obtained for analogous systems under oxygen-free conditions. Pehametric and volumetric (oxygenation) studies allowed the stoichiometry of O2 uptake reaction and coordination mode of the central ion in the forming oxygen adduct to be determined. The values of dioxygen uptake equilibrium constants K_{{{text{O}}_{2} }} were evaluated by applying the full mass balance equations.ResultsInvestigations of oxygenation of the Co(II)–amino acid–imidazole systems indicated that dioxygen uptake proceeds along with a rise in pH to 9–10. The percentage of reversibility noted after acidification of the solution to the initial pH ranged within ca 30–60% for alanine, 40–70% for asparagine and 50–90% for histidine, with a rising tendency along with the increasing share of amino acid in the Co(II): amino acid: imidazole ratio. Calculations of the share of the free Co(II) ion as well as of the particular complex species existing in solution beside the oxygen adduct (regarding dioxygen bound both reversibly and irreversibly) indicated quite significant values for the systems with alanine and asparagine—in those cases the of oxygenation reaction is right shifted to a relatively lower extent. The experimental results indicate that the “active” complex, able to take up dioxygen, is a heteroligand CoL2L′complex, where L = amac (an amino acid with a non-protonated amine group) while L′ = Himid, with the N1 nitrogen protonated within the entire pH range under study. Moreover, the corresponding log K_{{{text{O}}_{2} }} value at various initial total Co(II), amino acid and imidazole concentrations was found to be constant within the limits of error, which confirms those results. The highest log K_{{{text{O}}_{2} }} value, 14.9, occurs for the histidine system; in comparison, asparagine is 7.8 and alanine is 9.7. This high value is most likely due to the participation of the additional effective N3 donor of the imidazole side group of histidine.ConclusionsThe Co(II)–amac–Himid systems formed by using a [Co(imid)2]n polymer as starting material demonstrate that the reversible uptake of molecular oxygen occurs by forming dimeric μ-peroxy adducts. The essential impact on the electron structure of the dioxygen bridge, and therefore, on the reversibility of O2 uptake, is due to the imidazole group at axial position (trans towards O2). However, the results of reversibility measurements of O2 uptake, unequivocally indicate a much higher effectiveness of dioxygenation than in systems in which the oxygen adducts are formed in equilibrium mixtures during titration of solutions containing Co(II) ions, the amino acid and imidazole, separately.

HEMO2life as a protective additive to Celsior solution for static storage of donor hearts prior to transplantation

Background: Prior to heart transplantation, static storage of donor hearts is currently limited to 4–5 h, despite profound hypothermia (4–8 °C). Because heart transplantation is an emergency procedure, improved protection to extend safe storage duration would be advantageous. We investigated whether the naturally respiratory pigment HEMO2life®, which is effective at hypothermia for the passive release of oxygen via oxygen gradient, could improve long-term preservation.Methods: Isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts (n = 12/group) were equilibrated (20 min) and function (left ventricular developed pressure: LVDP) measured by intraventricular balloon before arrest with cold (7.5 °C) Celsior® solution, either alone (control) or with the addition of HEMO2life® (Hemarina SA, Morlaix, France) at 1 g/L. Cold storage lasted 8 h prior to reperfusion (60 min) and recovery (as % of pre-ischemic function) was assessed. Hearts (minced and homogenized) were also assessed by TTC staining as a measure of viability and two hearts from each group were sliced and assessed by TTC staining for infarct size. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error of mean and analyzed by Student’s t-test.Results: Hearts recovered rapidly in both groups to a plateau by 20 min of reperfusion; control and HEMO2life® final recovery (60 min) was 45 ± 2% and 57 ± 1% (P < 0.05) respectively. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure recovered to a similar extent in both groups (between 31 to 35 mmHg), as did heart rate (final recovery between 84 to 89% pre-ischemic value); however, coronary flow was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in HEMO2life® group (7.5 ± 0.7 ml/min) compared to control (5.4 ± 0.4 ml/min). Viability and infarct size measurements were similar between groups.Conclusion: The addition of the natural oxygen releasing pigment HEMO2life® to Celsior® preservation solution significantly improved post-ischemic recovery of heart function. This additive may have major therapeutic potential for clinical heart transplantation.

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.

RESUME

Lavinel George Ionescu completed the doctorate in New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, USA in 1970. He is currently a scientific consultant - scienco scientific consulting services and editor of Southern Brazilian Journal of Chemistry. Published 92 articles in specialized journals and 190 works in annuals of events. It has 11 book chapters and ten published books. Guided the scientific work of more than 50 researchers, including doctorate thesis, masters dissertations, graduation works and scientific initiation in various north american and brazilian universities in the areas of chemistry, materials engineering and biology. Received 24 awards and / or tributes. Between 1972 and 2004, he coordinated 29 research projects. It works in the chemistry, physics, astronomy, and engineering area. In his professional activities, interacted with 161 employees in co-authorities of scientific works. In your lattes curriculum the most frequent terms in the contextualization of scientific, technological, and artistic-cultural production are noble gases, clathrates, thermodynamics of solutions, respiratory pigments, properties, physical appliances, physical applications models of membranes, history and philosophy of science and Latin American contributions in chemistry.