Significant Increase In Ca2 Research Articles

Changes in essential and trace elements content in degenerating human intervertebral discs do not correspond to patients’ clinical status

Abstract: Aim: To date, there is no paper considering disc degeneration process in aspect of some elements content in degenerating discs tissue, clinical status of patients, and imaging analysis. Concentration of essential and trace elements in disc tissue may be a consequence of both environmental and genetic factors. Methods: The material of 19 intervertebral discs was harvested from 17 patients during lumbar discectomy. Control was 9 healthy discs obtained from organ donors. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to asses levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Na, Mg, K, Ca, and P in the tissue, as well as dry weight (d.w.) of the tissue. Results : All 10 essential and trace elements were detected in all samples. Significant increase of Ca, Mg, Fe, and P, and decrease of Cu and K in operated discs was found; remaining changes between sick and healthy discs were not significant. There were no age/elements, Pfirrmann grade /elements, or Modic Grade changes/ elements correlations. Significant positive correlation was found between Mg and Zn, K and Fe, Ca and Zn, Ca and Mg, P and Zn, P and Mg, and P and Ca. Negative correlation was indicated only between age and Na. The study is one to analyze and asses contents of essential and trace elements in intervertebral discs. Calcium levels were higher in degenerating disc group than in healthy one. Conclusion: Lack of correlation between calcium content and stage of intervertebral disc degeneration as well as age of patients in degenerating disc group is a surprising result.

Remineralization Potential of Lacto se- free and Plant based milk on Enamel surface of Human teeth subjected to Energy Drinks

Objective: Multiple etiological factors contribute to the process of erosion and destructionof enamel. Among which, carbonated soft beverages and energy drinks are the most aggressiveextrinsic causes. The consumption of milk whether bovine or plant based highly contributes to theremineralization process.Design: Thirty five freshly extracted sound human maxillary first premolars were used andrandomly divided into the following groups; Group I (Control group): included 5 teeth immersedin distilled water. Group II (Power Horse group): 15 teeth were immersed in 330ml of the drink.Group III (Cornelius group): 15 teeth were immersed in 330ml of the energy drink. After 10 days,the teeth were further randomly divided as follows (5 teeth each); Group IV (Power Horse +Lactosefree milk), Group V (Power Horse +Almond milk), Group VI (Cornelius +Lactose free milk) andGroup VII (Cornelius +Almond milk). Teeth of groups IV-VII were placed in both types of milk for5 days where the milk was changed every 2 hrs. The remaining teeth from groups II and III (5 teetheach) were kept in distilled water. At the end of the experimental period, the teeth were prepared forSEM examination, EDX and statistical analyses.Results: SEM examination showed that surface erosion was more aggressive in Power Horsegroup (II) when compared to Cornelius group (III). Furthermore, the results revealed betterremineralizing effect in groups IV and VI (lactose free treated) rather than those treated withalmond milk (groups V and VII ). EDX results presented statistically significant decrease in Caand P wt % in group II compared to group III . Statistically significant increase in Ca and P wt % ingroup IV in relation to group V and similarly, significant increase in group VI compared to groupVII were also detected.Conclusion: Energy drinks produce erosive defects of varying intensity on the enamel surfaceof human teeth. The intake of remineralizing agents; such as milk, immediately following everymeal containing acidic diet is mandatory to reverse the demineralization process.

Sodium Dichloroacetate Pharmacological Effect as Related to Na-K-2Cl Cotransporter Inhibition in Rats.

The study objective was to investigate a possible sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) pharmacological mechanism causing an increase in diuresis in rats. The aim was to define characteristics of 24-hour urinary Na+, K+, Cl−, Ca2+, and Mg2+ excretion in Wistar male rats and to evaluate effect of a single-dose DCA and repeated DCA dosage on diuresis. Six control and 6 DCA-treated male rats aged 5 to weeks after a single DCA dose and repeated dosage were tested. The single DCA dose treatment caused a significantly higher 24-hour diuresis when compared to control (P < .05), and it was related to increased Cl−, Na+, and K+ urine excretion and a significant increase in Ca2+ and Mg2+ excretion (P < .05); after the repeated 4-week DCA dosage, the diuresis was not increased, but the excretion of the Na+, Cl−, Ca2+, and Mg2+ ions was significantly higher. Kidney immunohistochemistry has revealed that DCA continuous treatment results in an increase in the size of Henle loop thick ascending limb epithelial cells (P < .001). The study results show a significantly reduced RNA expression of Na-K-2Cl co-transporter (NKCC1) in thymus of 4-week DCA-treated rats (P < .03). The study data have indicated a possible mechanism of such pharmacological effect to be NKCC inhibition.

Kinetin and Indole Acetic Acid Promote Antioxidant Defense System and Reduce Oxidative Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants Grown at Boron Toxicity

A study was conducted to assess the influence of boron (B) toxicity on functioning of antioxidant machinery to counteract oxidative stress in maize (Zea mays L.) plants as well as the mitigating effect of kinetin (KIN) and indole acetic acid (IAA) on these phenomena. Plants of maize cv. DK 647 F1 were exposed to 0.05 and 2 mM boron in nutrient solution 8 days after germination, and the plants were grown for a further 7 days in these conditions. After 15 days growth, deionized water (control), 1.0 or 2.0 mM of KIN, or IAA were applied to the leaves of maize plants once each 7 days. After 21 days of these treatments, the plants were harvested to evaluate growth, water relations, and oxidative and antioxidative systems. Boron toxicity significantly reduced dry matter, efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and leaf relative water content in the maize plants when compared to those in non-stressed plants, but in contrast, it enhanced electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), free proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the maize plants. However, KIN or IAA applied as a foliar spray to maize plants grown at excess B caused a significant improvement in growth attributes, plant water status and the activities of various antioxidant enzymes as well as proline content, but they lowered EL, and H2O2 and MDA contents. Boron toxicity increased leaf B and reduced leaf K+, Ca2+, and P contents when compared to those in the control plants. Foliar applied KIN or IAA to the plant leaves lowered tissue B levels, but in contrast, it resulted in significant increases in Ca2+, K+ and P levels. The results of the study indicated that the spray of KIN and IAA, particularly at 2 mM, can mitigate to a significant extent the adverse effects of B toxicity on maize plants, which was found be associated with reduced content of B, H2O2, MDA as well as EL, and increased activities of key antioxidant enzymes in maize plants.

Synthesis of silver-containing calcium aluminate particles and their effects on a MTA-based endodontic sealer

ObjectiveTo synthetize calcium aluminate (C3A) and silver-containing C3A particles (C3A+Ag) testing their effects on the properties of a MTA-based endodontic sealer in comparison to an epoxy resin- and a calcium silicate-based sealer. MethodsPure C3A and C3A+Ag particles were synthesized by a chemical method and characterized using XRD to identify crystalline phases. SEM/EDS analysis investigated morphology, particle size, and elemental composition of particles. Setting time, flow, radiopacity, water sorption and solubility of commercial and modified sealers were evaluated according to ISO 6876/2012. The pH and ions release were measured using a pHmeter and a microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometer. The inhibition of biofilm growth was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were rank transformed and analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (P<0.05). ResultsThe C3A particles showed an irregular grain agglomerated structure with voids and pores. In C3A+Ag particles, Ag modified the material morphology, confirming the deposition of Ag. The physicochemical properties of the modified MTA-based sealer were similar to the commercial material, except for the significant increase in Ca+2 release. However, there was no Ag release. Setting time, flow, radiopacity, water sorption and solubility were adequate for all materials. All the materials showed alkaline pH. Antibiofilm effect was improved in the presence of C3A particles, while the biofilm inhibition was lower in the presence of Ag. SignificanceThe modified sealer presented improved antibiofilm properties and calcium release, without dramatic effects on the other characteristics. It is expected a positive effect in its antimicrobial behavior.

Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide in the nucleus accumbens shell inhibits cocaine‐induced locomotor sensitization to transient over‐expression of α‐Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is a widely distributed neurotransmitter that attenuates cocaine-induced locomotor activity when injected into the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Our previous work first confirmed that the inhibitory mechanism of the CART peptide on cocaine-induced locomotor activity is related to a reduction in cocaine-enhanced phosphorylated Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseIIα (pCaMKIIα) and the enhancement of cocaine-induced D3R function. This study investigated whether CART peptide inhibited cocaine-induced locomotor activity via inhibition of interactions between pCaMKIIα and the D3 dopamine receptor (D3R). We demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated gene transfer transiently increased pCaMKIIα expression, which peaked at 10days after microinjection into the rat NAc shell, and induced a significant increase in Ca2+ influx along with greater behavioral sensitivity in the open field test after intraperitoneal injections of cocaine (15mg/kg). However, western blot analysis and coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that CART peptide treatment in lentivirus-transfected CaMKIIα-over-expressing NAc rat tissues or cells prior to cocaine administration inhibited the cocaine-induced Ca2+ influx and attenuated the cocaine-increased pCaMKIIα expression in lentivirus-transfected CaMKIIα-over-expressing cells. CART peptide decreased the cocaine-enhanced phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) expression via inhibition of the pCaMKIIα-D3R interaction, which may account for the prolonged locomotor sensitization induced by repeated cocaine treatment in lentivirus-transfected CaMKIIα-over-expressing cells. These results provide strong evidence for the inhibitory modulation of CART peptide in cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14187.

Chemical Changes of Enamel Produced by Sodium Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite, Er:YAG Laser, and Combined Treatments

Occlusal pits and fissures of permanent molars are considered to have higher risk of developing caries. Enamel demineralization can be prevented by applying remineralizing agents, and their absorption increases with prior irradiation. This work evaluates the chemical changes produced by treating occlusal surfaces with sodium fluoride (NaF), hydroxyapatite-NaF-xylitol (HA-NaF-X), Er:YAG laser irradiation (L), and combinations thereof. Fifty enamel samples were randomly assigned to five groups (n=10): NaF, HA-NaF-X, L, L + NaF, and L + HA-NaF-X. The chemical composition of human enamel was evaluated before (BT) and after (AT) treatment using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and expressed in atomic percentages (at%). For combined treatment groups, the products were applied after laser irradiation. The statistical analyses included a pairedt-test and ANOVA (p≤0.05). After treatment, a significant increase in F at% was observed in the NaF group (2.71 ± 1.41). The irradiated groups showed significant increases in Ca and P at% and the Ca/P ratio. The highest values occurred for L + NaF (30.44 ± 4.28 Ca at%, 11.97 ± 1.45 P at%, and 2.55 ± 0.22 Ca/P ratio). Er:YAG laser irradiation alone or in combined protocols increased the Ca and P content of dental enamel, in vitro.

Extended low oxygen transmissibility contact lens use induces alterations in the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, enzymes and electrolytes in tear fluid.

Prolonged and continuous use of contact lenses for as long as 3 or 4 weeks is common in Mexico due to the low socioeconomic status, poor patient education and self-neglect. Furthermore, wearing contact lenses with low oxygen permeability is common due to their low cost. Thus, patients seek ophthalmologic evaluation due to signs and symptoms of overuse such as red eye, discomfort and tearing. In the present study, the effect of wearing soft contact lenses with a low oxygen permeability on the tear fluid composition after 1 day, 1 week and 1 month without removing them was examined. In this prospective clinical trial, several tear fluid biomarkers were measured in 84 non-adapted contact lens wearers (NACLWs), including the pH, electrolytes, osmolarity, pro-inflammatory molecules [interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β and interferon (IFN)-γ], total protein (TP) levels and enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (AP)]. The results indicated that the tear pH was significantly decreased after 1 day and 1 week; however, after 1 month of use, the tear pH level returned to the baseline. Tear electrolyte analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in Na+ at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month and Cl− levels at 1 week and 1 month, and a significant increase in Ca2+ at 1 week and 1 month, K+ at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month, IL-8 at 1 week and 1 month, IL-1β only at 1 week and IFN-γ at 1 week and 1 month. Furthermore, the study observed an elevation of TP, AST, LDH and AP levels, however, there were no significant changes in ALT. In conclusion, the current study revealed that continuous wearing of soft contact lenses with low oxygen permeability increase tear fluid proinflammatory cytokine levels and enzymes reflecting tissue damage.

Jack bean urease modulates neurotransmitter release at insect neuromuscular junctions

BackgroundPlants have developed a vast range of mechanisms to compete with phytophagous insects, including entomotoxic proteins such as ureases. The legume Canavalia ensiformis produces several urease isoforms, of which the more abundant is called Jack Bean Urease (JBU). Previews work has demonstrated the potential insecticidal effects of JBU, by mechanisms so far not entirely elucidated. In this work, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the JBU-induced activity upon neurotransmitter release on insect neuromuscular junctions. MethodsElectrophysiological recordings of nerve and muscle action potentials, and calcium imaging bioassays were employed. Results and conclusionJBU (0.28 mg/animal/day) in Locusta migratoria 2nd instar through feeding and injection did not induce lethality, although it did result in a reduction of 20% in the weight gain at the end of 168 h (n = 9, p ≤ 0.05). JBU (0.014 and 0.14 mg) injected direct into the locust hind leg induced a dose and time-dependent decrease in the amplitude of muscle action potentials, with a maximum decrease of 70% in the amplitude at the highest dose (n = 5, p ≤ 0.05). At the same doses JBU did not alter the amplitude of action potentials evoked from motor neurons. Using Drosophila 3rd instar larvae neuromuscular preparations, JBU (10−7 M) increased the occurrence of miniature Excitatory Junctional Potentials (mEJPs) in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2 (n = 5, p ≤ 0.05). In low calcium (0.4 mM) assays, JBU (10−7 M) was not able to modulate the occurrence of the events. In Ca2+-free conditions, with EGTA or CoCl2, JBU induced a significant decrease in the occurrence of mEPJs (n = 5, p ≤ 0.05). Injected into the 3rd abdominal ganglion of Nauphoeta cinerea cockroaches, JBU (1 μM) induced a significant increase in Ca2+ influx (n = 7, p ≤ 0.01), similar to that seen for high KCl (35 mM) condition. Taken together the results confirm a direct action of JBU upon insect neuromuscular junctions and possibly central synapses, probably by disrupting the calcium machinery in the pre-synaptic region of the neurons.

Evaluation of enamel remineralizing potential of self-assembling peptide P11-4 on artificially induced enamel lesions in vitro.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the remineralizing efficacy of self-assembling peptide (SAP) P11-4 qualitatively and quantitatively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), respectively. Enamel samples (n = 24) were prepared by sectioning extracted premolars and subjected for demineralization to create artificial enamel lesions. The structural and elemental concentrations (calcium and phosphate weight %) were assessed to obtain baseline data using SEM and EDX spectroscopy, respectively. The samples were randomly allocated into two groups and were treated with SAP P11-4 (test group) and casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (control group) followed by storage in artificial saliva to evaluate the remineralizing efficacy at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month intervals. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA and unpaired t-test. From the observed results, CPP-ACP showed a significant increase in Ca: P ratio (2.04 ± 0.2) with irregular surface calcific deposition at 1-week interval and this reduced with time (1.87 ± 0.11 at 3-month interval). Whereas P11-4 showed a significant increase in Ca: P ratio (1.95 ± 0.10) with uniform ion deposition suggestive of hydroxyapatite nucleation over a 3-month period. SAP P11-4 exhibited superior remineralization with uniform mineral deposition compared to CPP-ACP at 3-month interval.

Comparative Nutritional Analysis of Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix reclinata Seeds

This study examined the nutritional content of seeds of two date palm species?Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix reclinata, using standard analytical procedures. Results obtained from proximate method shows a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in crude protein, carbohydrate and ash content of P. dactylifera seeds compared to that of P. reclinata. However, moisture content, crude fat and fibre was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in seeds of P. reclinata than P. dactylifera. The mineral element analysis revealed a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in Na, K, Fe and Zn content in seeds of P. reclinata compared to P. dactylifera. However, a significant increase in Ca, Mg was observed in P. dactylifera as compared to P. reclinata. Hence, the study observed differences in the nutritional content of the seeds of the two date palm species but concludes that both seeds demonstrates great nutritional potential for humankind. Thus, it recommends that further research should focus on seeds and other under-utilized portions of a large group of fruits for industrial exploitation.

Effect of densely ionizing radiation on cardiomyocyte differentiation from human-induced pluripotent stem cells.

The process of human cardiac development can be faithfully recapitulated in a culture dish with human pluripotent stem cells, where the impact of environmental stressors can be evaluated. The consequences of ionizing radiation exposure on human cardiac differentiation are largely unknown. In this study, human‐induced pluripotent stem cell cultures (hiPSCs) were subjected to an external beam of 3.7 MeV α‐particles at low mean absorbed doses of 0.5, 3, and 10 cGy. Subsequently, the hiPSCs were differentiated into beating cardiac myocytes (hiPSC‐CMs). Pluripotent and cardiac markers and morphology did not reveal differences between the irradiated and nonirradiated groups. While cell number was not affected during CM differentiation, cell number of differentiated CMs was severely reduced by ionizing radiation in a dose‐responsive manner. β‐adrenergic stimulation causes calcium (Ca2+) overload and oxidative stress. Although no significant increase in Ca2+ transient amplitude was observed in any group after treatment with 1 μmol/L isoproterenol, the incidence of spontaneous Ca2+ waves/releases was more frequent in hiPSC‐CMs of the irradiated groups, indicating arrhythmogenic activities at the single cell level. Increased transcript expression of mitochondrial biomarkers (LONP1, TFAM) and mtDNA‐encoded genes (MT‐CYB, MT‐RNR1) was detected upon differentiation of hiPSC‐CMs suggesting increased organelle biogenesis. Exposure of hiPSC‐CM cultures to 10 cGy significantly upregulated MT‐CYB and MT‐RNR1 expression, which may reflect an adaptive response to ionizing radiation. Our results indicate that important aspects of differentiation of hiPSCs into cardiac myocytes may be affected by low fluences of densely ionizing radiations such as α‐particles.

Regional differences in mineral composition in the wall of the human heart during ontogenesis.

Background. The microelemental composition of the heart wall has been studied at an inadequate level, which requires modern, fundamental cardiology. In particular, the literature does not sufficiently study regional features of not only quantitative content, but also the ratio of bioelements in the cardiac muscle, which is important for understanding asynchronous heart rate in normal and in pathology. Objective. The aim of the study was to establish differences in mineral composition in the wall of the human heart during ontogenesis. Methods. 36 hearts of people of different age groups were studied using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. As a result of studying the chemical composition of the human myocardium during ontogenesis, there were both age and regional differences. Comparing the quantitative composition of bioelements, in the hearts of the fetuses and in the hearts of infants, a significant increase in Ca, Zn, Cu concentration was identified. The amount of Mg was significantly higher in the right atrial wall, the maximum concentration of Ca was contained in the right ventricle. Zn also had same tendencies. Cu was characterized by a reverse tendency. Conclusion. As the age increases, there are statistically significant changes in the content of macro- and microelements in the wall of the heart. The results obtained testify to a change in the chemical composition of the myocardium, not only in the age aspect, but also in the regional one. The quantitative composition of bioelements in the right ventricle in a human in adulthood testifies, on the one hand, of their hyperfunction associated with complications of blood flow in a small circle of blood circulation in connection with the development of age-related emphysema of the lungs, and on the other hand - the involution of the physiological processes that occur in the wall of the heart .

Nonpoint Source Contributions Drive Elevated Major Ion and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Concentrations in Urban Watersheds

The rapid expansion of urban land cover is associated with negative impacts on stream ecosystems. Elevated specific conductance (SC) and major ion concentrations are increasingly documented in urban streams. However, the degree to which nonpoint sources contribute to elevated ion concentrations is unclear. We characterized SC and major ion concentrations in five small watersheds along a forested-to-urban gradient with impervious surface cover (ISC) ranging from 0–25%, no major point sources such as wastewater treatment plants, and similar bedrock chemistry. Ion concentrations increase by an average of 27 times along the forested-to-urban gradient, including an increase of 10 times in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Inputs from road salt caused large increases in Na+ and Cl– concentrations as well as high seasonal variability. Significant increases in Ca2+, Mg2+, DIC, and SO42– concentrations in watersheds with high ISC provide the best evidence to date that concrete is a substantial nonpoint source cont...

The Association of Oral Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation With Bone Mineral Density in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients.

To investigate the association of calcium (Ca) and vitamin D (vit D) supplementation with bone mineral density (BMD) in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Group I (n=11): de novo ALL patients aged 1 to 18 years. Group II (n=46): pediatric ALL survivors in first complete remission and ALL patients on maintenance chemotherapy. We stratified group II into 3 subgroups according to the postdiagnosis period (group IIa: 8 to 24 mo, group IIb: 24 to 48 mo, group IIc: >48 mo). Group III (n=22): healthy siblings of group II. Daily oral vit D3 and Ca carbonate was given only to group I. In group I, BMD was measured at diagnosis and after completion of intensive chemotherapy (TP1 and TP2). A significant increase in Ca (P=0.024) and 25-OH vit D (P=0.01), and a decrease in magnesium (P=0.023) were detected at TP2 compared with TP1 in group I. Mean plasma levels of 25-OH vit D were <20 ng/mL in all the groups. Total body (P=0.005), total body less head (P=0.005), and L1 to L4 BMD Z scores (P=0.025) decreased significantly at TP2 compared with TP1. The lowest BMD scores were found at 8 to 24 months after diagnosis in unsupplemented patients. A gradual increase in BMD Z scores was shown, with the highest scores in group IIc. Vit D and Ca supplementation in pediatric ALL patients during intensive chemotherapy may not prevent bone mineral loss. BMD scores of pediatric ALL patients described by other studies, as a major decrease in the first 2 years and gradual increase afterward, was also observed in our patients.

The potential role of spectrin network in the mechanotransduction of MLO-Y4 osteocytes

The spectrin is first identified as the main component of erythrocyte membrane skeleton. It is getting growing attention since being found in multiple nonerythroid cells, providing complex mechanical properties and signal interface under the cell membrane. Recent genomics studies have revealed that the spectrin is highly relevant to bone disorders. However, in osteocytes, the important mechanosensors in bone, the role of spectrin is poorly understood. In this research, the role of spectrin in the mechanotransduction of MLO-Y4 osteocytes was studied. Immunofluorescence staining showed that, the spectrins were elaborately organized as a porous network throughout the cytoplasm, and linked with F-actin into a dense layer underlying the cell membrane. AFM results indicate that, the spectrin is pivotal for maintaining the overall elasticity of osteocytes, especially for the cell cortex stiffiness. Disruption of the spectrin network caused obvious softening of osteocytes, and resulted in a significant increase of Ca2+ influx, NO secretion, cell-cell connections and also induced a translocation of eNOS from membrane to cytoplasm. These results indicate that the spectrin network is a global structural support for osteocytes involving in the mechanotransduction process, making it a potential therapeutic target for bone disorders.

Chemical Analysis of &lt;i&gt;Eucalyptus grandis&lt;/i&gt; Wood Manured with Biosolid on Two Valuation Methods

Neutron activation analysis followed by a gamma-ray spectroscopy and physico-chemical methods were used to conduct a thorough investigation of the elements transferred from sewage sludge (biosolid) into the wood of <i>Eucalyptus grandis</i>. Four different manure samples were analyzed: control without biosolid and samples with 10, 20 and 40 t ha^-1 of biosolid. A significant increase of Ca was detected, but there was no change in K and a clear decline in Mn. The experiment showed that the application of biosolids is a good alternative as fertilizer, since it gives a destination to this residual product without compromising the wood with heavy metals, it can even make the cellulose pulp bleaching process less expensive, due to the decrease of the content of Mn.

Impaired calcium mobilization in natural killer cells from chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis patients is associated with transient receptor potential melastatin 3 ion channels.

SummaryTransient receptor potential melastatin subfamily 3 (TRPM3) ion channels play a role in calcium (Ca2+) cell signalling. Reduced TRPM3 protein expression has been identified in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) patients. However, the significance of TRPM3 and association with intracellular Ca2+ mobilization has yet to be determined. Fifteen CFS/ME patients (mean age 48·82 ± 9·83 years) and 25 healthy controls (mean age 39·2 ± 12·12 years) were examined. Isolated natural killer (NK) cells were labelled with fluorescent antibodies to determine TRPM3, CD107a and CD69 receptors on CD56dimCD16+NK cells and CD56brightCD16dim/– NK cells. Ca2+ flux and NK cytotoxicity activity was measured under various stimulants, including pregnenolone sulphate (PregS), thapsigargin (TG), 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB) and ionomycin. Unstimulated CD56brightCD16dim/– NK cells showed significantly reduced TRPM3 receptors in CFS/ME compared with healthy controls (HC). Ca2+ flux showed no significant difference between groups. Moreover, PregS‐stimulated CD56brightCD16dim/–NK cells showed a significant increase in Ca2+ flux in CFS/ME patients compared with HC. By comparison, unstimulated CD56dimCD16+ NK cells showed no significant difference in both Ca2+ flux and TRPM3 expression. PregS‐stimulated CD56dimCD16+ NK cells increased TRPM3 expression significantly in CFS/ME, but this was not associated with a significant increase in Ca2+ flux. Furthermore, TG‐stimulated CD56dimCD16+ NK cells increased K562 cell lysis prior to PregS stimulation in CFS/ME patients compared with HC. Differential expression of TRPM3 and Ca2+ flux between NK cell subtypes may provide evidence for their role in the pathomechanism involving NK cell cytotoxicity activity in CFS/ME.

Changes in the geochemical parameters of karst lakes over the past three decades – The case of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

One of the major reasons for the increase in global air temperature since the early 20th century is considered to be the increase in the atmospheric CO2 concentration. Karst relief is considered an important carbon sink, but it can also be a natural source of carbon and CO2 emission. Aquatic systems in karst areas facilitate carbon exchange between the karst and the atmosphere, often through groundwater geochemical carbonate rock dissolution (carbon sink) and in the form of secondary calcium carbonate precipitation (possible carbon source).The protected area of Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in the karst region of Croatia, was chosen as a case study on karst geochemical processes. The lakes are also specific for their authigenic calcite precipitation in the form of tufa barriers and lake sediment. Physical and chemical data (temperature, pH, Ca2+, HCO3−, Mg2+ and CO2 concentrations, calcite saturation index (SIcalc), calcite dissolution ionic ratio (IRcalc), and Mg/Ca ratio) from water samples collected at 8 locations (2 springs, 2 rivers, and 4 lakes) from 1981 to 2014 were studied.The data were not collected systematically, so long-term changes have been mostly assessed through comparison between parameters from two selected periods (1981–1986 and 2010–2014) and through temporal correlations for each observed parameter in each calendar month.For the 33 years studied, an increase in air and water temperature, Ca2+ and HCO3− concentrations, calcite saturation index (SIcalc), calcite dissolution ionic ratio (IRcalc), and a decrease in the Mg/Ca ratio were observed. No statistically significant change was observed for pH or CO2 and Mg2+ concentrations. Average discharge rates did not display any significant change over the past three decades, however there was a change in their seasonal distribution.The significant increase in Ca2+ and HCO3− concentrations at lake locations were primarily caused by an increase in Ca2+ and HCO3− values in the water of the springs. Simultaneously, Mg2+ concentrations remained constant, which indicates higher levels of limestone (calcite) dissolution than dolomite dissolution. One of the reasons for this could be higher air/soil temperatures, resulting in higher soil CO2 production, which appears to result in the higher dissolution of calcite exclusively. An increase in HCO3− concentrations at the springs implies that karst groundwater is a carbon sink. Furthermore, the fact that the spatial decrease in HCO3− concentration in downstream waters was the same during the 1981–1986 and 2010–2014 periods implies that the entire observed karst lake system itself is a carbon sink.Temporal and spatial changes in SIcalc and IRcalc values in surface waters were mainly attributed to an increase in the intensity of bioactivity, which is in turn connected with an increase in water temperature.

Amino Acid Changes at Arginine 204 of Troponin I Result in Increased Calcium Sensitivity of Force Development.

Mutations in human cardiac troponin I (cTnI) have been associated with restrictive, dilated, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. The most commonly occurring residue on cTnI associated with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is arginine (R), which is also the most common residue at which multiple mutations occur. Two FHC mutations are known to occur at cTnI arginine 204, R204C and R204H, and both are associated with poor clinical prognosis. The R204H mutation has also been associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). To characterize the effects of different mutations at the same residue (R204) on the physiological function of cTnI, six mutations at R204 (C, G, H, P, Q, W) were investigated in skinned fiber studies. Skinned fiber studies showed that all tested mutations at R204 caused significant increases in Ca2+ sensitivity of force development (ΔpCa50 = 0.22–0.35) when compared to wild-type (WT) cTnI. Investigation of the interactions between the cTnI mutants and WT cardiac troponin C (cTnC) or WT cardiac troponin T (cTnT) showed that all the mutations investigated, except R204G, affected either or both cTnI:cTnT and cTnI:cTnC interactions. The R204H mutation affected both cTnI:cTnT and cTnI:cTnC interactions while the R204C mutation affected only the cTnI:cTnC interaction. These results suggest that different mutations at the same site on cTnI could have varying effects on thin filament interactions. A mutation in fast skeletal TnI (R174Q, homologous to cTnI R204Q) also significantly increased Ca2+ sensitivity of force development (ΔpCa50 = 0.16). Our studies indicate that known cTnI mutations associated with poor prognosis (R204C and R204H) exhibit large increases in Ca2+ sensitivity of force development. Therefore, other R204 mutations that cause similar increases in Ca2+ sensitivity are also likely to have poor prognoses.