Sodium Ion Levels Research Articles

Effect of Quinoa Plant on Metastasis and Ion Channels of Rat Brain Cancer Glioma Cell Lines

In this study, the effects of the quinoa plant on the rat brain cancer glioma cell line were examined. Rat C6 glioma cell lines were cultivated in Dulbecco's Minimum Essential Medium (DMEM) appendage with HAMS F 12 (1: 1) and 2% FBS. After proliferation, Quinoa plant was added into the cells and incubated at 37°C for 24 and 48 h in 5% CO2. The viability of the cells was identified by using the MTT method (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). IC50 concentration was determined using the statistic software SPSS (Probit analysis). The effect of the quinoa plant on the invasiveness of the C6 cells was analyzed by the wound test and the changes in the ion concentrations in the cells were determined with ICP-MS. As a result of the MTT test, the IC50 value of the quinoa plant was determined as 50 ppb. Wound test showed that use of quinoa plant (50 ppb) inhibited metastasis in the glioma cells while the cell proliferation in the control group was continued. Furthermore, calcium, sodium and potassium ions, which are regulators of cell cycle, were found in higher concentrations in that the untreated control cells than quinoa treated cells. As a result of this study; ICP-MS analysis showed that higher levels of calcium, sodium, and potassium ions were found in the untreated cells, whereas the application of the quinoa plant decreased these values. This change in ion channels was thought to be associated with the invasion of glioma cells, and it was determined that quinoa had significant anticancer effects.

Clinical significance of plasma NT-proBNP in children with bacterial meningitis

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of plasma amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) in children with bacterial meningitis. Methods From April 2013 to March 2017, 32 children with bacterial meningitis in PICU of the Second People′s Hospital of Liaocheng Affiliated to Taishan Medical College were selected.The patients were evaluated the severity of the disease by Glasgow coma scale(GCS). Thirty-five cases who admitted to the hospital in the same period were selected as the control group, excluding congenital heart disease, chronic cardiac dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, heart failure, chronic renal insufficiency.The blood samples were collected from the hospital in 24h, and the levels of the plasma NT-proBNP, procalcitonin(PCT), C-reactive protein(CRP) and Na ions were determined. Results Compared with the control group, the levels of the plasma NT-proBNP was significantly increased[(7 123.97±6 901.60)ng/L vs.(39.29±19.41)ng/L, t=5.839, P<0.01], the level of PCT was significantly increased[(25.14±2.35)ng/dL vs.(0.63±0.15ng/dL, t=10.820, P<0.01], the level of CRP was significantly increased[(97.89±4.63mg/dL vs.(5.23±1.22mg/dL, t=21.130, P<0.01], and the GCS was significantly decreased(t=18.132, P<0.01) in children with bacterial meningitis group.The plasma NT-proBNP level of children with GCS<8points[(13 328.08±7 938.85)ng/L]was significantly higher than that in children with GCS 8~14points[(3 401.50±1 526.75)ng/L](t=5.816, P<0.01) and GCS≥15points[(39.74±18.64)ng/L](t=5.816, P<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between the level of plasma NT-proBNP and PCT(r=0.969, P<0.01), also a significant positive correlation between the level of plasma NT-proBNP and CRP(r=0.961, P<0.01), while a significant negative correlation between the level of plasma NT-proBNP and sodium ions(r=0.886, P<0.01) in children with bacterial meningitis by Pearson correlation test. Conclusion Detection of the plasma NT-proBNP has significant clinical significance for early diagnosis and assessment of the severity of the illness of children with bacterial meningitis. Key words: Meningitis, bacterial; Hyponatremia; Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP); Procalcitonin(PCT); Child; Early diagnosis

Changes in electrolyte concentrations alter the impedance during ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat brain

Objective: Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Nowadays, electrical impedance spectroscopy is an emerging tool to differentiate between normal and stroke conditions. Approach: In this study, changes in the bio-impedance spectroscopy using a two-electrode method with varying frequencies from 100 to 35 kHz have been assessed in a model of global cerebral ischemia in anesthetized rats during normal, occlusion and reperfusion conditions. Global cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 40 min following 40 min of reperfusion. The concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride ions in the whole rat brain was determined by electrolyte analyzer. For the interpretation of in vivo results, changes in electrical impedance with varying concentrations of sodium, potassium and calcium ions in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) were also observed using the bio-impedance spectroscopy method. Main results: The in vivo bio-impedance analysis suggests that the impedance is consistently increased during occlusion as compared to the normal condition. The in vitro study revealed that the impedance escalates with an increase in the concentration of potassium and calcium ions and reduces with an increase in the concentration of sodium ions in aCSF. A further electrolyte analysis suggested that the level of sodium and chloride ions is significantly decreased and the level of calcium and potassium is significantly increased during occlusion as compared to the normal condition. Significance: These findings suggest that the increase in impedance during occlusion may be due to changes in the ionic concentration of the rat brain. The above in vivo and in vitro studies successfully demonstrated and interrelated the change in impedance with corresponding changes in ionic concentration.

SLC8 family of sodium/calcium exchangers (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database

The sodium/calcium exchangers (NCX) use the extracellular sodium concentration to facilitate the extrusion of calcium out of the cell. Alongside the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), as well as the sodium/potassium/calcium exchangers (NKCX, SLC24 family), NCX allow recovery of intracellular calcium back to basal levels after cellular stimulation. When intracellular sodium ion levels rise, for example, following depolarisation, these transporters can operate in the reverse direction to allow calcium influx and sodium efflux, as an electrogenic mechanism. Structural modelling suggests the presence of 9 TM segments, with a large intracellular loop between the fifth and sixth TM segments.

Modulatory effects of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against ethephon-induced kidney toxicity in male rats.

Ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) is a plant growth promoter used to control the plant growth process by liberating ethylene and stimulating the production of endogenous ethylene. Medicinal plants are sources of novel drug discovery targets. Costus (Saussurea lappa) has been used as traditional Chinese medicine. The current study was conducted to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (S. lappa) root aqueous extract against kidney toxicity induced by ethephon in male rats. A total of 50 adult male rats were divided into five groups (first, control; second, costus; third, ethephon; fourth, posttreated ethephon with costus; fifth, ethephon self-healing). There is a significant increase in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium ions, chloride ions, kidney injury, DNA damage, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expressions in treated rats with ethephon when compared to the control group. In contrast, the treated rats with ethephon revealed a significant decrease in the levels of sodium ions and an insignificant decrease in the calcium ions. Saussurea lappa extract modified these alterations when compared to the control group. As a result, costus root extract significantly reduced rat kidney toxicity after ethephon administration. We recommend costus to be included in diet for its valuable effects, and also producers and consumers should become more aware about the toxic effects of ethephon.

Amitriptyline Induced Alterations in Liver and Kidney Functions and Structures in Male Rats

Aims: Depression is a mental health issue that starts most often in early adulthood and it is a common and recurrent disorder causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is known to inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and inhibitor of mitochondrial functions and induces apoptosis in several tissues. This study aims to identify the changes in liver and kidney structure and functions after treatment of male rats with Amitriptyline drugs.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 20 male albino rats were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups (G1, control group that included animals that did not receive any treatment during the experimental period. G2, Amitriptyline (Tryptizol; El Kahira Pharm And Chem Ind Co) group in which rats were injected intraperitoneally with Amitriptyline (100 mg/kg body weight/daily) for four weeks).&#x0D; Results: The current results revealed that; Amitriptyline treatments significantly (P &lt;0.05) increased the levels of serum ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, sodium ions, chloride ions and liver and kidney damages as compared to control. In contrast; a significant (P &lt;0.05) decrease in albumin, and total protein, potassium ions and calcium ions in Amitriptyline group was reported when compared with control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Amitriptyline has many side effects on rat liver and kidney, it induced liver and kidney toxicity and tissue injury were it metabolized to nortriptyline which inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin almost equally. Amitriptyline inhibits the membrane pump mechanism responsible for uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in adrenergic and serotonergic neurons.

Enhancing sustained drug release property of chitosan in spheroids through crosslinking reaction and coacervation

Chitosan has not been able to be formulated as sustained-release crosslinked/coacervated drug carrier in the form of spheroids prepared by extrusion-spheronisation technique. This study re-visits chitosan spheroids and their drug (water-soluble chlorpheniramine maleate) release profiles as a function of crosslinking reaction and coacervation between chitosan, tripolyphosphate salt and alginate under the influences of pH and/or microwave irradiation. Crosslinking of chitosan or chitosan-alginate with tripolyphosphate ions, aided by acidifiers or microwave, did not retard spheroid drug release as a result of low levels of chitosan-tripolyphosphate ionic complexation, high leaching levels of sodium ions of tripolyphosphate salt as channeling agent and porous microstructure of spheroids undergoing acidification or microwave drying. Compositing of tripolyphosphate-free chitosan with alginate (weight ratio of chitosan to alginate at 0.9) however reduced the propensity of drug release, with the initial phase of drug release retardation brought about by alginate, and the late phase by chitosan. The introduction of alginate decreased the prompt disintegration tendency of chitosan spheroids. The availability of chitosan reduced the gradual erosion property of alginate. The availability of chitosan and alginate in the same matrix retained the microstructure of spheroids. The inter-spheroid coacervative bondings between the adjacent chitosan and alginate molecules resulted in spheroid aggregation, reduced the specific surface area for dissolution and further lowered the extent of drug release. Sustained-release chitosan-alginate spheroids can be prepared by extrusion-spheronisation technique through omitting crosslinking agent with channeling agent behavior, acidifier and/or microwave drying.

ОЦЕНКА МЕТОДОВ ХИМИЧЕСКОГО АНАЛИЗА АТМОСФЕРНОГО ВОЗДУХА В ЗИМНИЙ ПЕРИОД ПРИ ПРИМЕНЕНИИ ПРОТИВОГОЛОЛЕДНЫХ МАТЕРИАЛОВ

В статье обоснована актуальность подбора оптимального метода химического анализа атмосферного воздуха с целью идентификации и количественного определения компонентов солей, входящих в состав противогололедных материалов (ПГМ), применяемых в настоящее время в г. Москве в зимний период. Проведена оценка химического состава различных видов ПГМ материалов и выбраны индикаторные ионы для анализа. Приведены результаты собственных экспериментальных исследований по анализу проб атмосферного воздуха, отобранных в зимний период в г. Москве, с использованием различных поглотительных устройств и методов химического анализа (ионная хроматография, масс-спектрометрия с индуктивно-связанной плазмой). Выявлены ограничения использования современных аспираторов в условиях отрицательных температур в зимний период. Показано, что уровень содержания ионов натрия и хлора в атмосферном воздухе г. Москвы значительно превышает соответствующие фоновые показатели природного происхождения. Подчеркнута необходимость продолжения исследований в данном направлении в целях совершенствования подхода к выбору оптимального метода химического анализа и способов отбора проб, что имеет важное значение с точки зрения снижения негативного воздействия ПГМ на окружающую среду и здоровье населения. The paper outlines the relevance of choosing an optimal method for atmospheric air chemical analysis, capable to provide an appropriate identification and quantification of salts ingredients that make up the major part of deicing materials (DMs), currently used in winter period in Moscow. Chemical composition evaluation of various types of DMs has resulted in selection of indicator ions for subsequent analytical procedures. The authors’ own experimental data on analyzing atmospheric air samples collected in winter in Moscow using various absorption devices and chemical analytical methods (i.e. ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) are presented. A series of limitations of applying modern aspirators under conditions of sub-zero winter temperatures are revealed. Sodium and chlorine ion levels in the atmospheric air of Moscow are found to be significantly higher than the corresponding background level of natural origin. An urgent necessity to continue research in this area has been emphasized with the focus on improving the approach for selection of the optimal method for chemical analysis and sampling procedures, which is highly important in terms of reducing a negative impact of DMs on public health and environment.

Distribution and comparison of major selected elements in root of wild plant, root derived calli and various anatomical parts of cultivated Saussurea lappa: An endangered medicinal plant

Levels of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+2) and magnesium (Mg+2) ions were determined in the root, leaf and petiole of cultivated Sassurea lappa plant collected from Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar. The same ions were also analyzed in root (b) of the same plant collected from Koza Gali, Abbottabad as well as in wild plant root (c) of Kashmir hills. Potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) in the medicinal plant, S. lappa were determined by using flame photometer (Jenway PFP 7) while Ca+2 and Mg+2 contents were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Hitachi Z-800). Significant differences were observed among all the tested samples. However, the highest level of K+ was 1886.45 µMg-1 found in cultivated plant petiole and its lowest concentration was 385.351 µMg-1 observed in shoot derived callus (callus a). Sodium content (Na+) was found higher in shoot callus (callus a) while magnesium (Mg+2) concentration was observed high (109.349 µMg-1) in root (b) collected from Koza Gali, Abbottabad and their lower concentrations were 102 µMg-1 and 47.432 µMg-1 found in petiole and wild plant root (root c) respectively. The lowest concentration was found in case of Ca+2 in comparison of other elements. The levels of all the selected elements were highly varied in the anatomical parts of the same cultivated plant, shoot and root derived calli and between the varied regions plant roots except Ca+2. The overall levels of the elements were found in the order: K+ > Na+ > Mg+2 > Ca+2. Keywords: Saussurea lappa; In vitro culture; Calli; Major elements http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80087

АНАЛИЗ ФАКТОРОВ ОСЛАБЛЕНИЯ ХВОЙНЫХ ДРЕВОСТОЕВ В РЕКРЕАЦИОННЫХ НАСАЖДЕНИЯХ

Исследования проводились с 2015 по 2018 г. на 11 постоянных пробных площадях, заложенных в рекреационных насаждениях сосны Pinus sylvestris и ели Picea abies в Санкт-Петербурге и Выборге и в насаждениях общего пользования г. Нарва-Йыэсуу (Эстония). Основные факторы ослабления насаждений, как сосны, так и ели, – сумма токсичных солей и кислотность почвы. С ними коррелируют уровни ионов натрия, хлора, магния, кальция, гидрокарбоната и сульфат-иона. Наиболее сильна корреляционная связь состояния насаждений ели с концентрацией ионов хлора. Коэффициенты регрессий оценок состояния насаждений сосны и ели на оценки загрязнения почв токсичными солями значимо не различаются, несмотря на различия в организации корневых систем ели. Возможная причина – проникновение токсичных солей в более глубокие слои почвы. Воздействие рекреационных нагрузок, дендропатогенных организмов, вредителей и погодных условий не влияет на состояние насаждений, но при максимальном уровне загрязнения и наихудшем состоянии насаждений отмечена наибольшая активность вредителей и патогенов. Полученные регрессионные уравнения могут быть использованы для прогнозов состояния древостоев сосны и ели в зависимости от загрязнения почв по двум уровням – летальном и предельно допустимом. Найденные различия пороговых значений загрязнения, стандартных ошибок регрессионных коэффициентов, минимальных и максимальных пороговых величин загрязнений почв токсичными солями между анализируемыми породами невелики. Это позволяет использовать средние от пороговых значений в качестве нормативов предельно допустимого и летального загрязнений почв, а также для мониторинга и прогнозирования состояния древостоев.

Grape seeds proanthocyanidin extract ameliorates Ehrlich solid tumor induced renal tissue and DNA damage in mice

The current study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins extract (GSPE) against Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) induced renal injury, with the respect to DNA fragmentation and P53 and PCNA proteins expression in renal tissue. A total of 50 female mice were randomly assigned into five groups. Control mice were injected with physiological saline solution. Mice of the 2nd group were administered with GSPE (50 mg/kg bw/every 2day/per OS) for 2 weeks and injected with physiological saline solution. Mice of the 3rd group were injected subcutaneously with 2.5 million cells of EAC/mouse. Mice of the 4th group were injected with EAC as the 3rd group and administered with GSPE as the 2nd group simultaneously for 2 weeks. Mice of the 5th group were injected with EAC as the 3rd group and left for 2 weeks (till development of solid tumor), then treated with GSPE for another 2 weeks. EST significantly increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium and chloride. In addition, it induced renal tissue and DNA injuries and increased P53, PCNA and ki67 proteins expression in renal tissues. On the other hand, it decreased serum levels of sodium and calcium ions. However, treatment of EST bearing mice with GSPE normalized serum levels of the above-mentioned parameters and improved renal tissue structure and reduced renal tissue DNA damage and P53, PCNA and ki67 proteins expression. These results indicated that GSPE is a promising nephron protective agent against EST induced renal injury.

Application of Dempster-Shafer theory and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for evaluating the effects of geological formation units on groundwater quality.

This study investigates the impacts of different geological units on groundwater quality of an aquifer in southern Iran. The Kriging interpolation technique with a Gaussian semivariogram model was employed to prepare groundwater maps for different water quality constituents. In the next stage, two different models based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Dempster-Shafer theory (DST) were used to evaluate the overall water quality index based on the World Health Organization's drinking water standard in different parts of the aquifer. The DST model was able to generate water quality maps with 99.5%, 99%, and 95% confidence levels. The water quality maps were subsequently compared with the geology map of the area to determine the effects of different soil types on the water quality of the aquifer. Both methods showed poor water quality indices in the areas with an Asmari formation containing elevated levels of chloride and sodium ions. Comparison of water quality maps generated by the fuzzy-AHP and DST model revealed that the DST could more reliably handle the uncertainty in the water quality data, and thus was able to generate more accurate water quality maps. Increasing the confidence level in the DST model yielded water quality maps with a decreased overall water quality index. Results of this study could assist water management practices to generate water quality maps for their groundwater resources with confidence levels commensurate socio-economic importance of the region.

The Effects of the N-hexane Fractions of Heinsia crinita Leaf Extract on Electrolyte Balance and Some Haematological Parameters of Alloxan-induced Diabetic Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: Crude extracts of Heinsia crinita leaves have been found to have antidiabetic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the n-hexane fraction of Heinsia crinita leaf extract on electrolyte balance and some haematological indices of alloxan-induced diabetic albino Wistar rats.&#x0D; Methodology: Thirty (30) albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 120-180g were shared into five (5) groups of six animals each. Group 1 and 2 served as the normal control (NC) and diabetic control (DC) respectively and received placebo. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were diabetic treated group, and received 500mg/kg bw Metformin, 400mg/kg bw of crude extract (HC-C) and n-hexane fraction (HC-H) of Heinsia crinita respectively.&#x0D; Results: The HC-H administered group, like the HC-C group, showed reversal of the observed increase in chloride ion (Cl-) and decrease in sodium ion (Na+) levels in DC group to close to those of the NC group and this effect compared well with the metformin–treated group. The HC-H group, unlike the HC-C group, did not show a reversal of the observed diabetic increase in in potassium ion (K+). The WBC count was increased in DC compared to NC. On treatment with HC–C, HC-H and metformin, the WBC count decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) in all the treated groups compared to DC group. The RBC count was significantly decreased (P&lt;0.05) in DC compared to NC. Similarly, there was a decrease in haemoglobin concentration in the DC group compared to the NC group. These decreases were significantly (p&lt;0.05) reversed towards normal on treatment with HC-C and HC-H. The reversal was comparable to that of the standard drug metformin. Similarly the diabetes induced increase in platelet counts was significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced towards NC values on treatment with HC-H and HC-C.&#x0D; Conclusion: The result show that the n-hexane fraction (HC-H), like the crude extract (HC-C), can protect against diabetes induced electrolyte imbalance and haematological disorders.

Membrane stabilization effect and histological changes in the heart in experimental myocardial rats with Zanthoxulym armatum fruit

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Membrane bound adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) shed a massive function into the contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle via keeping the normal ion levels within the myocyte. The current study aims to assess the potency of Zanthoxylum armatum (Z. armatum) fruit on membrane bound ATPases and ions in Isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infracted rats. The hydroethanolic extract of Z. armatum fruit was administered at a dose of 200 and 400mg/kg body weight for 30 days to male Wistar albino rats. On 28th and 29th day, ISO (8.5mg/100g body weight) used to be administered to induce myocardial infarction (MI). ISO treated rats confirmed a significant increase in the levels of tissue sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) ions and membrane bound Ca2+ ATPase then Mg2+ ATPase activity. A significant decrease in tissue potassium (K+), Na +/K+ ATPase was observed which indicates membrane destabilization. Pretreatment with hydroethanolic extract of Z. armatum fruit to ISO induced rats significantly (p&lt;0.05) prevented the altered membrane bound enzymes to near normal status. The findings of the present study indicate the protective effect of Z. armatum fruit on altered ion pumps and destabilization on the cardiac membrane into ISO induced MI rats which might also be due to the presence of phytoconstituents.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Plasma Enzymes and Electrolytes in Heterobranchus bidorsalis Treated with Cypermethrin

Heterobranchus bidorsalis (mean total length 31.50 ± 2.32 cm SD; mean weight 241.25 ± 30.39 g SD) were exposed to graded levels solutions of cypermethrin concentrations (0.0005, 0.0075, 0.010, 0.125 and 0.0150 ppm) and a control for 23 days. Plasma collected from the fish was analyzed for enzymes; aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and electrolytes (sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) ions. There was a non-concentration dependent increase in ALT activity above the control value of 7.00 ± 3.83IU/L with a peak at 0.005 ppm (16.50 ± 14 IU/L), which was 135.71% above the control value. AST had variable responses with a rise in activity at 0.005 and 0.010 ppm, which were 8.26 and 5.79% above the control value of 30.25 ± 5.38IU/L. A rise in ALP was only noted at 0.005 ppm (37.75 ± 30.40IU/L), being 115.71% above the control value. A concentrationdependent inhibition was recorded from 0.0075-0.0150 ppm with the greatest inhibition of 88.57% at 0.0150 ppm. Sodium ion level was raised between 0.0075-0.0150 ppm concentrations, with a peak value at 0150 ppm, which was 11.25 units (44.55%) above the control value. A drop of 5.85 units below the control value occurred at 0.005 ppm. All the toxicant solutions caused elevation in potassium ion concentration above the value observed in the control (4.90 ± 1.83 mmol/L). Chloride ion levels was raised at 0.005 and 0.0075 ppm, which were 7.93 and 5.05% respectively above the control value (104.00 ± 10.71 mmol/L). Beyond this, there was a concentration-dependent decline in ionic level with the lowest level of 71.50 ± 13.20 mmol/L at the highest concentration. The study suggests that sublethal cypermethrin levels could cause hormone and electrolyte imbalance in the exposed fish, hence caution should be applied in its application especially near water.

Ecotoxicological status and prognosis of the state of an urbanized hydroecosystem (on the example of the reservoir "Ternopil pond")

As a result of a complex hydroecological research on the reservoir “Ternopil Pond”and comparison of these data with environmental and quality water standards we assessed the environmental threat posed by the content of certain substances, and the ecotoxicological state of the pond in general. A high concentration of HCO3 - was found, but the critical factor of water pollution is the significant concentration of ammonia, as well as the excess over the permissible levels of sodium ions. Moreover, we found polymetallic contamination of the bottom sediments with a high ratio of biologically dangerous mobile forms, with the exception of iron, and the excess over permissible levels (MPS), which in some places was ten times higher than the norm. The high level of the content of mobile metals forms was found at sampling areaswith a considerable sedimentation.The content of the mobile form of copper exceeded the norm by 24-86 times, nickel - from 2 to 17 times, cobalt – 4-8 times. The content of the mobile form of cadmium exceeded the permissible norm by 5-80 times, and lead – by 4.5-12 times. It was established that the content of the metals of the essential group in the water of the reservoir wasbelow the permissible values, and in the places where active flushing waters are flowing high concentrations of copper wasfound. Among the nonessential metals, cadmium and lead were found with fairlyhigh cadmium content , which is biologically dangerous because of the toxicity of this metal. In case of changes in the hydrochemical balance, the mobility of metals may increase, which will substantially worsen the almost disastrous pollution of the reservoir with highly toxic and biologically hazardous metals.Economic-mathematical modeling and statistical methods based on correlation-regression analysis using Matlab software were used to investigate the influence of ammonium content on the water pH index. The correlation index is ststistically significant and amounts to 0.86. This research will allow us to predict pH index of the water depending on the content of ammonium. The calculated elasticity coefficient shows that with an increase in ammonia by 10%, the pH index of the water will vary by 8%. In order to study the environmental situation in the near future, namely the content of metals in the bottom sediments, a forecast of the content of such metals as magnesium and cobaltfor the next two seasonal periods according to the theory of Markov chains has been made. This theory allows us to make predictions of the factor, taking into account the possibility of random effects on the environment, and investigates the greatest probability of presence of a factor in a certain numerical parameter.

Effects of Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract on some biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceParkia biglobosa seeds are used to treat diabetes and complications hence this study. AimThis study investigated the effects of Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract on some biochemical, haematological and histopathological indices in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methodsWistar rats of either sex (180–300 g) were fasted overnight and diabetes mellitus induced using streptozotocin 40 mg/kg IP. Diabetes mellitus (fasting blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dl) was confirmed 48 h later. The rats were randomly grouped into six groups (n = 5): Group 1 (diabetic untreated control), group 2 (Parkia biglobosa 200 mg/kg), group 3 (Parkia biglobosa 400 mg/kg). group 4 (Parkia biglobosa 800 mg/kg), group 5 (glibenclamide 5 mg/kg as standard drug control) and group 6 (normoglycaemic control). They were treated daily. Acute toxicity study and phytochemical screening were also performed. Fourteen days later, they were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Vital organs (kidneys, liver and pancreas) and blood samples were obtained for histopathological, biochemical and haematological analysis. ResultsParkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract at the various doses caused significant (P < 0.05) elevations in red blood cell parameters in comparison to the diabetic control. The mean cell volume did not differ significantly from the diabetic control while 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of the extract did not significantly modify the HCT levels. Treatment with Parkia biglobosa significantly (P < 0.05) lowered white blood cell and platelet counts in comparison to the diabetic control. Liver enzymes and total bilirubin levels were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced while total protein increased in the treated diabetic rats in comparison to controls. Treatment with Parkia biglobosa extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased bicarbonate and sodium ion levels while decreasing potassium ion levels. Chloride levels were not significantly different from the diabetic control. ConclusionThese data suggest that Parkia biglobosa ameliorates biochemical, haematological and histopathological changes associated with diabetes mellitus.

Effects of 1:1 Mixture of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides Root Bark Extracts on Haematological Parameters, Liver and Kidney Function Indices of Male Rats

Background: This study evaluated the effects of 1:1 mixture of aqueous root bark extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC) Guill &amp; Perr (Combretaceae) and Terminalia avicennioides Guill &amp; Perr (Combretaceae) in male rats. Methods: Male rats were orally administered a 1:1 mixture of both extracts (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight) for seven days. Liver and kidney function indices, haematological parameters and the levels of malondialdehyde were evaluated in the animals at 7 days post-administration of the mixture of the extracts. Results: Administration of mixture of the extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the activities of liver and kidney alkaline phosphatase and reduced the serum alkaline phosphatase, liver and serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase activities. The mixture also decreased the levels of serum chloride ions, liver and kidney malondialdehyde. Furthermore mixture significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the serum total protein concentrations whereas the levels of serum albumin, creatinine, urea, potassium, sodium and bicarbonate ions, red blood cells, white blood cells and their related indices were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) altered. Conclusions: The present study revealed that the mixture caused functional toxicity of the liver and kidney of male rats without any evidence of haematotoxicity. The consumption of the 1:1 mixture of the plant extracts at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight has some toxic implications in male rats.

Phelipanche aegyptiaca parasitism impairs salinity tolerance in young leaves of tomato.

The parasite Phelipanche aegyptiaca infests tomato, a crop plant that is commonly cultivated in semi-arid environments, where tomato may be subject to salt stress. Since the relationship between the two stresses-salinity and parasitism-has been poorly investigated in tomato, the effects of P. aegyptiaca parasitism on tomato growing under moderate salinity were examined. Tomatoes were grown with regular or saline water irrigation (3 and 45 mM Cl- , respectively) in soils infested with P. aegyptiaca. The infested plants accumulated higher levels of sodium and chloride ions in the roots, shoots and leaves (old and young) under both salinity levels vs. non-infected plants. There was a positive linear correlation between P. aegyptiaca biomass and salt accumulation in young tomato leaves, and a negative linear correlation between parasite biomass and the osmotic potential of young tomato leaves. Concentrations of the osmoprotectants proline, myoinositol and sucrose were reduced in infected tomato plants, which impaired the host's osmotic adjustment ability. The sensitivity of P. aegyptiaca to salt stress was manifested as a decrease in biomass. In conclusion, P. aegyptiaca parasitism reduced the salt tolerance of tomato plants by promoting the accumulation of salts from the rhizosphere and impairing the host's osmotic adjustment ability.

Diagnosis of drowning by summation of sodium, potassium, and chloride ion levels in sphenoidal sinus fluid: Differentiating between freshwater and seawater drowning and its application to brackish water and bathtub deaths

Analysis of ions in sphenoidal fluid can be a useful index for the diagnosis of drowning. We evaluated the reference ranges of non-drowning cases using statistical methods and three indices: sodium ion (Na+), summation of sodium and potassium ions (SUMNa+K), and summation of sodium, potassium and chloride ions (SUMNa+K+Cl). The reference ranges were 96≤Na+<152, 139≤SUMNa+K<179, 243≤SUMNa+K+Cl<311(mEq/L), respectively. Victim indices outside of the reference ranges indicate that the victim probably inspired water with higher or lower ion concentrations than those of body fluid in sphenoidal sinuses. Compared to the SUMNa+K+Cl index, the Na+ and SUMNa+K indices could distinguish among seawater drowning, freshwater drowning, and non-drowning. In drowning cases, sphenoidal fluid volume and time since death were not correlated, which suggests that water does not enter the sphenoidal sinuses after death and there is a different process for water accumulation in drowning and non-drowning cases. In bathtub cases, this method was not valid for the estimation of inspired water. Although it is necessary to observe the classical signs of drowning, this method is suitable for the estimation of drowning, especially in cases where pleural fluid or diatom tests are not available.