Serum Levels of Cu,Se, and Zn in Adult Rural/Urban Residents in Ghana: Paradigm Shift?

Deficiencies in Cu, Se, and Zn impair one or more biochemical functions, and excess are associated with toxicity. Baseline studies on the Ghanaian population are scanty. The study was undertaken to determine whether significant rural/urban differences in the serum levels of Cu, Se, and Zn did exist. Forty males/60 females from rural and 50 males/50 females from urban Ghanaian communities were sampled. Serum Cu, Se, and Zn were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu level for rural and urban subjects was 997 ± 333 and 979 ± 290 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.68). However, Cu levels were significantly higher in the rural females (1,063 ± 367 μg/L) than the rural males (898 ± 249 μg/L; p = 0.0085). Se levels for rural/urban subjects were 97 ± 36 and 87 ± 31 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.03). Zn levels in the rural/urban subjects were 312 ± 218 and 150 ± 102 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). Additionally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than the urban females (166 ± 103 μg/L; p = 0.0002). Finally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than males (172 ± 116 μg/L; p = 0.0028). In conclusion, Cu, Se, and Zn were higher in the rural group compared to the urban group, and the generally low Zn levels were confirmed in another cohort follow-up study.     

Zinc,Manganese, Calcium,Copper, and Cadmium Level in Scalp Hair Samples of Schizophrenic Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements present in scalp hair sample of schizophrenic patients and to find out the relationship between trace elements level and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 30 schizophrenic male patients and 30 healthy male volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Hair trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Cd concentrations of schizophrenic patients were 3.8 ± 2.31 μg/gm, 171.6 ± 59.04 μg/gm, 396.23 ± 157.83 μg/gm, 15.40 ± 5.68 μg/gm, and 1.14 ± 0.89 μg/gm of hair sample, while those of control subjects were 4.4 ± 2.32 μg/gm, 199.16 ± 27.85 μg/gm, 620.9 ± 181.55 μg/gm, 12.23 ± 4.56 μg/gm, and 0.47 ± 0.32 μg/gm of hair sample, respectively. The hair concentration of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (p = 0.024; p = 0.000, respectively) and the concentration of Cu and Cd increased significantly (p = 0.021; p = 0.000, respectively) in schizophrenic patients while the concentration of Mn (p = 0.321) remain unchanged. Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were poor, middle-aged and divorced. Mean body mass indices (BMIs) of the control group (22.26 ± 1.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (20.42 ± 3.16 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5−25.0 kg/m²). Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that only Ca concentration of patients had a significant positive correlation with the BMI (r = 0.597; p = 0.000) which was further justified from the regression analysis (R ² = 44%; t = 3.59; p = 0.002) and one-way ANOVA test (F = 3.62; p = 0.015). A significant decrease in the hair concentration of Zn and Ca as well as a significant increase in the hair concentration of Cu and Cd in schizophrenic patients than that of its control group was observed which may provide prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, further work with larger population is suggested to examine the exact correlation between trace element level and the degree of disorder.     

Relationships Between Respiratory Function Disorders and Serum Copper Levels in Copper Mineworkers

The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory function disorders that could be related to dust exposure during the production of copper mine in copper mineworkers (CMWs). The study included 75 male CMWs (mean age, 32.0 ± 7.1 years, 58.6% smokers) and 75 male age- and smoking status-matched healthy control subjects. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the CMW group (0.80 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than the control group (0.60 ± 0.39 μg/ml) (p = 0.017). Significant negative correlations were found between serum Cu level and forced expiratory volume in first second (r = −0.600; p < 0.001) and between serum Cu level and forced vital capacity (r = −0.593; p = <0.001) in CMWs. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the restrictive type pulmonary function disorders group (1.36 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than obstructive type (0.90 ± 0.55 μg/ml) and normal pulmonary function pattern group (0.53 ± 0.43 μg/ml) (p < 0.001). Patients with radiological parenchymal abnormalities had significantly higher serum copper levels than those without abnormalities (1.53 ± 0.52 vs. 0.71 ± 0.52 μg/ml, respectively; p = 0.002). In conclusion, result of the study has shown a negative association between pulmonary functions disorders and radiological abnormalities and serum Cu levels in CMWs.     

Serum Copper,Zinc, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Chronic Fluorosis

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53 ± 9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93 ± 7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92 ± 0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14 ± 16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69 ± 25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98 ± 20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57 ± 35.87μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07 ± 0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg.     

Characteristics of Se-Enriched Mycelia by Stropharia rugoso-annulata and its Antioxidant Activities in vivo

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Stropharia rugoso-annulata is a nutritional and functional mushroom containing many kinds of bioactive ingredients. The aims of this study were to investigate the Se-enrichment characteristics of S. rugoso-annulata in submerged culture and evaluate the antioxidant activities of Se-enriched mycelia in vivo in terms of the values of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The optimum parameters of Se-enrichment under the optimal Se concentration (150 μg/mL) in media were as follows: biomass 8.11 ± 0.25 g/L, Se content in mycelia 4,727.68 ± 13 μg/g, Se-accumulated rate 24.68 ± 1.67%, and percentage of organic Se 96.27 ± 3.26%. The mainly subsistent forms of selenium in Se-enriched mycelia were selenoprotein and selenium-polysaccharide. The contents of total amino acids (TAA) and essential amino acids (EAA) in Se-enriched mycelia were increased by 13.5 ± 1.09% and 12.8 ± 0.89%, respectively. It was efficient for Se-enriched mycelia to elevate GSH-Px and SOD activities and decrease MDA content. These results indicated that Se-enriched mycelia of S. rugoso-annulata represent a novel dietary source of bioavailable supplemental selenium.     

Regeneration of plants from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fraxinus americana</Emphasis> hypocotyls and cotyledons

A plant regeneration protocol was developed for white ash (Fraxinus americana L.). Hypocotyls and cotyledons excised from embryos were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) plus thidiazuron (TDZ), and compared for organogenic potential. Sixty-six percent of hypocotyl segments and 10.4% of cotyledon segments produced adventitious shoots, with a mean number of adventitious shoots per explant of 3.5 ± 0.9 and 2.5 ± 1.5, respectively. The best regeneration medium (52% shoot formation; 47% shoot elongation) for hypocotyls was MS basal medium containing 22.2 μM BA plus 0.5 μM TDZ, producing a mean of 3.9 ± 0.4 adventitious shoots. Adventitious shoots were established as proliferating shoot cultures following transfer to MS medium with Gamborg B5 vitamins supplemented with 10 μM BA plus 10 μM TDZ. For in vitro rooting, woody plant medium with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 0, 2.9, 5.7, or 8.6 μM in combination with 4.9 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was tested for a 5- or 10-d dark culture period, followed by culture under a 16-h photoperiod. The best rooting (78% to 81%) of in vitro shoots was obtained with a 5 d dark culture treatment on medium containing 2.9 or 5.7 μM IAA plus 4.9 μM IBA, with an average of 2.6 ± 0.4 roots per shoot. Rooted plants were successfully acclimatized to the greenhouse. This adventitious shoot regeneration and rooting protocol will be used as the basis for experimental studies to produce transgenic white ash with resistance to the emerald ash borer.     

Influence of Therapy with Metformin on the Concentration of Certain Divalent Cations in Patients with Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Research was performed on a group of 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who never received antidiabetic medication before, and on a group of 17 healthy adults. The patients were administered treatment with metformin, 1,000 mg/day. Plasmatic and urinary concentration of magnesium have been measured, copper and zinc along with the concentrations of glucose, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, tryglicerides, HbA1c, and total erythrocyte magnesium, in advance and after 3 months of treatment. Data showed significant differences in the NIDDM group vs the control group: for plasma magnesium—1.95 ± 0.19 vs 2.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001; urine magnesium—237.28 ± 34.51 vs 126.25 ± 38.22 mg/24 h, p < 0.001; erythrocyte magnesium—5.09 ± 0.63 vs 6.38 ± 0.75 mg/dl, p < 0.001; plasma zinc—67.56 ± 6.21 vs 98.41 ± 20.47 μg/dl, p < 0.001; urine zinc—1,347.54 ± 158.24 vs 851.65 ± 209.75 μg/24 h, p < 0.001; plasma copper—111.91 ± 20.98 vs 96.33 ± 8.56 μg/dl, p < 0.001; and urine copper—51.70 ± 23.79 vs 36.00 ± 11.70 μg/24 h, p < 0.05. Treatment with metformin for 3 months modified significant erythrocyte magnesium—5.75 ± 0.61 vs 5.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and urine magnesium—198.27 ± 27.07 vs 237.28 ± 34.51 mg/24 h, p < 0.001, whereas it did not modify significant the plasmatic and urinary concentration of the other cations. The erythrocyte magnesium concentration was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = −0.438, p = 0.015). The plasma level of copper was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.517, p < 0.003), tryglicerides (r = 0.534, p < 0.003), and cholesterol (r = 0.440, p < 0.05), and the plasma level of zinc was inversely correlated with glycemia (r = −0.399, p = 0.029). Our data show a significant action of metformin therapy, by increasing the total intraerythrocyte magnesium concentration and decreasing the urinary magnesium elimination, positively correlated with the decrease of glycemia and HbA1c in NIDDM patients.     

Plasma Leptin,Plasma Zinc,and Plasma Copper Are Associated in Elite Female and Male Judo Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare plasma leptin, plasma zinc, and plasma copper levels and their relationship in trained female and male judo athletes (n = 10 women; n = 8 men). Blood samples were obtained 24 h after training to measure plasma zinc, copper, and leptin levels. Subjects presented similar values to age (22 ± 2 years old), body mass index (24 ± 1 kg/m²), plasma zinc (17.2 ± 2 μmol/L), copper (12.5 ± 2 μmol/L), and leptin (5.6 ± 1.3 μg/L). However, height, total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, and sum of ten-skinfold thickness were higher in male than female. Plasma leptin was associated with sum of ten skinfolds in male (r = 0.91; p < 0.001) and female athletes (r = 0.84; p < 0.003). Plasma zinc was associated with leptin in males (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) while copper was associated with plasma leptin in females (r = 0.66; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that young judo athletes lost sex-related differences in leptin levels. Plasma zinc, plasma copper, and energy homeostasis may be involved in regulation of plasma leptin.     

Impact of medium volume and oxygen concentration in the incubator on pericellular oxygen concentration and differentiation of murine chondrogenic cell culture

Previous studies have demonstrated that oxygen environment is an important determinate factor of cell phenotypes and differentiation, although factors which affect pericellular oxygen concentration (POC) in murine chondrogenic cell culture remain unidentified. Oxygen concentrations in vivo were measured in rabbit musculoskeletal tissues, which were by far hypoxic compared to 20% O₂ (ranging from 2.29 ± 1.16 to 4.36 ± 0.51%). Oxygen concentrations in murine chondrogenic cell (C3H10T1/2) culture medium were monitored in different oxygen concentrations (20% or 5%) in the incubator and in different medium volumes (3,700 or 7,400 μl) within 25-cm² flasks. Chondrogenic differentiation was assessed by glycosaminoglycan production with quantitative evaluation of Alcian blue staining in 12-well culture dishes. Expression of chondrogenic genes, aggrecan, and type II collagen α1, was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Oxygen concentrations in medium decreased accordingly with the depth from medium surface, and POC at Day 6 was 18.99 ± 0.81% in 3,700-μl medium (1,480-μm depth) and 13.26 ± 0.23% in 7,400-μl medium (2,960-μm depth) at 20% O₂ in the incubator, which was 4.96 ± 0.08% (1,480-μm depth) and 2.83 ± 0.42% (2,960-μm depth) at 5% O₂, respectively. The differences of POC compared by medium volume were statistically significant (p = 0.0003 at 20% and p = 0.001 at 5%). Glycosaminoglycan production and aggrecan gene expression were most promoted when cultured in moderately low POC, 1,000 μl (2,960-μm depth) at 20% O₂ and 500 μl (1,480-μm depth) at 5% O₂ in 12-well culture dishes. We demonstrate that medium volume and oxygen concentration in the incubator affect not only POC but also chondrogenic differentiation.     

α-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-Rhamnosidase of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus terreus</Emphasis> immobilized on ferromagnetic supports

α-l-Rhamnosidase from Aspergillus terreus was covalently immobilized on the following ferromagnetic supports: polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron-hydrazide), polysiloxane/polyvinyl alcohol (POS/PVA), and chitosan. The powdered supports were magnetized by thermal coprecipitation method using ferric and ferrous chlorides, and the immobilization was carried out via glutaraldehyde. The activity of the Dacron-hydrazide (0.53 nkat/μg of protein) and POS/PVA (0.59 nkat/μg of protein) immobilized enzyme was significantly higher than that found for the chitosan derivative (0.06 nkat/μg of protein). The activity–pH and activity–temperature profiles for all immobilized enzymes did not show difference compared to the free enzyme, except the chitosan derivative that presented higher maximum temperature at 65 °C. The Dacron-hydrazide derivative thermal stability showed a similar behavior of the free enzyme in the temperature range of 40–70 °C. The POS/PVA and chitosan derivatives were stable up to 60 °C, but were completely inactivated at 70 °C. The activity of the preparations did not appreciably decrease after ten successive reuses. Apparent K _m of α-l-rhamnosidase immobilized on magnetized Dacron-hydrazide (1.05 ± 0.22 mM), POS/PVA (0.57 ± 0.09 mM), and chitosan (1.78 ± 0.24 mM) were higher than that estimated for the soluble enzyme (0.30 ± 0.03 mM). The Dacron-hydrazide enzyme derivative showed better performance than the free enzyme to hydrolyze 0.3% narigin (91% and 73% after 1 h, respectively) and synthesize rhamnosides (0.116 and 0.014 mg narirutin after 1 h, respectively).     

Cavamax W7 composite ethosomal gel of clotrimazole for improved topical delivery: development and comparison with ethosomal gel

The present research work was aimed to formulate clotrimazole encapsulated Cavamax W7 composite ethosomes by injection method for improved delivery across epidermis. 3² factorial design was used to design nine formulations (F1-F9) and compared with ethosomal formulations (F10-F12). F9 with vesicle size of 202.8 ± 4.8 nm, highest zeta potential (−83.6 ± 0.96 mV) and %EE of 98.42 ± 0.15 was selected as optimized composite ethosome and F12 as reference ethosomal formulation. As revealed by transmission electron microscopy F9 vesicles were more condensed, uniformly spherical in shape than F12 vesicles. Vesicular stability studies indicated F9 to be more stable as compared to F12. Both F9 and F12 were incorporated in carbopol 934 gel base to get G1–G8 gel formulations and evaluated for in vitro skin permeability. Cavamax W7 composite ethosomal optimized gel (G5) showed higher in vitro percent cumulative drug permeation (88.53 ± 2.10%) in 8 h and steady state flux (J _ss) of 3.39 ± 1.45 μg/cm²/min against the J _ss of 1.57 ± 0.23 μg/cm²/min for ethosomal gel (G1) and 1.13 ± 0.06 μg/cm²/min for marketed formulation. The J _ss flux of G5 was independent of amount of drug applied/unit area of skin. In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopic study of G5 depicted uniform and deeper penetration of rhodamine B (marker) in epidermis from Cavamax W7 composite ethosomal gel in comparison to G1. Finally, G5 demonstrated better (p < 0.05) antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger than G1 thus, signifying that Cavamax W7 composite ethosomes present a superior stable and efficacious vesicular system than ethosomal formulation for topical delivery of clotrimazole.     

Drug-Cyclodextrin-Vesicles Dual Carrier Approach for Skin Targeting of Anti-acne Agent

In the present study attempt was made for preparation of isotretinoin-hydroxypropyl β cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) inclusion complex and encapsulate this complex in elastic liposomes to study the effect of dual carrier approach on skin targeting of isotretinoin. The isotretinoin HP-β-CD complex was prepared by freeze-drying method and characterized by IR spectroscopy. The drug and drug-CD complex loaded elastic liposomal formulation were prepared and characterized in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo for shape, size, entrapment efficiency, no. of vesicles per cubic mm, in vitro skin permeation and deposition study, photodegradation and skin toxicity assay. The transdermal flux for different vesicular formulations was observed between 10.5 ± 0.5 to 13.9 ± 1.6 μg/cm²/h. This is about 15-21 folds higher than that obtained from drug solution (0.7 ± 0.1 μg/cm²/h) and 4-5 folds higher than obtained with drug-CD complex solution (2.7 ± 0.1 μg/cm²/h). The amount of drug deposit was found to increase significantly (p < 0.05) by cyclodextrin complexation (30.1 ± 0.1 μg). The encapsulation of this complex in elastic liposomal formulation further increases its skin deposition (262.2 ± 21 μg). The results of skin irritation study using Draize test also showed the significant reduction in skin irritation potential of isotretinoin elastic liposomal formulation in comparison to free drug. The results of the present study demonstrated that isotretinoin elastic liposomal formulation possesses great potential for skin targeting, prolonging drug release, reduction of photodegradation, reducing skin irritation and improving topical delivery of isotretinoin.     

Species and material considerations in the formation and development of microalgal biofilms

The development of microalgal biofilms has received very limited study despite its relevance in the design of photobioreactors where film growth may be advantageous for biomass separation or disadvantageous in fouling surfaces. Here, the effects of species selection, species control, and substrate properties on biofilms of Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella vulgaris were investigated. Experiments were conducted in batch culture and in continuous culture modes in a flow cell. Cell growth was monitored using confocal laser scanning microscopy and gravimetrically. Species selection and species control had significant effects on biofilm development. On non-sterile wastewater, C. vulgaris shifted from primarily planktonic (23.7% attachment) to primarily sessile (79.8% attachment) growth. The biofilms that developed in non-sterile conditions were thicker (52 ± 19 μm) than those grown in sterile conditions (7 ± 6 μm). By contrast, S. obliquus attained similar thicknesses (54 ± 31 and 53 ± 38 μm) in both sterile and non-sterile conditions. Neither species was able to dominate a non-sterile biofilm. The effect of substrate surface properties was minimal. Both species grew films of similar thickness (∼30 μm for S. obliquus, <10 μm for C. vulgaris) on materials ranging from hydrophilic (glass) to hydrophobic (polytetrafluoroethylene). Surface roughness created by micropatterning the surface with 10 μm grooves did not translate into long-term increases in biofilm thickness. The results indicate that species selection and control are more important than surface properties in the development of microalgal biofilms.     

Comparison of metabolite levels in callus of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tecoma stans</Emphasis> (L.) Juss. ex Kunth. cultured in photoperiod and darkness

Tecoma stans is a tropical plant from the Americas. Antioxidant activity and both phenolic compound and flavonoid total content were determined for callus tissue of T. stans cultured in either a set photoperiod or in darkness. Callus lines from three explant types (hypocotyls, stem, and leaf) were established on B5 culture medium supplemented with 0.5 μM 2,4-D and 5.0 μM kinetin. While leaf-derived callus grew slower under a 16-h photoperiod (specific growth rate, μ = 0.179 d⁻¹, t _D = 3.9 d) than in darkness (μ = 0.236 d⁻¹, t _D = 2.9 d), it accumulated the highest amount (p < 0.05) of both phenolics (86.6 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and flavonoids (339.6 ± 0.06 mg catechin equivalents/g). Similarly, antioxidant activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) when callus was cultured in period light than when grown in extended darkness. Antioxidant activity measured with a 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS)-based assay was 350.5 ± 15.8 mmol Trolox/g extract for callus cultured under a defined photoperiod compared to 129.1 ± 7.5 mmol Trolox/g extract from callus cultured in darkness. Content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was in agreement with a better antioxidant power (EC₅₀ = 450 μg extract/mg 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and antiradical efficiency. Results of the present study show that calli of T. stans are a source of compounds with antioxidant activity that is favored by culture under a set photoperiod.     

Serum Iron,Zinc, and Copper Concentration in Premature Graying of Hair

Premature graying of hair with unclear etiology, which is known as premature canities, is a common cause of referrals to the dermatologists. We assessed the relationship between serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations with premature canities. This study was conducted on patients under 20 years old suffering from premature canities, having a minimum of ten gray hair fibers, and referring to university hospitals of Isfahan (Iran). The results were compared with age–sex-matched controls. Demographic data and disease characteristics were recorded for two groups. We studied serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations of 66 patients and 66 controls using atomic absorption and Ferrozine methods. The mean age of studied cases was 17.8 ± 2.0 years, and the mean age of the onset of canities was 15.5 ± 3.2 years with no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). Serum copper concentration was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (90.7 ± 37.4 vs. 105.3 ± 50.2 μg/dL, P = 0.048), but serum iron concentration was significantly lower in controls compared to patients (88.8 ± 39.5 vs. 108.3 ± 48.4 μg/dL, P = 0.008). Also, there was no significant difference between patients and controls in serum zinc concentration (114.8 ± 67.8 vs. 108.2 ± 49.9 μg/dL, P = 0.285). According to these results, among copper, zinc, and iron, a low serum copper concentration may play a role in premature graying of hairs in our society. Further studies are needed to find the underlying mechanism of this relationship.     

Zinc in Postmortem Body Tissues and Fluids

Data on zinc concentration in the human body may be used to interpret the results obtained in cases of chronic and acute poisonings with zinc compounds, i.e., in clinical and forensic toxicology. In this paper, the concentrations of zinc in human tissues and body fluids obtained from autopsy cases concerning non-poisoned people (n = 203), aged from 14 to 80 years, between 1995 and 2008, are presented. The following values were found by the flame atomic absorption method (mean ± SD, median, range, in microgram per gram or microgram per milliliter): brain 10.3 ± 1.36, 10.2, 7.99–13.8 (n = 48); stomach 14.2 ± 3.63, 13.6, 8.00–22.5 (n = 71); intestines 15.7 ± 5.22, 15.8, 8.36–28.1 (n = 35); liver 39.6 ± 16.1, 36.6, 16.0–78.8 (n = 109); kidney 33.8 ± 10.1, 31.8, 16.4–60.9 (n = 93); lung 12.0 ± 3.88, 11.0, 6.13–18.7 (n = 26); spleen 14.7 ± 2.53, 14.6, 11.4–18.3 (n = 5); heart 26.5 ± 3.63, 26.7, 22.5–31.8 (n = 5); blood 6.81 ± 1.21, 7.00, 4.02–8.68 (n = 50); urine 0.69 ± 1.70, 0.60, 0.39–1.00 (n = 5), and bile 4.92 ± 1.64, 3.75, 3.20–7.09 (n = 9). The accuracy of the method was checked through the use of SRM Bovine Liver 1577b (certified: 127 ± 16 μg Zn/g, found: 117 ± 0.7 μg Zn/g (n = 6)).     

Morphological and Genetic Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saimiri boliviensis</Emphasis>

The taxonomy of Saimiri is controversial because morphological characteristics, traditionally used for identification, are insufficient to distinguish species and subspecies. Genetic studies of specimens become relevant for captive management, especially considering their frequently unknown geographical origin. We analyzed phenotypic and genetic parameters in Saimiri spp. in Argentinean zoological gardens and biological stations to provide a more accurate taxonomic identification. We studied 27 males and 19 females of Saimiri spp. The cytogenetic analysis in mitotic metaphases corroborated a modal number of 2N = 44, XX/XY, and FN = 75 for males and FN = 76 for females. G- and C-bands, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the pelage coloration pattern of all the specimens corresponded to Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis. We characterized for the first time the sperm cell morphology and morphometry (mean ± SE): total length: 71.39 ± 5.40 μm; head length: 5.71 ± 0.81 μm; head width: 3.76 ± 0.70 μm; acrosome length: 3.70 ± 0.82 μm; midpiece length: 12.20 ± 2.22 μm. Researchers can use the characterization of the sperm morphology as another parameter for taxonomic identification that, together with cytogenetic and molecular ones, would allow a more precise identification of individual Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis.     

Changes in Trace Elements during Follicular Atresia in Goat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capra hircus</Emphasis>) Ovary

Quantitative analysis of follicular fluid and granulosa cells from small, medium and large antral atretic follicles of goat (Capra hircus) ovaries was conducted to study the alterations in trace elements viz zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). The zinc content was lower in the follicular fluid (0.993 ± 0.001, 0.935 ± 0.002, 1.321 ± 0.001 μg/ml) and granulosa cells (0.867 ± 0.002, 0.801 ± 0.001, 1.073 ± 0.002 μg/mg) of small, medium, and large antral atretic follicles respectively than their respective controls. Copper quantity was higher in the follicular fluid (0.113 ± 0.001, 0.163±0.001 0.{163}\pm 0.00{1} , 0.224 ± 0.001 μg/ml) and granulosa cells (0.094 ± 0.001, 0.114 ± 0.001, 0.182 ± 0.001 μg/mg) from small, medium, and large antral atretic follicles respectively than their respective controls. Similarly, iron and manganese was also found higher in the follicular fluid and granulosa cells of small, medium, and large antral atretic follicles than their respective controls. The present study provides the basic data on trace elements that can be safely used as atretic marker and will find use in in vitro studies for fertility improvement plan. Thus, help in elevating the number of ovulations and screening of follicles to enhance the success rate in vivo and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer technology.     

Development of Spray Dried Liposomal Dry Powder Inhaler of Dapsone

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate practical feasibility of site specific pulmonary delivery of liposomal encapsulated Dapsone (DS) dry powder inhaler for prolonged drug retention in lungs as an effective alternative in prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) associated with immunocompromised patients. DS encapsulated liposomes were prepared by thin film evaporation technique and resultant liposomal dispersion was passed through high pressure homogenizer. DS nano-liposomes (NLs) were separated by ultra centrifugation and characterized. NLs were dispersed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 7.4 containing different carriers like lactose, sucrose, and hydrolyzed gelatin, and 15% l-leucine as antiadherent. The resultant dispersion was spray dried and spray dried formulation were characterized to ascertain its performance. In vitro pulmonary deposition was assessed using Andersen Cascade Impactor as per USP. NLs were found to have average size of 137 ± 15 nm, 95.17 ± 3.43% drug entrapment, and zeta potential of 0.8314 ± 0.0827 mV. Hydrolyzed gelatin based formulation was found to have low density, good flowability, particle size of 7.9 ± 1.1 μm, maximum fine particle fraction (FPF) of 75.6 ± 1.6%, mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) 2.2 ± 0.1 μm, and geometric standard deviation (GSD) 2.3 ± 0.1. Developed formulations were found to have in vitro prolonged drug release up to 16 h, and obeys Higuchi's Controlled Release model. The investigation provides a practical approach for direct delivery of DS encapsulated in NLs for site specific controlled and prolonged release behavior at the site of action and hence, may play a promising role in prevention of PCP.     

Chronic Fluoride Exposure Has a Role in Etiology of Coronary Artery Ectasia: Sialic Acid/Glycosaminoglycan Ratio

The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio was determined in 35 coronary artery ectasia patients and 35 control subjects to determine the possible role of fluoride in the etiology of the disease. The coronary artery ectasia patients and controls were selected from subjects who underwent coronary angiography. The mean serum sialic acid level was significantly lower in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) than in controls (340.3 ± 28.6 vs. 427.0 ± 15.9 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean serum glycosaminoglycan level was significantly higher in patients with CAE than in controls (5,013.1 ± 158.6 vs. 3,833.6 ± 237.1 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio in patients with coronary artery ectasia was significantly lower than in controls (0.068 ± 0.007 vs. 0.111 ± 0.005; p < 0.001). There was more than 38.7% reduction in this ratio in patients with CAE when compared with controls. We demonstrated that chronic fluoride exposure has an important role in pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia.