Intérêt de la heart-fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) dans la prise en charge des syndromes coronariens aigus

Heart fatty-acid binding protein (h-FABP) is a small cytosolic protein (15 kDa) that is abundant in the heart. Its concentration in the plasma of healthy persons is relatively low (<6 μg/L). The h-FABP is rapidly released into the circulation from damaged myocardium and is cleared from the circulation by the kidney with a plasma half-time of 20 min. Analysis of the release kinetics of h-FABP revealed that levels were elevated above the cutoff level within 2 h after the onset of acute myocardial infarction, peaked at 4 h, and were complete within 20 h. Several studies indicate its usefulness in cardiology: exclusion of acute myocardial infarction, detection of reperfusion, prognostic value… Additional studies are needed to confirm these data and to specify its diagnostic and prognostic usefulness in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The use of this biological test seems to be most interesting in the prehospital phase than in the hospital phase.     

Antioxidant activity of blueberry fruit is impaired by association with milk

The antioxidant properties of dietary phenolics are believed to be reduced in vivo because of their affinity for proteins. In this study we assessed the bioavailability of phenolics and the in vivo plasma antioxidant capacity after the consumption of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) with and without milk. In a crossover design, 11 healthy human volunteers consumed either (a) 200 g of blueberries plus 200 ml of water or (b) 200 g of blueberries plus 200 ml of whole milk. Venous samples were collected at baseline and at 1, 2, and 5 h postconsumption. Ingestion of blueberries increased plasma levels of reducing and chain-breaking potential (+ 6.1%, p < 0.001; + 11.1%, p < 0.05) and enhanced plasma concentrations of caffeic and ferulic acid. When blueberries and milk were ingested there was no increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. There was a reduction in the peak plasma concentrations of caffeic and ferulic acid (? 49.7%, p < 0.001, and ? 19.8%, p < 0.05, respectively) as well as the overall absorption (AUC) of caffeic acid (p < 0.001). The ingestion of blueberries in association with milk, thus, impairs the in vivo antioxidant properties of blueberries and reduces the absorption of caffeic acid.     

Remarkable antioxidant properties of a series of hydroxy-3-arylcoumarins

In the present work we synthesized a series of hydroxy-3-arylcoumarins (compounds 1–9), some of them previously described as MAO-B selective inhibitors, with the aim of evaluating their antioxidant properties. Theoretical evaluation of ADME properties of all the derivatives was also carried out. From the ORAC-FL, ESR and CV data it was concluded that these derivatives are very good antioxidants, with a very interesting hydroxyl, DPPH and superoxide radicals scavenging profiles. In particular compound 9 is the most active and effective antioxidant of the series (ORAC-FL = 13.5, capacity of scavenging hydroxyl radicals = 100%, capacity of scavenging DPPH radicals = 65.9% and capacity of scavenging superoxide radicals = 71.5%). Kinetics profile for protection fluorescein probe against peroxyl radicals by addition of antioxidant molecule 9 was also performed. Therefore, it can operate as a potential candidate for preventing or minimizing the free radicals overproduction in oxidative-stress related diseases.     

Correlations among antiangiogenic factors and trace elements in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Although a number of studies have measured circulating levels of some trace elements in preeclampsia (PE) and compared to healthy pregnant (HP), there is no consensus yet about the deficiency of some metals and development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare plasmatic levels of Zn, Mn, Co, Cu, Se and Sr among non-pregnant (NP), healthy pregnant (HP), gestational hypertensive (GH) and preeclamptic (PE) women and to correlate these levels with plasma soluble endoglin (sENG) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1), two important antiangiogenic proteins related to PE. A total of 184 women were enrolled in this study (NP = 35, GH = 51, PE = 37 and HP = 61). Trace element analyses were carried out with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS). sENG and sFLT-1 plasma concentrations were measured by commercial ELISA kits. The most interesting result is that Sr is higher in PE (63%, P < 0.001) compared to HP and their levels are positively correlated with sENG in all three groups of pregnant women. Moreover, we found a negative correlation between Zn and sENG in HP (r = −0.43, P = 0.003). Regarding other elements, we found similar levels among pregnant groups. In conclusion, this study showed that Sr may has a role in physiopathology of PE.     

Evaluation of effect of high frequency electromagnetic field on growth and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria

This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of high frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF at 900 and 1800 MHz) on DNA, growth rate and antibiotic susceptibility of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa. In this study, bacteria were exposed to 900 and 1800 MHz for 2 h and then inoculated to new medium when their growth rate and antibiotic susceptibility were evaluated. Results for the study of bacterial DNA unsuccessful to appearance any difference exposed and non-exposed S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Exposure of S. epidermidis and S. aureus to electromagnetic fields mostly produced no statistically significant decrease in bacterial growth, except for S. aureus when exposure to 900 MHz at 12 h. Exposure of P. aeruginosa to electromagnetic fields at 900 MHz however, lead to a significant reduction in growth rate, while 1800 MHz had insignificant effect. With the exception of S. aureus, treated with amoxicillin (30 µg) and exposed to electromagnetic fields, radiation treatment had no significant effect on bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics.     

Plasma globotriaosylsphingosine: Diagnostic value and relation to clinical manifestations of Fabry disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder due to deficiency of alpha-Galactosidase A, causing accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and elevated plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lysoGb3). The diagnostic value and clinical relevance of plasma lysoGb3 concentration was investigated. All male and adult female patients with classical Fabry disease could be discerned by an elevated plasma lysoGb3. In young pre-symptomatic Fabry heterozygotes, lysoGb3 levels can be normal. Individuals carrying the R112H and P60L mutations, without classical Fabry symptoms, showed no elevated plasma lysoGb3. Multiple regression analysis showed that there is no correlation of plasma lysoGb3 concentration with total disease severity score in Fabry males. However, plasma lysoGb3 concentration did correlate with white matter lesions (odds ratio: 6.1 per 100 nM lysoGb3 increase (95% CI: 1.4–25.9, p = 0.015). In females, plasma lysoGb3 concentration correlated with overall disease severity. Furthermore, plasma lysoGb3 level was related to left ventricular mass (19.5 ± 5.5 g increase per 10 nM lysoGb3 increase; p = 0.001). In addition, it was assessed whether lifetime exposure to lysoGb3 correlates with disease manifestations. Male Fabry patients with a high lysoGb3 exposure (> 10,000 U), were moderately or severely affected, only one mildly. Female patients with a low exposure (< 1000 U) were asymptomatic or mildly affected. A large proportion of the females with an exposure > 1000 U showed disease complications. Plasma lysoGb3 is useful for the diagnosis of Fabry disease. LysoGb3 is an independent risk factor for development of cerebrovascular white matter lesions in male patients and left ventricular hypertrophy in females. Disease severity correlates with exposure to plasma lysoGb3.     

A sensitive LC–MS/MS method for quantification of a nucleoside analog in plasma: Application to in vivo rat pharmacokinetic studies

A LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for determination of nucleoside analog (NA) in rat plasma. The method run time was 6 min and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was estimated at 100 pg/mL. The extraction procedure consisted on plasma samples protein precipitation with an acetonitrile solution which contained the stable isotope labeled internal standard (IS). Chromatography was performed on a newly developed C₁₆ column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) in order to avoid the use ion pair salts. The samples were eluted at 0.8 mL/min with a gradient of mobile phase made of water and acetonitrile both acidified with 0.5% acetic acid and 0.025% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). A tandem mass spectrometer was used as a detector for quantitative analysis. Intra-run and inter-run precision and accuracy within ±15% were achieved during a 3-run validation for quality control samples at four concentration levels in rat plasma, over a concentration ranging between 0.1 and 1000 ng/mL. The data indicate that our LC–MS/MS assay is an effective method for the pharmacokinetics study of NA in rat plasma.     

An air-lift biofilm reactor for the production of γ-decalactones by Yarrowia lipolytica

Decalactones are interesting flavouring compounds that can be produced from ricinoleic acid. In this study, the production of lactones in biofilms using Yarrowia lipolytica is investigated. The hydrophobia of cells increased for increased aeration rates resulting in higher adhesion when the reactor wall was hydrophobic (plastic). To increase adhesion, sheets of methyl-polymethacrylate (PMMA) were added in the reactor and the production of lactones increased with the surface of plastic added, reaching 850 mg/L of 3-hydroxy-γ-decalactone for 60 cm². In an Airlift bioreactor made of PMMA, biofilms were present at the top of the reactor for increased aeration. In the meantime, a metabolic shift occurred resulting in high amounts of 3-hydroxy-γ-decalactone. At 0.493 vvm and 61 h of culture, the dissolved oxygen ratio was of 28.6% and cells grew to only 1.29 × 10⁶ cells/mL in the liquid medium but 3-hydroxy-γ-decalactone accumulated to 1.7 g/L instead of less than 0.3 mg/L for lower aeration. Adhering cells had a particular elongated shape intermediate between the yeast and the pseudofilamentous forms. It is concluded that adhering Y. lipolytica cells are in a specific physiological state changing their structure but also their metabolic properties and these properties make them good candidate for simple immobilisation process.     

Cellulose nanocrystal cationic derivative induces NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent IL-1β secretion associated with mitochondrial ROS production

Crystalline cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have emerged as novel materials for a wide variety of important applications such as nanofillers, nanocomposites, surface coatings, regenerative medicine and potential drug delivery. CNCs have a needle-like structure with sizes in the range of 100–200 nm long and 5–20 nm wide and a mean aspect ratio 10–100. Despite the great potential applicability of CNCs, very little is known about their potential immunogenicity. Needle-like materials have been known to evoke an immune response in particular to activate the (NOD-like receptor, pyrin domain-containing 3)-inflammasome/IL-1β (Interleukin 1β) pathway. In this study we evaluated the capacity of unmodified CNC and its cationic derivatives CNC-AEM (aminoethylmethacrylate)1, CNC-AEM2, CNC-AEMA(aminoethylmethacrylamide)1 and CNC-AEMA2 to stimulate NLRP3-inflammasome/IL-1β pathway and enhance the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mouse macrophage cell line (J774A.1) was stimulated for 24 h with 50 µg/mL with unmodified CNC and its cationic derivatives. Alternatively, J774A1 or PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) were stimulated with CNC-AEMA2 in presence or absence of LPS (lipopolysaccharide). IL-1β secretion was analyzed by ELISA, mitochondrial function by JC-1 staining and ATP content. Intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by DCF-DA (2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) and MitoSOX, respectively. Mitochondrial ROS and extracellular ATP were significantly increased in cells treated with CNC-AEMA2, which correlates with the strongest effects on IL-1β secretion in non-primed cells. CNC-AEMA2 also induced IL-1βsecretion in LPS-primed and non-primed PBMCs. Our data suggest that the increases in mitochondrial ROS and ATP release induced by CNC-AEMA2 may be associated with its capability to evoke immune response. We demonstrate the first evidence that newly synthesized cationic cellulose nanocrystal derivative, CNC-AEMA2, has immunogenic properties, which may lead to the development of a potential non-toxic and safe nanomaterial to be used as a novel adjuvant for vaccines.     

Simultaneous quantification of the organophosphorus pesticides dimethoate and omethoate in porcine plasma and urine by LC–ESI-MS/MS and flow-injection-ESI-MS/MS

Dimethoate is an organophosphorus toxicant used in agri- and horticulture as a systemic broad-spectrum insecticide. It also exhibits toxic activity towards mammalian organism provoked by catalytic desulfuration in the liver producing its oxon-derivative omethoate thus inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, initiating cholinergic crisis and ultimately leading to death by respiratory paralysis and cardiovascular collapse. Pharmaco- and toxicokinetic studies in animal models help to broaden basic understanding of medical intervention by antidotes and supportive care. Therefore, we developed and validated a LC–ESI-MS/MS method suitable for the simultaneous, selective, precise (RSD_intra-day 1–8%; RSD_inter-day 5–14%), accurate (intra-day: 95–107%; inter-day: 90–115%), and robust quantification of both pesticides from porcine urine and plasma after deproteinization by precipitation and extensive dilution (1:11,250 for plasma and 1:40,000 for urine). Accordingly, lower limits of quantification (0.24–0.49 μg/ml plasma and 0.78–1.56 μg/ml urine) and lower limits of detection (0.12–0.24 μg/ml plasma and 0.39–0.78 μg/ml urine) were equivalent to quite low absolute on-column amounts (1.1–2.1 pg for plasma and 2.0–3.9 pg for urine). The calibration range (0.24–250 μg/ml plasma and 0.78–200 μg/ml urine) was subdivided into two linear ranges (r² ≥ 0.998) each covering nearly two orders of magnitude. The lack of any interfering peak in 6 individual blank specimens from plasma and urine demonstrated the high selectivity of the method. Furthermore, extensive sample dilution causing lowest concentration of potentially interfering matrix ingredients prompted us to develop and validate an additional flow-injection method (FI-ESI-MS/MS). Validation characteristics were as good as for the chromatographic method but sample throughput was enhanced by a factor of 6. Effects on ionization provoked by plasma and urine matrix from 6 individuals as well as in the presence of therapeutics (antidotes) administered in an animal study were investigated systematically underling in the reliability of the presented methods. Both methods were applied to porcine samples derived from an in vivo animal study.     

Pulsed extremely low-frequency magnetic fields stimulate microvesicle release from human monocytic leukaemia cells

Microvesicles are released from cell surfaces constitutively during early apoptosis or upon activation with various stimuli including sublytic membrane attack complex (MAC). This study shows that an alternating current, pulsed, extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (0.3 μT at 10 Hz, 6 V AC) induced transient plasma membrane damage that allowed calcium influx. This in turn caused a release of stimulated microvesicles (sMV). When extracellular calcium was chelated with EGTA, sMV biogenesis initiated by ELFMF was markedly reduced and the reduction was less than when the stimulation was the deposition of sublytic MAC. This suggested that pulsed ELFMF resulted in transcellular membrane pores causing organelles to leak additional calcium into the cytoplasm (which EGTA would not chelate) which itself can lead to sMV release.     

Serum zinc is associated with plasma leptin and Cu–Zn SOD in elite male basketball athletes

This paper investigates the relationship between plasma trace element and plasma leptin, as well as percent fat mass, in 16 male basketball athletes. Blood samples were obtained before intensive training and 24 h after intensive training to measure plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and leptin levels. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total and cholesterol (TC) levels were determined using commercially available kits for humans. Subjects presented similar values in terms of age (21.1 ± 2.2 years old), body mass index (23.9 ± 2.00 kg/m²), percent body fat (14.40 ± 1.52%), plasma hemoglobin (150.1 ± 9.4 g/L), plasma Zn (17.47 ± 1.28 μmol/l), plasma Cu (13.42 ± 1.40 μmol/L), plasma Ca (2.41 ± 0.14 mmol/L), and plasma Mg (0.96 ± 0.02 mmol/L). The correlation analysis between degree of plasma leptin and plasma element contents was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software. Plasma Zn correlated positively with plasma leptin (r = 0.746, P < 0.01), Cu–Zn SOD (r = 0.827, P < 0.01), and negatively with percent fat mass (r = –0.598, P < 0.05) under no-training conditions. Meanwhile, plasma Cu, Ca, Mg, and Fe did not correlate with plasma leptin or percent fat mass (P > 0.05). In conclusion, plasma Zn may be involved in the regulation of plasma leptin and may serve as a lipid-mobilizing factor in Chinese men's basketball athletes.     

Scopolamine,anisodamine and hyoscyamine production by Brugmansia candida hairy root cultures in bioreactors

Hyoscyamine, anisodamine (6β-hydroxyhyoscyamine) and scopolamine are tropane alkaloids produced by plants belonging to the Solanaceae family such as Brugmansia candida. These alkaloids were traditionally used in medicine because of their anticholinergic activity. Further therapeutical properties for anisodamine were recently described renewing the interest in these alkaloids. The scaling-up of hairy root cultures is an interesting strategy for the pharmaceutical production of these compounds instead of the isolation from plants. In this work, B. candida hairy roots were cultured in a modified 1.5 L stirred tank in order to analyze an alternative production system of scopolamine and anisodamine. It was found that these cultures produced an increased biomass and alkaloids concentration compared to the processes carried out in Erlenmeyer flasks. Anisodamine was the predominant alkaloid reaching a maximum concentration of 10.05 ± 0.76 mg/g DW in modified bioreactor culture system. The results obtained in this work are potentially applicable for the rational scale-up of the process.     

Baicalin upregulates the genetic expression of antioxidant enzymes in Type-2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

AimThe primary purpose of this study was to characterize and investigate the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of the flavonoid baicalin in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.Main methodsFour groups of Goto-Kakizaki rats (n = 6) were subjected to the following oral treatments for 30 days: (1) metformin — 500 mg/kg (2) baicalin — 120 mg/kg (3) metformin 500 mg/kg and baicalin — 120 mg/kg (4) vehicle treated diabetic controls receiving distilled water. The plasma glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, lipid peroxide and protein carbonyl contents were measured on a weekly basis. Following the completion of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their blood, heart, pancreatic and hepatic tissues were collected for analysis. The antioxidant enzyme activities as well as their expression were quantified using Western Blot, microarray and RT-PCR.Key findingsThe respective analyses showed that the baicalin- and the metformin and baicalin-treated groups had statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in the activity and expression of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) compared with vehicle- and metformin-treated groups. Further complementing the antioxidant enzyme activity increases, the oxidative stress markers of plasma lipid peroxide and protein carbonyl contents were reduced in these groups as well. These treatment groups also had reduced plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared with vehicle-treated and metformin-treated groups (p < 0.05).SignificanceBaicalin was an efficient antioxidant in reducing hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress through the increased expression of antioxidant enzyme activities. It was also an efficient anti-hypertriglyceridemic as well as anti-hypercholesterolemic agent compared with metformin.     

Control the egg hatchling process of Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) by water spraying and submersion

Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) is an invasive snail species that has become a serious pest of rice and other hydrophytes. Usually it is aquatic but likes to lay its eggs higher than the waterline. In order to seek a feasible and efficient way to control the egg hatchling of this pest, here we systematically studied the effects of water spraying and submersion on its egg hatchling rates and durations. Our results demonstrated that water spraying and submersion could dramatically decrease the hatchling rates to maximal 5.8% and increase the hatchling duration up to 26.4 days on P. canaliculata. Not only the beginning time of water treatment, but also the frequencies of the water spraying is critical to control the hatchling rate and duration of P. canaliculata. Water submersion that began in 12 h after the eggs laid and lasted at least 48 h will significantly decrease the snails’ hatchling rates and extend the hatchling time. In addition, compared to spraying, the water submersion could achieve more remarkable effects. The capsule of the snail’s egg is able to withstand the water treatment. Based on our water spraying and submersion results, it can be inferred that 0–6 h after egg being laid, egg capsule precipitates are beginning to form, and this process will complete after 12–24 h. This special breeding characteristic of P. canaliculata makes the physical control by water treatment become feasible.     

Optimized rapeseed oil enriched with healthy micronutrients: a relevant nutritional approach to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Results of the Optim'Oils randomized intervention trial

Rapeseeds are naturally rich in cardioprotective micronutrients but refining leads to substantial losses or the production of undesirable compounds. The Optim'Oils European project proposed innovative refining conditions to produce an optimized rapeseed oil enriched in micronutrients and low in trans linolenic acid. We aimed to investigate cardioprotective properties of this Optimized oil. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled, cross-over study, 59 healthy normolipidaemic men consumed either Optimized or Standard rapeseed oils (20 g/d) and margarines (22 g/d) for 3 weeks. The Optimized oil reduced the trans FA concentration (p = 0.009) and increased the contents of alpha-tocopherol (p = 0.022) and coenzyme Q10 (p < 0.001) in comparison with the Standard oil. Over the 3-week trial, Total-/HDL-cholesterol and LDL-/HDL-cholesterol were increased by 4% (p < 0.05) with the Standard oil consumption whereas none of them rose with the Optimized rapeseed oil which increased the HDL-cholesterol and ApoA1 plasma content (+ 2%, NS and + 3%, p < 0.05 respectively). The effects observed on the plasma HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.059), the Total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p = 0.092), and on the ApoA1 concentrations (p = 0.060) suggest an improvement of the cholesterol profile with the Optimized rapeseed oil. Finally, the Optimized oil reduced the plasma content of LDLox (-6%, NS), this effect being significantly different from the Standard oil (p = 0.050). In conclusion, reasonable intake of an Optimized rapeseed oil resulting from innovative refining processes and enriched in cardioprotective micronutrients represent a relevant nutritional approach to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving the cholesterol profile and reducing LDL oxidation.     

Degradation of carbofuran by Trametes versicolor in rice husk as a potential lignocellulosic substrate for biomixtures: From mineralization to toxicity reduction

Biopurification systems for the treatment of pesticide-containing wastewaters contain a biomixture constituted by low-cost materials (soil, lignocellulosic substrates and humic components). In particular, the use of bioaugmented lignocellulosic materials as part of the biomixture components has been scarcely studied. The use of the fungus Trametes versicolor grown in rice husk (RH) was evaluated as an option of lignocellulosic bioaugmented substrate of potential application in biomixtures for carbofuran (CFN) elimination. RH supported growth and activity of the fungus, as evidenced visually and by laccase activity. The system was able to degrade 55.1% CFN in 34 d with a half-life of 29.9 d, and produced 3-hydroxycarbofuran (but not 3-ketocarbofuran) as a transformation product. This metabolite was successfully eliminated during the process. Moreover, a small fraction of CFN was mineralized (7.4%) within 64 d. Toxicological evaluation revealed a marked detoxification during the process, achieving an 89% decrease in the toxicity after 34 d. Overall performance of the bioaugmented substrate indicates that RH/T. versicolor is an interesting option to take into account in the design of biomixtures for pesticide degradation.     

Postoperative acute kidney injury is associated with hemoglobinemia and an enhanced oxidative stress response

Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently afflicts patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass and independently predicts death. Both hemoglobinemia and myoglobinemia are independent predictors of postoperative AKI. Release of free hemeproteins into the circulation is known to cause oxidative injury to the kidneys. This study tested the hypothesis that postoperative AKI is associated with both enhanced intraoperative hemeprotein release and increased lipid peroxidation assessed by measuring F₂-isoprostanes and isofurans. In a case–control study nested within an ongoing randomized trial of perioperative statin treatment and AKI, we compared levels of F₂-isoprostanes and isofurans with plasma levels of free hemoglobin and myoglobin in 10 cardiac surgery AKI patients to those of 10 risk-matched controls. Peak plasma free hemoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in AKI subjects (289.0 ± 37.8 versus 104.4 ± 36.5 mg/dl, P = 0.01), whereas plasma myoglobin concentrations were similar between groups. The change in plasma F₂-isoprostane and isofuran levels (repeated-measures ANOVA, P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively) as well as the change in urine isofuran levels (P = 0.04) was significantly greater in AKI subjects. In addition, change in peak plasma isofuran levels correlated not only with peak free plasma hemoglobin concentrations (r² = 0.39, P = 0.001) but also with peak change in serum creatinine (r² = 0.20, P = 0.01). Postoperative AKI is associated with both enhanced intraoperative hemeprotein release and enhanced lipid peroxidation. The correlations among hemoglobinemia, lipid peroxidation, and AKI indicate a potential role for hemeprotein-induced oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of postoperative AKI.     

High levels of plasma selenium are associated with metabolic syndrome and elevated fasting plasma glucose in a Chinese population: A case-control study

BackgroundSelenium is important for human health and involved in various metabolic processes. Deficiency of selenium associates with increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. There has been an increase use of selenium supplements for the treatment of autoimmune thyroid conditions. However, the potential biological effects of selenium overload arouse the public concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of plasma selenium concentrations of adults with metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese population.MethodsA matched case-control study including 204 metabolic syndrome patients and 204 healthy controls was conducted in 2012. The MS cases were defined according to the criteria of Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS). Healthy controls without abnormality of metabolic components were matched with cases in age, gender and region. Plasma concentrations of selenium were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer.ResultsThe median levels of plasma selenium in MS group were 146.3 (107.3–199.4) μg/L, which were significantly higher than that in the control group (127.4: 95.7–176.0) μg/L; Plasma levels of selenium were related to the risk of MS in dose-response manner. Risk of MS was significantly higher in subjects with plasma selenium in the highest tertile (T3: ≥176.0 μg/L) compared to those in the lowest tertile (T1: <95.7 μg/L) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.416 (95% CI: 1.289–4.526)]. The plasma levels of selenium were positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r_s = 0.268, P < 0.001). Plasma selenium at the median (T2: 95.7–176.0 μg/L) or upper tertile (T3: ≥176.0 μg/L) was associated with increased risk of elevated FPG (defined by FPG ≥ 6.1 mmol/L) as compared with the lowest tertile (T1: ≤95.7 μg/L) [T2 vs. T1, OR = 3.487 (1.738–6.996); T3 vs. T1, OR = 6.245 (3.005–12.981)].ConclusionsHigher levels of plasma selenium might increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and elevated fasting plasma glucose. Selenium supplements should be used with prudence for CVD and cancer prevention.     

Time and frequency of thiamethoxam application for control of Japanese gall-forming thrips,Ponticulothrips diospyrosi (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) on persimmon

Ponticulothrips diospyrosi Haga et Okajima has several characteristic features of damage, such as leaf rolling and dotted scars on fruit skin. The objectives of this study were to find out the optimum timing and frequency of insecticide application to reduce this damage. The effect of spraying twice at a 7-day interval before adult immigration was tested. The efficacy of the insecticide was delayed by the favorable microhabitat produced by adults and offspring within damaged leaf. Twice spraying in 2005 was effective in reducing the number of surviving insects and damaged leaves 1 month later. The time of adult immigration was coincident with the growth of persimmon shoots to 2 cm approximately, or the stage of four to five leaves, on April 22. Spraying three times in 2006 was the most effective, starting the first spray at the five to six leaf stage, immediately before immigration, and the second 9 days later (on immigration), and the third after the flowers faded. By using this control regime, no leaves were damaged, and residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolite were trace levelled when they were analysed by HPLC in late October. The growers could obtain the highest portion of marketable fruits, > 99%, yielding an acceptable net income.