Protective Effects of Curcumin against Fluoride-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Brain

We examined effects of a plant polyphenolic compound, curcumin, against fluoride-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain. Five experimental groups of male rats (10 animals each) were compared. Animals of these experimental groups were treated with curcumin (10 and 20 mg/kg body mass), vitamin C (10 mg/kg), and sample solvent (0.5 ml) for a week prior to sodium fluoride intoxication. After treatment, rats of the experimental groups, except for the normal control group, were intoxicated with sodium fluoride (600 ppm through drinking water) for a week. Then, brains were collected and homogenized, and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and levels of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation final products were evaluated in the brain tissue homogenates. Treatment with curcumin prior to fluoride intoxication significantly normalized the above biochemical parameters; the intensity of protective effects of 20 mg/kg curcumin was close to that of vitamin C.     

Effect of Satureja hortensis L. essential oil on feeding efficiency and biochemical properties of Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The effect of essential oil of Satureja hortensis L. on food consumption, biochemical compounds and digestive and detoxification enzymes activity of lesser mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker was investigated. The percentage of feeding inhibition was dose dependent. The S. hortensis essential oil exhibited a significant antifeedant activity at the highest concentration used. The feeding indices such as efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), relative growth rate (RGR) and relative consumption rate (RCR) were decreased compared with the control in fifth instar larvae, while approximate digestibility (AD) index increased significantly. Results showed significant decreases in the amount of protein, lipid, carbohydrates and the activity level of α-amylase enzyme in treated larvae with S. hortensis essential oil. The activity level of detoxifying enzymes such as esterase and glutathione S-transferase were significantly affected by S. hortensis essential oil. The results of this study show high deterrence and antifeedant activity of this essential oil which deserves consideration in integrated pest management program.     

Proteolytic activity in Plagiodera versicolora Laicharting (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Characterization of digestive proteases and effect of host plants

Proteolytic profiles in the midgut of Plagiodera versicolora were studied using biochemical approaches, and the effects of host plants on possible changes in their activity were determined. Morphology of the alimentary canal revealed several areas of sections, namely bucca, pharynx, esophagus, crop, midgut, ileum, rectum and anus. A pH of 6 and 11 was found to be optimal for soluble and membrane-bound fractions, by using azocasein 2% as a substrate. Determination of specific proteases demonstrates the presence of trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like, elastase, cathepsin B, cathepsin L and cathepsin D, as well as two exopeptidases. Regarding site of activity for each specific protease, it was found that the major activity of cathepsin B and cathepsin L was in the soluble fraction, chymotrypsin, cathepsin D and two exopeptidases in membrane-bound fraction. Additionally, trypsin-like and elastase activities had no significant differences between fractions. The presence of the above mentioned specific proteases was verified using the specific inhibitors PMSF, TLCK, TPCK, cystatin, phenanthroline and DTT. Feeding of the beetle on four host plants: including Salix aegyptica, S. alba, Populus alba and P. caspica, from the 1st larval instar to adult, revealed the highest trypsin-, chymotrypsin-like and elastase activities in the individuals fed on S. aegyptica and S. alba, respectively. Regarding cathepsins B and L, the highest activities were observed on S. alba and S. aegypticum but cathepsin D was higher in S. Alba and P. alba. Feeding on S. alba and S. aegypticum showed the highest activities of amino- and carboxy-peptidases, respectively.     

Acid-Generating and Leaching Potential of Soils in a Coal Waste Rock Pile in Northeastern China

The present study involved the assessment of potential generation of acid drainage and also metal leaching from an abandoned large (175 m) low sulfur waste rock pile—the dominant mine waste at the site—at the Haizhou coal mine. Laboratory-based static and column leaching tests on waste rock samples were conducted. The static tests were done for 8 composite samples collected from different parts of pile. A column study was performed using mixture of waste rock soil samples to assess metals attenuation process of background soils in vicinity of pile when rainwater reacts with low-sulfide waste rocks. Total concentration of major elements in solid samples was determined using dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and chemical analysis of leachate were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), ion chromatography and titration methods. The inverse geochemical modeling using PHREEQC was applied to explain possible mass transfer processes between column leachates of waste pile and background soils. Static tests (including acid–base accounting (ABA) and net acid generation (NAG)) and mineralogical information suggest that the waste rock is non-acid generating. The large amount of aluminosilicate minerals and probably trace amounts of carbonates with respect to low sulfur content of waste rock pile represents a potentially large source of neutralization potential according to static test results. It was also found that presence of inherent neutralizing materials in waste rock and also in surrounding background soils provide sufficient neutrality and possibly immobilize the trace and heavy metal contents of waste rocks and potentially protects water resources.     

Changes in immune responses of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner followed by feeding on Knotgrass,Polygonum persicaria agglutinin

There is no study implying the effect of plant lectins on insect immune elements in both challenged and non‐challenged conditions with entomopathogenic agents. Lectins may bind to immune receptors on the surface of insect hemocytes, thus inducing or even disabling common immune functions including hemocyte counts, nodulation/encapsulation, phenoloxidase activity, and synthesis of antimicrobial peptides. In the present study, effect of Polygonum persicaria L. agglutinin (PPA) on immune responses of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner was investigated by feeding artificial diet treated to the larvae. Subsequently hemocyte count and expression of some immune‐related genes were considered for analyses. The two groups of larvae including control and PPA‐treated (1%) were divided into four subgroups of intact, Tween‐80 injected, latex‐bead injected and Beauveria bassiana‐injected. Except for intact larvae, the highest numbers of total and differential hemocyte counts were recorded 12 hr postinjection, however, the PPA‐fed larvae showed a significantly lower hemocyte counts compared to control. The number of nodules in PPA‐fed larvae was significantly lower than control, but the injected larvae of both control and PPA showed the highest nodulation 24 hr postinjection. Although the highest activity of phenoloxidase was observed 12 and 24 hr postinjection but its activity significantly decreased in PPA‐fed larvae compared to control. Gene expression of antimicrobial peptides including attacin, cecropin, and peptidoglycan receptor proteins were significantly decreased in artificial diet‐fed larvae containing PPA and then injected by B. bassiana spores and latex bead compared to control. These results clearly indicate adverse effects of PPA on immune responses in H. armigera.     

Influence of meteorological parameters and PM2.5 on the level of culturable airborne bacteria and fungi in Abadan,Iran

In recent years, monitoring of airborne bacteria and fungi concentrations has obtained increasing universal attraction not only for influences on ecological balance but also for evaluating their public health consequences. In this study, we aimed to investigate culturable airborne bacteria and fungi levels in different sites of Abadan, and their association with meteorological parameters and PM_2.5 levels. Abadan is one of the most industrialized cities in the southwest of Iran where over the current decade has experienced lots of dust storm episodes. In total, 400 air samples were collected in 6 months (autumn and winter) using a single-stage viable Andersen cascade impactor for sampling airborne bacteria and fungi and portable DustTrak Aerosol Monitor 8520 for measuring PM_2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters. Microbial concentrations showed a significant difference between various sites over the study period with averages of 569.57?±?312.64 and 482.73?±?242.86 CFU/M³ for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The air temperature had a significant effect on the concentration of both airborne bacteria and fungi. A significant positive correlation between relative humidity and fungi but no correlation between relative humidity and bacteria concentrations were observed. The average airborne PM_2.5 concentrations of all sites among the study period was 93.24?±?116.72 μg/m³. The atmospheric bacterial and fungal communities were strongly positively correlated with the ambient PM_2.5 level. The levels of airborne bacteria and fungi along with PM_2.5 in the air of the city were relatively higher than the recommended levels. Therefore, the best course of action is needed to control emission sources. Further studies are also needed to evaluate the clinical analysis of the health effects of exposure to these pollutants.

     

Flow-injection analysis with electrochemical detection of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide using 2,6-dichloroindophenol as a redox coupling agent

The determination of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) by electrochemical oxidation requires a more positive potential than is predicted by the formal reduction potential for the NAD+/NADH couple. This problem is alleviated by use of 2,6-dichloroindophenol (DCIP) as a redox coupling agent for NADH. The electrochemical characteristics of DCIP at the glassy carbon electrode are examined by cyclic voltammetry and hydrodynamic voltammetry. NADH is determined by reaction with DCIP to form NAD+ and DCIPH2. DCIPH2 is then quantitated by flow-injection analysis with electrochemical detection by oxidation at a detector potential of +0.25 V at pH 7. NADH is determined over a linear range of 0.5 to 200 microM and with a detection limit of 0.38 microM. The lower detection potential for DCIPH2 compared to NADH helps to minimize interference from oxidizable components in serum samples.     

Assessment of microbial aerosol emissions in an urban wastewater treatment plant operated with activated sludge process

Wastewater that enters wastewater treatment plants contains lots of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms which can become bioaerosols during treatment processes and pose health hazard to workers and nearby residents. The emission of the bioaerosols from an urban wastewater treatment plant in spring and summer in different locations and downwind of the plant adopting an extended mechanical aeration system was investigated. Samples of bacteria and fungi were collected within 6 months at 10 selected points by an Anderson one-stage impactor. The highest concentration of bacteria (mean 1373 CFU/m³, 741–2817 CFU/m³) and fungi (mean 1384 CFU/m³, 212–1610 CFU/m³) was found in downwind of the aeration basins. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between concentration of bacterial bioaerosols at downwind side of the aeration basins and wind speed (p value <0.05) and temperature (p value <0.05). Also, in the spring and summer, between the number of bacteria and fungi inside the plant and outside the plant (downwind) a significant correlation was observed (p value ≤0.05). The concentrations of bacteria at a distance of 500 m downwind were much higher than those at the background (upwind) point in spring and summer. The processes of wastewater treatment especially using mechanical equipment to create turbulence can be considered as a major source of spreading airborne microorganisms to ambient air of wastewater treatment plants, and the bioaerosols can be dispersed to downwind distances affecting the nearby neighboring. Therefore, in order to decrease the bioaerosols emission, doing some course of actions such as covering the surface of aeration basins, changing the aeration methods and aeration equipment (e. g using diffuser aerator) may be effective.     

Combination effect of PectaSol and Doxorubicin on viability, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in DU-145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines

The effect of PectaSol on Dox (Doxorubicin) cytotoxicity in terms of apoptosis and cell cycle changes in PCa (prostate cancer) cell lines (DU‐145 and LNCaP) has been investigated. Combination of PectaSol and Dox resulted in a viability of 29.4 and 32.6% (P<0.001) in DU‐145 and LNCaP cells. The IC₅₀ values decreased 1.5‐fold and 1.3‐fold in the DU‐145 and LNCaP cells respectively. In the DU‐145 cells, combination of PectaSol and Dox resulted in a reduction in p27 gene and protein expression (P<0.001). In LNCaP cells, this combination increased p53, p27 and Bcl‐2 expression. Treatment with both drugs in DU‐145 cells led to an increase in sub‐G₁ arrest (54.6% compared with 12.2% in Dox). In LNCaP cells, combination of the drugs led to an increased in G₂/M arrest (61.7% compared with 53.6% in Dox). Based on these findings, progressive cytotoxicity effect of Dox and PectaSol together rapidly induce cell death in DU‐145 through apoptosis and in LNCaP cells through cell cycle arrest (G₂/M arrest).