Ecological risks associated to trace metals of contaminated sediments from a densely urbanized tropical eutrophic estuary.

The sediment contamination by trace metals in coastal aquatic ecosystems is a worldwide environmental problem, since metals can be toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulated. In case of natural events, such as storms, or anthropogenic activities, like dredging, the sediment resuspension to the water column occurs and can solubilize metals, probably increasing their bioavailability and consequently the risk to aquatic life. This study evaluated the bioavailability on reactive trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in estuarine sediments from Iguaçu and Meriti Rivers, both in the drainage basin of Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

Organic Black Beans ( L.) from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, Present More Phenolic Compounds and Better Nutritional Profile Than Nonorganic.

Brazil is the world's third largest common bean ( L.) producer, and 60% of its population consumes this legume. Although organic farming is a sustainable alternative to nonorganic agriculture, its effect on chemical composition is still controversial.

Total metal content and chemical speciation analysis of iron, copper, zinc and iodine in human breast milk using high-performance liquid chromatography separation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection.

The aim of this research was to quantify essential trace elements (iron, copper, zinc and iodine) and establish their speciation in human milk. Both the element and the species are important in new-born nutrition. Colostrum, and transitional and mature milks (25) were collected from 18 mothers of pre-term or full-term infants.

Metal accumulation in roadside soils of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: impact of traffic volume, road age, and urbanization level.

Traffic-related metal emissions have become a global concern due to their deposition in roadside soils and potential hazardous effects. This study evaluates metal levels in soils adjoining four highways of Rio de Janeiro (Linha Vermelha, Via Dutra, BR-465, and Avenida Brasil), chosen for their diverse traffic volumes, age, and urban/rural settings. In addition to soil physicochemical properties, 11 elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) were assessed on samples collected at different distances from the road (1, 3, 5, 10, 15 m) and soil depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm).

Monitoring bone changes due to calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus loss in rat femurs using Quantitative Ultrasound.

Bone mineral density is an important parameter for the diagnosis of bone diseases, as well as for predicting fractures and treatment monitoring. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) to monitor bone changes after calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium loss in rat femurs in vitro during a demineralization process. Four quantitative ultrasound parameters were estimated from bone surface echoes in eight femur diaphysis of rats.

Sediment quality in a metal-contaminated tropical bay assessed with a multiple lines of evidence approach.

A sediment quality assessment was performed near to the main industrial source of metal contamination in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil, which represents one of the worst cases of trace metal contamination reported for coastal areas. Acute and chronic toxicity tests, benthic fauna community analysis and metal bioavailability evaluations were applied to identify risks to the benthic community. Significant amphipod mortality was observed close to the major pollution source and lower copepod fertility was observed for all stations.

Marking Triatoma brasiliensis, Triatoma pseudomaculata and Rhodnius nasutus Nymphs with Trace Elements: Element Persistence and Effects of Marking on Insect Mortality.

Background: Field ecologists often rely on mark-release-recapture (MRR) experiments to estimate population dynamics parameters for a given species. In the case of a medically important taxon, i.e.

Total zinc quantification by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and its speciation by size exclusion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in human milk and commercial formulas: Importance in infant nutrition.

This paper summarises results of zinc content and its speciation in human milk from mothers of preterm and full-term infants at different stages of lactation and from synthetic formula milks. Human milk samples (colostrum, 7th, 14th, and 28th day after delivery) from Spanish and Brazilian mothers of preterm and full-term infants (and also formula milks) were collected. After adequate treatment of the sample, total Zn was determined, while speciation analysis of the Zn was accomplished by size exclusion chromatography coupled online with the ICP-MS.

Na/K-ATPase as a target for anticancer drugs: studies with perillyl alcohol.

Background: Na/K-ATPase (NKA) is inhibited by perillyl alcohol (POH), a monoterpene used in the treatment of tumors, including brain tumors. The NKA α1 subunit is known to be superexpressed in glioblastoma cells (GBM). This isoform is embedded in caveolar structures and is probably responsible for the signaling properties of NKA during apoptosis.

Na/K-ATPase assay in the intact mice lung subjected to perfusion.

Background: Among the characteristics of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is edema formation and its resolution depends on pneumocyte Na/K-ATPase activity. Increased concentration of oleic acid (OA) in plasma induces lung injury by targeting Na/K-ATPase and, thus, interfering in sodium transport.

Findings: Presently, we adapted a radioactivity-free assay to detect Na/K-ATPase activity in perfused lung mice, comparing the inhibitory effect of ouabain and OA.

Murine lung injury caused by Leptospira interrogans glycolipoprotein, a specific Na/K-ATPase inhibitor.

Background: Leptospiral glycolipoprotein (GLP) is a potent and specific Na/K-ATPase inhibitor. Severe pulmonary form of leptospirosis is characterized by edema, inflammation and intra-alveolar hemorrhage having a dismal prognosis. Resolution of edema and inflammation determines the outcome of lung injury.

Oleic acid inhibits lung Na/K-ATPase in mice and induces injury with lipid body formation in leukocytes and eicosanoid production.

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can emerge from certain pathologies, such as sepsis, fat embolism and leptospirosis, in which the levels of unesterified fatty acids are increased in the patient's plasma. ARDS is characterized by edema formation, and edema resolution occurs mainly due to the pneumocyte Na/K-ATPase activity. As previously described, increased oleic acid (OA) plasma concentrations induce lung injury by interfering with sodium transport.

The anticancer drug perillyl alcohol is a Na/K-ATPase inhibitor.

The monoterpene perillyl alcohol (POH) is a drug used in the treatment of several malignant tumors, including gliomas. The present study defines a POH inhibitory effect on Na/K-ATPase activity from kidney and brain guinea pig extracts and from a human glioblastoma cell line. This inhibition showed a high degree of selectivity toward the kidney enzyme expressing, as do glioblastoma cells, the α(1) subunit.