Caribbean maitotoxin elevates [Ca(2+)]i and activates non-selective cation channels in HIT-T15 cells.

Aim: To investigate the cytotoxic mechanism of caribbean maitotoxin (MTX-C) in mammalian cells.

Methods: We used whole-cell patch-clamp techniques and fluorescence calcium imaging to determine the cellular toxic mechanisms of MTX-C in insulin secreting HIT-T15 cells, which is a system where the effects of MTX have been observed. HIT-T15 cells stably express L-type calcium current, making it a suitable model for this study.

Occurrence and volatility of several trace elements in pulverized coal boiler.

The contents of eight trace elements(Mn, Cr, Pb, As, Se, Zn, Cd, Hg) in raw coal, bottom ash and fly ash were measured in a 220 t/h pulverized coal boiler. Factors affecting distribution of trace elements were investigated, including fly ash diameter, furnace temperature, oxygen content and trace elements' characters. One coefficient of Meij was also improved to more directly show element enrichment in combustion products.