Investigations of Heavy Metal Ion Sorption Using Nanocomposites of Iron-Modified Biochar.

Magnetic biochar nanocomposites were obtained by modification of biochar by zero-valent iron. The article provides information on the impact of contact time, initial Cd(II), Co(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II) ion concentrations, dose of the sorbents, solution pH and temperature on the adsorption capacity. On the basis of experiments, it was found that the optimum parameters for the sorption process are phase contact time 360 min (after this time, the equilibrium of all concentrations is reached), the dose of sorbent equal to 5 g/dm3, pH 5 and the temperature 295 K. The values of parameters calculated from the kinetic models and isotherms present the best match to the pseudo second order and Langmuir isotherm models. The calculated thermodynamic parameters ∆H 0, ∆S 0 and ∆G 0 indicate that the sorption of heavy metal ions is an exothermic and spontaneous process as well as favoured at lower temperatures, suggesting the physical character of sorption. The solution of nitric acid(V) at the concentration 0.1 mol/dm3 was the best acidic desorbing agent used for regeneration of metal-loaded magnetic sorbents. The physicochemical properties of synthesized composites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, XPS and TG analyses. The point characteristics of the double layer for biochar pHPZC and pHIEP were designated.

A new laboratory device with mathematically based positioning of a frozen tissue block facilitating precise sectioning of large specimens.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a treatment method aiming at thorough, personalized eradication of skin cancers by mean of staged excision of tissues surrounding the tumor with complete (100%) histopathological examination of their margins. In many MMS laboratories, the excised tissue is divided, shaped, frozen in a cryostat with a heat extractor and positioned manually (with the block on the object disc) in an articulated cryostat chuck during cutting. However, these activities may be difficult, time-consuming and associated with the risk of imprecise tissue sectioning. Development of a laboratory device allowing for processing of large tissue specimens, with the function of mechanical, mathematically steered positioning of the tissue block surface directly to the microtome knife cutting place, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The prototype device was designed and manufactured. Its functioning was tested on 513 histological slides produced during 212 operations of skin cancers using MMS. The depth of the first complete sections and the diameter of sections were measured. Complete sections were obtained at an average depth of 81.60 m (min. 20 m, max. 180 m, SD = 29.15), whereas the average diameter of sections was 18.11 mm (min. 4 mm, max. 42 mm, SD = 9.10). The histological processing of large specimens with mathematically based positioning of the tissue surface in relation to the cryotome knife cutting plane is precise, fast and easy. The device can be useful in those MMS centers which continue to employ manual setting of the cryostat chuck or share the cryostat with other users, which prevents fixing the chuck position (including large hospital settings). It may also be helpful in centers using a cryostat with a fixed chuck, for the correction of minimal inaccuracies of its preset position.

Identification of genes encoding squalestatin S1 biosynthesis and in vitro production of new squalestatin analogues.

A gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of squalestatin S1 (SQS1, 1) was identified by full genome sequencing of two SQS1-producing ascomycetes: Phoma sp. C2932 and unidentified fungus MF5453. A transformation protocol was established and a subsequent knockout of one PKS gene from the cluster led to loss of SQS1 production and enhanced concentration of an SQS1 precursor. An acyltransferase gene from the cluster was expressed in E. coli and the expressed protein MfM4 shown to be responsible for loading acyl groups from CoA onto the squalestatin core as the final step of biosynthesis. MfM4 appears to have a broad substrate selectivity for its acyl CoA substrate, allowing the in vitro synthesis of novel squalestatins.

Gd-DTPA Adsorption on Chitosan/Magnetite Nanocomposites.

The synthesis of the chitosan/magnetite nanocomposites is presented. Composites were prepared by co-precipitation of iron(II) and iron(III) salts by aqueous ammonia in the 0.1 % chitosan solution. It was shown that magnetite synthesis in the chitosan medium does not affect the magnetite crystal structure. The thermal analysis data showed 4.6 % of mass concentration of chitosan in the hybrid chitosan/magnetite composite. In the concentration range of initial Gd-DTPA solution up to 0.4 mmol/L, addition of chitosan to magnetite increases the adsorption capacity and affinity to Gd-DTPA complex. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe adsorption processes. Nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and specific surface area determination (ASAP) methods.

Lupinus mutabilis: Composition, Uses, Toxicology, and Debittering.

Lupinus mutabilis has protein (32.0-52.6 g/100 g dry weight) and lipid (13.0-24.6 g/100 g dry weight) contents similar to soya bean (Glycine max). The Ω3, Ω6, and Ω9 contents are 1.9-3.0, 26.5-39.6, and 41.2-56.2 g/100 g lipid, respectively. Lupins can be used to fortify the protein content of pasta, bread, biscuits, salads, hamburgers, sausages, and can substitute milk and soya bean. Specific lupin protein concentrates or isolates display protein solubility (>90%), water-absorption capacity (4.5 g/g dry weight), oil-absorption capacity (3.98 g/g), emulsifying capacity (2000 mL of oil/g), emulsifying stability (100%, 60 hours), foaming capacity (2083%), foaming stability (78.8%, 36 hours), and least gelation concentration (6%), which are of industrial interest. Lupins contain bitter alkaloids. Preliminary studies on their toxicity suggest as lethal acute dose for infants and children 10 mg/kg bw and for adults 25 mg/kg bw. However, alkaloids can also have medical use for their hypocholesterolemic, antiarrhythmic, and immunosuppressive activity. Bitter lupins can be detoxified by biological, chemical, or aqueous processes. The shortest debittering process requires one hour. This review presents the nutritional composition of lupins, their uses (as food, medicine, and functional protein isolates), toxicology, and debittering process scenarios. It critically evaluates the data, infers conclusions, and makes suggestions for future research.

Plasma levels of sICAM-1 in patients affected by psoriasis: no relation to disease severity.

The aim of the study was to determine the plasma level of sICAM-1 in acute psoriatic patients in contrast to normal subjects. Moreover, we have tried to answer whether disease severity index (PASI) correlates with plasma level of sICAM-1. We have determined the plasma levels of sICAM-1 by ELISA (Genzyme Corporation) in 23 patients with acute psoriasis before and after the treatment of the disease and in 11 controls. Patients with acute psoriasis have displayed higher levels of sICAM-1 (306.4 +/- 226.8 ng/ml) compared with the controls (141.2 +/- 49.2 ng/ml) and the same patients after clearing of the disease (154.7 +/- 126.7 ng/ml). We have not found any correlation between plasma levels of sICAM-1 and severity index of psoriasis (PASI). We have concluded: the plasma levels of sICAM-1 are not related to disease severity in acute psoriasis. Clearing of the psoriasis is followed by significant fall of plasma sICAM-1.

[Results of six-years-term perinatal care of diabetic woman in Silesia district]. / Wyniki szescioletniej opieki perinatalnej nad ciezarna z cukrzyca w makroregionie slaskim.

Authors had retrospectively analyzed basic exponents of perinatal care of 256 pregnant diabetic woman in years 1993-1998 hospitalized and delivered in Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the town of Bytom. Our results were very similar to the other of Referent Centres Of Technical Methods Bank Used in Diagnostic and Therapy of Diabetes: cesarean sections percentage 51.56%, 4.7% of undelivered pregnancies, 2.34% of new-born delivered with multiple congenital defaults, 17.2% of macrosomies and 39.8% pre-term deliveries were noted. Disadvantage perinatal effects in diabetic women might be reduced by very early diagnosis of diabetic and intensive biophysical and biochemical fetal care, which is strongly suggests by the authors.

[The estimation of L-ascorbic acid serum concentration and selected parameters of metabolism of serum lipids in pregnant women with diabetes]. / Ocena stezen kwasu L-askorbinowego oraz wybranych parametrów gospodarki lipidowej we krwi kobiet ciezarnych z cukrzyca.

Diabetes during pregnancy is a pathological state causing many metabolic disorders, not only in carbohydrate metabolism. The aim of the study was to estimate the changes of lipids metabolism and changes of L-ascorbic acid serum concentration in pregnancy complicated by diabetes. In tested groups values of lipids metabolism parameters were lower in diabetic group compared to control group. The lowest mean values of concentration of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were found in gestational diabetes group, while the lowest mean value of HDL cholesterol concentration was found in pregestational diabetic group. The L-ascorbic acid mean values correlated negatively with total cholesterol concentrations, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

[Analysis of indications for cesarean section in pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus]. / Analiza wskazan do ciecia cesarskiego w ciazy powiklanej cukrzyca.

The authors analysed a way of pregnancy ending and indications to cesarean section in group 256 diabetic pregnant women. We estimated that percentage for cesarean sections was 51.56%. We noticed downward tendency of elective indications to cesarean section (the most common was gestosis) and upward tendency of intrapartum indications (the most common was fetal distress syndrome). The percentage of cesarean sections in diabetic pregnant women group in our study is similar to results from the other centres.

Plasma erythropoietin level and iron reserves in haemodialysis patients with and without acquired cystic kidney disease.

Concentration of erythropoietin (Epo) and iron reserves (IR) belong to the essential factors determining erythropoiesis in haemodialysis patients. Patients on dialysis with acquired kidney disease (ACKD+) can control anaemia better than patients without acquired kidney disease (ACKD-). Therefore we decided to check if plasma Epo levels and IR differ significantly in both groups of patients. Forty chronically haemodialyzed patients after ultrasound diagnosis were divided into 18 patients (45%) with ACKD+ and 22 (55%) without ACKD-. In both groups of patients we compared their plasma levels of Epo and IR. Plasma erythropoietin and ferritin levels were measured by enzymatic immunoassay. Iron reserves were estimated by the formula: IR = 400 x [ln (ferritin)-ln (50)]. In the ACKD+ group 72% of patients and in the ACKD- group 32% of patients did not require rHu Epo therapy. Plasma levels of erythropoietin and iron reserves did not differ significantly between ACKD+ and ACKD- patients. There must be also other factors than erythropoietin levels and iron reserves regulating erythropoiesis in these patients.

Comparison of plasma erythropoietin concentrations and iron status in hemodialyzed patients not requiring and requiring rHuEpo therapy.

Fifty patients treated with chronic hemodialysis (HD) were observed for 1 year. 24 of them (48%) did not require treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) (group I) because the permanent hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was > 5.9 mmol/l (9.5 g/dl), hematocrit > 30%. The remaining 26 patients (group II) permanently or periodically required rHuEpo treatment. After 6 months of initial observation and after 6 months of clinical study we made a comparison of endogenous erythropoietin (Epo) and iron status in two groups of patients. Patients not requiring treatment with rHuEpo had statistically significant higher Epo concentration and lower iron reserves than patients on rHuEpo treatment. We did not find significant differences in Hb, albumin and creatinine between patients in both groups. Hb concentration did not correlate with the level of Epo, serum creatinine, transferrin saturation, ferritin, iron reserves and time of dialysis therapy in both groups. In both groups we found a significant negative correlation between the concentration of Epo and iron stores. Our results indicate that in patients on HD treatment, plasma Epo level appears to depend either directly or indirectly on iron status.

[The response to the hepatitis B virus vaccine in patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis--personal experience]. / Odpowiedz na szczepienie szczepionka przeciw wirusowemu zapaleniu watroby typu B chorych hemodializowanych i dializowanych otrzewnowo-doswiadczenia wlasne.

In 55 hemodialyzed and 15 patients on CAPD the presence of hepatitis B and C markers was estimated before the beginning of the vaccination series against hepatitis B with Engerix B vaccine. The initial anti-H Bs antibody titres was also estimated in these patients. The patients without H Bs Ag who have the anti-Hbs titres below 10 IU/I were qualified for this vaccination. The vaccination was needed by 40% of hemodialyzed patients H Bs(-) and 93% patients on CAPD. After completing the half year lasting series of vaccinations, the serological answer in vaccinated patients was estimated. The protective antibody titres above 10 IU/I was produced by 62.5% of patients on hemodialysis and 64.4% of patients on CAPD. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies had insignificant influence on the ability of producing the protective antibody titres in vaccinated patients.

[Evaluation of sialic acid levels in serum and degree of sialic acid in gamma-globulin fraction and C-reactive protein in hemodialysed patients]. / Ocena poziomu kwasów sialowych w surowicy krwi oraz stopnia sializacji frakcji gamma-globulinowej i bialka C-reaktywnego u chorych hemodializowanych.

Regulation of immunological processes associated with complement system activation and immunoglobulin binding depends, among others, on the presence of sialic acids. In haemodialysed patients an increase is found of serum sialic acid level. The purpose of the work was the determination of sialic acid content in gamma-globulins and C-reactive protein, that is in immunologically active glycoproteins. The relationship was also studied between the amount of sialic acids and the level of immune complexes. After examination of a group of 15 haemodialysed patients increased degree of sialization of gamma-globulins was found, as compared with a control group. However, the degree of sialization of C-reactive protein in these patients was decreased in relation to the control group. The changes observed in sialic acid content in gamma-globulins and C-reactive protein in haemodialysed patients modify the function and persistence in circulation of these glycoproteins which may be one of the causes of immunological disturbances in these patients.

The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-Hu EPO) administration on the blood chemistries and composition in uremic rats.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-Hu EPO) therapy improves the anaemia of patients on chronic hemodialysis, on peritoneal dialysis and those with chronic renal failure who have not yet started any form of renal replacement therapy. In the last category there is concern that r-Hu EPO therapy may be associated with deterioration of the reserve renal function. But new data showed that even during more prolonged treatment the correction of anaemia does not have a major detrimental effect on renal function. The study was undertaken to examine the influence of r-Hu EPO therapy on renal function and rheological erythrocytes finding in uremic rats.

Phagocytic function of neutrophils during dialysis in relation to some immunological findings.

Haemodialysis neutropenia and impaired granulocyte function are transitory, but the consequences of altered granulocyte function are observed at the end of haemodialysis. Activity of polymorphonuclear receptor for Fc and C3 complement component, circulating immune complexes and components of complement (C1 inactivator, C4, C3, C3 proactivator) were measured in ten patients before and at the end of haemodialysis. Significant decrease in polymorphonuclear Fc receptor activity (1689 cells/mm3 before and 1277 cells/mm3 after HD) and increase of circulating immune complexes (69.9 micrograms/dl before and 112.7 micrograms/dl after HD) were observed at the end of haemodialysis. A decrease in complement C3 component was observed after haemodialysis (866 mg/l before and 804 mg/l after HD); the other components: C1 inactivator, C4 component, and C3 proactivator, remained unchanged. Increase of circulating immune complexes and decrease of Fc receptor activity correlated with a decrease in phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

[Blood levels of immunoglobulins G,A,M, circulating immune complexes, complement and proteins in patients on intermittent peritoneal dialysis]. / Stezenie w surowicy immunoglobulin klas G, A, M, krazacych kompleksów immunologicznych, dopelniacza i bialek u chorych leczonych przerywana dializa otrzewnowa.

The study involved 17 patients on IPD. Blood serum levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, circulating immune complexes, complement and proteins were determinated at the beginning of therapy, after 3, 6, 12 months on IPD and after 1 year on hemodialysis. The frequency of peritonitis was noted during this time. Peritonitis was the most frequent during first 3 months on IPD. No differences in blood serum levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, in the specific periods of IPD were noted. A significant increase in blood serum circulating immune complexes in patients on IPD and hemodialysis compared to the control group was found. A significant decrease in blood serum of C3 complement in patients on IPD and hemodialysis in comparison with the controls were found. A significant decrease in blood serum proteins at the beginning of IPD and after 3 months IPD in comparison with proteins concentration in patients on hemodialysis was observed.