Evaluation of Chromium and Manganese levels in sports supplements using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry / Avaliação do teor de Cromo e Manganês em suplementos esportivos por meio de espectrometria de absorção atômica em forno de grafite

ABSTRACT Objective In this paper, we studied three different types of ordinary sports supplements containing whey protein: whey protein-based ones, hypercaloric ones, and protein bars. Methods A sample preparation procedure was studied employing microwave-assisted wet digestion in order to determine the Chromium and Manganese levels by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Results The developed methods have presented good accuracy (recoveries in the range of 90% to 109%) and precision (Relative standard deviation <8%). Although an adequate detectability was obtained (50ng g-1 for Manganese and 65ng g-1 for Chromium), the sample preparation method was also adequate to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. The method was applied to 26 commercial samples, in which the Chromium concentrations were in the range between 0.22 and 1.0μg g-1 and the Manganese concentrations varied from 2.0 to 37μg g-1. Conclusion The results obtained by atomic absorption for both analytes were in agreement with those obtained by mass spectrometry. In addition, some samples presented concentrations of Chromium above the recommended daily intake and, as a result, we used the X-ray powder diffraction technique as an analytical tool to evaluate the oxidation state of Chromium in such samples.

RESUMO Objetivo Neste trabalho, foram estudados diferentes tipos de suplementos esportivos contendo proteína de soro de leite, conhecidos como: whey protein, hipercalóricos e barras de proteína. Métodos Um procedimento de preparo de amostras foi estudado com o emprego de digestão úmida assistida por micro-ondas, a fim de determinar os teores de cromo e manganês por espectrometria de absorção atômica em forno de grafite. Resultados Os métodos adotados apresentaram boa exatidão (recuperações na faixa de 90 a 109%) e precisão (Desvio padrão relativo <8%). Embora tenha sido obtida uma capacidade de detecção adequada de 50ng g-1 para o manganês e de 65ng g-1 para o cromo, o método de preparo da amostra também se revelou adequado para a utilização em análises por espectrometria de massas com plasma indutivamente acoplado. O método foi aplicado a 26 amostras comerciais, cujas concentrações de cromo variaram entre 0,22 e 1,0μg g-1, e de manganês entre 2,0 e 37μg g-1. Conclusão Os resultados obtidos por absorção atômica, para ambos os analitos, mostraram-se de acordo com aqueles obtidos por espectrometria de massas. Além disso, algumas amostras apresentaram concentrações de cromo acima da recomendação de consumo diário e, como resultado, a técnica de difração de raios-X em pó foi utilizada como ferramenta analítica para avaliar o estado de oxidação do cromo em tais amostras.

Avaliação do teor de manganês em Pereskia grandfolia Haw / Evaluation of the manganese content in Pereskia grandfolia Haw

Pereskia grandfolia Haw, popularmente conhecida no Brasil como ora - pro - nobis, é considerada planta medicinal, classificada como uma hortaliça folhosa não convencional. É de fácil cultivo e propagação, de sabor agradável, rica em proteína. Pesquisas experimentais e clínicas têm reforçado a importância do manganês na saúde humana. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a presença do micronutriente manganês nas folhas, no caule e nas flores da P. grandfolia Haw. A análise do mineral foi realizada utilizando espectrofotometria de absorção atômica acoplado a UV visível. Foi observado maior quantidade de manganês nas folhas da hortaliça (63,6 mg/kg). No caule 1,9 mg/Kg e nas flores não foi encontrado este mineral. Portanto, ora-pro-nobis pode complementar as necessidades diárias de manganês.

Demetallization of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm: a preliminary study

Abstract Objectives To determine the concentration of calcium, iron, manganese and zinc ions after the application of chelator to Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Material and Methods Fifty bovine maxillary central incisors were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis for 60 days. The following were used as irrigation solutions: 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10), 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) combined with 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10), distilled water (pH 3, 7 and 10), and 2.5% NaOCl. Each solution was kept in the root canal for five minutes. Fifteen uncontaminated root canals were irrigated with 17% EDTA (pH 3, 7 and 10). Six teeth were used as bacterial control. The number of calcium, iron, manganese and zinc ions was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) values were used for descriptive statistics. Results Calcium chelation using 17% EDTA at pH 7 was higher than at pH 3 and 10, regardless of whether bacterial biofilm was present. The highest concentration of iron occurred at pH 3 in the presence of bacterial biofilm. The highest concentration of manganese found was 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at pH 7 in the presence of bacterial biofilm. Zinc levels were not detectable. Conclusions The pH of chelating agents affected the removal of calcium, iron, and manganese ions. The concentration of iron ions in root canals with bacterial biofilm was higher after the use of 17% EDTA at pH 3 than after the use of the other solutions at all pH levels.

Nutrition facts and limits for micronutrients in tree species used in urban forestry

ABSTRACT There is a huge lack of researches that evaluate the nutritional limits in tree species used in urban forestry, especially in terms of micronutrients. This study aimed to establish limits and range of micronutrients levels for the proper development of tree species utilized in urban forestry. The study was conducted in the city of Santa Maria-RS-Brazil. Through forest inventory, 23 forest species present in urban forest were selected, and 05 vegetative branches of each tree were collected, in which the contents of B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were analyzed. Ranges of micronutrients' contents were developed for class limits criteria. Nutritional problems were detected for B, Cu and Zn in G. robusta and S. cumini, indicating a need of fertilization and management of these trees. The levels of Mn were within an adequate range only for the species C. illinoensis and H. chrysotrichus. The contents of B were higher than the level considered adequate for H. chrysotrichusand M. nigra. The rates of Fe showed high levels for E. japonica, H. chrysotrichusand S. babylonica. The estimated nutritional limits enable a greater control in the classification of the results for each tree species utilized in urban forestry.

Validación de la determinación de manganeso, molibdeno y zinc por plasma de acoplamiento inductivo / Validation of the determination of manganese, molibdenum and zinc using inductively coupled plasma / Validação da determinação de manganês, molibdênio e zinco por plasma de acoplamento indutivo

Se describe la validación de un método para la determinación de manganeso, molibdeno y zinc, a niveles traza, en soluciones acuosas, mediante espectroscopia de emisión-plasma inductivo de argón. Se optimizó y validó la cuantificación de manganeso, molibdeno y zinc en solución acuosa ácida usando un espectrómetro de emisión atómica de plasma inductivo. Se determinaron: selectividad/especificidad, linealidad, repetibilidad y precisión intermedia utilizando materiales de referencia, y sesgo contrastando contra material de referencia certificado de matriz. Las longitudes de onda (nm) seleccionadas fueron: Zn 213.857, Mn 257.610 y Mo 202.031, las cuales permitieron discriminar interferencias espectrales. Se probó la linealidad de las funciones respuesta mediante evaluaciones estadísticas ad hoc. La precisión intermedia varió entre 5 y 11% y el sesgo no superó el 12%. Los límites de cuantificación (μg/L) fueron: Mn: 5; Zn: 10 y Mo: 10. Las incertidumbres asociadas a las determinaciones oscilaron entre 10 y 16%. La validación del método propuesto demostró que es selectivo, proporciona incertidumbres adecuadas y es de utilidad para cuantificar de manera rápida y certera los metales traza estudiados en matrices que puedan ser llevadas a solución acuosa, previa digestión en medio ácido.

A method to accurately determine and quantify manganese, molybdenum and zinc using Optical Emission Spectroscopy-Inductively Coupled Plasma by optical emission spectrometer was optimized and validated. Selectivity/ specificity, linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision and bias using reference materials and certified matrix reference material, respectively, were determined. Selected wavelengths (nm) Zn 213.857; Mn 257.610 and Mo 202.031 made it possible to discriminate spectral interferences. Linearity was proved by ad hoc statistical evaluations. Intermediate precision ranged between 5 and 11% and bias was never greater than 12%. Quantification limits (mg/L) were: Mn: 5; Zn: 10 y Mo: 10. Uncertainties associated to analytical determinations ranged between 10% and 16%. The validation of the proposed method demonstrated that it is selective, it provides adequate uncertainties and it is useful to quantify quickly and accurately the studied trace metals in matrices that can be taken intoaqueous solution with prior digestion in acid medium.

Descreve-se a validação de um método para a determinação de manganês, molibdênio e zinco a níveis-traço, em soluções aquosas, por Espectrometria de emissão por plasma acoplado indutivamente de argônio. Foi maximizada e validada a quantificação de manganês, molibdênio e zinco em solução aquosa ácida, utilizando um espectrômetro de emissão atômica por plasma acoplado indutivamente. Foram determinados: seletividade/especificidade, linearidade, repetibilidade e precisão intermediária usando materiais de referência, e viés contrastando contra material de referência certificado de matriz. Os comprimentos de onda (nm) selecionados foram: Zn 213.857; Mn 257.610 e Mo 202.031, os quais permitiram discriminar interferências espectrais. A linearidade das funções resposta foi provada por avaliações estatísticas ad hoc. A precisão intermediária variou entre 5 e 11% e o viés não ultrapassou 12%. Os limites de quantificação (μg/L) foram: Mn: 5; Zn: 10 e Mo: 10. As incertezas associadas com as determinações variaram entre 10 e 16%. A validação do método proposto demonstrou que é seletivo, proporciona incertezas adequadas e é útil para quantificar com rapidez e precisão os metais-traço estudados em matrizes que podem ser levadas a solução aquosa, prévia digestão em meio ácido.

Cadmium toxicity affects chlorophyll a and b content, antioxidant enzyme activities and mineral nutrient accumulation in strawberry

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is well known as one of the most toxic metals affecting the environment and can severely restrict plant growth and development. In this study, Cd toxicities were studied in strawberry cv. Camarosa using pot experiment. Chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities and mineral nutrient concentrations were investigated in both roots and leaves of strawberry plant after exposure Cd. RESULTS: Cd content in both roots and leaves was increased with the application of increasing concentrations of Cd. We found higher Cd concentration in roots rather than in leaves. Chlorophyll a and b was decreased in leaves but MDA significantly increased under increased Cd concentration treatments in both roots and leaves. SOD and CAT activities was also increased with the increase Cd concentrations. K, Mn and Mg concentrations were found higher in leaves than roots under Cd stress. In general, increased Cd treatments increased K, Mg, Fe, Ca, Cu and Zn concentration in both roots and leaves. Excessive Cd treatments reduced chlorophyll contents, increased antioxidant enzyme activities and changes in plant nutrition concentrations in both roots and leaves. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this work suggested that Cd treatments have negative effect on chlorophyll content and nearly decreased 30% of plant growth in strawberry. Strawberry roots accumulated higher Cd than leaves. We found that MDA and antioxidant enzyme (CAT, SOD and APX) contents may have considered a good indicator in determining Cd tolerance in strawberry plant.

Manganese influx and its utilization efficiency in wheat.

Manganese deficiency in wheat has become an important nutritional disorder particularly in alkaline calcareous soils where rice-wheat rotation is followed. This experiment was aimed to study the mechanism of Mn efficiency during various developmental stages in six wheat cultivars grown at two Mn levels viz. 0 and 50 mg Mn kg-1soil (Mnapplied as MnSO4.H20) in pots. The Mn vegetative efficiency calculated on the basis of shoot dry weight at anthesis indicated HD 2967 and PBW 550 (bread wheat) as Mn efficient and durums as Mn inefficient. The efficient cultivars recorded highest values for influx, uptake, shoot dry weight, leaf area/plant, SPAD index, Fv/Fmratio and root length that explained their higher efficiencies whereas inefficiency of durum cultivars was attributed to their smaller roots and lower influx. Under Mn deficiency, PDW 314 and PDW 291 retained 68% and 64%, respectively, of total Mn uptake in vegetative parts (stem and leaves) and lowest in grains 7% and 5%, respectively, whereas PBW 550, BW 9178 and HD 2967 retained 29, 37 and 34% in vegetative parts, and 21, 17 and 15 % in grains, respectively at maturity. Higher utilization efficiency of efficient genotypes also indicated that increased Mn uptake with Mn supply produced more efficiently grains in efficient genotypes but vegetative parts in inefficient genotypes. Hence Mn efficiency of a cultivar could be explained by longer roots, higher uptake, influx and efficiency index during vegetative phase and higher grain yield and utilization efficiency during generative phase.

Influence of rootstocks on growth, yield, fruit quality and leaf mineral element contents of pear cv. 'Santa Maria' in semi-arid conditions

BACKGROUND: Rootstocks play an essential role to determining orchard performance of fruit trees. Pyrus communisand Cydonia oblonga are widely used rootstocks for European pear cultivars. The lack of rootstocks adapted to different soil conditions and different grafted cultivars is widely acknowledged in pear culture. Cydonia rootstocks (clonal) and Pyrus rootstocks (seedling or clonal) have their advantages and disadvantages. In each case, site-specific environmental characteristics, specific cultivar response and production objectives must be considered before choosing the best rootstock. In this study, the influence of three Quince (BA 29, Quince A = MA, Quince C = MC) and a local European pear seedling rootstocks on the scion yield, some fruit quality characteristics and leaf macro (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro element (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B) content of 'Santa Maria' pear (Pyrus communis L.) were investigated. RESULTS: Trees on seedling rootstock had the highest annual yield, highest cumulative yield (kg tree(-1)), largest trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), lowest yield efficiency and lowest cumulative yield (ton ha(-1)) in the 10th year after planting. The rootstocks had no significant effect on average fruit weight and fruit volume. Significantly higher fruit firmness was obtained on BA 29 and Quince A. The effect of rootstocks on the mineral element accumulation (N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and B) was significant. Leaf analysis showed that rootstocks used had different mineral uptake efficiencies throughout the early season. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the rootstocks strongly affected fruit yield, fruit quality and leaf mineral element uptake of 'Santa Maria' pear cultivar. Pear seedling and BA 29 rootstock found to be more prominent in terms of several characteristics for 'Santa Maria' pear cultivar that is grown in highly calcareous soil in semi-arid climate conditions. We determined the highest N, P (although insignificant), K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Cu mineral element concentrations on the pear seedling and BA 29 rootstocks. According to the results, we recommend the seedling rootstock for normal density plantings (400 trees ha(-1)) and BA 29 rootstock for high-density plantings (800 trees ha(-1)) for 'Santa Maria' pear cultivar in semi-arid conditions.

Concentrações de ferro, cobre, zinco e manganês em equinos da raça Puro-sangue Lusitano, antes e após exercício / Serum concentration of iron, copper, zinc and manganese in Pure-bred Lusitano horses, before and after exercise

O presente trabalho objetivou determinar a atividade sérica dos microminerais ferro, cobre, zinco e manganês em 30 equinos atletas da raça Puro-sangue Lusitano (PSL), antes e depois de exercícios, atestados por avaliações clínicas e laboratoriais. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas, antes e imediatamente após 20 minutos de exercício físico de trote e galope suaves realizados em pista de areia, para a realização das dosagens dos microminerais. A concentração dos microelementos foi determinada por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. Observou-se que após o exercício, a atividade sérica de ferro não sofreu variações (P=0,2365), enquanto os valores de cobre se elevaram significativamente após o treinamento (P<0,001). Já o zinco e o manganês diminuíram após o exercício (P<0,001). Pode-se concluir que o exercício físico de curta duração pode gerar sudorese capaz de alterar as concentrações séricas de ferro, cobre, zinco e manganês em cavalos atletas da raça Puro-sangue Lusitano.

In order to evaluate the sera concentrations of iron, copper, zinc and manganese trace minerals in thirty Pure-bred Lusitano athlete horses before and after exercise certified by clinical and laboratory assessments were studied. Blood samples were taken before and after 20 minutes of a dairy trot and gallop slight training, perfomed in a sandy floor ring, to measure the mineral concentrations, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was observed that after exercising, the serum activity of iron did not change (P=0.2365), whereas copper values have significantly risen after training (P<0.001). On the other hand, zinc and manganese trace minerals decreased after exercise (P<0.001). In conclusion, it is possible to consider that the short time exercise may trigger sweating and consequently to change the serum concentration of iron, cooper, zinc and manganese in Pure-bred Lusitano athlete horses.

Desempenho de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes fontes de selênio, zinco e manganês, criados sob condições de estresse térmico / Performance of broilers fed diets containing different sources of selenium, zinc and manganese reared under thermal stress conditions

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça e partes de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas que continham selênio, zinco e manganês complexados ou não a moléculas orgânicas, criados em diferentes temperaturas. Foram utilizados 980 pintinhos machos de um dia de idade, de linhagem comercial, criados durante 42 dias em três câmaras climáticas, que proporcionaram temperaturas alta, termoneutra e baixa. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3x2+1, sendo três temperaturas de criação, duas fontes de Se, Zn e Mn - inorgânica e orgânica, mais o tratamento testemunha - criação em câmara termoneutra sem adição de Se, Zn e Mn na ração, com sete repetições por tratamento. As aves criadas em condições de estresse térmico apresentaram piores resultados para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e viabilidade, sendo mais sensíveis ao calor do que ao frio. Quando criadas em ambientes quentes, a conversão alimentar foi melhor quando se utilizaram os minerais na forma orgânica. Sob temperatura neutra, as aves não necessitaram da suplementação da dieta com os minerais avaliados.

The performance and carcass yield of broilers fed supplemented diets with different selenium, zinc and manganese sources (organic and inorganic) and reared under different environmental temperatures were evaluated. A total of 980 one-day-old broilers were reared until 42 days of age. Three climatic chambers (high, neutral and low temperatures) and twenty chickens per pen, distributed in a 3x2 + 1 factorial arrangement with three breeding temperatures, two mineral sources and a control treatment that provided neutral temperature without mineral supplementation, with seven replicates each were used. The thermal stressed broilers showed lower results for feed intake, weight gain and viability, mainly under high temperature. The organic mineral utilization provided a better feed conversion ratio when high temperature was tested. Mineral supplementation under neutral breeding temperature was not necessary.

Secretion of laccase and manganese peroxidase by Pleurotus strains cultivate in solid-state using Pinus spp. sawdust

Pleurotus species secrete phenol oxidase enzymes: laccase (Lcc) and manganese peroxidase (MnP). New genotypes of these species show potential to be used in processes aiming at the degradation of phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dyes. Hence, a screening of some strains of Pleurotus towards Lcc and MnP production was performed in this work. Ten strains were grown through solid-state fermentation on a medium based on Pinus spp. sawdust, wheat bran and calcium carbonate. High Lcc and MnP activities were found with these strains. Highest Lcc activity, 741 ± 245 U gdm-1 of solid state-cultivation medium, was detected on strain IB11 after 32 days, while the highest MnP activity occurred with strains IB05, IB09, and IB11 (5,333 ± 357; 4,701 ± 652; 5,999 ± 1,078 U gdm-1, respectively). The results obtained here highlight the importance of further experiments with lignocellulolytic enzymes present in different strains of Pleurotus species. Such results also indicate the possibility of selecting more valuable strains for future biotechnological applications, in soil bioremediation and biological biomass pre-treatment in biofuels production, for instance, as well as obtaining value-added products from mushrooms, like phenol oxidase enzymes.

Concentración estacional de micronutrientes en hojas de cuatro especies forestales del Parque Chaqueño, Argentina / Seasonal micronutrients concentration in leaves of four forest species from Parque Chaqueño, Argentina

Nutrients cycling is a fundamental component in the functioning of forest ecosystems. Leaves of different forest species observe specific chemical composition, and some seasonal differences in biomass production, may be related to climate fluctuations and/or changes in plant phenology and the variation on nutrient contents. The objective of this study was to analyze the seasonal variability of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations in leaves of Gleditsia amorphoides (Ga); Patagonula americana (Pa); Maclura tinctoria (Mt) and Astronium balansae (Ab) from Colonia Benítez Strict Nature Reserve (Chaco, Argentina). The leaves of each forest species were collected monthly, dried at 70ºC and their weight by tree species were recorded. Samples for analytical determinations were prepared by humid oxidation of organic substances from vegetal nets, using oxidant acids such as ternary mixture of HNO3-H2SO4-HClO4. After digestion, total micronutrients leaves concentrations were determined by atomic absortion spectrophotometry. Leaves Fe highest values were detected during fall in Mt (76.1mg/kg), Pa (75.2mg/kg), Ab (59.5mg/kg) and Ga (45.3mg/kg). Highest foliar concentrations of Mn were detected in Pa (54.0mg/kg), Ga (50.0mg/kg), Mt (48.0mg/kg), and Ab with the lower Mn concentration (39.7mg/ kg). No significant differences were found for Cu between the different forest species, standing for Pa (11.3mg/ kg), Ga and Mt (11.0mg/kg) and Ab (10.4mg/kg). With regard to leaves Zn, highest concentrations were found in Mt (347.4mg/kg), Ga (319.9mg/kg), Pa (280.2mg/kg) and Ab (255.7mg/kg). Generally, a marked seasonal variation was observed for Mn and Cu concentrations (except in Ga) and Zn (except in Pa), with no statistical differences for Fe. in the species studied, the concentration of micronutrients analyzed showed a marked and erratic seasonal variation, attributed to the relationship established between the native species, and the strong influence of the environment over a long period of time, especially temperature and rainfall.

El ciclo de nutrientes es uno de los componentes fundamentales en el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas forestales. Las hojas de diferentes especies forestales muestran distinta composición química y diferencias estacionales en la producción de biomasa atribuidas a las fluctuaciones climáticas y/o cambios en la fenología de las plantas y a la variación en el contenido de nutrientes. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar la variación estacional de las concentraciones de Fe, Mn, Cu y Zn en hojas de: Gleditsia amorphoides (Ga), Patagonula americana (Pa), Maclura tinctoria (Mt) and Astronium balansae (Ab). El sitio de estudio fue localizado en la Reserva Natural Estricta de Colonia Benítez (Chaco, Argentina). Las hojas de cada especie forestal fueron recogidas mensualmente, secadas a 70ºC, se determinó su peso seco y posteriormente se molió. El análisis foliar se realizó por oxidación húmeda empleando una mezcla ternaria HNO -H SO -HclO. Después de la digestión la concentración total de micronutrientes foliares fue determinada por espectrometría de absorción atómica. Las mayores concentraciones de Fe fueron para Mt (76.1mg/kg), Pa (75.2mg/kg), Ab (59.5mg/ kg) y Ga (45.3mg/kg). En Mn las más altas concentraciones se detectaron en Pa (54.0mg/kg), Ga (50.0mg/kg), Mt (48.0mg/kg), y la menor en Ab (39.7mg/kg). No se hallaron diferencias significativas entre las especies forestales para Cu foliar en Pa (11.3mg/kg), Ga y Mt (11.0mg/kg) y Ab (10.4mg/kg). Las mayores concentraciones foliares de Zn fueron en Mt (347.4mg/kg), Ga (319.9mg/kg), Pa (280.2mg/kg) y Ab (255.7mg/kg). En las especies forestales estudiadas, la concentración de los micronutrientes analizados mostraron una errática variación estacional, que puede ser atribuida a las relaciones establecidas entre las especies nativas bajo la fuerte influencia del ambiente, especialmente temperaturas y precipitaciones, durante un largo período de tiempo.

Inspection of left metal particles on skin impacted by the steel hammers / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a new method to estimate injury-tool by analyzing the components of left metal particles from hammers impact on pig skin and filter paper using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX).@*METHODS@#The pig skin and filter paper were stricken by two steel hammers. The left metal particles were examined by SEM-EDX and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 13.0.@*RESULTS@#The characteristics of left particles showed stable by several impacts using one steel hammer. The left particles showed no statistical difference for impact on pig skin and filter paper. The left particles displayed a statistical difference using two hammer with different components.@*CONCLUSION@#SEM-EDX can be used to detect the left metal particles from the steel hammer and can provide a method for estimating injury-tool.

Efectos sobre la salud y el medio ambiente de las actividades mineras en Chile: contaminación del Estero Pupío y agua potable del pueblo de Caimanes: ¿se origina desde el tranque de relaves mineros El Mauro? / Health and environmental effects of mining activities in Chile: Pupio River and Ddinking water pollution in the town of Caimanes: does it originate from the El Mauro mining tail?

Se describe la presencia de concentraciones elevadas de mercurio en el agua potable del pueblo de Caimanes y la presencia de concentraciones muy elevadas de manganeso, mercurio, hierro, níquel y molibdeno en el estero Pupío. La evidencia sugiere que estos niveles elevados de elementos tóxicos provienen de filtraciones del tranque de relaves El Mauro en la IV Región de Chile. Se describen los efectos diferidos de la exposición crónica y prenatal a estos elementos tóxicos.

The presence of high amounts of mercury in drinking water in the town of Caimanes and presence of very high concentrations of manganese, mercury, iron, nickel and molybdenum in the Pupio river is reported. Evidence suggests that these increased concentrations of toxic elements result from the El Mauro mining tail filtrations in the IV Region of Chile. The delayed effects of chronic and prenatal exposure to these toxic agents are described.

Interaction between cadmium and lead and the effects of these on the concentration of zinc and manganese in sunflower

The pollution of soil by heavy metals is considered to be quite a big problem in many areas of the world. To limit the accumulation of lead and cadmium from soil in the products, a correct understanding of the characteristics and specifications of the translocation of cadmium and lead is necessary. In order to evaluate the effects of cadmium and lead interaction on zinc and manganese concentration, three levels of cadmium [0, 100 and 200 mg/kg], and three levels of lead [0, 200 and 400mg/kg] were tested on a sunflower cultivar SHF81- 85 in a factorial experimental design with three replications. The results showed that cadmium has increased the cadmium and lead concentration in the shoot and root, while the effects of lead, were only significant on the concentration of lead in the shoot, and the concentration of both cadmium and lead in the root [p<0.05]. Cadmium and lead revealed a preventing effect on zinc and manganese concentration in the root and shoot of the plant. More investigations at field conditions are recommended

Longitudinal Study on Trace Mineral Compositions (Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese) in Korean Human Preterm Milk

We measured selenium, zinc, copper and manganese concentrations in the human milk of Korean mothers who gave birth to preterm infants, and compared these measurements with the recommended daily intakes. The samples of human milk were collected postpartum at week-1, -2, -4, -6, -8, and -12, from 67 mothers who gave birth to preterm infants (< 34 weeks, or birth weight < 1.8 kg). All samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of selenium were 11.8 +/- 0.5, 11.4 +/- 0.8, 12.7 +/- 0.9, 11.4 +/- 0.8, 10.8 +/- 0.9, and 10.5 +/- 1.3 microg/L, zinc were 7.8 +/- 0.5, 9.1 +/- 0.8, 7.2 +/- 0.9, 8.0 +/- 0.8, 7.4 +/- 0.9, and 6.6 +/- 1.2 mg/L, copper were 506 +/- 23.6, 489 +/- 29.4, 384 +/- 33.6, 356 +/- 32.9, 303 +/- 35.0, and 301 +/- 48.0 microg/L and manganese were 133 +/- 4.0, 127 +/- 6.0, 125 +/- 6.0, 123 +/- 6.0, 127 +/- 6.0, and 108 +/- 9.0 microg/L at week-1, -2, -4, -6, -8, and -12, respectively. The concentrations of selenium and zinc meet the daily requirements but that of copper is low and of manganese exceeds daily requirements recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Nutrition.

Women with Fibromyalgia Have Lower Levels of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Manganese in Hair Mineral Analysis

Little is known about hair mineral status in fibromyalgia patients. This study evaluated the characteristics of hair minerals in female patients with fibromyalgia compared with a healthy reference group. Forty-four female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria were enrolled as the case group. Age- and body mass index-matched data were obtained from 122 control subjects enrolled during visit for a regular health check-up. Hair minerals were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The mean age was 43.7 yr. General characteristics were not different between the two groups. Fibromyalgia patients showed a significantly lower level of calcium (775 microg/g vs 1,093 microg/g), magnesium (52 microg/g vs 72 microg/g), iron (5.9 microg/g vs 7.1 microg/g), copper (28.3 microg/g vs 40.2 microg/g) and manganese (140 ng/g vs 190 ng/g). Calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese were loaded in the same factor using factor analysis; the mean of this factor was significantly lower in fibromyalgia group in multivariate analysis with adjustment for potential confounders. In conclusion, the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese in the hair of female patients with fibromyalgia are lower than of controls, even after adjustment of potential confounders.

Accumulation of lead, cadmium, manganese, copper and zinc by sludge worms; Tubifex tubifex in sewage sludge

Tubifex tubifex has been shown to survive in organic polluted environments, however, not much has been done on its inorganic pollution tolerance. Samples of T. tubifex and their respective sewage sludge were taken from Soche wastewater treatment plant in Blantyre City, Malawi during July 2007 to November 2008. The total number of sludge samples taken was fifty one which was made into seventeen composite samples. A total of seventeen T. Tubifex samples were also collected. The samples were analyzed for copper, lead, manganese, zinc and cadmium using standard methods from American Public Health Association and Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The concentrations of metals in sewage sludge and T tubifex were on dry weight basis and the metals determined were acid extractable. In general, heavy metals concentration was lower in T. tubifex than in sewage sludge. The range of heavy metals concentrations were [in sludge and [T tubifex]: zinc 275.3-361.5 mg/kg [45.0-82.2 mg/kg], manganese 293.7-230.1 mg/kg [1.21 -3.69 mg/kg], copper 86.5 - 120.1 mg/kg [1.6-4.7 mg/kg], lead 11.2-22.4 mg/kg [Below detection limit 0.95] and cadmium 1.12 - 2.31 mg/kg [1.08 - 2.18 mg/kg]. The results showed significant differences between the concentrations of manganese, copper, lead and zinc in sewage sludge and T. tubifex [p < 0.05]. However there was no significant difference between the concentrations of cadmium in sewage sludge and T. tubifex [p >0.05]. T. tubifex did not show the ability to accumulate heavy metals [attributed to its high defecation and metabolic rate] except for cadmium hence cannot be used as a bioindicator for heavy metal pollution in sludge

Purification and partial characterization of manganese peroxidase from Bacillus pumilus AND Paenibacillus sp

The production of manganese peroxidase (MnP) from Bacillus pumilus and Paenibacillus sp. was studied under absence and presence of the inducers indulin AT, guayacol, veratryl alcohol, lignosulfonic acid and lignosulfonic acid desulfonated. Indulin AT increased the activity of B. pumilus MnP up to 31.66 U/L after 8 h, but no improve was observed for Paenibacillus sp., which reached maximum activity (12.22 U/L) after 20 h. Both MnPs produced by these microorganisms were purified in phenyl sepharose resin and the proteins from crude extracts were eluted in two fractions. However, only the first fraction of each extract exhibited MnP activities. Tests in different pH and temperature values, from pH 5.0 to pH 10.0 and 30 ºC to 60 ºC, respectively, were carried out with the purified MnP. The maximum activity reached for B. pumilus and Paenibacillus sp. MnPs were 4.3 U/L at pH 8.0 and 25 ºC and 11.74 U/L at pH 9.0 and 35 ºC, respectively. The molar masses determined by SDS-PAGE gel eletrophoresis were 25 kDa and 40 kDa, respectively, for the purified enzyme from B. pumilus and Paenibacillus sp.

Ligninases production by Basidiomycetes strains on lignocellulosic agricultural residues and their application in the decolorization of synthetic dyes / Produção de ligninases por linhagens de fungos Basidiomicetos usando resíduos agrícolas lignocelulósicos e aplicação das enzimas na descoloração de corantes sintéticos

Wood rotting Basidiomycetes collected in the ôEstação Ecológica do Noroeste Paulistaõ, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil, concerning Aphyllophorales order and identified as Coriolopsis byrsina SXS16, Lentinus strigellus SXS355, Lentinus sp SXS48, Picnoporus sanguineus SXS 43 and Phellinus rimosus SXS47 were tested for ligninases production by solid state fermentation (SSF) using wheat branor rice straw as culture media. C. byrsina produced the highest laccase (200 U mL-1) and Lentinus sp produced the highest activities of manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) (7 and 8 U mL-1, respectively), when cultivated on wheat bran. The effect of N addition on enzyme production was studied in medium containing rice straw and the data showed an increase of 3 up to 4-fold in the laccase production compared to that obtained in SSF on wheat bran. The laccases presented optimum pH at 3.0-3.5 and were stable at neutral pH values. Optimum pH for MnP and LiP activities was at 3.5 and between 4.5 and 6.0, respectively. All the strains produced laccase with optimum activities between 55-60ºC while the peroxidases presented maximum activity at temperatures of 30 to 55ºC. The crude enzymes promoted decolorization of chemically different dyes with around 70% of decolorization of RBBR and cybacron blue 3GA in 6h oftreatment. The data indicated that enzymes from these basidiomycetes strains are able to decolorize synthetic dyes.

Fungos decompositores de madeira, do grupo Basidiomicetes, coletados na ôEstação Ecológica do NoroestePaulistaõ, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, pertencentes a ordem Aphyllophorales e identificados como Coriolopsis byrsina SXS16, Lentinus strigellus SXS355, Lentinus sp. SXS48,Picnoporus sanguineus SXS 43 e Phellinus rimosus SXS47 foram estudados para a produção de ligninases por FES (fermentação em estado sólido) usando farelo de trigo ou palha de arroz como meio de cultura. A espécie C. byrsina produziu a maior quantidade de lacase (200 U mL-1) enquanto que Lentinus sp. foi o melhor produtor de manganês peroxidase (MnP) e lignina peroxidase (LiP) (7 e 8 U mL-1, respectivamente), quando cultivados em meio composto por farelo de trigo. A avaliação do efeito da suplementação de nitrogênio do substrato sólido lignocelulósico (palha de arroz) indicou um aumento de 3 a 4 vezes na produção de lacase. A caracterização das enzimasmostrou que as lacases apresentaram atividade ótima em pH 3,0-3,5 e foram estáveis em pH de neutro a alcalino. O pH ótimo para atividade de MnP e LiP foi de 3,5 e entre 4,5 e 6,0, respectivamente. Todas as linhagens produziram lacase com atividade ótima a 55-60ºC, enquanto as peroxidases apresentaram atividades máximas entre temperaturas de 30 e 55ºC. A aplicaçãodas soluções enzimáticas brutas, obtidas pelo cultivo das linhagens em meio de farelo de trigo, em testes de descoloração de corantes sintéticos de diferentes grupos químicos levou amais 70% de perda de cor dos corantes RBBR e de cybacron blue 3GA, em 6h de tratamento. Os dados obtidos indicaramque as soluções enzimáticas contendo ligninases produzidas pelas linhagens de basidiomicetos estudadas promoveram adescoloração de corantes sintéticos.