Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Growth, Development, and Flavonoid Synthesis in Ginkgo biloba.

Ginkgo biloba is a highly valuable medicinal plant known for its rich secondary metabolites, including flavonoids. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) can be used as nanofertilizers and nano-growth regulators to promote plant growth and development. However, little is known about the effects of ZnO-NPs on flavonoids in G. biloba. In this study, G. biloba was treated with different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (25, 50, 100 mg/L), and it was found that 25 mg/L of ZnO-NPs enhanced G. biloba fresh weight, dry weight, zinc content, and flavonoids, while 50 and 100 mg/L had an inhibitory effect on plant growth. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR revealed that the increased total flavonoids and flavonols were mainly due to the promotion of the expression of flavonol structural genes such as GbF3H, GbF3'H, and GbFLS. Additionally, when the GbF3H gene was overexpressed in tobacco and G. biloba calli, an increase in total flavonoid content was observed. These findings indicate that 25 mg/L of ZnO-NPs play a crucial role in G. biloba growth and the accumulation of flavonoids, which can potentially promote the yield and quality of G. biloba in production.

Swift synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using unripe fruit extract of Pergularia daemia: An enhanced and eco-friendly control agent against Zika virus vector Aedes aegypti.

In this study Pergularia daemia unripe fruits were used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (Pd-ZnONPs). UV-vis Spectroscopy detected the production of ZnONPs. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM studies were used to characterize the synthesized Pd-ZnONPs. Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) third instar larvae were analyzed to diverse concentrations of Pd-unripe fruit extract and Pd-ZnONPs for 24 hours to assess the larvicidal effect. Mortality was also detected in Ae. aegypti larvae under laboratory conditions, with corresponding LC50 and LC90 values of 11.11 and 21.20 µg/ml respectively. As a result of this study, the levels of total proteins, esterases, acetylcholine esterase, and phosphatase enzymes in the third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti were significantly lower than the control. These findings suggest that Pd-ZnONPs could be used to suppress mosquito larval populations.

Effects of different concentrations of coated nano zinc oxide material on fecal bacterial composition and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND: Coated nano zinc oxide (Cnz) is a new feed or food additive, which is a potential replacement for a pharmacological dose level of ZnO. This study evaluated the positive effects of different concentrations of Cnz on the intestinal bacterial core, enterobacterial composition and mucosal barrier function in a pig model. RESULTS: Microbiota sequencing results showed that Cnz could significantly alter the intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism. Besides increasing the richness indices (ACE and Chao1), 10% Cnz could protect the intestinal mucosal barrier through increasing the expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the small intestine, increase the abundance of Lachnospiraceae UCG-004 and decrease the abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens compared to high ZnO diet and 5% Cnz material. CONCLUSIONS: Cnz material at 10% supplementation is more effective than a level of 5% Cnz in increasing intestinal barrier through affecting gut microbiota. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle using Turbinaria conoides on a Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites Mice Model.

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from Turbinaria conoides against a murine model of Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA). Nanoparticles were synthesized from the hydroethanolic extract of T. conoides (HETC). An ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric analysis was performed to confirm the formation of ZnO-NPs. Size, morphology, and elemental composition of ZnO-NPs were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (SEM-EDX). Healthy Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally induced with DLA cells and treated with ZnO-NPs and HETC at a dose of 50 µg/kg (p.o.). The effects of ZnO-NPs and HETC on body weight, tumor volume, hematological profile, and liver biochemical parameters were studied. The results of in vivo studies revealed that the treatment with ZnO-NPs and HETC decreased the tumor volume, thereby increasing the lifespan of DLA-bearing mice. The treatment also restored the alterations in hematological profile, antioxidant status, and activities of liver marker enzymes. These histopathological results provided the evidence for the protective effect of ZnO-NPs and HETC on DLA-induced mice. Thus, we conclude that ZnO-NPs possess more significant anticancer and antioxidant activities in DLA-bearing mice than HETC.

Determination of zinc oxide content of mineral medicine calamine using near-infrared spectroscopy based on MIV and BP-ANN algorithm.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely used in the analysis fields of traditional Chinese medicine. It has the advantages of fast analysis, no damage to samples and no pollution. In this research, a fast quantitative model for zinc oxide (ZnO) content in mineral medicine calamine was explored based on NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectra of 57 batches of calamine samples were collected and the first derivative (FD) method was adopted for conducting spectral pretreatment. The content of ZnO in calamine sample was determined using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) titration and taken as reference value of NIR spectroscopy. 57 batches of calamine samples were categorized into calibration and prediction set using the Kennard-Stone (K-S) algorithm. Firstly, in the calibration set, to calculate the correlation coefficient (r) between the absorbance value and the ZnO content of corresponding samples at each wave number. Next, according to the square correlation coefficient (r2) value to obtain the top 50 wave numbers to compose the characteristic spectral bands (4081.8-4096.3, 4188.9-4274.7, 4335.4, 4763.6,4794.4-4802.1, 4809.9, 4817.6-4875.4cm-1), which were used to establish the quantitative model of ZnO content using back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithm. Then, the 50 wave numbers were operated by the mean impact value (MIV) algorithm to choose wave numbers whose absolute value of MIV greater than or equal to 25, to obtain the optimal characteristic spectral bands (4875.4-4836.9, 4223.6-4080.9cm-1). And then, both internal cross and external validation were used to screen the number of hidden layer nodes of BP-ANN. Finally, the number 4 of hidden layer nodes was chosen as the best. At last, the BP-ANN model was found to enjoy a high accuracy and strong forecasting capacity for analyzing ZnO content in calamine samples ranging within 42.05-69.98%, with relative mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) of 1.66% and coefficient of determination (R2) of 95.75% in internal cross and relative mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.98%, R2 of 97.94% and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 6.11 in external validation.

Processing of calamine with modern analytical techniques: Processed with Huanglian Decoction () and Sanhuang Decoction ().

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pyrolysis characteristics of calcined and processed calamine, qualitatively and quantitatively compare the contents of related elements, morphology and functional groups of the pyrolysis products dried at different heating temperatures and explore the critical temperature and the optimal drying temperature for the process of calamine with Huanglian Decoction (HLD, ) and San Huang Decoction (SHD, ). METHODS: Pyrolysis products were prepared by programmable and constantly heating the calcined and processed calamine to or at different heating temperatures. Thermogravimetry (TG) was used to test their pyrolysis characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopeenergy dispersive spectrometer were used to determine their morphology, functional groups and element contents. Page model was used to investigate the constant drying kinetics of processed calamine. RESULTS: The adding of HLD or SHD to calcined calamine (CC) can slow its weight loss in drying pyrolysis process. The temperature ranges where HLD and SHD can affect its weight loss were 65-150 °C and 74-180 °C, respectively. The drying temperature was optimized as 90 °C. The drying kinetic for the processed calamine fits Page model shows good linearity. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions: The critical temperature and the optimal drying temperature where HLD and SHD can affect the weight loss rate in the process of calamine were explored using the theories and methods of both biophysical chemistry and processing of Chinese materia medica. This work provides a good example for the study of the process of other Chinese medicines using modern analytical techniques.

Detection of zinc oxide and cerium dioxide nanoparticles during drinking water treatment by rapid single particle ICP-MS methods.

Nanoparticles (NPs) entering water systems are an emerging concern as NPs are more frequently manufactured and used. Single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) methods were validated to detect Zn- and Ce-containing NPs in surface and drinking water using a short dwell time of 0.1 ms or lower, ensuring precision in single particle detection while eliminating the need for sample preparation. Using this technique, information regarding NP size, size distribution, particle concentration, and dissolved ion concentrations was obtained simultaneously. The fates of Zn- and Ce-NPs, including those found in river water and added engineered NPs, were evaluated by simulating a typical drinking water treatment process. Lime softening, alum coagulation, powdered activated carbon sorption, and disinfection by free chlorine were simulated sequentially using river water. Lime softening removed 38-53 % of Zn-containing and ZnO NPs and >99 % of Ce-containing and CeO2 NPs. Zn-containing and ZnO NP removal increased to 61-74 % and 77-79 % after alum coagulation and disinfection, respectively. Source and drinking water samples were collected from three large drinking water treatment facilities and analyzed for Zn- and Ce-containing NPs. Each facility had these types of NPs present. In all cases, particle concentrations were reduced by a minimum of 60 % and most were reduced by >95 % from source water to finished drinking water. This study concludes that uncoated ZnO and CeO2 NPs may be effectively removed by conventional drinking water treatments including lime softening and alum coagulation.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles induce eosinophilic airway inflammation in mice.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been widely used in industry. The metal composition of PM2.5 might contribute to the higher prevalence of asthma. To investigate the effects of ZnO NPs on allergic airway inflammation, mice were first exposed to different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0.1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg) or to a combination of ZnO NPs and chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) by oropharyngeal aspiration on day 0 and day 7 and then were sacrificed 5 days later. The subsequent time course of airway inflammation in the mice after ZnO NPs exposure was evaluated on days 1, 7, and 14. To further determine the role of zinc ions, ZnCl2 was also administered. The inflammatory cell count, cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung histopathology were examined. We found significant neutrophilia after exposure to high-dose ZnO NPs on day 1 and significant eosinophilia in the BALF at 7 days. However, the expression levels of the T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 increased significantly after 24h of exposure to only ZnO NPs and then decreased gradually. These results suggested that ZnO NPs could cause eosinophilic airway inflammation in the absence of allergens.

Fate of zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles in a pilot wastewater treatment plant and in processed biosolids.

Chemical transformations of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) during wastewater treatment and sludge treatment must be characterized to accurately assess the risks that these nanomaterials pose from land application of biosolids. Here, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and supporting characterization methods are used to determine the chemical speciation of Ag and Zn in sludge from a pilot wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that had received PVP coated 50 nm Ag NPs and 30 nm ZnO NPs, dissolved metal ions, or no added metal. The effects of composting and lime and heat treatment on metal speciation in the resulting biosolids were also examined. All added Ag was converted to Ag2S, regardless of the form of Ag added (NP vs ionic). Zn was transformed to three Zn-containing species, ZnS, Zn3(PO4)2, and Zn associated Fe oxy/hydroxides, also regardless of the form of Zn added. Zn speciation was the same in the unamended control sludge. Ag2S persisted in all sludge treatments. Zn3(PO4)2 persisted in sludge and biosolids, but the ratio of ZnS and Zn associated with Fe oxy/hydroxide depended on the redox state and water content of the biosolids. Limited differences in Zn and Ag speciation among NP-dosed, ion-dosed, and control biosolids indicate that these nanoparticles are transformed to similar chemical forms as bulk metals already entering the WWTP.

Influence of CeO2 and ZnO nanoparticles on cucumber physiological markers and bioaccumulation of Ce and Zn: a life cycle study.

With the dramatic increase in nanotechnologies, it has become increasingly likely that food crops will be exposed to excess engineered nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, cucumber plants were grown to full maturity in soil amended with either CeO2 or ZnO NPs at concentrations of 0, 400, and 800 mg/kg. Chlorophyll and gas exchange were monitored, and physiological markers were recorded. Results showed that, at the concentrations tested, neither CeO2 nor ZnO NPs impacted cucumber plant growth, gas exchange, and chlorophyll content. However, at 800 mg/kg treatment, CeO2 NPs reduced the yield by 31.6% compared to the control (p ≤ 0.07). ICP-MS results showed that the high concentration treatments resulted in the bioaccumulation of Ce and Zn in the fruit (1.27 mg of Ce and 110 mg Zn per kg dry weight). µ-XRF images exhibited Ce in the leaf vein vasculature, suggesting that Ce moves between tissues with water flow during transpiration. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first holistic study focusing on the impacts of CeO2 and ZnO NPs in the life cycle of cucumber plants.

Characterization of physicochemical properties of ivy nanoparticles for cosmetic application.

BACKGROUND: Naturally occurring nanoparticles isolated from English ivy (Hedera helix) have previously been proposed as an alternative to metallic nanoparticles as sunscreen fillers due to their effective UV extinction property, low toxicity and potential biodegradability. METHODS: This study focused on analyzing the physicochemical properties of the ivy nanoparticles, specifically, those parameters which are crucial for use as sunscreen fillers, such as pH, temperature, and UV irradiation. The visual transparency and cytotoxicity of ivy nanoparticles were also investigated comparing them with other metal oxide nanoparticles. RESULTS: Results from this study demonstrated that, after treatment at 100°C, there was a clear increase in the UV extinction spectra of the ivy nanoparticles caused by the partial decomposition. In addition, the UVA extinction spectra of the ivy nanoparticles gradually reduced slightly with the decrease of pH values in solvents. Prolonged UV irradiation indicated that the influence of UV light on the stability of the ivy nanoparticle was limited and time-independent. Compared to TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles, ivy nanoparticles showed better visual transparency. Methylthiazol tetrazolium assay demonstrated that ivy nanoparticles exhibited lower cytotoxicity than the other two types of nanoparticles. Results also suggested that protein played an important role in modulating the three-dimensional structure of the ivy nanoparticles. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results from this study it can be concluded that the ivy nanoparticles are able to maintain their UV protective capability at wide range of temperature and pH values, further demonstrating their potential as an alternative to replace currently available metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen applications.

Metal-based nanoparticles in soil: fate, behavior, and effects on soil invertebrates.

Metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) (e.g., silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide) are being widely used in the nanotechnology industry. Because of the release of particles from NP-containing products, it is likely that NPs will enter the soil compartment, especially through land application of sewage sludge derived from wastewater treatment. This review presents an overview of the literature dealing with the fate and effects of metal-based NPs in soil. In the environment, the characteristics of NPs (e.g., size, shape, surface charge) and soil (e.g., pH, ionic strength, organic matter, and clay content) will affect physical and chemical processes, resulting in NP dissolution, agglomeration, and aggregation. The behavior of NPs in soil will control their mobility and their bioavailability to soil organisms. Consequently, exposure characterization in ecotoxicological studies should obtain as much information as possible about dissolution, agglomeration, and aggregation processes. Comparing existing studies is a challenging task, because no standards exist for toxicity tests with NPs. In many cases, the reporting of associated characterization data is sparse, or missing, making it impossible to interpret and explain observed differences in results among studies.

Cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on root cells of Allium cepa.

Increasing use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) in consumer products may enhance its release into the environment. Phytotoxicity study is important to understand its possible environmental impact. Allium cepa (Onion bulb) is the best model organism to study genetic toxicology of nanoparticles. Here we have reported cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on the root cells of A. cepa. The effects of ZnO NPs on the mitotic index (MI), micronuclei index (MN index), chromosomal aberration index, and lipid peroxidation were determined through the hydroponic culturing of A. cepa. A. cepa roots were treated with the dispersions of ZnO NPs at four different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 µg ml(-1)). With the increasing concentrations of ZnO NPs MI decreased with the increase of pycnotic cells, on the other hand MN and chromosomal aberration index increased. The frequency of micronucleated cells was higher in ZnO NPs treated cells as compared to control (deionized distilled water). The number of cells in each mitotic phase changed upon ZnO NPs treatment. The effect of ZnO NPs on lipid peroxidation as examined by measuring TBARS concentration was evident at all the concentrations compared to bulk ZnO. The TEM image showed internalization of ZnO NPs like particles. SEM image of treated A. cepa demonstrated that the internalized nanoparticles agglomerated depending on the physico-chemical environment inside the cell. Our results demonstrated that ZnO NPs can be a clastogenic/genotoxic and cytotoxic agent. In conclusion, the A. cepa cytogenetic test can be used for the genotoxicity monitoring of novel nanomaterials like ZnO NPs, which is used in many consumer products.

Characterization and stability analysis of zinc oxide nanoencapsulated conjugated linoleic acid.

Nanoencapsulation technology has a diverse range of applications, including drug-delivery systems (DDS) and cosmetic and chemical carriers, because it can deliver various bio- and organic-molecules and improve their stabilities. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has health benefits, including being an anticancer agent, but it decreases flavor due to volatiles from oxidation. To improve the stability of CLA for food applications, nanoencapsulated CLA was synthesized for use in zinc basic salt (ZBS) and characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental CHN analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, UV/VIS spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of nanoencapsulated CLA at 180 degrees C, a temperature similar to that used in cooking, was analyzed by gas chromatography. The gallery height of nanoencapsulated CLA was determined to be approximately 26 A through powder X-ray diffractometry; therefore, the CLA molecules were closely packed with zig-zag form between the intracrystalline spaces of nano particles. Elemental CHN analysis and ICP data determined the chemical composition of nanoencapsulated CLA to be Zn(4.86)(OH)(8.78)(CLA)(0.94). By TGA, it was determined about 45% (wt/wt) of weight loss corresponded to CLA, which is good agreement with the 42.13% (wt/wt) determined from high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and elemental CHN analysis. UV/VIS spectroscopy and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed encapsulated CLA maintained a conjugated diene structure, supporting the presence of CLA. Nanoencapsulation improved the thermal stability of CLA by about 25%, compared to pristine CLA. Practical Application: This system can be used for protection of encapsulated negatively-charged food ingredients from thermal processing.

Evaluation of human osteosarcoma cell line genotoxicity effects of mineral trixoide aggregate and calcium silicate cements.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium silicate (CS) cements exhibit acceptable levels of cytocompatibility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate MTA and CS cement genotoxicity in a human osteosarcoma cell line (MG63). METHODS: A mitochondrial colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the MG63 survival rate. A DNA precipitation assay was used to detect the MG63 DNA damage after contact with MTA or CS cement extracts. RESULTS: The results showed that MTA and CS are cytocompatible with MG63 cells. There was no significant difference in the survival rate with MTA and CS materials (P > .05). Neither MTA nor CS cements causing MG63 cell DNA damage showed significant genotoxicity (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both MTA and CS cements are compatible with MG63 cells, and they are not cancer-causing agents.

[Analysis on processing mechanism of calamine].

OBJECTIVE: To study processing method and mechanism of Calamine. METHOD: Thermogravimetry analysis method and nano-technology were adopted to analyze and synthesize the components in Calamine, Tetracycline was took as the comparison drug to determine the antibacterial activity of Calamine and its components. RESULT: A part of zinc carbonate in Calamine was decomposed into zinc oxide when processing, and the particle size was smaller than before. The antibacterial activity of Calamine is decided by the content and particle size of zinc oxide, and has nothing with zinc carbonate. The more content and the smaller particle size of zinc oxide, the more powerful antibacterial activity of Calamine. CONCLUSION: The content and the particle size of zinc oxide can be the important targets in the processing of Calamine.

Tratamento endodôntico via retrógrada realizada em dentes de cäes com lesöes periapicais: avaliaçäo histomorfológica da açäo do EDTA e do hidróxido de cálcio aplicados sobre a superfície dentinária apicectomizada e material retrobturador / Retrigrade endodontic treatment performed in dog's teeth with periapical lesions: histomorphologic evaluation of EDTA and calcium hydroxide action over apicectomicized dentinal surface and retrofilling material

Foram utilizados, neste trabalho, 48 raízes de 32 pré-molares superiores e inferiores de 4 cäes adultos jovens, com lesöes periapicais crônicas, induzidas pela exposiçäo da câmara pulpar e canais radiculres ao meio oral, pelo período de 90 dias. Foi objetivo do trabalho estudar o reparo dos tecidos periapicais, após a apicectomia e tratamento endodôntico, via retrógrada, com cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol consistente, situado a 1 mm da superfície dentinária apicectomizada. Foi avaliada, ainda, a aplicaçäo da pasta de hidróxido de cálcio hidrossolúvel sobre o cimento obturador e superfície dentinária apicectomizada, com a aplicaçäo prévia ou näo do ácido etilenodiaminotetracético - EDTA trissódico, por 3 minutos, sobre a superfície dentinária apicectomizada. Todas as raízes, após serem apicectomizadas, receberam o preparo biomecânico, via retrógrada, e retrobturaçäo dos canais radiculares com cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol consistente. Em seguida, alguns espécimes sofreram a aplicaçäo de EDTA, por 3 minutos, sobre a superfície apicetomizada. Outros espécimes, após a retrobturaçäo, receberam a aplicaçäo da pasta de hidróxido de cálcio hidrossolúvel sobre o cimento obturador e também sobre a superfície da dentina apicectomizada. Alguns espécimes, após aplicaçäo de EDTA, por 3 minutos, sobre a superfície dentinária, receberam a pasta de hidróxido de cálcio hidrossolúvel sobre o cimento obturador e superfície dentinária. De acordo com os procedimentos realizados, 4 grupos experimentais foram constituídos: Grupo I - Tratamento endodôntico, via retrógrada, com cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol situado a 1 mm aquém da superfície de corte; Grupo II - Tratamento endodôntico, via retrógrada, com cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol situado a 1 mm aquém da superfície de corte e aplicaçäo de EDTA, por 3 minutos, sobre a dentina apicectomizada; Grupo III - Tratamento endodôntico, via retrógrada, com cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol situado a 1 mm aquém da superfície de corte e aplicaçäo da pasta de hidróxido de cálcio sobre o cimento obturdor e sobre a dentina apicetomizada; Grupo IV - Tratamento endodôntico, via retrógrada, com cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol, situado a 1 mm aquém da superfície de corte e aplicaçäo de EDTA sobre a superfície dentinária e da pasta de hidróxido de cálcio sobre o cimento obturador e superfície dentinária ...

Composition of eye cosmetics (kohls) used in Oman.

A total of 47 kohl samples, primarily used as traditional eye cosmetics, were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that, of the 18 Omani-made kohls, the main component of five was galena (PbS). Of the other 13, 12 were based on amorphous carbon and one on hematite (Fe2O3). The remaining samples were made in other countries and were found to contain one of the following as the main component: galena, minium (Pb3O4), amorphous carbon, magnetite (Fe3O4), zincite (ZnO), calcite (CaCO3) or sassolite (H3BO3).

[Clinical significance of the measurement of trace elements in the gastric mucosa and their oxides in patients with spleen diseases and gastric cancer].

The gastric mucosa trace elements and oxides were investigated with X-ray energy disperse analysis system in 41 cases of gastric disease due to Spleen deficiency. The differences in the change of the quantity of Zn, Cu, ZnO and CuO were very significant (P less than 0.05-0.001) in the gastric mucosa between normal area and focal area, between Spleen Qi deficiency and Spleen deficiency with Qi stagnation, and between benign gastric disease and gastric cancer. The experiments showed that: (1) The trace elements in the organism form its own system, the values being within the relatively constant scope. (2) The ratios of Zn/ZnO and Cu/CuO reflected "the rate of effectual utility" of Zn and Cu. (3) There was a very close internal relation between Spleen deficiency with Qi stagnation and gastric cancer. (4) The quantitative changes of Zn, Cu, ZnO, CuO, Zn/ZnO and Cu/CuO were related to pathologic change and the TCM syndrome pattern, and is worthy of further research.