Mycorrhizal type and tree diversity affect foliar elemental pools and stoichiometry.

Species-specific differences in nutrient acquisition strategies allow for complementary use of resources among plants in mixtures, which may be further shaped by mycorrhizal associations. However, empirical evidence of this potential role of mycorrhizae is scarce, particularly for tree communities. We investigated the impact of tree species richness and mycorrhizal types, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EM), on above- and belowground carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) dynamics. Soil and soil microbial biomass elemental dynamics showed weak responses to tree species richness and none to mycorrhizal type. However, foliar elemental concentrations, stoichiometry, and pools were significantly affected by both treatments. Tree species richness increased foliar C and P pools but not N pools. Additive partitioning analyses showed that net biodiversity effects of foliar C, N, P pools in EM tree communities were driven by selection effects, but in mixtures of both mycorrhizal types by complementarity effects. Furthermore, increased tree species richness reduced soil nitrate availability, over 2 yr. Our results indicate that positive effects of tree diversity on aboveground nutrient storage are mediated by complementary mycorrhizal strategies and highlight the importance of using mixtures composed of tree species with different types of mycorrhizae to achieve more multifunctional afforestation.

Adsorption and desorption of Hg(II) by four aged microplastics and its effects on gaseous elemental mercury production in seawater.

Microplastics (MPs) weather after entering the environment gradually, and the interaction with metal ions in the aqueous environment has received extensive attention. However, there are few studies on Hg(Ⅱ), especially the effect of MPs on the release of Hg0(DEM) in water after entering the aqueous environment. In this study, four types of MPs (PP, PE, PET, PVC) were selected to study the adsorption and desorption behavior of Hg(Ⅱ) after photoaging and to explore the influence of MPs on the release of DEM in seawater under different lighting conditions. The results showed that the specific surface area, negative charges, and oxygen-containing functional group of MPs increased after aging. The adsorption capacity of aged MPs for Hg(Ⅱ) was significantly improved, which was consistent with the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the adsorption process was a chemical and physical adsorption. The fitting results of the in-particle diffusion model indicated that the adsorption was controlled by multiple steps. Hg(Ⅱ) was easier to desorb in the simulated gastric fluid environment. Because the aged MPs had the stronger binding force to Hg(Ⅱ), their desorption rate is lower than new MPs. Under visible light and UVA irradiation, MPs inhibited the release of Hg0. Under UVA, the mass of DEM produced in seawater with aged PE and PVC was higher than that of new PE and PVC. The aged PE and PVC could produce more ·O2-, which was conducive to the reduction of mercury. However, in UVB irradiation, the addition of MPs promoted the release of DEM, and ·O2- also played an important contribution in affecting the photochemical reaction of mercury. Therefore, the presence of aged MPs will significantly affect the water-air exchange of Hg in water. Compared with new MPs, aged MPs improved the contribution of free radicals in Hg transformation by releasing reactive oxygen species. This study extends the understanding of the effects of MPs on the geochemical cycle of Hg(Ⅱ) in seawater, better assesses the potential combined ecological risks of MPs and Hg(Ⅱ), and provides certain guidance for the pollution prevention and control of MPs.

Mendeleev's discovery of the periodic table and the first European Academy of Sciences to honour him.

The chemical science community will commemorate the 155th anniversary of Mendeleev's groundbreaking discovery of the periodic table of elements in 2024. This paper aims to underscore the significance of Mendeleev's honorary membership in the Academy of Sciences in Zagreb, Croatia, which occurred in 1882, making it the first scientific academy in Europe to extend this recognition. Additionally, we seek to explore the contextual circumstances that contributed to this noteworthy event within the broader European context. To provide insight into the specificities and variations in the influence and reception of the periodic table of elements within the educational process of select European countries (Russia, Germany, Czech Lands, Serbia), we conducted a comprehensive review, drawing comparisons to Croatia. Notably, upon its initial publication in 1869, the discovery of the periodic table did not gain immediate acceptance in Croatia, largely attributed to the absence of a well-established presence of chemical science within the country. About fifteen years passed from Mendeleev's discovery of the periodic law to its reception and dissemination throughout Croatia. Despite an initial delay, Croatian chemical science followed the development of the periodic table through secondary and university education, while actively partaking it in.

Antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in relation to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: A Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in relation to the risk of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited and inconsistent. This mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to examine the causal associations of circulating levels of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins with CD and UC. METHODS: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with antioxidants (beta-carotene, lycopene and uric acid), minerals (copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium), and vitamins (folate, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and K1) were employed as instrumental variables. Genetic associations with CD and UC were extracted from the UK Biobank, the FinnGen study and the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium. The inverse variance weighted method and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Genetically predicted higher lycopene (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.97), vitamins D (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54-0.79) and K1 (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.97) levels were inversely associated with CD risk, whereas genetically predicted higher magnesium (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.23-1.90) levels were positively associated with CD risk. Higher levels of genetically predicted lycopene (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88-0.95), phosphorus (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58-0.82), selenium (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85-0.97), zinc (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89-0.94), folate (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.92) and vitamin E (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88) were associated with reduced UC risk, whereas genetically predicted high levels of calcium (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22-1.76) and magnesium (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.49) were associated with increased risk of UC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided evidence that circulating levels of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins might be causally linked to the development of IBD.

Marco regional para el seguimiento y la reverificación de la eliminación del sarampión, la rubéola y el síndrome de rubéola congénita en la Región de las Américas / Regional Framework for Monitoring and Reverification of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination in the Region of the Americas

En el marco regional se mantienen algunos elementos del plan de acción original del 2011 para documentar y verificar la eliminación, y se proporcionan orientación sólida y actualizada que se ajusta a las nuevas situaciones epidemiológicas. Para cumplir los criterios de reverificación, los países en los que esas enfermedades son endémicas ahora tendrán que demostrar que no hay transmisión del virus del sarampión durante más de un año y que poseen la capacidad nacional para mantener la eliminación del sarampión y la rubéola

[Design Strategy of Biologically Active Compounds Using Various Elements].

Almost all conventional drug discovery research has been based on hydrocarbon-based frameworks and common chemical elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and the halogens. However, triggered by the approval of bortezomib, a boronic acid-containing pharmaceutical agent, the incorporation of functionalities that are not native in biological systems has been intensively investigated. Several other boron-containing pharmaceuticals have also been marketed. Therefore, the inclusion of various elements is one of the most promising strategies for the development of novel and distinctive drug candidates. In this symposium review, the author focused on the 'elements chemistry' approaches for the structural development of biologically active compounds, particularly those involving silicon and phosphorus. The isosteric exchange of Si and C (Si/C-exchange) is one of the most-investigated forms of substituting elements. We revealed the detailed physicochemical impact of Si/C-exchange, and we proposed several applications of silyl functionalities other than the simple Si/C-exchange. Regarding phosphorus, we recently revealed that the P-B substructure can function as the isostere of C-C or Si-C substructures. In addition to these isosteric exchanges, the development of biologically active compounds bearing unique substructures such as carboranes, hydrophobic boron clusters, and ferrocene is introduced. These novel strategies provide several options for structural development, offering great potential for expanding the chemical space of medicinal chemistry.

Atom counting method for determining elemental composition of viruses and its applications in biothermodynamics and environmental science.

Quantitative physicochemical perspective on life processes has been a great asset, in bioengineering and biotechnology. The quantitative physicochemical approach can be applied to practically all organisms, including viruses, if their chemical composition and thermodynamic properties are known. In this paper, a new method is suggested for determining elemental composition of viruses, based on atom counting. The atom counting method requires knowledge of genetic sequence, protein sequences and protein copy numbers. An algorithm was suggested for a program that finds elemental composition of various viruses (DNA or RNA, enveloped or non-enveloped). Except for the nucleic acid, capsid proteins, lipid bilayer and carbohydrates, this method includes membrane proteins, as well as spike proteins. The atom counting method has been compared with the existing molecular composition and geometric methods on 5 viruses of different morphology, as well as experimentally determined composition of the poliovirus. The atom counting method was found to be more accurate in most cases. The three methods were found to be complementary, since they require different kind of input information. Moreover, since the 3 methods rest on different assumptions, results of one model can be compared to those of the other two.

Manual de biossegurança e bioprotecção 2ª edição, 2022 / Biosafety and bioprotection 2nd edition, 2022

A Biossegurança e Bioprotecção em Laboratórios de Saúde Pública, Laboratórios de Análises Clínicas e instituções de pesquisa em saúde são áreas do conhecimento relativamente novas, reguladas em vários países por um conjunto de leis, normas, directrizes e procedimentos específicos. Actualmente, a Biossegurança e a Bioprotecção são vistas como disciplinas científicas que requerem um domínio de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes (CHA) multi-disciplinares. A aplicação dos princípios de Biossegurança e Bioprotecção é essencial para conter, prevenir, reduzir e eliminar os riscos de exposição por agentes microbiológicos, químicos, físicos, ergonómicos, acidentais e entre outros perigos que podem ou poderiam causar doenças de âmbito ocupacional. A Biossegurança e a Bioprotecção são também importantes para prevenir a exposição a riscos aos familiares de profissionais de saúde, utentes dos serviços de saúde, e para garantir a protecção do meio ambiente e da vida selvagem

Inorganic element profile of medicinal Cannabis extracts consumed by pediatric patients

Abstract The increasing number of reports of web-based experiences on the success of Cannabis-based therapies in controlling seizures in children suffering from refractory epilepsy have led to efforts by governments and associations to a recent change in legislation. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) allowed the import of Cannabis extracts in 2015 and the registration of the first industrialized drug in 2017. In 2019, ANVISA approved procedures for the granting of a Sanitary Authorization for manufacturing and imports, establishing marketing requirements, prescribing, dispensing, monitoring and surveillance of cannabis products for medicinal purposes. Similar to other consumer products of health concern, is necessary to ensure the quality and health safety of these products worldwide. The aim of the present study to evaluate the presence of As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Cr and Mn present in Cannabis extracts and resins used in the treatment of pediatric patients with neurological diseases. Samples (48 national and 24 imported) were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - ICP-MS. The imported extracts presented more homogeneous inorganic element values, while national extracts showed varied levels, thus indicating the highest health risk.

New Sustainable Synthetic Routes to Cyclic Oxyterpenes Using the Ecocatalyst Toolbox.

Cyclic oxyterpenes are natural products that are mostly used as fragrances, flavours and drugs by the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. However, only a few cyclic oxyterpenes are accessible via chemical syntheses, which are far from being ecofriendly. We report here the synthesis of six cyclic oxyterpenes derived from ß-pinene while respecting the principles of green and sustainable chemistry. Only natural or biosourced catalysts were used in mild conditions that were optimised for each synthesis. A new generation of ecocatalysts, derived from Mn-rich water lettuce, was prepared via green processes, characterised by MP-AES, XRPD and TEM analyses, and tested in catalysis. The epoxidation of ß-pinene led to the platform molecule, ß-pinene oxide, with a good yield, illustrating the efficacy of the new generation of ecocatalysts. The opening ß-pinene oxide was investigated in green conditions and led to new and regioselective syntheses of myrtenol, 7-hydroxy-α-terpineol and perillyl alcohol. Successive oxidations of perillyl alcohol could be performed using no hazardous oxidant and were controlled using the new generation of ecocatalysts generating perillaldehyde and cuminaldehyde.

Etiopatogenia de las uñas frágiles / Etiopathogenesis of brittle nails

Las uñas frágiles se caracterizan por ser quebradizas, de superficie áspera y descamativa, es una entidad que predomina en mujeres y afecta principalmente las uñas de las manos. En condiciones normales las uñas estás compuestas por agua, cuya concentración oscila entre 7 % al 18 %, lípidos entre 0,1 % y 5%, siendo el colesterol su principal componente, además están compuesta por células queratinizadas sin descamación, dando origen a tres capas histológicas llamadas dorsal, media y ventral. Estas también contienen trazas de elementos como hierro y zinc. La alteración y disminución de estos componentes favorecen está condición. La causa puede ser idiopática o secundaria a enfermedades sistémicas, pueden estar presentes en algunas patologías dermatológicas. Una correcta anamnesis e historia clínica son necesarias para un correcto abordaje terapéutico. Su implicación cosmética nos obliga a tener un conocimiento claro de su etiopatogenia para así poder establecer un tratamiento efectivo y oportuno(AU)

Brittle nails are characterized by being brittle, witha rough and scaly surface, it is an entity that predominates inwomen and mainly affects the fingernails. In normal conditions the nails are made up of water, whose concentration ranges from7% to 18%, lipids between 0.1% and 5%, with cholesterol beingits main component, they are also composed of keratinized cellswithout desquamation, giving rise to three histological layerscalled dorsal, middle and ventral. These also contain traces ofelements such as iron, and zinc. The alteration and decreaseof these components favor this condition. Yhe cause may beidiopathic or secondary to systemic diseases, they may be presentin some dermatological pathologies. A correct anamnesis andmedical history are necessary for a correct therapeutic approach.Its cosmetic involvement forces us to have a clear understandingof its pathogenesis in order to establish an effective and timelytreatment(AU)

Magnesium Picolinate Improves Bone Formation by Regulation of RANK/RANKL/OPG and BMP-2/Runx2 Signaling Pathways in High-Fat Fed Rats.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency may affect bone metabolism by increasing osteoclasts, decreasing osteoblasts, promoting inflammation/oxidative stress, and result in subsequent bone loss. The objective of the present study was to identify the molecular mechanism underlying the bone protective effect of different forms of Mg (inorganic magnesium oxide (MgO) versus organic magnesium picolinate (MgPic) compound) in rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty-two Wistar albino male rats were divided into six group (n = 7): (i) control, (ii) MgO, (iii) MgPic, (iv) HFD, (v) HFD + MgO, and (vi) HFD + MgPic. Bone mineral density (BMD) increased in the Mg supplemented groups, especially MgPic, as compared with the HFD group (p < 0.001). As compared with the HFD + MgO group, the HFD + MgPic group had higher bone P (p < 0.05) and Mg levels (p < 0.001). In addition, as compared to MgO, MgPic improved bone formation by increasing the levels of osteogenetic proteins (COL1A1 (p < 0.001), BMP2 (p < 0.001), Runx2 (p < 0.001), OPG (p < 0.05), and OCN (p < 0.001), IGF-1 (p < 0.001)), while prevented bone resorption by reducing the levels of RANK and RANKL (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the present data showed that the MgPic could increase osteogenic protein levels in bone more effectively than MgO, prevent bone loss, and contribute to bone formation in HFD rats.

Functions of elements in soil microorganisms.

The soil microbial community fulfils various functions, such as nutrient cycling and carbon (C) sequestration, therefore contributing to maintenance of soil fertility and mitigation of global warming. In this context, a major focus of research has been on C, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling. However, from aquatic and other environments, it is well known that other elements beyond C, N, and P are essential for microbial functioning. Nonetheless, for soil microorganisms this knowledge has not yet been synthesised. To gain a better mechanistic understanding of microbial processes in soil systems, we aimed at summarising the current knowledge on the function of a range of essential or beneficial elements, which may affect the efficiency of microbial processes in soil. This knowledge is discussed in the context of microbial driven nutrient and C cycling. Our findings may support future investigations and data evaluation, where other elements than C, N, and P affect microbial processes.

Water stable colloidal lignin-PVP particles prepared by electrospray.

In this study, electrospray deposition has been used as a method to prepare lignin submicron spherical particles. Regularities of electrospraying of lignin solutions in DMSO were revealed. The influence of voltage, distance between electrodes, feed rate, temperature and concentration of lignin solution on the morphology, size and polydispersity of the obtained particles was determined. SEM, IR, TG-DSC, elemental analysis, dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential and nitrogen sorption were used to characterize the particles and to determine their properties. The aqueous colloidal solutions of the submicron particles of lignins from various plant sources were stabilized by preparing the lignin/polyvinylpyrrolidone polymeric complexes.

New lignin-based hybrid materials as functional additives for polymer biocomposites: From design to application.

Within this study, the ZrO2/lignin and ZrO2-SiO2/lignin hybrid materials were obtained for the first time. The mechanical grinding method was used for this purpose. In order to determine the properties of obtained lignin-based hybrids and the components used to produce them, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of their preparation, the authors used such research techniques as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis, porous structure analysis and thermal stability assessment (TGA/DTG). The next step involved using the components and produced hybrid materials as polymer fillers for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The obtained lignin-based hybrid biocomposites have then been thoroughly characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and hardness testing. All the conducted tests confirm the possibility of using the obtained bio-based products in practice, within the widely understood construction industry, for producing durable building facades or noise barriers, among others.

The Multi-Elemental Composition of the Aqueous Humor of Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery, Suffering from Coexisting Diabetes, Hypertension, or Diabetic Retinopathy.

The aim of the study was the multi-elemental analysis of aqueous humor (AH) collected from patients undergoing cataract surgery. The study included: 16 patients with age-related macular degeneration AMD (99 controls), 10 patients with retinopathy (105 controls), 61 patients with hypertension (54 controls), and 33 patients with coexisting diabetes (82 controls). The control groups were recruited from patients with a lack of co-existing disease characterizing the specified studied group. The measurements were performed by the use of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric testing (Mann-Whitney U). The level of significance was set at p = 0.05. The data obtained revealed substantial variations in elemental composition between the test groups in comparison to the controls. However, the significant variations concerned only a few elements. The phosphorous (P) level and the ratio of P/Ca were significant in retinopathy and diabetes, whereas cobalt (0.091 ± 0.107 mg/L vs. 0.031 ± 0.075 mg/L; p = 0.004) was significant in AMD. In co-existing hypertension, the levels of tin (0.293 ± 0.409 mg/L vs. 0.152 ± 0.3 mg/L; p = 0.031), titanium (0.096 ± 0.059 mg/L vs. 0.152 ± 0.192 mg/L; p = 0.045), and ruthenium (0.035 ± 0.109 mg/L vs. 0.002 ± 0.007 mg/L; p = 0.006) varied in comparison to the controls. The study revealed inter-elemental interactions. The correlation matrices demonstrated the domination of the positive correlations, whereas negative correlations mainly concerned sodium.

Polyphenol Rich Ajuga bracteosa Transgenic Regenerants Display Better Pharmacological Potential.

Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. is an endangered medicinal herb traditionally used against different ailments. The present study aimed to create new insight into the fundamental mechanisms of genetic transformation and the biological activities of this plant. We transformed the A. bracteosa plant with rol genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes and raised the regenerants from the hairy roots. These transgenic regenerants were screened for in vitro antioxidant activities, a range of in vivo assays, elemental analysis, polyphenol content, and different phytochemicals found through HPLC. Among 18 polyphenolic standards, kaempferol was most abundant in all transgenic lines. Furthermore, transgenic line 3 (ABRL3) showed maximum phenolics and flavonoids content among all tested plant extracts. ABRL3 also demonstrated the highest total antioxidant capacity (8.16 ± 1 µg AAE/mg), total reducing power, (6.60 ± 1.17 µg AAE/mg), DPPH activity (IC50 = 59.5 ± 0.8 µg/mL), hydroxyl ion scavenging (IC50 = 122.5 ± 0.90 µg/mL), and iron-chelating power (IC50 = 154.8 ± 2 µg/mL). Moreover, transformed plant extracts produced significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antidepressant activities in BALB/c mice models. In conclusion, transgenic regenerants of A. bracteosa pose better antioxidant and pharmacological properties under the effect of rol genes as compared to wild-type plants.

Gaining insight into the assimilated diet of small bear populations by stable isotope analysis.

Apennine brown bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus) survive in an isolated and critically endangered population, and their food habits have been studied using traditional scat analysis. To complement current dietary knowledge, we applied Stable Isotope Analysis (SIA) to non-invasively collected bear hairs that had been individually recognized through multilocus genotyping. We analysed carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes of hair sections and bear key foods in a Bayesian mixing models framework to reconstruct the assimilated diet on a seasonal basis and to assess gender and management status effects. In total, we analysed 34 different seasonal bear key foods and 35 hair samples belonging to 27 different bears (16 females and 11 males) collected during a population survey in 2014. Most bears showed wide δ15N and δ13C ranges and individual differences in seasonal isotopic patterns. Vegetable matter (herbs, fleshy fruits and hard mast) represented the major component of the assimilated diet across the dietary seasons, whereas vegetable crops were rarely and C4 plants (i.e., corn) never consumed. We confirmed an overall low consumption of large mammals by Apennine bears consistently between sexes, with highest values in spring followed by early summer but null in the other seasons. We also confirmed that consumption of fleshy fruits peaked in late summer, when wild predominated over cultivated fleshy fruits, even though the latter tended to be consumed in higher proportion in autumn. Male bears had higher δ 15N values than females in spring and autumn. Our findings also hint at additional differences in the assimilated diet between sexes, with females likely consuming more herbs during spring, ants during early summer, and hard mast during fall compared to males. In addition, although effect sizes were small and credibility intervals overlapped considerably, management bears on average were 0.9‰ lower in δ 13C and 2.9‰ higher in δ 15N compared to non-management bears, with differences in isotopic values between the two bear categories peaking in autumn. While non-management bears consumed more herbs, wild fleshy fruits, and hard mast, management bears tended to consume higher proportions of cultivated fruits, ants, and large mammals, possibly including livestock. Although multi-year sampling and larger sample sizes are needed to support our findings, our application confirms that SIA can effectively integrate previous knowledge and be efficiently conducted using samples non-invasively collected during population surveys.

An Ultrastructural Study on the Effect of High Temperatures on Teeth and Restorative Materials That Aids in the Identification of Human Remains.

INTRODUCTION: In most disasters, teeth are the only means of positive identification of an otherwise unrecognizable body, as there has been tremendous increase in the use of dental restorations that have different resistance to prolonged high temperature which is an important aid in identifying burned victims. Application of SEM/EDS in forensics was found useful in areas where there is a need for good imaging with high magnification combined with elemental analysis. The objective of this study was to analyze incineration effects on teeth and restorative materials using SEM/EDS. Materials and Method. 128 extracted teeth were collected, 96 were restored with silver amalgam, composite, and GIC of 32 each, and crown preparation was done in 32 teeth for which metal ceramic crowns were prepared. These teeth were subjected to 4 different temperatures (500°C, 700°C, 900°C, and 1100°C) for 20 minutes, and they were analyzed macroscopically and by using SEM for the changes subsequent to their exposure to such high temperatures. RESULTS: All the restorations which were very difficult to identify by naked eye were identified with the help of SEM/EDS. CONCLUSION: Elemental analysis of the specific restorative material proves to be an essential tool for the forensic odontologist.