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Raneri S, Gianoncelli A, Bonanni V, Mirata S, Scarfì S, Fornasini L, Bersani D, Baroni D, Picco C, Gualtieri AF. The influence of cation exchange on the possible mechanism of erionite toxicity: A synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence study on THP-1-derived macrophages exposed to erionite-Na. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118878. [PMID: 38582417 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Fibrous erionite is the only zeolite classified as Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Carcinogenesis induced by erionite is thought to involve several factors as biopersistence, the iron role and cation exchange processes. To better understand these mechanisms, a detailed investigation at the micro scale was performed, collecting elemental information on iron and cation release and their distribution in biological systems by synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence mapping (SR-micro-XRF) and synchrotron micro-X-ray absorption spectroscopy (SR-micro-XANES) at the TwinMic beamline (Elettra synchrotron) and at the ID21 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). By microscopy and chemical mapping, highly detailed maps of the chemical and morphological interaction of biological systems with fibres could be produced. In detail, THP-1 cell line derived macrophages, used as in vitro model, were analysed during erionite-Na phagocytosis at different time intervals, after single dose exposure. For comparison, cellular fluorescent probes were also used to evaluate the intracellular free sodium and calcium concentrations. Synchrotron analyses visualised the spatial distribution of both fibre and mineral particle associated metals during the phagocytosis, describing the mechanism of internalisation of erionite-Na and its accessory mineral phases. The intracellular distribution of metals and other cations was mapped to evaluate metal release, speciation changes and/or cation exchange during phagocytosis. The fluorescent probes complemented microchemical data clarifying, and confirming, the cation distribution observed in the SR-micro-XRF maps. The significant cytoplasmic calcium decrease, and the concomitant sodium increase, after the fibre phagocytosis seemed due to activation of plasma membrane cations exchangers triggered by the internalisation while, surprisingly, the ion-exchange capacity of erionite-Na could play a minor role in the disruption of the two cations intracellular homeostasis. These results help to elucidate the role of cations in the toxicity of erionite-treated THP-1 macrophages and add knowledge to its carcinogenicity process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Raneri
- CNR-ICCOM, National Research Council, Institute of Chemistry and OrganoMetallic Compounds, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonanni
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Mirata
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Sonia Scarfì
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Laura Fornasini
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Danilo Bersani
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Debora Baroni
- Istituto di Biofisica, CNR, Via De Marini 6, 15149, Genova, Italy
| | - Cristiana Picco
- Istituto di Biofisica, CNR, Via De Marini 6, 15149, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro F Gualtieri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
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2
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Shimamura T, Takeo Y, Moriya F, Kimura T, Shimura M, Senba Y, Kishimoto H, Ohashi H, Shimba K, Jimbo Y, Mimura H. Ultracompact mirror device for forming 20-nm achromatic soft-X-ray focus toward multimodal and multicolor nanoanalyses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:665. [PMID: 38326328 PMCID: PMC10850520 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44269-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoscale soft-X-ray microscopy is a powerful analysis tool in biological, chemical, and physical sciences. To enhance its probe sensitivity and leverage multimodal soft-X-ray microscopy, precise achromatic focusing devices, which are challenging to fabricate, are essential. Here, we develop an ultracompact Kirkpatrick-Baez (ucKB) mirror, which is ideal for the high-performance nanofocusing of broadband-energy X-rays. We apply our advanced fabrication techniques and short-focal-length strategy to realize diffraction-limited focusing over the entire soft-X-ray range. We achieve a focus size of 20.4 nm at 2 keV, which represents a significant improvement in achromatic soft-X-ray focusing. The ucKB mirror extends soft-X-ray fluorescence microscopy by producing a bicolor nanoprobe with a 1- or 2-keV photon energy. We propose a subcellular chemical mapping method that allows a comprehensive analysis of specimen morphology and the distribution of light elements and metal elements. ucKB mirrors will improve soft-X-ray nanoanalyses by facilitating photon-hungry, multimodal, and polychromatic methods, even with table-top X-ray sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takenori Shimamura
- School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan.
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8581, Japan.
| | - Yoko Takeo
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8581, Japan
| | - Fumika Moriya
- School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kimura
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8581, Japan
| | - Mari Shimura
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5148, Japan
- Department of Refractory Viral Infection, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Yasunori Senba
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5148, Japan
| | - Hikaru Kishimoto
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Ohashi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5148, Japan
| | - Kenta Shimba
- School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Jimbo
- School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Mimura
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Koto, Sayo, Sayo District, Hyogo, 679-5148, Japan.
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan.
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Hafner A, Costa L, Kourousias G, Bonanni V, Žižić M, Stolfa A, Bazi B, Vincze L, Gianoncelli A. An innovative in situ AFM system for a soft X-ray spectromicroscopy synchrotron beamline. Analyst 2024; 149:700-706. [PMID: 38054815 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01358h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Multimodal imaging and spectroscopy like concurrent scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are highly desirable as they allow retrieving complementary information. This paper reports on the design, development, integration and field testing of a novel in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) instrument for operation under high vacuum in a synchrotron soft X-ray microscopy STXM-XRF end-station. A combination of μXRF and AFM is demonstrated for the first time in the soft X-ray regime, with an outlook for the full XRF-STXM-AFM combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljoša Hafner
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Luca Costa
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale, CNRS UMR 5048 - UM - INSERM U 1054, 29 rue de Navacelles 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - George Kourousias
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Valentina Bonanni
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Milan Žižić
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Andrea Stolfa
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Benjamin Bazi
- Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laszlo Vincze
- Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
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Kourousias G, Billè F, Guzzi F, Ippoliti M, Bonanni V, Gianoncelli A. Advances in sparse dynamic scanning in spectromicroscopy through compressive sensing. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285057. [PMID: 37943764 PMCID: PMC10635485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Scanning microscopies and spectroscopies like X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM), and Ptychography are of very high scientific importance as they can be employed in several research fields. Methodology and technology advances aim at analysing larger samples at better resolutions, improved sensitivities and higher acquisition speeds. The frontiers of those advances are in detectors, radiation sources, motors, but also in acquisition and analysis software together with general methodology improvements. We have recently introduced and fully implemented an intelligent scanning methodology based on compressive sensing, on a soft X-ray microscopy beamline. This demonstrated sparse low energy XRF scanning of dynamically chosen regions of interest in combination with STXM, yielding spectroimaging data in the megapixel-range and in shorter timeframes than were previously not feasible. This research has been further developed and has been applied to scientific applications in biology. The developments are mostly in the dynamic triggering decisional mechanism in order to incorporate modern Machine Learning (ML) but also in the suitable integration of the method in the control system, making it available for other beamlines and imaging techniques. On the applications front, the method was previously successfully used on different samples, from lung and ovarian human tissues to plant root sections. This manuscript introduces the latest methodology advances and demonstrates their applications in life and environmental sciences. Lastly, it highlights the auxiliary development of a mobile application, designed to assist the user in the selection of specific regions of interest in an easy way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fulvio Billè
- Elettra–Sincrotrone Trieste, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
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5
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Zingaro F, Gianoncelli A, Ceccone G, Birarda G, Cassano D, La Spina R, Agostinis C, Bonanni V, Ricci G, Pascolo L. Morphological and lipid metabolism alterations in macrophages exposed to model environmental nanoplastics traced by high-resolution synchrotron techniques. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1247747. [PMID: 37744340 PMCID: PMC10515218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1247747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The release of nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is a significant health concern for long-term exposed humans. Although their usage has certainly revolutionized several application fields, at nanometer size, NPs can easily interact at the cellular level, resulting in potential harmful effects. Micro/Nanoplastics (M/NPs) have a demonstrated impact on mammalian endocrine components, such as the thyroid, adrenal gland, testes, and ovaries, while more investigations on prenatal and postnatal exposure are urgently required. The number of literature studies on the NPs' presence in biological samples is increasing. However, only a few offer a close study on the model environmental NP-immune system interaction exploited by advanced microscopy techniques. The present study highlights substantial morphological and lipid metabolism alterations in human M1 macrophages exposed to labeled polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride nanoparticles (PP and PVC NPs) (20 μg/ml). The results are interpreted by advanced microscopy techniques combined with standard laboratory tests and fluorescence microscopy. We report the accurate detection of polymeric nanoparticles doped with cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe-QDs NPs) by following the Se (L line) X-ray fluorescence emission peak at higher sub-cellular resolution, compared to the supportive light fluorescence microscopy. In addition, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) imaging successfully revealed morphological changes in NP-exposed macrophages, providing input for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses, which underlined the chemical modifications in macromolecular components, specifically in lipid response. The present evidence was confirmed by quantifying the lipid droplet (LD) contents in PP and PVC NPs-exposed macrophages (0-100 μg/ml) by Oil Red O staining. Hence, even at experimental NPs' concentrations and incubation time, they do not significantly affect cell viability; they cause an evident lipid metabolism impairment, a hallmark of phagocytosis and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giacomo Ceccone
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | - Rita La Spina
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
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6
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Parisse S, Gianoncelli A, Isani G, Gambaro FL, Andreani G, Malucelli E, Aquilanti G, Carlomagno I, Carletti R, Mischitelli M, Ferri F, Paterna V, Lai Q, Mennini G, Melandro F, Di Gioia C, Rossi M, Iotti S, Fratini M, Ginanni Corradini S. Severity of Hepatocyte Damage and Prognosis in Cirrhotic Patients Correlate with Hepatocyte Magnesium Depletion. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112626. [PMID: 37299589 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the magnesium content in human cirrhotic liver and its correlation with serum AST levels, expression of hepatocellular injury, and MELDNa prognostic score. In liver biopsies obtained at liver transplantation, we measured the magnesium content in liver tissue in 27 cirrhotic patients (CIRs) and 16 deceased donors with healthy liver (CTRLs) by atomic absorption spectrometry and within hepatocytes of 15 CIRs using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy. In 31 CIRs and 10 CTRLs, we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression in hepatocytes of the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a magnesium influx chanzyme also involved in inflammation. CIRs showed a lower hepatic magnesium content (117.2 (IQR 110.5-132.9) vs. 162.8 (IQR 155.9-169.8) μg/g; p < 0.001) and a higher percentage of TRPM7 positive hepatocytes (53.0 (IQR 36.8-62.0) vs. 20.7 (10.7-32.8)%; p < 0.001) than CTRLs. In CIRs, MELDNa and serum AST at transplant correlated: (a) inversely with the magnesium content both in liver tissue and hepatocytes; and (b) directly with the percentage of hepatocytes stained intensely for TRPM7. The latter also directly correlated with the worsening of MELDNa at transplant compared to waitlisting. Magnesium depletion and overexpression of its influx chanzyme TRPM7 in hepatocytes are associated with severity of hepatocyte injury and prognosis in cirrhosis. These data represent the pathophysiological basis for a possible beneficial effect of magnesium supplementation in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Parisse
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gloria Isani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 50055-Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Luigi Gambaro
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathological Anatomy, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Andreani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 50055-Ozzano dell'Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Emil Malucelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliana Aquilanti
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilaria Carlomagno
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Carletti
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathological Anatomy, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Mischitelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Ferri
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Paterna
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Quirino Lai
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mennini
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Melandro
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cira Di Gioia
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathological Anatomy, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Rossi
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Iotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Via delle Medaglie d'oro, 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Fratini
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology c/o Physics Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 7, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Neurophysics and Neuroimaging (NaN), IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ginanni Corradini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Pascolo L, Pachetti M, Camillo A, Cernogoraz A, Rizzardi C, Mikus KV, Zanconati F, Salomé M, Suárez VT, Romano F, Zito G, Gianoncelli A, Ricci G. Detention and mapping of iron and toxic environmental elements in human ovarian endometriosis: A suggested combined role. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:161028. [PMID: 36549535 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a disease affecting 10-15 % of women worldwide, consisting in the ectopic growth of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. Whist the pathogenetic mechanisms of endometriosis remain elusive and contemplating even environmental causes, iron deposits are common in endometrial lesions, indicating an altered iron metabolism at this level. This study was undertaken to reveal a possible relationship between iron dysmetabolism and accumulation of environmental metals. METHODS By combining histological and histochemical analysis (H&E and Perl's staining) with μ- and nano- synchrotron-based (SR-based) X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy, we investigated the distribution of iron and other elements in the ovarian endometriomas of 12 endometriosis patients and in 7 healthy endometrium samples. RESULTS XRF microscopy expanded the findings obtained by Perl's staining, revealing with an exceptional sensitivity intracellular features of iron accumulation in the epithelial endometrium, stroma and macrophages of the endometriotic lesions. XRF evidenced that iron was specifically accumulated in multiple micro aggregates, reaching concentrations up to 10-20 % p/p. Moreover, by XRF analysis we revealed for the first time the retention of a number of exogenous and potentially toxic metals such as Pb, Br, Ti, Al Cr, Si and Rb partially or totally co-localizing with iron. CONCLUSION μXRF reveals accumulation and colocalization of iron and environmental metals in human ovarian endometriosis, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Maria Pachetti
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Camillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Alice Cernogoraz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, F. Del Ponte Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Clara Rizzardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Katarina Vogel Mikus
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Slovenia Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Murielle Salomé
- ESRF, The European Synchrotron, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | | | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra, Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 - km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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8
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Castiglioni S, Locatelli L, Fedele G, Cazzaniga A, Malucelli E, Iotti S, Maier JA. The Interplay between TRPM7 and MagT1 in Maintaining Endothelial Magnesium Homeostasis. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:membranes13030286. [PMID: 36984673 PMCID: PMC10052067 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) is an ubiquitous channel fused to an α-kinase domain involved in magnesium (Mg) transport, and its level of expression has been proposed as a marker of endothelial function. To broaden our present knowledge about the role of TRPM7 in endothelial cells, we generated stable transfected Human Endothelial Cells derived from the Umbilical Vein (HUVEC). TRPM7-silencing HUVEC maintain the actin fibers' organization and mitochondrial network. They produce reduced amounts of reactive oxygen species and grow faster than controls. Intracellular Mg concentration does not change in TRPM7-silencing or -expressing HUVEC, while some differences emerged when we analyzed intracellular Mg distribution. While the levels of the plasma membrane Mg transporter Solute Carrier family 41 member 1 (SLC41A1) and the mitochondrial channel Mrs2 remain unchanged, the highly selective Magnesium Transporter 1 (MagT1) is upregulated in TRPM7-silencing HUVEC through transcriptional regulation. We propose that the increased amounts of MagT1 grant the maintenance of intracellular Mg concentrations when TRPM7 is not expressed in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Locatelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Fedele
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cazzaniga
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Emil Malucelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Iotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Jeanette A. Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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9
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Guzzi F, Gianoncelli A, Billè F, Carrato S, Kourousias G. Automatic Differentiation for Inverse Problems in X-ray Imaging and Microscopy. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030629. [PMID: 36983785 PMCID: PMC10051220 DOI: 10.3390/life13030629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational techniques allow breaking the limits of traditional imaging methods, such as time restrictions, resolution, and optics flaws. While simple computational methods can be enough for highly controlled microscope setups or just for previews, an increased level of complexity is instead required for advanced setups, acquisition modalities or where uncertainty is high; the need for complex computational methods clashes with rapid design and execution. In all these cases, Automatic Differentiation, one of the subtopics of Artificial Intelligence, may offer a functional solution, but only if a GPU implementation is available. In this paper, we show how a framework built to solve just one optimisation problem can be employed for many different X-ray imaging inverse problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Guzzi
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14—km 163,500 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14—km 163,500 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvio Billè
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14—km 163,500 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sergio Carrato
- Department of Engineering and Architecture (DIA), University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - George Kourousias
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14—km 163,500 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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10
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Merolle L, Pascolo L, Zupin L, Parisse P, Bonanni V, Gariani G, Kenig S, Bedolla DE, Crovella S, Ricci G, Iotti S, Malucelli E, Kourousias G, Gianoncelli A. Impact of Sample Preparation Methods on Single-Cell X-ray Microscopy and Light Elemental Analysis Evaluated by Combined Low Energy X-ray Fluorescence, STXM and AFM. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041992. [PMID: 36838979 PMCID: PMC9962160 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although X-ray fluorescence microscopy is becoming a widely used technique for single-cell analysis, sample preparation for this microscopy remains one of the main challenges in obtaining optimal conditions for the measurements in the X-ray regime. The information available to researchers on sample treatment is inadequate and unclear, sometimes leading to wasted time and jeopardizing the experiment's success. Many cell fixation methods have been described, but none of them have been systematically tested and declared the most suitable for synchrotron X-ray microscopy. METHODS The HEC-1-A endometrial cells, human spermatozoa, and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells were fixed with organic solvents and cross-linking methods: 70% ethanol, 3.7%, and 2% paraformaldehyde; in addition, HEK-293 cells were subjected to methanol/ C3H6O treatment and cryofixation. Fixation methods were compared by coupling low-energy X-ray fluorescence with scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and atomic force microscopy. RESULTS Organic solvents lead to greater dehydration of cells, which has the most significant effect on the distribution and depletion of diffusion elements. Paraformaldehyde provides robust and reproducible data. Finally, the cryofixed cells provide the best morphology and element content results. CONCLUSION Although cryofixation seems to be the most appropriate method as it allows for keeping cells closer to physiological conditions, it has some technical limitations. Paraformaldehyde, when used at the average concentration of 3.7%, is also an excellent alternative for X-ray microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Merolle
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Zupin
- IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonanni
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gariani
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sasa Kenig
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Diana E. Bedolla
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Biological Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, 34137 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Iotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Emil Malucelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - George Kourousias
- Elettra—Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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11
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Cloete KJ, Šmit Ž, Gianoncelli A. Multidimensional Profiling of Human Body Hairs Using Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative Approaches with SR-XRF, ATR-FTIR, DSC, and SEM-EDX. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044166. [PMID: 36835578 PMCID: PMC9964782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the potential of a multidimensional approach to differentiate body hairs based on their physico-chemical properties and whether body hairs can replace the use of scalp hair in studies linked to forensic and systemic intoxication. This is the first case report controlling for confounding variables to explore the utility of multidimensional profiling of body hair using synchrotron synchrotron microbeam X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) for longitudinal and hair morphological region mapping) and benchtop methods, including attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) (complemented with chemometrics analysis), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) (complemented with heatmap analysis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis (complemented by descriptive statistics) to profile different body hairs in terms of their elemental, biochemical, thermal, and cuticle properties. This multidimensional approach provided supportive information to emphasize the intricate and rather complex interplay between the organization and levels of elements and biomolecules within the crystalline and amorphous matrix of different body hairs responsible for the differences in physico-chemical properties between body hairs that are predominantly affected by the growth rate, follicle or apocrine gland activity, and external factors such as cosmetic use and exposure to environmental xenobiotics. The data from this study may have important implications for forensic science, toxicology and systemic intoxication, or other studies involving hair as a research matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J. Cloete
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +27-21-82-587-6720
| | - Žiga Šmit
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, TS, Italy
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12
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Morphological and Chemical Investigation of Ovarian Structures in a Bovine Model by Contrast-Enhanced X-ray Imaging and Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043545. [PMID: 36834956 PMCID: PMC9963314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of an ovary's structures is highly desirable to support advances in folliculogenesis knowledge and reproductive medicine, with particular attention to fertility preservation options for prepubertal girls with malignant tumors. Although currently the golden standard for structural analysis is provided by combining histological sections, staining, and visible 2D microscopic inspection, synchrotron radiation phase-contrast microtomography is becoming a new challenge for three-dimensional studies at micrometric resolution. To this aim, the proper use of contrast agents can improve the visualization of internal structures in ovary tissues, which normally present a low radiopacity. In this study, we report a comparison of four staining protocols, based on iodine or tungsten containing agents, applied to bovine ovarian tissues fixed in Bouin's solution. The microtomography (microCT) analyses at two synchrotron facilities under different set-ups were performed at different energies in order to maximize the image contrast. While tungsten-based agents allow large structures to be well identified, Iodine ones better highlight smaller features, especially when acquired above the K-edge energy of the specific metal. Further scans performed at lower energy where the setup was optimized for overall quality and sensitivity from phase-contrast still provided highly resolved visualization of follicular and intrafollicular structures at different maturation stages, independent of the staining protocol. The analyses were complemented by X-ray Fluorescence mapping on 2D sections, showing that the tungsten-based agent has a higher penetration in this type of tissues.
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13
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Jobim PFC, Iochims Dos Santos CE, Dias JF, Kelemen M, Pelicon P, Mikuš KV, Pascolo L, Gianoncelli A, Bedolla DE, Rasia-Filho AA. Human Neocortex Layer Features Evaluated by PIXE, STIM, and STXM Techniques. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:592-602. [PMID: 35258774 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03182-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The human neocortex has a cytoarchitecture composed of six layers with an intrinsic organization that relates to afferent and efferent pathways for a high functional specialization. Various histological, neurochemical, and connectional techniques have been used to study these cortical layers. Here, we explore the additional possibilities of swift ion beam and synchrotron radiation techniques to distinguish cellular layers based on the elemental distributions and areal density pattern in the human neocortex. Temporal cortex samples were obtained from two neurologically normal adult men (postmortem interval: 6-12 h). A cortical area of 500 × 500 μm2 was scanned by a 3 MeV proton beam for elemental composition and areal density measurements using particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and scanning transmission ion microscopy (STIM), respectively. Zinc showed higher values in cortical layers II and V, which needs a critical discussion. Furthermore, the areal density decreased in regions with a higher density of pyramidal neurons in layers III and V. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) revealed the cellular density with higher lateral resolution than STIM, but not enough to distinguish each cortical lamination border. Our data describe the practical results of these approaches employing both X-ray and ion-beam based techniques for the human cerebral cortex and its heterogeneous layers. These results add to the potential approaches and knowledge of the human neocortical gray matter in normal tissue to develop improvements and address further studies on pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Fernandes Costa Jobim
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | | | - Johnny Ferraz Dias
- Ion Implantation Laboratory, Physics Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Katarina Vogel Mikuš
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Diana Eva Bedolla
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Antônio Rasia-Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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14
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Marmiroli M, Mussi F, Gallo V, Gianoncelli A, Hartley W, Marmiroli N. Combination of Biochemical, Molecular, and Synchrotron-Radiation-Based Techniques to Study the Effects of Silicon in Tomato ( Solanum Lycopersicum L.). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15837. [PMID: 36555489 PMCID: PMC9785873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The work focused on the analysis of two cultivars of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Aragon and Gladis, under two different treatments of silicon, Low, 2 L of 0.1 mM CaSiO3, and High, 0.5 mM CaSiO3, weekly, for 8 weeks, under stress-free conditions. We subsequently analyzed the morphology, chemical composition, and elemental distribution using synchrotron-based µ-XRF techniques, physiological, and molecular aspects of the response of the two cultivars. The scope of the study was to highlight any significant response of the plants to the Si treatments, in comparison with any response to Si of plants under stress. The results demonstrated that the response was mainly cultivar-dependent, also at the level of mitochondrial-dependent oxidative stress, and that it did not differ from the two conditions of treatments. With Si deposited mainly in the cell walls of the cells of fruits, leaves, and roots, the treatments did not elicit many significant changes from the point of view of the total elemental content, the physiological parameters that measured the oxidative stress, and the transcriptomic analyses focalized on genes related to the response to Si. We observed a priming effect of the treatment on the most responsive cultivar, Aragon, in respect to future stress, while in Gladis the Si treatment did not significantly change the measured parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marmiroli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 33/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
- The Italian National Interuniversity Consortium for Environmental Sciences (CINSA), Parco Area delle Scienze 93/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Mussi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 33/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Gallo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 33/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14—km 163.5 in AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - William Hartley
- Agriculture and Environment, Harper Adams University, Newport B5062, UK
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- The Italian National Interuniversity Consortium for Environmental Sciences (CINSA), Parco Area delle Scienze 93/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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15
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Ippoliti M, Billè F, Karydas AG, Gianoncelli A, Kourousias G. Reconstruction of 3D topographic landscape in soft X-ray fluorescence microscopy through an inverse X-ray-tracing approach based on multiple detectors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20145. [PMID: 36418356 PMCID: PMC9684553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) emission spectra is a powerful technique used in applications that range from biology to cultural heritage. Key objectives of this technique include identification and quantification of elemental traces composing the analyzed sample. However, precise derivation of elemental concentration is often hampered by self-absorption of the XRF signal emitted by light constituents. This attenuation depends on the amount of sample present between the radiation source and detection system and allows for the exploitation of self-absorption in order to recover a sample topography. In this work, an X-ray-tracing application based on the use of multiple silicon drift detectors, is introduced to inversely reconstruct a 3D sample with correct topographical landscape, from 2D XRF count rates maps obtained from spectroscopy. The reconstruction was tested on the XRF maps of a simulated sample, which is composed of three cells with different size but similar composition. We propose to use the recovered 3D sample topography in order to numerically compute the self-absorption effects on the X-ray fluorescence radiation, thereby showing that a quantitative correction is possible. Lastly, we present a web application which implements the suggested methodology, in order to demonstrate its feasibility and applicability, available at: https://github.com/ElettraSciComp/xrfstir .
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Ippoliti
- grid.5942.a0000 0004 1759 508XElettra — Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 km 163,5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvio Billè
- grid.5942.a0000 0004 1759 508XElettra — Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 km 163,5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andreas G. Karydas
- grid.6083.d0000 0004 0635 6999Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics, National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 153 10 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- grid.5942.a0000 0004 1759 508XElettra — Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 km 163,5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - George Kourousias
- grid.5942.a0000 0004 1759 508XElettra — Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 km 163,5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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16
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Guzzi F, Kourousias G, Billè F, Pugliese R, Gianoncelli A, Carrato S. A modular software framework for the design and implementation of ptychography algorithms. PeerJ Comput Sci 2022; 8:e1036. [PMID: 36091984 PMCID: PMC9454962 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Computational methods are driving high impact microscopy techniques such as ptychography. However, the design and implementation of new algorithms is often a laborious process, as many parts of the code are written in close-to-the-hardware programming constructs to speed up the reconstruction. In this article, we present SciComPty, a new ptychography software framework aiming at simulating ptychography datasets and testing state-of-the-art and new reconstruction algorithms. Despite its simplicity, the software leverages GPU accelerated processing through the PyTorch CUDA interface. This is essential for designing new methods that can readily be employed. As an example, we present an improved position refinement method based on Adam and a new version of the rPIE algorithm, adapted for partial coherence setups. Results are shown on both synthetic and real datasets. The software is released as open-source.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sergio Carrato
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Architettura, Università degli studi di Trieste, Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
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17
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Synchrotron Radiation Study of Gain, Noise, and Collection Efficiency of GaAs SAM-APDs with Staircase Structure. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22124598. [PMID: 35746377 PMCID: PMC9227164 DOI: 10.3390/s22124598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In hard X-ray applications that require high detection efficiency and short response times, such as synchrotron radiation-based Mössbauer absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence or photon beam position monitoring, III–V-compound semiconductors, and dedicated alloys offer some advantages over the Si-based technologies traditionally used in solid-state photodetectors. Amongst them, gallium arsenide (GaAs) is one of the most valuable materials thanks to its unique characteristics. At the same time, implementing charge-multiplication mechanisms within the sensor may become of critical importance in cases where the photogenerated signal needs an intrinsic amplification before being acquired by the front-end electronics, such as in the case of a very weak photon flux or when single-photon detection is required. Some GaAs-based avalanche photodiodes (APDs) were grown by a molecular beam epitaxy to fulfill these needs; by means of band gap engineering, we realised devices with separate absorption and multiplication region(s) (SAM), the latter featuring a so-called staircase structure to reduce the multiplication noise. This work reports on the experimental characterisations of gain, noise, and charge collection efficiencies of three series of GaAs APDs featuring different thicknesses of the absorption regions. These devices have been developed to investigate the role of such thicknesses and the presence of traps or defects at the metal–semiconductor interfaces responsible for charge loss, in order to lay the groundwork for the future development of very thick GaAs devices (thicker than 100 μm) for hard X-rays. Several measurements were carried out on such devices with both lasers and synchrotron light sources, inducing photon absorption with X-ray microbeams at variable and controlled depths. In this way, we verified both the role of the thickness of the absorption region in the collection efficiency and the possibility of using the APDs without reaching the punch-through voltage, thus preventing the noise induced by charge multiplication in the absorption region. These devices, with thicknesses suitable for soft X-ray detection, have also shown good characteristics in terms of internal amplification and reduction of multiplication noise, in line with numerical simulations.
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18
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Arble C, Guo H, Matruglio A, Gianoncelli A, Vaccari L, Birarda G, Kolmakov A. Addressable graphene encapsulation of wet specimens on a chip for optical, electron, infrared and X-ray based spectromicroscopy studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4618-4628. [PMID: 34679149 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00440a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Label-free spectromicroscopy methods offer the capability to examine complex cellular phenomena. Electron and X-ray based spectromicroscopy methods, though powerful, have been hard to implement with hydrated objects due to the vacuum incompatibility of the samples and due to the parasitic signals from (or drastic attenuation by) the liquid matrix surrounding the biological object of interest. Similarly, for many techniques that operate at ambient pressure, such as Fourier transform infrared spectromicroscopy (FTIRM), the aqueous environment imposes severe limitations due to the strong absorption of liquid water in the infrared regime. Here we propose a microfabricated multi-compartmental and reusable hydrated sample platform suitable for use with several analytical techniques, which employs the conformal encapsulation of biological specimens by a few layers of atomically thin graphene. Such an electron, X-ray, and infrared transparent, molecularly impermeable and mechanically robust enclosure preserves the hydrated environment around the object for a sufficient time to allow in situ examination of hydrated bio-objects with techniques operating under both ambient and high vacuum conditions. An additional hydration source, provided by hydrogel pads lithographically patterned in the liquid state near/around the specimen and co-encapsulated, has been added to further extend the hydration lifetime. Note that the in-liquid lithographic electron beam-induced gelation procedure allows for addressable capture and immobilization of the biological cells from the solution. Scanning electron microscopy and optical fluorescence microscopy, as well as synchrotron radiation based FTIR and X-ray fluorescence microscopy, have been used to test the applicability of the platform and for its validation with yeast, A549 human carcinoma lung cells and micropatterned gels as biological object phantoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Arble
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | - Hongxuan Guo
- SEU-FEI Nano-Pico Center, Key Laboratory of MEMS of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, P. R. China
| | - Alessia Matruglio
- CERIC-ERIC (Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium), S.S. 14 Km 163,4 in Area Science Park, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, S.S. 14 Km 163,4 in Area Science Park, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, S.S. 14 Km 163,4 in Area Science Park, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Birarda
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, S.S. 14 Km 163,4 in Area Science Park, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrei Kolmakov
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
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19
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Artyukov I, Arutyunov G, Bobrov M, Bukreeva I, Cedola A, Dragunov D, Feshchenko R, Fratini M, Mitrokhin V, Sokolova A, Vinogradov A, Gianoncelli A. The first observation of osmotically neutral sodium accumulation in the myocardial interstitium. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22025. [PMID: 34764351 PMCID: PMC8585917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01443-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the detection and quantification of the Na+ depositions in the extracellular matrix of myocardial tissue, which are suggested to be bound by negatively charged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) structures. The presented experimental results are based on high resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectromicroscopy technique used to perform a comparative analysis of sodium containment in intracellular and interstitial spaces of cardiac tissues taken from animals selected by low and high sodium intake rates. The experimental results obtained show that high sodium daily intake can result in a remarkable increase of sodium content in the myocardial interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Artyukov
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - G Arutyunov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - M Bobrov
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (MONIKI), 61/2 Shchepkina St., Moscow, 129110, Russia
| | - I Bukreeva
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cedola
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - D Dragunov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - R Feshchenko
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - M Fratini
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - V Mitrokhin
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - A Sokolova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - A Vinogradov
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - A Gianoncelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14, km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149, Basovizza-Trieste, Italy
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20
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A Parameter Refinement Method for Ptychography Based on Deep Learning Concepts. CONDENSED MATTER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/condmat6040036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
X-ray ptychography is an advanced computational microscopy technique, which is delivering exceptionally detailed quantitative imaging of biological and nanotechnology specimens, which can be used for high-precision X-ray measurements. However, coarse parametrisation in propagation distance, position errors and partial coherence frequently threaten the experimental viability. In this work, we formally introduce these actors, solving the whole reconstruction as an optimisation problem. A modern deep learning framework was used to autonomously correct the setup incoherences, thus improving the quality of a ptychography reconstruction. Automatic procedures are indeed crucial to reduce the time for a reliable analysis, which has a significant impact on all the fields that use this kind of microscopy. We implemented our algorithm in our software framework, SciComPty, releasing it as open-source. We tested our system on both synthetic datasets, as well as on real data acquired at the TwinMic beamline of the Elettra synchrotron facility.
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21
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Kourousias G, Billè F, Borghes R, Pascolo L, Gianoncelli A. Megapixel scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy imaging coupled with compressive sensing X-ray fluorescence for fast investigation of large biological tissues. Analyst 2021; 146:5836-5842. [PMID: 34378555 DOI: 10.1039/d1an01074c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Soft X-ray microscopy coupled with low energy X-ray fluorescence is a powerful tool for investigating complex biological systems like cells and tissues. Due to certain characteristics of X-ray sources, sample stage motors, and detectors, the examination of large areas at high resolutions is very time consuming, often confining the analysis only to a restricted number of pre-selected representative regions. Here we propose and demonstrate a compressive sensing method that provides an alternative approach for overcoming such limitations and can be applied to different kinds of samples and other microscopy and analytical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kourousias
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Billè
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Roberto Borghes
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163, 5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
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22
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Soft X-ray Microscopy Techniques for Medical and Biological Imaging at TwinMic—Elettra. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11167216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Progress in nanotechnology calls for material probing techniques of high sensitivity and resolution. Such techniques are also used for high-impact studies of nanoscale materials in medicine and biology. Soft X-ray microscopy has been successfully used for investigating complex biological processes occurring at micrometric and sub-micrometric length scales and is one of the most powerful tools in medicine and the life sciences. Here, we present the capabilities of the TwinMic soft X-ray microscopy end-station at the Elettra synchrotron in the context of medical and biological imaging, while we also describe novel uses and developments.
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23
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Marmiroli M, Pagano L, Rossi R, De La Torre-Roche R, Lepore GO, Ruotolo R, Gariani G, Bonanni V, Pollastri S, Puri A, Gianoncelli A, Aquilanti G, d'Acapito F, White JC, Marmiroli N. Copper Oxide Nanomaterial Fate in Plant Tissue: Nanoscale Impacts on Reproductive Tissues. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10769-10783. [PMID: 34308629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A thorough understanding of the implications of chronic low-dose exposure to engineered nanomaterials through the food chain is lacking. The present study aimed to characterize such a response in Cucurbita pepo L. (zucchini) upon exposure to a potential nanoscale fertilizer: copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. Zucchini was grown in soil amended with nano-CuO, bulk CuO (100 mg Kg-1), and CuSO4 (320 mg Kg-1) from germination to flowering (60 days). Nano-CuO treatment had no impact on plant morphology or growth nor pollen formation and viability. The uptake of Cu was comparable in the plant tissues under all treatments. RNA-seq analyses on vegetative and reproductive tissues highlighted common and nanoscale-specific components of the response. Mitochondrial and chloroplast functions were uniquely modulated in response to nanomaterial exposure as compared with conventional bulk and salt forms. X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that the Cu local structure changed upon nano-CuO internalization, suggesting potential nanoparticle biotransformation within the plant tissues. These findings demonstrate the potential positive physiological, cellular, and molecular response related to nano-CuO application as a plant fertilizer, highlighting the differential mechanisms involved in the exposure to Cu in nanoscale, bulk, or salt forms. Nano-CuO uniquely stimulates plant response in a way that can minimize agrochemical inputs to the environment and therefore could be an important strategy in nanoenabled agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marmiroli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rossi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Roberto De La Torre-Roche
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06504, United States
| | | | - Roberta Ruotolo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gariani
- Elettra, Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 1635 in AREA Science Park, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonanni
- Elettra, Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 1635 in AREA Science Park, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Simone Pollastri
- Elettra, Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 1635 in AREA Science Park, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Alessandro Puri
- CNR-IOM-OGG c/o ESRF-The European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs CS 40220, Grenoble Cédex 9 F-38043, France
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra, Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 1635 in AREA Science Park, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Giuliana Aquilanti
- Elettra, Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14 km 1635 in AREA Science Park, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Francesco d'Acapito
- CNR-IOM-OGG c/o ESRF-The European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs CS 40220, Grenoble Cédex 9 F-38043, France
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06504, United States
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, Parma 43124, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per le Scienze Ambientali (CINSA), University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
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24
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Alcock TD, Thomas CL, Ó Lochlainn S, Pongrac P, Wilson M, Moore C, Reyt G, Vogel-Mikuš K, Kelemen M, Hayden R, Wilson L, Stephenson P, Østergaard L, Irwin JA, Hammond JP, King GJ, Salt DE, Graham NS, White PJ, Broadley MR. Magnesium and calcium overaccumulate in the leaves of a schengen3 mutant of Brassica rapa. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:1616-1631. [PMID: 33831190 PMCID: PMC8260142 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) are essential mineral nutrients poorly supplied in many human food systems. In grazing livestock, Mg and Ca deficiencies are costly welfare issues. Here, we report a Brassica rapa loss-of-function schengen3 (sgn3) mutant, braA.sgn3.a-1, which accumulates twice as much Mg and a third more Ca in its leaves. We mapped braA.sgn3.a to a single recessive locus using a forward ionomic screen of chemically mutagenized lines with subsequent backcrossing and linked-read sequencing of second back-crossed, second filial generation (BC2F2) segregants. Confocal imaging revealed a disrupted root endodermal diffusion barrier, consistent with SGN3 encoding a receptor-like kinase required for normal formation of Casparian strips, as reported in thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). Analysis of the spatial distribution of elements showed elevated extracellular Mg concentrations in leaves of braA.sgn3.a-1, hypothesized to result from preferential export of excessive Mg from cells to ensure suitable cellular concentrations. This work confirms a conserved role of SGN3 in controlling nutrient homeostasis in B. rapa, and reveals mechanisms by which plants are able to deal with perturbed shoot element concentrations resulting from a "leaky" root endodermal barrier. Characterization of variation in leaf Mg and Ca accumulation across a mutagenized population of B. rapa shows promise for using such populations in breeding programs to increase edible concentrations of essential human and animal nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Alcock
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Catherine L Thomas
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture Sciences, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Seosamh Ó Lochlainn
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Paula Pongrac
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michael Wilson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Christopher Moore
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Guilhem Reyt
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Katarina Vogel-Mikuš
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Rory Hayden
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Lolita Wilson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Pauline Stephenson
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Lars Østergaard
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Judith A Irwin
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - John P Hammond
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development and the Centre for Food Security, University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 237, Reading RG6 6AR, UK
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Graham J King
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - David E Salt
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Neil S Graham
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Philip J White
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
- Distinguished Scientist Fellowship Program, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Martin R Broadley
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
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25
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Efficient long-range conduction in cable bacteria through nickel protein wires. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3996. [PMID: 34183682 PMCID: PMC8238962 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous cable bacteria display long-range electron transport, generating electrical currents over centimeter distances through a highly ordered network of fibers embedded in their cell envelope. The conductivity of these periplasmic wires is exceptionally high for a biological material, but their chemical structure and underlying electron transport mechanism remain unresolved. Here, we combine high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopy, and chemical imaging on individual cable bacterium filaments to demonstrate that the periplasmic wires consist of a conductive protein core surrounded by an insulating protein shell layer. The core proteins contain a sulfur-ligated nickel cofactor, and conductivity decreases when nickel is oxidized or selectively removed. The involvement of nickel as the active metal in biological conduction is remarkable, and suggests a hitherto unknown form of electron transport that enables efficient conduction in centimeter-long protein structures.
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26
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Cappadone C, Malucelli E, Zini M, Farruggia G, Picone G, Gianoncelli A, Notargiacomo A, Fratini M, Pignatti C, Iotti S, Stefanelli C. Assessment and Imaging of Intracellular Magnesium in SaOS-2 Osteosarcoma Cells and Its Role in Proliferation. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041376. [PMID: 33923895 PMCID: PMC8073505 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnesium is an essential nutrient involved in many important processes in living organisms, including protein synthesis, cellular energy production and storage, cell growth and nucleic acid synthesis. In this study, we analysed the effect of magnesium deficiency on the proliferation of SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cells. When quiescent magnesium-starved cells were induced to proliferate by serum addition, the magnesium content was 2–3 times lower in cells maintained in a medium without magnesium compared with cells growing in the presence of the ion. Magnesium depletion inhibited cell cycle progression and caused the inhibition of cell proliferation, which was associated with mTOR hypophosphorylation at Serine 2448. In order to map the intracellular magnesium distribution, an analytical approach using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques was applied. When cell growth was stimulated, magnesium was mainly localized near the plasma membrane in cells maintained in a medium without magnesium. In non-proliferating cells growing in the presence of the ion, high concentration areas inside the cell were observed. These results support the role of magnesium in the control of cell proliferation, suggesting that mTOR may represent an important target for the antiproliferative effect of magnesium. Selective control of magnesium availability could be a useful strategy for inhibiting osteosarcoma cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concettina Cappadone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.M.); (G.F.); (G.P.); (S.I.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Emil Malucelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.M.); (G.F.); (G.P.); (S.I.)
| | - Maddalena Zini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.P.)
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.M.); (G.F.); (G.P.); (S.I.)
- INBB—Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Picone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.M.); (G.F.); (G.P.); (S.I.)
| | | | - Andrea Notargiacomo
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00156 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michela Fratini
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR c/o Physics Department at ‘Sapienza’ University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Pignatti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.P.)
| | - Stefano Iotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.M.); (G.F.); (G.P.); (S.I.)
- INBB—Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Stefanelli
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
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27
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Schiroli D, Marraccini C, Zanetti E, Ragazzi M, Gianoncelli A, Quartieri E, Gasparini E, Iotti S, Baricchi R, Merolle L. Imbalance of Mg Homeostasis as a Potential Biomarker in Colon Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11040727. [PMID: 33923883 PMCID: PMC8073761 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidences support a correlation between magnesium (Mg) homeostasis and colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the role of Mg and its transporters as diagnostic markers in CRC is still a matter of debate. In this study we combined X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy and databases information to investigate the possible correlation between Mg imbalance and CRC. METHODS CRC tissue samples and their non-tumoural counterpart from four patients were collected and analysed for total Mg level and distribution by X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy. We also reviewed the scientific literature and the main tissue expression databases to collect data on Mg transporters expression in CRC. RESULTS We found a significantly higher content of total Mg in CRC samples when compared to non-tumoural tissues. Mg distribution was also impaired in CRC. Conversely, we evidenced an uncertain correlation between Mg transporters expression and colon malignancies. DISCUSSION Although further studies are necessary to determine the correlation between different cancer types and stages, this is the first report proposing the measurement of Mg tissue localisation as a marker in CRC. This study represents thus a proof-of-concept that paves the way for the design of a larger prospective investigation of Mg in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Schiroli
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (D.S.); (E.Q.); (R.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Chiara Marraccini
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (D.S.); (E.Q.); (R.B.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0522-295057
| | - Eleonora Zanetti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.Z.); (M.R.)
| | - Moira Ragazzi
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.Z.); (M.R.)
| | | | - Eleonora Quartieri
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (D.S.); (E.Q.); (R.B.); (L.M.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Elisa Gasparini
- Oncology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Stefano Iotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baricchi
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (D.S.); (E.Q.); (R.B.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucia Merolle
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (D.S.); (E.Q.); (R.B.); (L.M.)
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28
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Kraljević Pavelić S, Micek V, Bobinac D, Bazdulj E, Gianoncelli A, Krpan D, Žuvić M, Eisenwagen S, Stambrook PJ, Pavelić K. Treatment of osteoporosis with a modified zeolite shows beneficial effects in an osteoporotic rat model and a human clinical trial. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:529-537. [PMID: 33183068 PMCID: PMC7930600 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220968752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The severity of osteoporosis in humans manifests in its high incidence and by its complications that diminish quality of life. A societal consequence of osteoporosis is the substantial burden that it inflicts upon patients and their families. Several bone-modifying drugs have been prescribed to patients with osteoporosis. However, evidence for their anti-fracture efficacy remains inconclusive. To the contrary, long-term use of anti-osteoporotic drugs such as bisphosphonates and Denosumab, an RANKL inhibitor, have resulted in adverse events. We now present an alternative and adjuvant approach for treatment of osteoporosis. The data derive from in vivo studies in an ovariectomized rat model and from a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled human clinical study. Both studies involved treatment with Panaceo Micro Activation (PMA)-zeolite-clinoptilolite, a defined cation exchange clinoptilolite, which clearly improved all bone histomorphometric parameters examined from ovariectomized animals, indicative for increased bone formation. Moreover, intervention with PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite for one year proved safe in humans. Furthermore, patients treated with PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite showed an increase in bone mineral density, an elevated level of markers indicative of bone formation, a significant reduction in pain, and significantly improved quality of life compared with patients in the control (placebo) group. These encouraging positive effects of PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite on bone integrity and on osteoporosis warrant further evaluation of treatment with PMA-zeolite-clinoptilolite as a new alternative adjuvant therapy for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vedran Micek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10001 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragica Bobinac
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Clinic for Surgery, Clinical Hospital Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Edo Bazdulj
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Clinic for Surgery, Clinical Hospital Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Dalibor Krpan
- Polyclinic “K – Center,” for Internal Medicine, Gynecology, Radiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Žuvić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Peter J Stambrook
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Krešimir Pavelić
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, 52100 Pula, Croatia
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29
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Bedolla DE, Birarda G, Giannotta S, Faoro V, Cescato A, Vaccari L, Gianoncelli A. Oxidation of ultralene and paraffin due to radiation damage after exposure to soft X-rays probed by FTIR microspectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2021; 28:231-239. [PMID: 33399573 DOI: 10.1107/s160057752001471x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Radiation damage upon soft X-ray exposure is an important issue to be considered in soft X-ray microscopy. The work presented here is part of a more extended study on the topic and focuses on the effects of soft X-rays on paraffin, a common embedding medium for soft-tissues, and on ultralene and Si3N4 windows as sample supports. Our studies suggest that the sample environment indeed plays an important role in the radiation damage process and therefore should be carefully taken into account for the analysis and interpretation of new data. The radiation damage effects were followed over time using a combination of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and it was demonstrated that, for higher doses, an oxidation of both embedding medium and ultralene substrate takes place after the irradiated sample is exposed to air. This oxidation is reflected in a clear increase of C=O and O-H infrared bands and on the XRF oxygen maps, correlated with a decrease of the aliphatic infrared signal. The results also show that the oxidation process may affect quantitative evaluation of light element concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E Bedolla
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S.14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, TS 34149, Italy
| | - Giovanni Birarda
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S.14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, TS 34149, Italy
| | - Sabina Giannotta
- Laboratori Riuniti - Synlab, Via delle Mura 2, Trieste, TS 34121, Italy
| | - Valentina Faoro
- Laboratori Riuniti - Synlab, Via delle Mura 2, Trieste, TS 34121, Italy
| | - Alberto Cescato
- Laboratori Riuniti - Synlab, Via delle Mura 2, Trieste, TS 34121, Italy
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S.14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, TS 34149, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S.14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, TS 34149, Italy
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Surowka AD, Gianoncelli A, Birarda G, Sala S, Cefarin N, Matruglio A, Szczerbowska-Boruchowska M, Ziomber-Lisiak A, Vaccari L. Soft X-ray induced radiation damage in thin freeze-dried brain samples studied by FTIR microscopy. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2020; 27:1218-1226. [PMID: 32876596 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577520010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In order to push the spatial resolution limits to the nanoscale, synchrotron-based soft X-ray microscopy (XRM) experiments require higher radiation doses to be delivered to materials. Nevertheless, the associated radiation damage impacts on the integrity of delicate biological samples. Herein, the extent of soft X-ray radiation damage in popular thin freeze-dried brain tissue samples mounted onto Si3N4 membranes, as highlighted by Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR), is reported. The freeze-dried tissue samples were found to be affected by general degradation of the vibrational architecture, though these effects were weaker than those observed in paraffin-embedded and hydrated systems reported in the literature. In addition, weak, reversible and specific features of the tissue-Si3N4 interaction could be identified for the first time upon routine soft X-ray exposures, further highlighting the complex interplay between the biological sample, its preparation protocol and X-ray probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur D Surowka
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163.5, Basovizza, TS 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - A Gianoncelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163.5, Basovizza, TS 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - G Birarda
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163.5, Basovizza, TS 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - S Sala
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163.5, Basovizza, TS 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - N Cefarin
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163.5, Basovizza, TS 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - A Matruglio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Szczerbowska-Boruchowska
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, al. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow 30-059, Poland
| | - A Ziomber-Lisiak
- Chair of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, ul. Czysta 18, Kraków 31-121, Poland
| | - L Vaccari
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163.5, Basovizza, TS 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Zupin L, Pascolo L, Gianoncelli A, Gariani G, Luppi S, Giolo E, Ottaviani G, Crovella S, Ricci G. Synchrotron radiation soft X-ray microscopy and low energy X-ray fluorescence to reveal elemental changes in spermatozoa treated with photobiomodulation therapy. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2020; 12:3691-3696. [PMID: 32729854 DOI: 10.1039/d0ay00960a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a worldwide clinical issue that increases the number of couples resorting to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to achieve pregnancy. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a promising technique that can biostimulate cells and tissues and it is currently successfully employed to enhance the sperm motility in vitro. Nevertheless, its use has been so far restricted to the research field. In the present work, we exploited two PBMT protocols at an 800 nm wavelength on sperm derived from infertile individuals, detecting an increase in sperm motility 1 hour after irradiation. Moreover, in order to add new information about the molecular effect of PBMT, the content of some light elements was evaluated using high resolution X-ray fluorescence imaging. Interestingly, an increase in Na content was detected in the irradiated samples, possibly suggesting a role of this element in sperm motility; indeed, a low Na content was previously correlated with a poor sperm quality, low semen volume, and modest fertilization rate. Amplifying the knowledge of PBMT in the ART field will expedite the translational potentiality of the PBMT use in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy.
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van der Ent A, Casey LW, Blamey FPC, Kopittke PM. Time-resolved laboratory micro-X-ray fluorescence reveals silicon distribution in relation to manganese toxicity in soybean and sunflower. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2020; 126:331-341. [PMID: 32337539 PMCID: PMC7380460 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Synchrotron- and laboratory-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) is a powerful technique to quantify the distribution of elements in physically large intact samples, including live plants, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, analysis of light elements with atomic number (Z) less than that of phosphorus is challenging due to the need for a vacuum, which of course is not compatible with live plant material, or the availability of a helium environment. METHOD A new laboratory µ-XRF instrument was used to examine the effects of silicon (Si) on the manganese (Mn) status of soybean (Glycine max) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) grown at elevated Mn in solution. The use of a helium environment allowed for highly sensitive detection of both Si and Mn to determine their distribution. KEY RESULTS The µ-XRF analysis revealed that when Si was added to the nutrient solution, the Si also accumulated in the base of the trichomes, being co-located with the Mn and reducing the darkening of the trichomes. The addition of Si did not reduce the concentrations of Mn in accumulations despite seeming to reduce its adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS The ability to gain information on the dynamics of the metallome or ionome within living plants or excised hydrated tissues can offer valuable insights into their ecophysiology, and laboratory µ-XRF is likely to become available to more plant scientists for use in their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony van der Ent
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lachlan W Casey
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - F Pax C Blamey
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter M Kopittke
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Abstract
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) scanning is a widespread technique of high importance and impact since it provides chemical composition maps crucial for several scientific investigations. There are continuous requirements for larger, faster and highly resolved acquisitions in order to study complex structures. Among the scientific applications that benefit from it, some of them, such as wide scale brain imaging, are prohibitively difficult due to time constraints. However, typically the overall XRF imaging performance is improving through technological progress on XRF detectors and X-ray sources. This paper suggests an additional approach where XRF scanning is performed in a sparse way by skipping specific points or by varying dynamically acquisition time or other scan settings in a conditional manner. This paves the way for Compressive Sensing in XRF scans where data are acquired in a reduced manner allowing for challenging experiments, currently not feasible with the traditional scanning strategies. A series of different compressive sensing strategies for dynamic scans are presented here. A proof of principle experiment was performed at the TwinMic beamline of Elettra synchrotron. The outcome demonstrates the potential of Compressive Sensing for dynamic scans, suggesting its use in challenging scientific experiments while proposing a technical solution for beamline acquisition software.
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Garakhin SA, Chkhalo NI, Kas'kov IA, Lopatin AY, Malyshev IV, Nechay AN, Pestov AE, Polkovnikov VN, Salashchenko NN, Svechnikov MV, Tsybin NN, Zabrodin IG, Zuev SY. High-resolution laboratory reflectometer for the study of x-ray optical elements in the soft and extreme ultraviolet wavelength ranges. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2020; 91:063103. [PMID: 32611061 DOI: 10.1063/1.5144489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A high-resolution laboratory reflectometer designed for operation in the soft x-ray (SXR) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) ranges is described. High spectral resolution, up to 0.028 nm, in a wide spectral range is achieved due to the Czerny-Turner monochromator. A laser plasma generated by irradiating a solid-state target with a focused laser beam (wavelength 1.06 µm, pulse energy 0.5 J, duration 4 ns, and pulse repetition rate 10 Hz) is used as a source of SXR and EUV radiation. The goniometer allows the study of curved optical elements with an aperture up to NA = 0.5 and a diameter of up to 500 mm. The methods providing high efficiency of the optical system and spectral resolution in a wide range of wavelengths are described in detail. The problem of taking into account high orders in the recorded spectra of a laser plasma is discussed. A comparison of the measurement results with the described reflectometer and the optics beamline at the BESSY-II synchrotron is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Garakhin
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - N I Chkhalo
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - I A Kas'kov
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - A Ya Lopatin
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - I V Malyshev
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - A N Nechay
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - A E Pestov
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - V N Polkovnikov
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - N N Salashchenko
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - M V Svechnikov
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - N N Tsybin
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - I G Zabrodin
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - S Yu Zuev
- Institute for Physics of Microstructures RAS, 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Picone G, Cappadone C, Pasini A, Lovecchio J, Cortesi M, Farruggia G, Lombardo M, Gianoncelli A, Mancini L, Ralf H. M, Donato S, Giordano E, Malucelli E, Iotti S. Analysis of Intracellular Magnesium and Mineral Depositions during Osteogenic Commitment of 3D Cultured Saos2 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072368. [PMID: 32235449 PMCID: PMC7177893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explore the behaviour of intracellular magnesium during bone phenotype modulation in a 3D cell model built to mimic osteogenesis. In addition, we measured the amount of magnesium in the mineral depositions generated during osteogenic induction. A two-fold increase of intracellular magnesium content was found, both at three and seven days from the induction of differentiation. By X-ray microscopy, we characterized the morphology and chemical composition of the mineral depositions secreted by 3D cultured differentiated cells finding a marked co-localization of Mg with P at seven days of differentiation. This is the first experimental evidence on the presence of Mg in the mineral depositions generated during biomineralization, suggesting that Mg incorporation occurs during the bone forming process. In conclusion, this study on the one hand attests to an evident involvement of Mg in the process of cell differentiation, and, on the other hand, indicates that its multifaceted role needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Picone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33-40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.P.)
| | - Concettina Cappadone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33-40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.P.)
| | - Alice Pasini
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” (DEI), University of Bologna 50, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Joseph Lovecchio
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” (DEI), University of Bologna 50, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Marilisa Cortesi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” (DEI), University of Bologna 50, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33-40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.P.)
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (NIBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lombardo
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum–Università di Bologna, via Selmi 2, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Mancini
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
| | - Menk Ralf H.
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
- INFN section of Trieste, 2-34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada
| | - Sandro Donato
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Emanuele Giordano
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi” (DEI), University of Bologna 50, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Emil Malucelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33-40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-209-5414
| | - Stefano Iotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 33-40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.P.)
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (NIBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
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Mineralogy and Zn Chemical Speciation in a Soil-Plant System from a Metal-Extreme Environment: A Study on Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum (Campo Pisano Mine, SW Sardinia, Italy). MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10030259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination due to human activities is a worldwide problem that has led to the development of different remediation techniques, including biotechnological approaches such as phytoextraction and phytostabilization. These techniques take advantage of pioneer plants that naturally develop tolerance mechanisms to survive in extreme environments. A multi-technique and multi-disciplinary approach was applied for the investigation of Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum samples, bulk soil, and rhizospheres collected from a metal-extreme environment (Zn-Pb mine of Campo Pisano, SW Sardinia, Italy). Zinc, Pb, and Cd are the most abundant metals, with Zn attaining 3 w/w% in the rhizosphere solid materials, inducing oxidative stress in the roots as revealed by infrared microspectroscopy (IR). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical analysis coupled with synchrotron radiation-based (SR) techniques demonstrate that quartz, dolomite, and weddellite biominerals precipitate in roots, stems, and leaves, likely as a response to environmental stress. In the rhizosphere, Zn chemical speciation is mainly related to the Zn ore minerals (smithsonite and hydrozincite) whereas, in plant tissues, Zn is primarily bound to organic compounds such as malate, cysteine, and histidine molecules that act as metal binders and, eventually, detoxification agents for the Zn excess. These findings suggest that H. microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum has developed its own adaptation strategy to survive in polluted substrates, making it a potential candidate for phytostabilization aimed at mitigating the dispersion of metals in the surrounding areas.
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Procopio A, Cappadone C, Zaccheroni N, Malucelli E, Merolle L, Gianoncelli A, Sargenti A, Farruggia G, Palomba F, Rampazzo E, Rapino S, Prodi L, Iotti S. Concentration and distribution of silica nanoparticles in colon cancer cells assessed by synchrotron based X-ray techniques. Talanta 2019; 202:251-258. [PMID: 31171178 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The quantitative uptake of Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), although representing an essential prerequisite for their theranostic use, is difficult to address and it is still not utterly investigated. In this study, we tested the uptake and toxicity of two different types of luminescent core-shell silica-PEG (polyethylene glycol) nanoparticles SiNP and their carboxylate analogues on human adenocarcinoma cell line LoVo. We assessed the intracellular spatial distribution and concentration of Si element in the cell by a state-of-the-art approach merging synchrotron-based X-ray techniques (XRFM) with scanning transmission X-Ray microscopy (STXM). The concentration maps of Si obtained reflect the distribution of the SiNPs. In addition, we calculated the number of SiNPs per volume unit in each single cell, quantitating the exact amount of conveyed particles. The absence of effects on proliferation and cell death was confirmed by viability assays, morphological analysis and cytofluorimetric evaluation of ROS content. The three-dimensional analysis of intracellular uptake of both types of nanoparticles (with different surface charge) was performed by confocal fluorescence microscopy, which showed a main localization in the cytosolic region with no sign of nuclear uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Procopio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - C Cappadone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - N Zaccheroni
- Department of Chemistry 'Giacomo Ciamician', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Malucelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy.
| | - L Merolle
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - A Gianoncelli
- ELETTRA-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy
| | - A Sargenti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - G Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy; National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Roma, 00136, Italy
| | - F Palomba
- Department of Chemistry 'Giacomo Ciamician', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Rampazzo
- Department of Chemistry 'Giacomo Ciamician', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Rapino
- Department of Chemistry 'Giacomo Ciamician', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Prodi
- Department of Chemistry 'Giacomo Ciamician', University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Iotti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy; National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Roma, 00136, Italy
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Merolle L, Sponder G, Sargenti A, Mastrototaro L, Cappadone C, Farruggia G, Procopio A, Malucelli E, Parisse P, Gianoncelli A, Aschenbach JR, Kolisek M, Iotti S. Overexpression of the mitochondrial Mg channel MRS2 increases total cellular Mg concentration and influences sensitivity to apoptosis. Metallomics 2019; 10:917-928. [PMID: 29952392 DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00050f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of action of the mitochondrial Mg channel MRS2 and its involvement in cell viability remain unclear. Deletion of MRS2 has been reported to abolish Mg influx into mitochondria, to induce functional defects in mitochondrial organelles, and to result in cell death. We evaluated whether MRS2 expression had an impact on total Mg cellular content by inducing the overexpression of MRS2 in HEK-293 cells. We observed a remarkable increase of total intracellular Mg concentration in cells overexpressing MRS2 compared with control cells. In order to investigate whether and in what manner the detected Mg increment was involved in the MRS2 influence on cell viability, we treated MRS2-overexpressing cells with two known apoptotic inducers. We found that cells overexpressing the MRS2 channel became less responsive to these pharmacological insults. Our experimental evidence indicates that the MRS2 channel controls overall intracellular Mg levels, the alteration of which might have a role in the molecular signaling leading to apoptotic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Merolle
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy.
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Pascolo L, Sena G, Gianoncelli A, Cernogoraz A, Kourousias G, Metscher BD, Romano F, Zito G, Pacilè S, Barroso R, Tromba G, Zweyer M, Ricci G. Hard and soft X-ray imaging to resolve human ovarian cortical structures. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:1322-1329. [PMID: 31274461 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577519003680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory and synchrotron X-ray tomography are powerful tools for non-invasive studies of biological samples at micrometric resolution. In particular, the development of phase contrast imaging is enabling the visualization of sample details with a small range of attenuation coefficients, thus allowing in-depth analyses of anatomical and histological structures. Reproductive medicine is starting to profit from these techniques, mainly applied to animal models. This study reports the first imaging of human ovarian tissue where the samples consisted of surgically obtained millimetre fragments, properly fixed, stained with osmium tetroxide and included in epoxydic resin. Samples were imaged by the use of propagation phase contrast synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (microCT), obtained at the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra light source (Trieste, Italy), and X-ray absorption microCT at the Theoretical Biology MicroCT Imaging Laboratory in Vienna, Austria. The reconstructed microCT images were compared with the soft X-ray absorption and phase contrast images acquired at the TwinMic beamline of Elettra in order to help with the identification of structures. The resulting images allow the regions of the cortex and medulla of the ovary to be distinguished, identifying early-stage follicles and visualizing the distribution of blood vessels. The study opens to further application of micro-resolved 3D imaging to improve the understanding of human ovary's structure and support diagnostics as well as advances in reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34147 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriela Sena
- Nuclear Engineering Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-594, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alice Cernogoraz
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Geroge Kourousias
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Brian D Metscher
- Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34147 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34147 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Pacilè
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Regina Barroso
- Physics Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-594, Brazil
| | - Giuliana Tromba
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, SS 14 km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Zweyer
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34147 Trieste, Italy
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Elemental distribution in the aortic arch using LEXRF: Side effects of angiotensin receptor blockers as antihypertensive treatment. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Medas D, De Giudici G, Pusceddu C, Casu MA, Birarda G, Vaccari L, Gianoncelli A, Meneghini C. Impact of Zn excess on biomineralization processes in Juncus acutus grown in mine polluted sites. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 370:98-107. [PMID: 28847413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Juncus acutus, an halophite plant pioneer in extremely polluted mine areas, was harvested in three different locations of Sardinia (Italy), having Zn soil concentration up to 80g/kg, and Zn water concentration ranging between 10-3g/L and 10-1g/L. Rhizosphere and plant samples were investigated combining X-ray microscopy (XM)/spectroscopy (XAFS) and infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR) to elucidate the chemical composition, (bio)mineralogy and Zn coordinative environment. The multi-technique approach allowed recognizing different biomineralization processes, and Zn complexes in the plant tissues. The Zn chemical environment in root biominerals is multi-phase and, depending on the sampling site, can comprise amorphous Zn silicate, Zn apatite, hydrozincite, and Zn sulphate. Zn cysteine and Zn histidine, complexes quoted as part of a detoxification strategy, were found mainly in plants from the site where the Zn water concentration has the highest values. This different site-specific mode of Zn biomineralization has relevant implications for phytoremediation techniques and for further biotechnology development, which can be better designed and developed after knowledge of site-specific-molecular processes ruling mineral evolution and biomineralization. Carboxylic groups and organic compounds (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and esters) were identified by FTIR analysis, thought the Zn speciation is not apparently linked to these carboxylic group rich biopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Medas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09127 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Giovanni De Giudici
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09127 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Pusceddu
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09127 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, UOS of Cagliari, National Research Council, Scientific and Technological Park of Sardinsaltia POLARIS, Pula, Italy
| | - Giovanni Birarda
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
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Medas D, Carlomagno I, Meneghini C, Aquilanti G, Araki T, Bedolla DE, Buosi C, Casu MA, Gianoncelli A, Kuncser AC, Adrian Maraloiu V, De Giudici G. Zinc incorporation in marine bivalve shells grown in mine-polluted seabed sediments: a case study in the Malfidano mining area (SW Sardinia, Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:36645-36660. [PMID: 30377963 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3504-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Zinc incorporation into marine bivalve shells belonging to different genera (Donax, Glycymeris, Lentidium, and Chamelea) grown in mine-polluted seabed sediments (Zn up to 1% w/w) was investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical analysis, soft x-ray microscopy combined with low-energy x-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping, x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These bivalves grew their shells, producing aragonite as the main biomineral and they were able to incorporate up to 2.0-80 mg/kg of Zn, 5.4-60 mg/kg of Fe and 0.5-4.5 mg/kg of Mn. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis revealed that for all the investigated genera, Zn occurred as independent Zn mineral phases, i.e., it was not incorporated or adsorbed into the aragonitic lattice. Overall, our results indicated that Zn coordination environment depends on the amount of incorporated Zn. Zn phosphate was the most abundant species in Donax and Lentidium genera, whereas, Chamelea shells, characterized by the highest Zn concentrations, showed the prevalence of Zn-cysteine species (up to 56% of total speciation). Other Zn coordination species found in the investigated samples were Zn hydrate carbonate (hydrozincite) and Zn phosphate. On the basis of the coordination environments, it was deduced that bivalves have developed different biogeochemical mechanisms to regulate Zn content and its chemical speciation and that cysteine plays an important role as an active part of detoxification mechanism. This work represents a step forward for understanding bivalve biomineralization and its significance for environmental monitoring and paleoreconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Medas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Carlomagno
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Tohru Araki
- Diamond Light Source, Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, Didcot, UK
| | | | - Carla Buosi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- UOS of Cagliari, National Research Council, Scientific and Technological Park of Sardinia POLARIS, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Pula, Italy
| | | | - Andrei C Kuncser
- Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials, National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, Magurele, Romania
| | - V Adrian Maraloiu
- Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials, National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, Magurele, Romania
| | - Giovanni De Giudici
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Pascotto E, Gianoncelli A, Calligaro C, Marcuzzo T, Melato M, Rizzardi C, Pascolo L. Ferruginous bodies resolved by synchrotron XRF in a dog with peritoneal malignant mesothelioma. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:35707-35714. [PMID: 30357666 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3521-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor mainly correlated to occupational asbestos exposure. Rare reports describe its occurrence also in animals, mainly linked to asbestos in the environment. Asbestos exposure is demonstrated by the appearance of characteristic histological hallmarks: asbestos containing ferruginous bodies that are iron-based structures forming around fibers and also other dust particles. Here we present a clinical case of a suspect of mesothelioma in the peritoneum of a dog with parallel histological observation of ferruginous bodies. To possibly correlate the dog tumor to environmental exposure, we performed X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses at two different synchrotrons to resolve the ferruginous bodies' composition. While the histological examination diagnoses a tubulo-papillary mesothelioma, the XRF analyses show that ferruginous bodies contain Si particles, resembling formations of exogenous origin; however, the morphology is unlikely that of asbestos fibers. We speculate that the peritoneal mesothelioma of this dog could be related to environmental exposure to non-asbestos material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Pascotto
- ULSS n.2 Marca Trevigiana. Dipartimento di Prevenzione - Servizi Veterinari di Asolo, Treviso, 31100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, Strada Statale 14 - km 163,5 in AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carla Calligaro
- Servizio Diagnostica Veterinaria, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Thomas Marcuzzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Melato
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137, Trieste, Italy
| | - Clara Rizzardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137, Trieste, Italy.
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Pascolo L, Venturin I, Gianoncelli A, Bortul R, Zito G, Giolo E, Salomé M, Bedolla DE, Altissimo M, Zweyer M, Ricci G. Light element distribution in fresh and frozen–thawed human ovarian tissues: a preliminary study. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:153-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Morrison GR, Zhang F, Gianoncelli A, Robinson IK. X-ray ptychography using randomized zone plates. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:14915-14927. [PMID: 30114796 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.014915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a randomized grating condenser zone plate (GCZP) that provides a µm-scale probe for use in x-ray ptychography. This delivers a significantly better x-ray throughput than probes defined by pinhole apertures, while providing a clearly-defined level of phase diversity to the illumination on the sample, and helping to reduce the dynamic range of the detected signal by spreading the zero-order light over an extended area of the detector. The first use of this novel x-ray optical element has been demonstrated successfully for both amplitude and phase contrast imaging using soft x-rays on the TwinMic beamline at the Elettra synchrotron.
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Le Guillou C, Bernard S, De la Pena F, Le Brech Y. XANES-Based Quantification of Carbon Functional Group Concentrations. Anal Chem 2018; 90:8379-8386. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Le Guillou
- Unité Matériaux et Transformations (UMET) MR-CNRS 8207, Université de Lille, 59655 Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Sylvain Bernard
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 7590, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Francisco De la Pena
- Unité Matériaux et Transformations (UMET) MR-CNRS 8207, Université de Lille, 59655 Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Yann Le Brech
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, UMR 7274, 54001 Nancy, France
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Altissimo M, Iacopi A, Hold L, Matruglio A, Zucchiatti P, Vaccari L, Bedolla D, Severino LU, Parisse P, Gianoncelli A. Silicon Carbide membranes as substrate for Synchrotron measurements. JOURNAL OF INSTRUMENTATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-0221/13/05/c05017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Bedolla DE, Mantuano A, Pickler A, Mota CL, Braz D, Salata C, Almeida CE, Birarda G, Vaccari L, Barroso RC, Gianoncelli A. Effects of soft X-ray radiation damage on paraffin-embedded rat tissues supported on ultralene: a chemical perspective. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2018; 25:848-856. [PMID: 29714196 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577518003235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Radiation damage is an important aspect to be considered when analysing biological samples with X-ray techniques as it can induce chemical and structural changes in the specimens. This work aims to provide new insights into the soft X-ray induced radiation damage of the complete sample, including not only the biological tissue itself but also the substrate and embedding medium, and the tissue fixation procedure. Sample preparation and handling involves an unavoidable interaction with the sample matrix and could play an important role in the radiation-damage mechanism. To understand the influence of sample preparation and handling on radiation damage, the effects of soft X-ray exposure at different doses on ultralene, paraffin and on paraffin-embedded rat tissues were studied using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and X-ray microscopy. Tissues were preserved with three different commonly used fixatives: formalin, glutaraldehyde and Karnovsky. FTIR results showed that ultralene and paraffin undergo a dose-dependent degradation of their vibrational profiles, consistent with radiation-induced oxidative damage. In addition, formalin fixative has been shown to improve the preservation of the secondary structure of proteins in tissues compared with both glutaraldehyde and Karnovsky fixation. However, conclusive considerations cannot be drawn on the optimal fixation protocol because of the interference introduced by both substrate and embedding medium in the spectral regions specific to tissue lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Notably, despite the detected alterations affecting the chemical architecture of the sample as a whole, composed of tissue, substrate and embedding medium, the structural morphology of the tissues at the micrometre scale is essentially preserved even at the highest exposure dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E Bedolla
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163,5, Basovizza, Trieste, TS 34149, Italy
| | - Andrea Mantuano
- Physics Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 PJLF sala 3007F, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-900, Brazil
| | - Arissa Pickler
- COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Horácio Macedo 2030, Bloco G - Sala 206 - CT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-594, Brazil
| | - Carla Lemos Mota
- Radiological Sciences Laboratory, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 PHLC Sala 136, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-900, Brazil
| | - Delson Braz
- COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Horácio Macedo 2030, Bloco G - Sala 206 - CT, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-594, Brazil
| | - Camila Salata
- Medical Physics Department, Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear, Rua General Severiano 90, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-901, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Almeida
- Radiological Sciences Laboratory, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 PHLC Sala 136, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-900, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Birarda
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163,5, Basovizza, Trieste, TS 34149, Italy
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA, SS 14, km 163,5, Basovizza, Trieste, TS 34149, Italy
| | - Regina Cély Barroso
- Physics Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 PJLF sala 3007F, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-900, Brazil
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Surowka AD, Ziomber A, Czyzycki M, Migliori A, Kasper K, Szczerbowska-Boruchowska M. Molecular and elemental effects underlying the biochemical action of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in appetite control. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 195:199-209. [PMID: 29414579 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies highlight that obesity may alter the electric activity in brain areas triggering appetite and craving. Transcranial direct current brain stimulation (tDCS) has recently emerged as a safe alternative for treating food addiction via modulating cortical excitability without any high-risk surgical procedure to be utilized. As for anodal-type tDCS (atDCS), we observe increased excitability and spontaneous firing of the cortical neurons, whilst for the cathodal-type tDCS (ctDCS) a significant decrease is induced. Unfortunately, for the method to be fully used in a clinical setting, its biochemical action mechanism must be precisely defined, although it is proposed that molecular remodelling processes play in concert with brain activity changes involving the ions of: Na, Cl, K and Ca. Herein, we proposed for the first time Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) microprobes for a combined molecular and elemental analysis in the brain areas implicated appetite control, upon experimental treatment by either atDCS or ctDCS. The study, although preliminary, shows that by stimulating the prefrontal cortex in the rats fed high-caloric nutrients, the feeding behavior can be significantly changed, resulting in significantly inhibited appetite. Both, atDCS and ctDCS produced significant molecular changes involving qualitative and structural properties of lipids, whereas atDCS was found with a somewhat more significant effect on protein secondary structure in all the brain areas investigated. Also, tDCS was reported to reduce surface masses of Na, Cl, K, and Ca in almost all brain areas investigated, although the atDCS deemed to have a stronger neuro-modulating effect. Taken together, one can report that tDCS is an effective treatment technique, and its action mechanism in the appetite control seems to involve a variety of lipid-, protein- and metal/non-metal-ion-driven biochemical changes, regardless the current polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur D Surowka
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Agata Ziomber
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Medicine, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Czyzycki
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Krakow, Poland; Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy; International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Alessandro Migliori
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Kaja Kasper
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Krakow, Poland
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50
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Iron-related toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes and crocidolite fibres in human mesothelial cells investigated by Synchrotron XRF microscopy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:706. [PMID: 29335462 PMCID: PMC5768674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19076-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising products in industry and medicine, but there are several human health concerns since their fibrous structure resembles asbestos. The presence of transition metals, mainly iron, in the fibres seems also implicated in the pathogenetic mechanisms. To unravel the role of iron at mesothelial level, we compared the chemical changes induced in MeT-5A cells by the exposure to asbestos (crocidolite) or CNTs at different content of iron impurities (raw-SWCNTs, purified- and highly purified-SWCNTs). We applied synchrotron-based X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy and soft X-ray imaging (absorption and phase contrast images) to monitor chemical and morphological changes of the exposed cells. In parallel, we performed a ferritin assay. X-ray microscopy imaging and XRF well localize the crocidolite fibres interacting with cells, as well as the damage-related morphological changes. Differently, CNTs presence could be only partially evinced by low energy XRF through carbon distribution and sometimes iron co-localisation. Compared to controls, the cells treated with raw-SWCNTs and crocidolite fibres showed a severe alteration of iron distribution and content, with concomitant stimulation of ferritin production. Interestingly, highly purified nanotubes did not altered iron metabolism. The data provide new insights for possible CNTs effects at mesothelial/pleural level in humans.
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