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Factors influencing the cleaning of plant samples with ultrasonic technology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 25:359-367. [PMID: 35695274 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2085241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective cleaning of biological samples is a critical step in environmental studies. However, the literature lacks standardized cleaning procedures and protocols and there is little information about how even the most basic conditions may affect cleaning efficiency. Here, leaves of different species were first exposed to the soil naturally containing mercury particles and then washed in an ultrasound water bath under the following conditions: newly cleaned/reused beakers, water temperature, sample immersion/free-floating, sample quantity, and the number of washing cycles. Additionally, the effects of sample pubescence on cleaning efficacy were also assessed. Results indicated that the best cleaning efficacy was recorded when samples were placed in cold water under forced immersion and beakers were cleaned between washing cycles. At least two of these three conditions were needed for adequate washing. The results also indicated that, for the glabrous leaves, a cumulative leaf surface area of ≤10,000 mm2 was efficiently cleaned after 3-5 washing cycles, while as pubescence increased, 9-11 cycles were needed and often the sample quantity had to be reduced (<5,000 mm2). Our experiments reveal that cleaning can be optimized by applying easy procedures and according to individual sample typology, resulting in faster and more effective cleaning. Novelty statementThe cleaning of samples is a frequent stage in the analytical processes of phytoremediation studies. This work provides new and valuable information to optimize the cleaning of plant samples by simply applying ultrasonic technology and distilled water. In fact, we have tested the influence of some factors never taken into account previously.
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Recent and historical pollution legacy in high altitude Lake Marboré (Central Pyrenees): A record of mining and smelting since pre-Roman times in the Iberian Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141557. [PMID: 32882549 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We have analyzed potential harmful trace elements (PHTE; Pb, Hg, Zn, As and Cu) on sediment cores retrieved from lake Marboré (LM) (2612 m a.s.l, 42°41'N; 0° 2'E). PHTE variability allowed us to reconstruct the timing and magnitude of trace metal pollutants fluxes over the last 3000 years in the Central Pyrenees. A statistical treatment of the dataset (PCA) enabled us to discern the depositional processes of PHTE, that reach the lake via direct atmospheric deposition. Indeed, the location of LM above the atmospheric boundary layer makes this lake an exceptional site to record the long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants in the free troposphere. Air masses back-trajectories analyses enabled us to understand the transport pathways of atmospheric pollutants while lead isotopic analyses contributed to evaluate the source areas of metal pollution in SW Europe during the Late Holocene. PHTE variability, shows a clear agreement with the main exploitation phases of metal resources in Southern Europe during the Pre-Industrial Period. We observed an abrupt lead enrichment from 20 to 375 yrs CE mostly associated to silver and lead mining and smelting practices in Southern Iberia during the Roman Empire. This geochemical data suggests that regional atmospheric metal pollution during the Roman times rivalled the Industrial Period. PHTE also increased during the High and Late Middle Ages (10-15th centuries) associated to a reactivation of mining and metallurgy activities in high altitude Pyrenean mining sites during climate amelioration phases. Atmospheric mercury deposition in the Lake Marboré record mostly reflects global emissions, particularly from Almadén mines (central Spain) and slightly fluctuates during the last three millennia with a significant increase during the last five centuries. Our findings reveal a strong mining-related pollution legacy in alpine lakes and watersheds that needs to be considered in management plans for mountain ecosystems as global warming and human pressure effects may contribute to their future degradation.
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Editorial: Options for Transition of Land Towards Intensive and Sustainable Agricultural Systems. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:346. [PMID: 31001292 PMCID: PMC6454113 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
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Trace metal enrichment during the Industrial Period recorded across an altitudinal transect in the Southern Central Pyrenees. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 645:761-772. [PMID: 30031334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Cultivation of Solanum tuberosum in a former mining district for a safe human consumption integrating simulated digestion. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2017; 97:5278-5286. [PMID: 28480508 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8412] [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: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a global crop and by far the most important non-cereal crop in the world. Therefore, it is necessary to assure its safe consumption. This is especially relevant in the case of its cultivation in abandoned mining areas, where the population tends to return to agriculture. In the present work, the objective is to evaluate the contribution to the diet of nutrients and contaminants of potato grown in soils from the Almadén area (mining district) by studying the intestinal absorption (in vitro) of the tuber, taking into account the preparation methods for its consumption. RESULTS The results of contaminant and nutrient contents show that the potato peel retains significantly more elements (mainly in the case of toxic elements) than the flesh. Furthermore, potato (peel and flesh) is a good source of iron. CONCLUSION It is recommended to boil potatoes with the peel in order to minimize nutrient loss and, before consumption, peeling them to eliminate possible risks due to contaminants. In addition, to minimize the risk due of mercury and to improve the levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, it is recommended to add salt during the boiling process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Characterization of Canarian cheeses applying discriminant analysis to physico-chemical variables/Caracterización de quesos canarios mediante la aplicación del análisis discriminante de variables fisicoquímicas. FOOD SCI TECHNOL INT 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/108201329600200304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Discriminant analysis was applied to 84 artisan and commercial cheese samples from the seven Canary Islands (Spain), determined by different physico-chemical variables (SNT, NPN, NNH3, aw, pH, moisture, NaCl, fat). All of them were selected to compute discriminant functions according to the method of Fatti and Hawkins. The generalized square distances among classes and the posterior probability for each cheese to belong to a class were calculated. According to discrimi nant analysis three of the seven classes considered had 100% well-classified cheeses, three had 91.67% and one had 83.33%.
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Sustainable remediation of mercury contaminated soils by thermal desorption. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:4898-4907. [PMID: 26545893 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury soil contamination is an important environmental problem that needs the development of sustainable and efficient decontamination strategies. This work is focused on the application of a remediation technique that maintains soil ecological and environmental services to the extent possible as well as search for alternative sustainable land uses. Controlled thermal desorption using a solar furnace at pilot scale was applied to different types of soils, stablishing the temperature necessary to assure the functionality of these soils and avoid the Hg exchange to the other environmental compartments. Soil mercury content evolution (total, soluble, and exchangeable) as temperature increases and induced changes in selected soil quality indicators are studied and assessed. On total Hg, the temperature at which it is reduced until acceptable levels depends on the intended soil use and on how restrictive are the regulations. For commercial, residential, or industrial uses, soil samples should be heated to temperatures higher than 280 °C, at which more than 80 % of the total Hg is released, reaching the established legal total Hg level and avoiding eventual risks derived from high available Hg concentrations. For agricultural use or soil natural preservation, conversely, maintenance of acceptable levels of soil quality limit heating temperatures, and additional treatments must be considered to reduce available Hg. Besides total Hg concentration in soils, available Hg should be considered to make final decisions on remediation treatments and potential future uses. Graphical Abstract Solar energy use for remediation of soils affected by mercury.
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Accumulation of mercury in Typha domingensis under field conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 119:994-999. [PMID: 25303659 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Typha species is a common wetland plant used in the treatment of urban and industrial effluents. But, despite their widespread implementation, there are not many studies based on the behaviour of this plant growing in an areas affected by mercury. The present work investigates the ability of Typha domingensis to accumulate mercury under field conditions. The study area was along the Valdeazogues river which flows through the Almadén mining district (Ciudad Real, Spain) that is considered the largest mercury reservoir in the world. The mercury concentration in different plant fractions was measured as well as the available and total concentration in the bottom sediments. The results showed that the highest mercury concentrations were found in the belowground organs. T. domingensis had a high efficiency to accumulate mercury in their organs although available metal concentrations in the environment did not exceed 0.16 mg kg(-1). Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) ranged between 121 and 3168 in roots. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between mercury concentration in all plant organs and Hg in sediments (both total and available). These results demonstrated that T. domingensis could be used as a biomonitor as well as in phytoextraction technology in areas affected by mercury.
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Monitoring of the mercury mining site Almadén implementing remote sensing technologies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 125:92-102. [PMID: 23499516 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Almadén area in Spain has a long history of mercury mining with prolonged human-induced activities that are related to mineral extraction and metallurgical processes before the closure of the mines and a more recent post period dominated by projects that reclaim the mine dumps and tailings and recuperating the entire mining area. Furthermore, socio-economic alternatives such as crop cultivation, livestock breeding and tourism are increasing in the area. Up till now, only scattered information on these activities is available from specific studies. However, improved acquisition systems using satellite borne data in the last decades opens up new possibilities to periodically study an area of interest. Therefore, comparing the influence of these activities on the environment and monitoring their impact on the ecosystem vastly improves decision making for the public policy makers to implement appropriate land management measures and control environmental degradation. The objective of this work is to monitor environmental changes affected by human-induced activities within the Almadén area occurring before, during and after the mine closure over a period of nearly three decades. To achieve this, data from numerous sources at different spatial scales and time periods are implemented into a methodology based on advanced remote sensing techniques. This includes field spectroradiometry measurements, laboratory analyses and satellite borne data of different surface covers to detect land cover and use changes throughout the mining area. Finally, monitoring results show that the distribution of areas affected by mercury mining is rapidly diminishing since activities ceased and that rehabilitated mining areas form a new landscape. This refers to mine tailings that have been sealed and revegetated as well as an open pit mine that has been converted to an "artificial" lake surface. Implementing a methodology based on remote sensing techniques that integrate data from several sources at different scales greatly improves the regional characterization and monitoring of an area dominated by mercury mining activities.
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Optimization and Validation of a Method for Heavy Metals Quantification in Soil Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Sector Field Mass Spectrometry (ICP-SFMS). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ajac.2013.410a2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Insulin resistance predicts sustained virological response to treatment of chronic hepatitis C independently of the IL28b rs12979860 polymorphism. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 37:74-80. [PMID: 23121166 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin resistance has been strongly associated with the attainment of sustained viral response (SVR) in hepatitis C patients. AIM To determine, in a cohort of Spanish patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin (P+R), whether insulin resistance predicts SVR independently of interleukin-28B rs12979860 polymorphism. METHODS Insulin resistance was measured as [HOMA-IR = Insulin (IU/mL)*glucose (mmol/L)/22.5]. Genotype, viral load and histological fibrosis using Scheuer score were also measured. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for statistical purposes. RESULTS In a cohort of 240 patients [78% genotype 1, 24% showing advanced fibrosis, 71% high viral load (≥800 000 IU/mL), 31% IL28b genotype CC and 50% with HOMA >2] treated with P+R, 126 (53%) reached SVR. HOMA-IR index (HOMA <2: 63% vs. HOMA >2: 42%; P = 0.001 and IL28b (genotype CC: 68% vs. genotype CT/TT: 45%; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with SVR. In multivariable logistic regression analysis in the overall cohort, variables independently associated were: viral genotype OR: 0.29 (95% CI: 0.11-0.78), P = 0.01; fibrosis OR: 1.62 (95% CI: 1.22-2.16), P = 0.001; HOMA-IR OR: 1.22 (95% CI: 1.02-1.47), P = 0.03; and IL28B genotype OR: 2.43 (95% CI: 1.45-4.07), P = 0.001. The analyses also showed that degree of steatosis, HOMA-IR >2, mild fibrosis and IL28B CC genotype were significantly related to SVR in patients infected with HCV genotypes 1&4, but not in those with genotypes 2&3. No differences were seen in glucose, insulin level or HOMA-IR index segregated according to IL28B genotypes. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that insulin resistance, fibrosis stage and IL28B polymorphisms were independent variables associated with sustained viral response.
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Impact of the lavender rhizosphere on the mercury uptake in field conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 89:1457-1466. [PMID: 22818090 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Lavender plants as well as their rhizosphere and bulk soil were sampled on a wide range of soils with different land use within the Almadén mercury mining district. The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of the rhizosphere on mercury behavior in soil-lavender plant system including chemometric analysis. The edaphic parameters that significantly differed between lavender rhizosphere and bulk soil were: total Hg; easily available Hg; electrical conductivity; organic matter; cation exchange capacity; soluble ions (Cl(-); SO(4)(2-); PO(4)(3-); NO(3)(-); Al(+); Mn(2+); Ca(2+) and Mg(2+)). The most important variable in the differentiation is electrical conductivity. Furthermore, both organic matter and Mn(2+) in rhizosphere soil seem to block Hg availability to plant. However, the presence of sulfates seems to favor it. Regarding other relationships, Hg seems to block Pb uptake by lavender plants and, on the other hand, the presence of Mn(2+) seems to favor it. Furthermore, Hg root uptake by lavender and its distribution throughout the plant have been studied. The more available Hg in rhizosphere soil, the more Hg is translocated to aerial part and less Hg is retained by root. In all cases, the Hg concentration in the root was higher than in the aerial part.
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Effect of Storage Conditions on Total Volatile Base Nitrogen Determinations in Fish Muscle Extracts. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC FOOD PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/10498850.2011.610917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Oxidative stress in earthworms short- and long-term exposed to highly Hg-contaminated soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2011; 194:135-143. [PMID: 21871720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.07.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury is often assessed by the measurement of molecular and biochemical antioxidant defences against an excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Here we examined some selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris short- (2d) and long-term (44 d) exposed to Hg-contaminated soils (up to 1287 mg/kg dry wt). This level of Hg exposure did not cause earthworm mortality, however it yielded organisms to a situation of oxidative stress which was evidenced by the time-dependent responses of biomarkers. The reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio was a sensitive and early biomarker of Hg exposure, although the glutathione reductase activity back returned their normal physiological concentrations. Metallothioneins and total glutathione seemed to have a significant role in reducing Hg-induced oxidative stress when exposure to Hg prolonged up to 44 d. We combined biomarker responses into an integrate biomarker index which positively correlated with the Hg concentrations measured in the postmitochondrial fraction of the earthworm muscle, and with the available Hg fraction in soil. Current results suggest that glutathione redox cycle can be a complementary tool in the exposure and effect assessment of Hg-polluted soils.
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Potential cultivation of Hordeum vulgare L. in soils with high mercury background concentrations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2011; 13:765-778. [PMID: 21972517 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2010.525559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Experimental work was carried out under close-to-real conditions to study mercury uptake by Hordeum vulgare L. cultivated in lysimeter experiments. The soil in the lysimeter experiment was obtained from a test plot located near Almadén (Spain) and had a mean mercury content of 22.9 mg kg(-1). A sequence of four crops was sown starting in autumn 2000 and repeated on a yearly basis until 2004. The first crop was grown in the field prior to the extraction of 5 one-cubic-meter lysimeters. The succeeding crops were sown in the lysimeter experiments at the CIEMAT Research Centre (Madrid, Spain). Samples of root and shoot were obtained during the four seasons. Concentrations of mercury at plant maturity in roots vary between I and 3 mg kg(-1) and in straw and grain the concentrations range from 72 to 480 microg kg(-1) and from 5 to 257 microg kg(-1), respectively. In order to assess the potential risk for human health and animal feed, an evaluation of the mercury content in the edible part of the crop has been carried out. According to legislation, there is no human health intoxication risk with a balanced consumption; otherwise, the forage use would have to be controlled.
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Estudio comparado de la composición en ácidos grasos esterificados del queso de Los Pedroches obtenido a partir de cuajo animal y cuajo vegetal. GRASAS Y ACEITES 2010. [DOI: 10.3989/gya.1995.v46.i4-5.943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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“A comparative study of the extensibility and bio-availability of topical preparations of glycol salicylate”. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/03639049109051603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Mercury content in vegetation and soils of the Almadén mining area (Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2006; 368:79-87. [PMID: 16343601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.09.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2004] [Revised: 05/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The Almadén area is an exceptional case of mercury concentration in the world, where cinnabar is the predominant mineralised form. Mining activities have been carried out over the past two thousand years and once this activity is concluded, a restoration of the environment is necessary for the affected areas. That implies the selection, optimisation and application of the most appropriate techniques focused on the recovery of contaminated areas. Phytotechnology is one of the proposed techniques, which considers the use of plants due to the low environmental impact and their proved efficiency. In this framework, it is necessary to study the behaviour of mercury in the soil-plant system and to determine the mercury absorption capacity of the different Almadén plant species. Therefore, field and laboratory studies have been carried out to determine the easily available forms of mercury in ten test plots in the Almadén area and the resulting data is related to the mercury accumulation in different plant species of the studied territory. Special attention is given to the easily available forms of mercury in the analysed soils and used as the transfer factor for the Hg-availability index that relates the amount of mercury in a plant with the total amount of mercury in a soil and with the easily available forms. The result of this experimental work is selecting the plant species suitable to be used in a future implementation of phytotechnologies in this area.
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The hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia elegans induces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2006; 106:76-81. [PMID: 16413718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2005] [Revised: 11/25/2005] [Accepted: 12/02/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral effects of a hydroalcoholic (60% ethanol) extract from the leaves of Salvia elegans Vahl (Lamiaceae) were studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract was administered intraperitoneally and its effects on spontaneous motor activity (total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior) were monitored. Putative anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of Salvia elegans were studied in the elevated plus-maze test (EPM) and in the forced swimming test (FST), respectively. Deleterious effects of Salvia elegans on learning and memory were also studied by using active and passive avoidance paradigms. The results revealed that all doses (3.12, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) of the extract caused a significant decrease in total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior. Only the dose of 12.5 mg/kg increased the exploration of the EPM open arms in a similar way to that of diazepam (1 mg/kg). In the FST, all doses of the extract induced a reduction of immobility, in a similar way to that of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and imipramine (12.5 mg/kg), along with a significant increase in the time spent in swimming behavior. Acquisition of active avoidance responses was disrupted by pre-treatment with the extract, but retention of a passive avoidance response was not significantly modified. These results suggest that some of the components of the hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia elegans have psychotropic properties, which deserve further investigation.
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Mercury bioaccumulation and phytotoxicity in two wild plant species of Almadén area. CHEMOSPHERE 2006; 63:1969-73. [PMID: 16293291 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2005] [Revised: 09/22/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a widely distributed environmental pollutant, able to induce toxicity in living organisms, including higher plants. Some plant species are able to grow in mine sites, like the Almadén zone in Spain. Our study focus on two of these plant species, Rumex induratus and Marrubium vulgare and their responses to natural Hg exposure. Total Hg concentration in the soil below the plants could be classified as toxic, although the available fraction was low. Hg availability was higher for the M. vulgare than for the R. induratus plot. Hg concentrations in field plants of R. induratus and M. vulgare grown on these soils can be considered as phytotoxic, although no symptoms of Hg toxicity were observed in any of them. According to the BAF ([Hg](tissue)/[Hg](avail)), R. induratus showed a higher ability in Hg uptake and translocation to shoots, as well as higher concentrations of MDA and -SH:Hg ratios, so that this plant is more sensitive to Hg than M. vulgare. The resistance to Hg and the capability to extract Hg from the soil make both M. vulgare and R. induratus good candidates for Hg phytoremediation of contaminated soils.
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Role of dietary l-arginine supplementation on serum parameters and intestinal enzyme activities in rats fed an excess-fat diet. Biomed Pharmacother 2005; 60:10-3. [PMID: 16330176 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2005.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2005] [Accepted: 07/11/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether dietary supplementation with L-arginine, the endogenous precursor of nitric oxide, might affect serum parameter levels body weight, food intake and activities of intestinal mucosa enzymes in animals fed with a standard diet or a diet high in saturated fat for 4 weeks. Body weight and food intake were not affected by diet but relative liver weight was higher in animals receiving a high-fat diet. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in both groups fed high-fat diet and dietary L-arginine did not affect these parameters but produced an increase in serum protein levels and a slight decrease in glycaemia. Regarding the intestinal enzyme activities, rats fed a high-fat diet plus arginine showed the lowest intestinal disaccharidase activities.
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Anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from Aloysia polystachya in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2005; 82:373-8. [PMID: 16278011 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2005.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2005] [Revised: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/12/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral effects of a hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) were studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract was administered intraperitoneally and its effects on spontaneous motor activity (total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior) were monitored. Anxiolytic-like properties were studied in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test and the possible antidepressant-like actions were evaluated in the forced swimming test (FST). The results revealed that high doses of the extract (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant decrease in total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior. All doses injected (from 1.56 to 50 mg/kg) increased the exploration of the EPM open arms in a similar way to that of diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). In the FST, the extract (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) was as effective as fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) in reducing immobility, along with a significant increase in swimming and climbing, respectively. These results suggest that some of the components of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. polystachya, such as thujone and carvone among others, may have sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties which deserve further investigation.
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Mercury and trace element fractionation in Almaden soils by application of different sequential extraction procedures. Anal Bioanal Chem 2005; 381:1507-13. [PMID: 15809886 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-005-3058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2004] [Revised: 12/23/2004] [Accepted: 01/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A comparative evaluation of the mercury distribution in a soil sample from Almaden (Spain) has been performed by applying three different sequential extraction procedures, namely, modified BCR (three steps in sequence), Di Giulio-Ryan (four steps in sequence), and a specific SEP developed at CIEMAT (six steps in sequence). There were important differences in the mercury extraction results obtained by the three procedures according to the reagents applied and the sequence of their application. These findings highlight the difficulty of setting a universal SEP to obtain information on metal fractions of different mobility for any soil sample, as well as the requirement for knowledge about the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the samples. The specific six-step CIEMAT sequential extraction procedure was applied to a soil profile (Ap, Ah, Bt1, and Bt2 horizons). The distribution of mercury and major, minor, and trace elements in the different fractions were determined. The results indicate that mercury is mainly released with 6 M HCl. The strong association of mercury with crystalline iron oxyhydroxides, present in all the horizons of the profile, and/or the solubility of some mercury compounds in such acid can explain this fact. Minor mercury is found in the fraction assigned to oxidizable matter and in the final insoluble residue (cinnabar).
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Abstract
The CD3 subunits of the T cell receptor-CD3 complex (TCR-CD3) help to regulate surface TCR-CD3 expression, and participate in signal transduction leading to intrathymic selection and peripheral antigen recognition by T lymphocytes. Humans who lack individual CD3 chains show impairments in the expression and activation-induced downregulation of TCR-CD3, and the defective immune responses that result may be lethal. We have investigated delivery of a normal CD3 chain to treat disorders of this type. Retroviral transduction of CD3gamma into CD3gamma-deficient peripheral blood T lymphocytes from two unrelated patients selectively corrected the observed TCR-CD3 expression and downregulation defects, but unexpectedly seemed to cause adverse effects that can be explained by an autoreactive recognition mechanism. These data support the feasibility of gene therapy for human CD3 deficiencies, but also suggest that gene transfer into postthymic lymphocytes carrying mutations on T cell recognition or activation pathways may disrupt their intrathymic calibration and become harmful to the host.
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Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is an uncommon cause of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. One case of primary meningococcal conjunctivitis in a healthy 6-year-old boy is reported. The patient was initially treated with a topical instillation of polymyxin B, neomycin and gramicidin in ophthalmic solution, and this was followed by systemic rifampin once the diagnosis had been established. No ocular or systemic complications developed.
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Influence of animal and vegetable rennet on the physicochemical characteristics of Los Pedroches cheese during ripening. Food Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0308-8146(02)00098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Application of discriminant analysis to physico-chemical variables for characterizing Spanish cheeses. Food Chem 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0308-8146(95)00080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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[Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Clinical and anatomical study of 5 cases]. GAC MED MEX 1982; 118:300-10. [PMID: 7141181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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