ZnO-Salen NPs Employed as Chemosensor for Detection of Al3+ and K+ in Aqueous Medium, Developing Human Cell Images.

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and characterized by different analytical methods and then they were used to decorate with N, N´-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (salen) in order to perform as receptor for the metal ions in an aqueous medium. The results show that ZnO-salen selectively detects Al3+ ions in aqueous medium since the intensity of fluorescence has been enhanced significantly. However, the presence of K+ in the medium further intensified the fluorescence emission for the [ZnO-salen-Al3+] system. The above system has been applied to recognize Al3+ and K+ in cells by developing the cell images, for which, the fluorescence image is brightened if a human glioblastoma U251 cell contains [ZnO-salen-Al3+] + K+ ions, consisting of the fluorescence titration. The binding global constant for Al3+ and the subsequent recognition of K+ by ZnO-salen resulted in ß2(Al3+) = 6.61 × 103 and ß2(K+) = 3.71 × 103 with a detection limit of 36.51 µM for Al3+ and 17.39 µM for K+. In the cell toxicity analysis, the cell viability was over 85% for the ZnO-salen even in the concentration as high as 100 mM.

Treatment of effluents from Food Services Establishment (FSEs) by physico-chemical processes: a case study for Trinidad & Tobago.

BACKGROUND: Effluents from Food Services Establishments (FSEs) contain primarily Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) which severely impact on sewers and the environment when released in high concentrations. In Trinidad & Tobago, it is estimated that approximately 231,304 kg/day of unaccounted for FOG bearing wastewaters from FSEs, are released into the environment with no viable treatment in the country. This research explored the optimization of physico-chemical processes for the treatment of FOGs for subsequent release into sewers. RESULTS: Bench-scale studies analysed the characteristics of FSE's effluents from three popular sources, conducted the treatment of these effluents using Jar Tests, and subsequently confirm results via a pilot plant study. Characterization showed the mean concentration of the parameters examined to be; FOG (511 mg/l ± 116 mg/l), Suspended Solids (446 mg/l ± 146 mg/l), Chemical Oxygen Demand (2229 mg/l ± 963 mg/l) and pH (6 ± 0.3). Jar Tests were conducted using Poly-aluminium Chloride (PACl) as coagulant, anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes as flocculant aids with suitable pH adjustments of samples to determine the isoelectric point for the coagulant. Effluent results showed FOG removal levels of 99.9% and final effluent concentration of 0.17 mg/l. This was attained using PACl concentration of 250 mg/l, a 0.1% low cationic polyelectrolyte (CP 1154) at 4 mg/l with the pH of sample adjusted to 8. The pilot plant achieved a 97.4% removal of FOG (residual of 16.8 mg/l) using the same coagulant dosing, and pH value, but increasing the strength of the flocculant aid to 0.1% medium cationic (CP1156) at 5 mg/l. CONCLUSION: Experimentation showed high concentrations of emulsified FOG can be efficiently removed to levels below the permissible requirements (20 mg/l) for entry into sewer systems in Trinidad and Tobago using coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation techniques. Pilot scale study also revealed that a higher strength and/or dose of the cationic polyelectrolyte and increased times in primary and final tanks were required to attain the desired results as in the bench level study, where equipment limitations in the flocculation tank were faced. This is in alignment with theory where factors critical for agglomeration is equipment type and density charge. It is, concluded that the optimum combination of chemicals and the respective dosages attained at the bench level study should prove effective should the right equipment be made available.

Scanning Electron Microscopy and EDX Spectroscopy of Commercial Swabs Used for COVID-19 Lateral Flow Testing.

The chemical composition of COVID test swabs has not been examined beyond the manufacturer's datasheets. The unprecedented demand for swabs to conduct rapid lateral flow tests and nucleic acid amplification tests led to mass production, including 3D printing platforms. Manufacturing impurities could be present in the swabs and, if so, could pose a risk to human health. We used scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy to examine the ultrastructure of seven assorted brands of COVID test swabs and to identify and quantify their chemical elements. We detected eight unexpected elements, including transition metals, such as titanium and zirconium, the metalloid silicon, as well as post-transition metals aluminium and gallium, and the non-metal elements sulphur and fluorine. Some of the elements were detected as trace amounts, but for others, the amount was close to reported toxicological thresholds for inhalation routes. Experimental studies have shown that the detrimental effects of unexpected chemical elements include moderate to severe inflammatory states in the exposed epithelium as well as proliferative changes. Given the massive testing still being used in the context of the COVID pandemic, we urge caution in continuing to recommend repeated and frequent testing, particularly of healthy, non-symptomatic, individuals.

Kinetics of the precipitation reaction between aluminium and contaminant orthophosphate ions.

The removal of phosphorous from wastewater in metal-orthophosphate systems typically occurs by simultaneous adsorption on poorly soluble metal hydroxides and by precipitation reactions between metal ions and orthophosphates in solution. To understand the individual contribution of these mechanisms to the removal of phosphorus, the main aim of this study was to determine the kinetics of consumption of contaminant orthophosphates by the precipitation reaction with aluminium ions in a solution free of insoluble aluminium hydroxide. To define the amount of aluminium and phosphorous compounds to be dissolved in water to have this desired reacting condition at a given pH, the solubilities of KH2PO4(s), Al(OH)3(s) and AlPO4(s) were examined at 25 °C in the pH range ∼2.6 to 7.9. pH-solubility diagrams for these ionic solids were made by solving a system of nonlinear algebraic equations involving dissolution, dissociation and hydrolysis reactions at equilibrium. The kinetics of the reaction between aluminium and orthophosphate ions at a reacting condition free of solids except for the product AlPO4(s) was investigated in a well-stirred batch reactor at pH ∼3.1 and 3.5 at 25 °C. A detailed kinetic model involving ten species, seven reversible reactions of hydrolysis of soluble aluminium and orthophosphate species and one reversible precipitation reaction between aluminium and phosphate ions revealed a rate constant for the latter reaction of 5.968 × 1010 L mol-1 s-1 (p = 0.191). XRD, TGA/DTGA and EDX analyses of the filtered and dried reacting mixture confirmed that the only solid product of the precipitation reaction was hydrated AlPO4(s).

Different Impact of Suspended Al2O3 Nanoparticles on Microbial Communities: Formation of 2D-Networks (Without Humic Acids) or 3D-Colonies (With Humic Acids).

The use of metal-based and, particularly, Al2O3 nanoparticles (Al2O3-NP) for diverse purposes is exponentially growing. However, the growth of such promissory market is not accompanied by a parallel extensive investigation related to the impact of this pollution on groundwater and biological systems. Pseudomonas species, ubiquitous, environmentally critical microbes, frequently respond to stress conditions with diverse strategies that generally include extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) formation. The aim of this study is to report that changes in the aqueous environment, particularly, the addition of Al2O3-NP without and with humic acids, induce different adaptive strategies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa early biofilms. To this purpose, early biofilms were incubated in diluted culture media without (control) and with Al2O3-NP, and with humic acids (HA-control, HA-Al2O3-NP) for 24 h. 3D colonies with EPS strings and isolated bacteria in their surroundings were detected in the control biofilms. Unlikely, an unusual adaptive behaviour was developed in the presence of Al2O3-NP. Bacteria opt to disassemble the 3D arrangements and to implement a 2D network promoting morphological and size changes of bacterial cells (small coccoid shapes). Remarkably, this strategy allows their temporarily non-EPS-depending survival without decreasing the number of cells. This behaviour was not observed with ZnO-NP, HA-Al2O3-NP, or HA-ZnO-NP. Physicochemical analysis revealed that HA were adsorbed on Al2O3-NP and promoted the Al(III) ions complexation. This supports the hypothesis that the reduction of toxicity of Al ions and the 3D colony formation in the presence of HA-Al2O3-NP is promoted by the complexation of the metal ions with HA components.

Neuroprotective effects of a combination of Boswellia papyrifera and Syzygium aromaticum on AlCl3 induced Alzheimer's disease in male albino rat / Efeitos neuroprotetores de uma combinação de Boswellia papyrifera e Syzygium aromaticum em Alzheimer induzido por AlCl3 em ratos albinos machos

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by hippocampal, and cortical neuron deterioration, oxidative stress, and severe cognitive dysfunction. Aluminum is a neurotoxin inducer for cognitive impairments associated with AD. The treatment approaches for AD are unsatisfactory. Boswellia papyrifera and Syzygium aromaticum are known for their pharmacological assets, including antioxidant activity. Therefore, the current study explored the possible mitigating effects of a combination of Boswellia papyrifera and Syzygium aromaticum against aluminum chloride (AlCl3) induced AD. The AD model was established using AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), and the rats were orally administrated with Boswellia papyrifera or Syzygium aromaticum or a combination of them daily for 8 weeks. The Y-maze test was used to test cognition in the rats, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and oxidative stress markers were estimated in homogenates of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Also, the histopathological examination of the cortex and hippocampus were investigated. The results revealed that administration of either B. papyrifera or S. aromaticum extracts significantly improved the cognitive functions of AD rats, enhanced AChE levels, increased oxidative enzymes levels, including SOD and GSH, and reduced MDA levels in homogenates of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and confirmed by improvement in histological examination. However, using a combination therapy gave better results compared to a single treatment. In conclusion, the present study provided primary evidence for using a combination of B. papyrifera and S. aromaticum to treat cognitive dysfunction associated with AlCl3 Induced AD by improving the AChE levels and modulating oxidative stress in the brain.

Resumo A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é a doença neurodegenerativa mais comum, caracterizada por hipocampo, deterioração dos neurônios corticais, estresse oxidativo e disfunção cognitiva grave. O alumínio é um indutor de neurotoxinas para deficiências cognitivas associadas à DA. As abordagens de tratamento para DA são insatisfatórias. Boswellia papyrifera e Syzygium aromaticum são conhecidos por seus ativos farmacológicos, incluindo atividade antioxidante. Portanto, o presente estudo explorou os possíveis efeitos atenuantes de uma combinação de Boswellia papyrifera e Syzygium aromaticum contra a DA induzida por cloreto de alumínio (AlCl3). O modelo DA foi estabelecido usando AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), e os ratos foram administrados por via oral com Boswellia papyrifera ou Syzygium aromaticum ou uma combinação deles diariamente por 8 semanas. O teste do labirinto em Y foi usado para testar a cognição nos ratos, enquanto a acetilcolinesterase (AChE) e marcadores de estresse oxidativo foram estimados em homogeneizados do córtex cerebral e hipocampo. Além disso, o exame histopatológico do córtex e hipocampo foram analisados. Os resultados revelaram que a administração de extratos de B. papyrifera ou S. aromaticum melhorou significativamente as funções cognitivas de ratos com DA, aumentou os níveis de AChE, aumentou os níveis de enzimas oxidativas, incluindo SOD e GSH, e reduziu os níveis de MDA em homogeneizados do córtex cerebral e hipocampo e confirmado pela melhora no exame histológico. No entanto, o uso de uma terapia combinada apresentou melhores resultados em comparação com um único tratamento. Em conclusão, o presente estudo forneceu evidências primárias para o uso de uma combinação de B. papyrifera e S. aromaticum para tratar a disfunção cognitiva associada à DA induzida por AlCl3, melhorando os níveis de AChE e modulando o estresse oxidativo no cérebro.

Persistence of protective anti-poliovirus antibody levels in 4-year-old children previously primed with Picovax®, a trivalent, aluminium-adjuvanted reduced dose inactivated polio vaccine.

BACKGROUND: To meet the demand for effective and affordable inactivated polio vaccines (IPVs), a reduced dose, aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3)-adjuvanted IPV vaccine was developed (IPV-Al, Picovax®) and evaluated in clinical trials. The present trial is an extension of two previous trials (a primary and a booster trial). The aim was to evaluate the persistence of seroprotective antibodies (poliovirus type-specific antibody titre ≥ 8) in 4-year-old children who previously received IPV-Al as primary and booster vaccine doses and to determine the potential booster response and safety profile of an additional dose of IPV-Al. METHODS: Children participating in the two previous trials were invited to receive one additional dose of IPV-Al at 4 years of age (2.5 years after the booster dose) and to have their blood samples collected to measure the pre- and post-vaccination antibody titres. Systemic adverse events (AEs) and local reactogenicity were recorded. RESULTS: At study entry, the seroprotection rates were 89.2%, 100% and 91.1% against poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The additional vaccination with IPV-Al boosted the level of poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3 antibodies to above the seroprotection threshold for all but one subject, i.e., 99.4% for type 1 and 100% for types 2 and 3. The additional dose induced a robust booster response of a 26.3-, 13.9- and 30.9-fold increase in titre for poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The vaccine was well tolerated, with only mild and transient AEs reported. CONCLUSIONS: The present trial demonstrated that the primary vaccination with an aluminium-adjuvanted reduced dose IPV induced a persistent immune memory as evidenced by the robust anamnestic response when the subjects were re-exposed to the antigen 2.5 years after the last dose. Thus, the IPV-Al is an efficient and safe addition to increase the availability of inactivated polio vaccines globally. (ClinicalTrials.gov reg no. NCT04448132).

Intranasal and Intramuscular Immunization with Outer Membrane Vesicles from Serogroup C Meningococci Induced Functional Antibodies and Immunologic Memory.

BACKGROUND: Immunization is the key to prevent invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) can be used as meningococcal antigens. METHODS: Isogenic mice A/Sn (H2a) were immunized with low antigenic doses of OMVs of an N. meningitidis C:2a:P1.5 strain, via intranasal/intramuscular route, adjuvanted by cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) or via intramuscular route only, adjuvanted by aluminium hydroxide (AH). Mice were followed until old age and humoral and cellular responses were assessed by ELISA, Immunoblotting, Dot-blot, Serum-bactericidal assay, Immunohistochemistry and ELISpot. RESULTS: OMV+CTB and OMV+AH groups presented statistically higher antibodies titers, which persisted until middle and old ages. IgG isotypes point to a Th2 type of response. Avidity indexes were considered high, regardless of adjuvant use, but only groups immunized with OMVs and adjuvants (OMV+CTB and OMV+AH) presented bactericidal activity. The antibodies recognized antigens of molecular weights attributed to porin and cross-reactivity proteins. Although the spleen of old mice did not present differences in immunohistochemistry marking of CD68+, CD4+, CD79+ and CD25+ cells, splenocytes of immune groups secreted IL-4 and IL-17 when stimulated with OMVs and meningococcal C polysaccharide. CONCLUSION: We concluded that both adjuvants, CTB and AH, improved the immunogenicity of low doses of OMVs and contributed to a persistent immune response. Even though AH is well established in the vaccinology area, CTB seems to be a promising adjuvant candidate for meningococcal vaccines: it is suitable for mucosal delivery and supports a Th2 type of response. Therefore, OMVs are still a relevant vaccine platform.

Immunological Effects of Dimethyldioctadecylammonium Bromide and Saponin as Adjuvants for Outer Membrane Vesicles from Neisseria meningitidis.

The meningococcal disease is a global health threat, but is preventable through vaccination. Adjuvants improve meningococcal vaccines and are able to trigger different aspects of the immune response. The present work evaluated the immune response of mice against Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane vesicles (OMV) complexed with the adjuvants aluminium hydroxide (AH), via subcutaneous route; and dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA) or Saponin (Sap), via intranasal/subcutaneous routes. ELISA demonstrated that all adjuvants increased IgG titers after the booster dose, remaining elevated for 18 months. Additionally, adjuvants increased the avidity of the antibodies and the bactericidal titer: OMVs alone were bactericidal until 1:4 dilution but, when adjuvanted by Alum, DDA or Sap, it increased to 1/32. DDA and Sap increased all IgG isotypes, while AH improved IgG1 and IgG2a levels. Thus, Sap led to the recognition of more proteins in Immunoblot, followed by DDA and AH. Sap and AH induced higher IL-4 and IL-17 release, respectively. The use of adjuvants improved both cellular and humoral immune response, however, each adjuvant contributed to particular parameters. This demonstrates the importance of studying different adjuvant options and their suitability to stimulate different immune mechanisms, modulating the immune response.

Exposure to aluminium chloride during the peripuberal period induces prostate damage in male rats.

Aluminium (Al) is an important metal, but it can be toxic including for prostate tissue. This study aimed to evaluate whether exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) during the peripubertal period affects ventral prostate development in rats. Male Wistar rats (30 days old) were distributed into three experimental groups: control (sterile 0.9% saline solution), AL7 (7 mg AlCl3/kg) and AL34 (34 mg AlCl3/kg). Animals were treated intraperitoneally from postnatal day (PND) 36-66 (peripubertal period). At PND67, the animals were anaesthetized and euthanized. Blood was collected for testosterone levels. The ventral prostate (VP) was removed, weighed and processed for histochemistry and immunohistochemistry to detect androgen (AR) and Ki67. Stereological and histopathological analyses, mast cell counts, and determinations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl glycosidase (NAG) activity and IL-6 levels were performed. The AL34 group presented a reduction in body weight and increase in MPO activity compared to the other groups. In both the AL7 and AL34 groups, there was reorganization of the prostatic tissue compartments. There was no significant difference in prostate weight, number of granulated or degranulated mast cells, or testosterone levels. In conclusion, the exposure to aluminium chloride during the peripubertal period impairs the prostatic development.

Protective effects of chrysin against the neurotoxicity induced by aluminium: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Chronic exposure to aluminium (Al) can contribute to the progression of several neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Al is a metal that promotes oxidative damage leading to neuronal death in different brain regions with behavior, cognition, and memory deficits. Chrysin is a flavonoid found mainly in honey, passion fruit, and propolis with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. In this study, we used an integrated approach of in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of chrysin against the neurotoxicity elicited by aluminium chloride (AlCl3). In in vitro studies, chrysin (5 µM) showed the ability to counteract the early oxidative stress elicited by tert-butyl hydroperoxide, an oxidant that mimics the lipid peroxidation and Fenton reaction in presence of AlCl3 as well as the late necrotic death triggered by AlCl3 in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. In vivo studies in a mouse model of neurotoxicity induced by chronic exposure to AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/day) for ninety days then corroborated the antioxidant and neuroprotective effect of chrysin (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg/day) using the oral route. In particular, chrysin reduced the cognitive impairment induced by AlCl3 as well as normalized the acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in the hippocampus. In parallel, chrysin counteracted the oxidative damage, in terms of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, catalase, and superoxide dismutase impairment, in the brain cortex and hippocampus. Lastly, necrotic cells frequency in the same brain regions was also decreased by chrysin. These results highlight the ability of chrysin to prevent the neurotoxic effects associated with chronic exposure to Al and suggest its potential use as a food supplement for brain health.

Contrasting the Mechanism of H2 Activation by Monomeric and Potassium-Stabilized Dimeric AlI Complexes: Do Potassium Atoms Exert any Cooperative Effect?

Aluminyl anions are low-valent, anionic, and carbenoid aluminum species commonly found stabilized with potassium cations from the reaction of Al-halogen precursors and alkali compounds. These systems are very reactive toward the activation of σ-bonds and in reactions with electrophiles. Various research groups have detected that the potassium atoms play a stabilization role via electrostatic and cation ⋯ π interactions with nearby (aromatic)-carbocyclic rings from both the ligand and from the reaction with unsaturated substrates. Since stabilizing K⋯H bonds are witnessed in the activation of this class of molecules, we aim to unveil the role of these metals in the activation of the smaller and less polarizable H2 molecule, together with a comprehensive characterization of the reaction mechanism. In this work, the activation of H2 utilizing a NON-xanthene-Al dimer, [K{Al(NON)}]2 (D) and monomeric, [Al(NON)]- (M) complexes are studied using density functional theory and high-level coupled-cluster theory to reveal the potential role of K+ atoms during the activation of this gas. Furthermore, we aim to reveal whether D is more reactive than M (or vice versa), or if complicity between the two monomer units exits within the D complex toward the activation of H2 . The results suggest that activation energies using the dimeric and monomeric complexes were found to be very close (around 33 kcal mol-1 ). However, a partition of activation energies unveiled that the nature of the energy barriers for the monomeric and dimeric complexes are inherently different. The former is dominated by a more substantial distortion of the reactants (and increased interaction energies between them). Interestingly, during the oxidative addition, the distortion of the Al complex is minimal, while H2 distorts the most, usually over 0.77 Δ E d i s t ≠ . Overall, it is found here that electrostatic and induction energies between the complexes and H2 are the main stabilizing components up to the respective transition states. The results suggest that the K+ atoms act as stabilizers of the dimeric structure, and their cooperative role on the reaction mechanism may be negligible, acting as mere spectators in the activation of H2 . Cooperation between the two monomers in D is lacking, and therefore the subsequent activation of H2 is wholly disengaged.

Defects induced by Al substitution enhance As(V) adsorption on ferrihydrites.

An original rationale is proposed to explain the controversial role of aluminum, a common substitutive element in ferrihydrite (Fh), on arsenic adsorption. The adsorption of arsenic on synthetic Al-for-Fe substituted Fh (AlFh) with up to 20 mol% Al was investigated at pH 5 and 8. The reduced interplanar spacings observed by selected area electron diffraction show that all AlFh samples are isomorphically substituted up to 20 mol% Al. A 15 mol% Al incorporation increases the arsenic uptake by 28%. In contrast, the Langmuir binding constants decrease, suggesting weaker bonds. Arsenic uptake reduces by 50% as pH rises from 5 to 8. The Al-for-Fe substitution in ferrihydrite causes structural defects, proton-compensated by OH groups, as indicated by the Vegard rule deviation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates the increase in the relative amount of surface M-OH sites (45% to 77%) with Al concentration (AlFh-0 to AlFh-20), respectively. The enhanced As(V) uptake was ascribed to the insertion of hydroxyls on the Fh structural defects. Fourier-transformed-infrared spectroscopy showed that the sites modified by Al introduction are involved in As adsorption. These findings help to understand aluminum's role in arsenic adsorption, fixation, and fate in the environment.

Movement Disorders and Dementia in a Woman With Chronic Aluminium Toxicity: Video-MRI Imaging.

Background: Aluminium encephalopathy results from exposure to aluminium from occupational, recreational, and environmental sources. Movement disorders, cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal tract signs, dementia, microcytic anemia and bone disease are typical manifestations. Case Report: A 55-year-old woman had clinical manifestations, persistent hyperaluminemia without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan changes of toxic encephalopathy following a prolonged exposure to marine grade paints containing 30% aluminium. Chelation therapy with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) demonstrated decreased levels of aluminemia and significant neurological improvement over time. Discussion: This diagnosis should be entertained in patients with movement disorders, cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal signs, and dementia of unknown etiology. Highlights: Aluminium encephalopathy (AE) is a neurological syndrome caused by aluminium neurotoxicity. Manifestations include cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, microcytic anemia and bone disease. This case illustrates AE with hyperaluminemia associated with chronic exposure to industrial paints and clinical and biochemical reversibility after chelation therapy with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Movement disorders are highlighted.

A new genome allows the identification of genes associated with natural variation in aluminium tolerance in Brachiaria grasses.

Toxic concentrations of aluminium cations and low phosphorus availability are the main yield-limiting factors in acidic soils, which represent half of the potentially available arable land. Brachiaria grasses, which are commonly sown as forage in the tropics because of their resilience and low demand for nutrients, show greater tolerance to high concentrations of aluminium cations (Al3+) than most other grass crops. In this work, we explored the natural variation in tolerance to Al3+ between high and low tolerant Brachiaria species and characterized their transcriptional differences during stress. We identified three QTLs (quantitative trait loci) associated with root vigour during Al3+ stress in their hybrid progeny. By integrating these results with a new Brachiaria reference genome, we identified 30 genes putatively responsible for Al3+ tolerance in Brachiaria. We observed differential expression during stress of genes involved in RNA translation, response signalling, cell wall composition, and vesicle location homologous to aluminium-induced proteins involved in limiting uptake or localizing the toxin. However, there was limited regulation of malate transporters in Brachiaria, which suggests that exudation of organic acids and other external tolerance mechanisms, common in other grasses, might not be relevant in Brachiaria. The contrasting regulation of RNA translation and response signalling suggests that response timing is critical in high Al3+-tolerant Brachiaria.

A 3D ecotoxi-topological profile: Using concentration-time-response surfaces to show peroxidase activity in Zea mays (L.) exposed to aluminium or arsenic in hydroponic conditions.

This study sought to use concentration-time-response surfaces to show the effects of exposure to toxic (semi-)metals on peroxidase activity in higher plants as a function of exposure-concentration and exposure-time. Maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings (i.e., leaves and roots) were exposed to arsenic (as As3+) or aluminium (as Al3+) under hydroponic conditions, and their biomass and peroxidase enzyme responses were assessed at different concentration-time-exposures. The 3D ecotoxi-profile generated with these data showed two distinct regions: the first region is formed by exposures (i.e., points for time-concentration pairings) that were not statistically different from the results of the control points (i.e., zero toxicant concentration and all exposure-times), whereas the second region is formed by exposure pairings with results that were statistically different to those obtained from control pairings. Overall, the data show that enzyme activity increased over a shorter exposure-time when there was an increase in the exposure-concentration of the toxicant, which can be seen on a 3-D toxicity profile. We propose that quantitative relationship ratios from different assessed endpoints (e.g., biomass and enzyme activity) and enzymatic concentration-time-response surfaces could be helpful in the field of environmental-policy management.

Effect of moringa oleifera lam. leaf extract against aluminium chloride induced hippocampal histology and serum enzyme activities in adult Wistar rats / Efecto del extracto de hoja de Moringa Olifera Lam. en la histología del hipocampo y la actividad enzimática en el suero de ratas Wistar adultas expuestas a cloruro de aluminio

Introduction: Aluminium, a ubiquitous metal implicated in some neurodegenerative diseases is linked to activation of free oxygen species. The antioxidant-rich plants, Moringa oleifera (MO) is reported to protect against Aluminium activities. This study investigated the actions of MO leaf extract (MOLE) against Aluminium chloride (AlCl3)- induced hippocampal cellular changes and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in adult Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats weighing between 150 g and 220 g were grouped (n=5) into; 1-control (5 mL/kg distilled water), 2-AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), 3-low dose MOLE (250 mg/kg), 4-high dose MOLE (1,000 mg/kg), 5-concurrent AlCl3 and low dose MOLE, and 6-concurrent AlCl3 and high dose MOLE. All administrations were by oral gavages for 21 days. On day 22, following deep anaesthesia and cardiac puncture, blood was obtained for serum enzyme analysis, and the brain perfusion fixed, harvested and processed for histological study.Results: Results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher ALP level in the AlCl3 group compared with the control, as well as the other test groups. However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) AST and ALT levels. The hippocampal CA3 of the AlCl3 group showed hypertrophic cells, with some of the cells having karyorrhectic features. The concurrent AlCl3 and low and high doses, MOLE groups showed less of these adverse features.Conclusion: These results suggest that MOLE may protect enzymatic activities against Aluminium chloride. However, its action on hippocampus is still subject to further investigation.

Introducción: El aluminio, un metal presente en diversos lugares implicado en algunas enfermedades neurodegenerativas, está relacionado con la activación de especies reactivas de oxígeno. Se informa que las plantas ricas en antioxidantes, Moringa oleifera (MO) protegen contra la acción del aluminio. Este estudio investigó las acciones del extracto de hoja de MO (MOLE) en los cambios celulares del hipocampo inducidos por el cloruro de aluminio (AlCl3) y los niveles séricos de fosfatasa alcalina (ALP), aspartato transaminasa (AST) y alanina transaminasa (ALT) en ratas Wistar adultas.Materiales y métodos: SE utilizaron treinta ratas Wistar divididas en 5 grupos, los animales pesaban entre 150 gy 220 g; 1 control (5 ml / kg de agua destilada), 2-AlCl3 (100 mg / kg), 3 MOLE de dosis baja (250 mg / kg), 4 MOLE de dosis alta (1000 mg / kg), 5 AlCl3 concurrente y MOLE de dosis baja, y MOLE 6-concurrente y MOLE de dosis alta. Todas las administraciones fueron por sonda oral durante 21 días. El día 22, después de la anestesia profunda y la punción cardíaca, se obtuvo sangre para el análisis de las enzimas séricas y la perfusión cerebral se fijó, recogió y procesó para el estudio histológico.Resultados: Los resultados mostraron un nivel de ALP significativamente (p <0.05) más alto en el grupo AlCl3 en comparación con el control, así como en los otros grupos de prueba. Sin embargo, no hubo niveles significativos (p> 0.05) de AST y ALT. El hipocampo CA3 del grupo AlCl3 mostró células hipertróficas, y algunas de las células tenían características cariorrecticas. Los grupos de AlCl3 concurrentes y dosis bajas y altas, MOLE mostraron menos de estas características adversas.Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren que MOLE puede proteger las actividades enzimáticas contra el cloruro de aluminio. Sin embargo, su acción sobre el hipocampo aún está sujeta a más investigaciones.

Immunogenicity and safety of an adjuvanted inactivated polio vaccine, IPV-Al, following vaccination in children at 2, 4, 6 and at 15-18 months.

BACKGROUND: Availability of affordable inactivated polio vaccines (IPV) is of major importance to meet the increasing global supply needs. The results presented here demonstrate non-inferiority of a reduced-dose, aluminium hydroxide-adjuvanted IPV (IPV-Al) to standard IPV. METHODS: A phase 3, observer-blinded, randomised, clinical trial was conducted in Panama in infants who received either IPV-Al (n = 400) or standard IPV (n = 400) at age 2, 4 and 6 months. In the booster trial, subjects received a single dose of IPV-Al at age 15-18 months. The primary endpoint was type-specific seroconversion, defined as an antibody titre ≥4-fold higher than the estimated maternal antibody titre and a titre ≥8, one month after the primary vaccination series. In the booster trial, the primary endpoint was the type-specific booster effects (geometric mean titre (GMT) post-booster (Day 28)/GMT pre-booster (Day 0). RESULTS: Seroconversion rates following primary vaccination with IPV-Al vs IPV were: 96.1% vs 100% (type 1); 100% vs 100% (type 2); and 99.2% vs 100% (type 3) respectively. IPV-Al was non-inferior to IPV, as the lower 95% confidence limits of the treatment differences were above the pre-defined -10%-point limit: 3.94% (-6.51; -2.01) for type 1; 0.0% (-1.30; -1.37) for type 2; -0.85 (-2.46; 0.40) for type 3. The booster effects for the group primed with IPV-Al versus the group primed with IPV were 25.3 vs 9.2 (type 1), 19.1 vs 6.5 (type 2) and 50.4 vs 12.5 (type 3). IPV-Al had a comparable safety profile to that of IPV. CONCLUSIONS: Non-inferiority of IPV-Al to standard IPV with respect to seroconversion after vaccination at 2, 4 and 6 months was confirmed for all three poliovirus serotypes. A robust booster response was demonstrated following vaccination with IPV-Al, regardless of the primary vaccine received. Both vaccines were well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03025750 and NCT03671616. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Response of transgenic tobacco overexpressing the CchGLP gene to cadmium and aluminium: phenotypic and microRNAs expression changes.

Transgenic tobacco (N. tabacum cv. Xanthi nc) expressing Capsicum chinense CchGLP gene that encodes an Mn-SOD, constitutively produces hydrogen peroxide that increase endogenous ROS levels. Previous studies using these plants against geminivirus infections as well as drought stress confirmed that CchGLP expression conferred resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. Cadmium (Cd) and Aluminium (Al) contamination in soils are a major ecological concern since they are two of the most widespread toxic elements in terrestrial environments. Trying to explore additional possible tolerance to another stresses in these plants, the aim of this work was to analyse the response to cadmium and aluminium salts during germination and early stages of plantlet development and a differential transcriptome of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in expressing CchGLP transgenic lines and an azygote non-CchGLP expressing line. Plants were grown in vitro with addition of CdCl2 and AlCl3 at three different concentrations: 100, 300 and 500 µM and 50, 150 and 300 µM, respectively. The results showed higher tolerance to Cd and Al salts evaluated in two CchGLP-expressing transgenic lines L8 and L26 in comparison with the azygous non-CchGLP expressing line L1. Interestingly, L8 under Al stress presented vigorous roots and development of radicular hairs in comparison with azygous control (L1). Differentially expressed miRNAs in the comparison between L8 and L1 were associated with up and down-regulation of target genes related with structural molecule activity and ribosome constituents, as well as down-regulation in proton-transporting V-type ATPase (Vacuolar ATPase or V-ATPase). Moreover, KEGG analysis of the target genes for the differentially expressed miRNAs, led to identification of genes related with metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. One possible explanation of the tolerance to Cd and Al displayed in the transgenic tobaccos evaluated, might involve the fact that several down-regulated miRNAs, were found associated with target genes expressing V-ATPase. Specifically, miR7904-5p was down regulated and related with the up-regulation of one V-ATPase. The expression levels of these genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR assays, thus suggesting that a cation transport activity driven by the V-ATPases-dependent proton motive force, might significantly contribute as one mechanism for Cd and Al detoxification by vacuolar compartmentation in these transgenic tobacco plants.

Liquid Phase Hydrogenation of Pharmaceutical Interest Nitroarenes over Gold-Supported Alumina Nanowires Catalysts.

In this work, Au nanoparticles, supported in Al2O3 nanowires (ANW) modified with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane were synthetized, for their use as catalysts in the hydrogenation reaction of 4-(2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)-morpholine and 4-(4-nitrophenyl)morpholin-3-one. ANW was obtained by hydrothermal techniques and the metal was incorporated by the reduction of the precursor with NaBH4 posterior to superficial modification. The catalysts were prepared at different metal loadings and were characterized by different techniques. The characterization revealed structured materials in the form of nanowires and a successful superficial modification. All catalysts show that Au is in a reduced state and the shape of the nanoparticles is spherical, with high metal dispersion and size distributions from 3.7 to 4.6 nm. The different systems supported in modified-ANW were active and selective in the hydrogenation reaction of both substrates, finding for all catalytic systems a selectivity of almost 100% to the aromatic amine. Catalytic data showed pseudo first-order kinetics with respect to the substrate for all experimental conditions used in this work. The solvent plays an important role in the activity and selectivity of the catalyst, where the highest efficiency and operational stability was achieved when ethanol was used as the solvent.