Dynamic distribution of potassium in sugarcane.

In this work the distribution of potassium in sugarcane has been studied during its growth. The soil was prepared with natural fertilizers prepared with sugarcane bagasse. For the measurement of potassium concentration in each part of the plant, gamma-ray spectrometry was used to measure gamma-rays emitted from the radioisotope (40)K. The concentrations of potassium in roots, stems and leaves were measured every two to three months beginning about five months after planting the sugarcane. The results show a higher concentration of potassium at the beginning of plant development and over time, there is an oscillatory behavior in this concentration in each part of the plant, reaching a lower concentration in the adult plant. To describe the evolution of potassium distribution in sugarcane we proposed a phenomenological model assuming that the potassium incorporation rate is proportional to the difference between the element concentration in the plant and a very long term equilibrium value and it is coupled to a resource-limited growth model. The proposed model succeeded in interpreting the results for the potassium distribution in stems and leaves during the sugarcane growth.

[Effect of lead, zinc and cadmium on the cytotoxic action of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes on yeast cells]. / Einfluss von Blei, Zink und Cadmium auf die zelltoxische Wirkung humaner polymorphkerniger Leukozyten am Beispiel von Hefezellen.

In earlier studies we observed that the metal ions of lead, zinc and cadmium remarkably inhibited the phagocytic capacity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). The generation of toxic oxygen species, however, was increased by the same heavy metals. In the study presented now we tested the effects of human PMNL on surrounding yeast cells when their microbicidal activities were altered in the presence of the above mentioned metals ions. It was shown that each of the metal salts increased the number of yeast cells killed by the PMNL despite the reduced phagocytic capacity. So we assume an increased cytotoxic effect of PMNL in the presence of the heavy metals.

[A simple method for the demonstration of the bacterial spectrum in the nose and the nasopharynx in the infection-free interval in children with adenoid hypertrophy]. / Eine einfache Methode zum Nachweis des bakteriellen Keimspektrums in Nase und Nasenrachenraum im infektfreien Intervall bei Kindern mit Rachenmandelhyperplasie.

The implications of bacterial colonization and distribution patterns in the nasopharynx and nasal cavities of children with adenoidal hypertrophy without clinical signs of acute infection are to be determined. We examined the spectrum and distribution of the facultative pathogenic bacterial flora in nasal cavities and nasopharynx of children with clinical apparent symptoms or signs of adenoid hypertrophy in an infection free interval. Compared with the nasal cavity we found an accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx. A transnasal single swab from the nasopharynx showed to be the most effectively practical way to detect clinically relevant pathogenic bacteria. A thin flexible calcium-alginate swab was used in our experiments. Swabbing from the anterior nasal cavities proved to be a minor successful diagnostic method.

Alterations of the oxidative metabolism and other microbicidal activities of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by zinc.

Zinc is a physiological constituent of many human enzymes and also involved in an optimal immune response. Zinc deficiency as well as excessive zinc supplementation lead to disturbed functions of immune cells. In this study with isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes the toxic oxygen species generated during the oxidative metabolism were enhanced in presence of zinc ions. However, when the generation of superoxide anion was measured alone it was decreased by zinc. The phagocytic capacity was diminished in presence of zinc ions, too. The release of lysosomal enzymes was not influenced (lysozyme) or weakly inhibited (beta-glucuronidase). Our results may indicate an impairment of the microbicidal capacity due to the diminished phagocytosis, but a promotion of inflammatory reactions due to an increase of toxic oxygen species in the presence of zinc ions.

Effect of mercuric chloride on microbicidal activities of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

We investigated the effects of mercuric chloride on phagocytic capacity, formation of toxic oxygen species and release of lysosomal enzymes of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). Our results show that HgCl2 may alter these microbicidal functions of human PMNL without remarkable damage of cell viability. The phagocytic capacity was markedly depressed in a concentration-dependent manner. The formation of toxic oxygen species was also diminished by mercuric chloride when induced by phagocytosis. It was furthermore reduced when the PMNL were activated without phagocytosis by binding of IgG to Fc-receptors or by binding of phorbol myristate acetate to the membrane. In contrast, the release of the lysosomal enzyme lysozyme was enhanced in the presence of mercuric chloride, but not the release of beta-glucuronidase. These effects may lead to impaired defense against infections and possibly to inflammatory reactions in adjacent tissues induced by released lysosomal enzymes.

Effects of cadmium and lead on oxidative metabolism and phagocytosis by mouse peritoneal macrophages.

We investigated the effects of cadmium and lead on the oxidative metabolism of mouse peritoneal macrophages induced either by phagocytosis of zymosan particles or by membrane perturbation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) without phagocytosis. Oxidative metabolism activity was measured by chemiluminescence in the presence of lucigenin. Furthermore, cell viability was tested by dye exclusion test and phagocytic activity was measured by ingestion of latex particles. Within the first hour of exposure to the metals the effects of cadmium and lead in peritoneal macrophages were the same. The oxidative metabolism induced by PMA was enhanced by both metals, the zymosan-induced oxidative metabolism was reduced, markedly by cadmium and weakly by lead. Cell viability was not affected. After 20 h of exposure the effects of cadmium and lead were different. Cadmium did not alter either the oxidative metabolism induced by zymosan and PMA or phagocytosis of latex-particles. Lead concentration-dependently suppressed the oxidative metabolism induced by zymosan and PMA as well as phagocytosis of latex-particles. However, cadmium reduced cell viability concentration-dependently in contrast to lead that reduced cell viability only slightly.

[Effect of lead and cadmium on the viability and phagocytosis of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes]. / Einfluss von Blei und Cadmium auf die Vitalität und Phagozytosefähigkeit humaner polymorphkerniger Leukozyten.

Studies were performed to test the effects of lead and cadmium on viability and phagocytic activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in vitro. Viability was tested by dye exclusion test and leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the phagocytic activity was assessed by counting of ingested yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in 100 PMNL. It was demonstrated that the viability of human PMNL was only slightly decreased following 20 h incubation with the metals. This finding is in contrast to findings of studies with macrophages of rodents when viability was rather decreased especially by cadmium. However, both metals were found to markedly suppress phagocytic activity of human PMNL already following 30 min of preincubation with the metal salts. Thus, independent of effects on cell viability the defense mechanisms of human PMNL against infectious agents are markedly reduced in presence of lead or cadmium.

[Carboxyhemoglobin levels of selected population segments in variously structured and polluted areas of North Rhine-Westphalia]. / Untersuchungen zum Carboxyhämoglobingehalt ausgewählter Bevölkerungsgruppen in unterschiedlich strukturierten und belasteten Gebieten Nordrhein-Westfalens.

Measurements of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)-content from about 13,000 inhabitants of various sites in western North Rhine-Westphalia are presented. Analyses were part of surveys on the effects of air pollution conducted between 1975 and 1980 in five designated, polluted areas. Determinations were executed in the Medical Institute for Environmental Hygiene, Duesseldorf, on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Administration. Analysis of blood samples for CO-content was performed by gas chromatography. Carboxyhemoglobin levels were calculated by reference to the individual hemoglobin levels. Our surveys have been conducted during several years and included different seasons. Before 1977, fifty years old men were investigated. Until 1978, sixty years old men were studied. In 1979 and 1980, sixty years old women and ten years old children were additionally incorporated into the survey. Statistical analysis of data included variables which influence personal CO-burden such as smoking, and in the case of non-smokers indoor air exposure through passive smoking, use of gas facilities and heating in the flat, as well as occupational exposure. Besides, the influence of age, sex and location was considered. The average COHb-level of the populations under study was expressed as the median of the distribution. The distribution-free Mann-Whitney U-test served for assessment of differences between groups. As a further parameter, the percentage of the measurements greater than 2,5% COHb was chosen, because it was thought to be more relevant to risk populations, i.e. people suffering from Angina pectoris. As expected, tobacco smoking exerted the greatest influence on COHb-level. In non-smokers a trend, indicating a relationship between indoor air pollution and COHb-content could be observed. If high CO gas such as coke gas was used in flats with gas facilities COHb-levels were significantly raised. Surveys performed in 1979 and in 1980 showed a sex-dependent difference between median COHb saturations, women having lower values than men. The difference of these figures between adults and children is statistically significant. Comparisons between adult nonsmokers from various sites prompted a significant difference only in the case of the Oberbergischer Kreis (County), having the lowest median COHb-value. The highest COHb-levels by far were encountered in the city of Duisburg in January 1979, when very unfavourable meterological conditions (Smog alarm, degree 1) were present. The median COHb saturations reached on this occasion were very near to the limits considered to be critical for populations at special risk.

[Does an obturation in colorectal cancer also modify the behavior of the serum CEA level?]. / Beeinflusst eine Obturation beim kolorektalen Karzinom zusätzlich das Verhalten des CEA-Serumspiegels?

The CEA-plasma level was determined in 10 patients with malignant obstruction of the large intestine and in 6 patients with benign obstruction of the small intestine. The plasma carcinoembryonic antigen levels were obtained prior to initiating of the treatment and sequentially after treating the complete obstruction. Elevated plasma carcinoembryonic antigen levels are related to the carcinoembryonic antigen production by the primary tumour and not additionally to the obstruction. An elevated plasma CEA level in patients with benign obstruction could not be detected. After relief of obstruction, significant changes in the mean carcinoembryonic antigen values could not be observed.

[The carcinoembryonic antigen in the population of an industrial area (author's transl)]. / CEA-Wert bei der Bevölkerung in Industriegebieten

The CEA level from human serum of male individuals born in 1924 living in different regions was determined. 527 test persons from the industrial city Duisburg, 132 from the town Siegburg and 389 from a country region in Kreis Gummersbach were investigated. Questionnaires were distributed for informations about maladies, smoking usage and workshop place. The CEA levels were distinctly increased in statistical examination of the industrial district. Smoking raised the CEA levels considerably. More cases of bronchial diseases with elevated CEA values were registrated in the population of the industrial city. The influence of workshop conditions was investigated on persons working in factories and offices. For the country region the CEA levels of these two groups resulted in negligible differences. However, the CEA levels of factory workers in the industrial city were found to be significantly increased in comparison with office workers for both, smokers and nonsmokers.