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Comparative bioaccumulation of chlorinated hydrocarbons from sediment by two infaunal invertebrates.

Bioaccumulation of chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHs) from field-contaminated sediments by two infaunal invertebrates, Rhepoxynius abronius (a non-deposit feeding amphipod) and Armandia brevis (a nonselective, deposit-feeding polychaete), was examined and species responses were compared. Sediments were selected over a large geographical area of the Hudson-Raritan estuary to assess the potential for bioaccumulation from a typical urban estuary. Unlike polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from these sediments, concentrations of CHs in interstitial water (IW) indicated that partition coefficients (Koc) were generally as expected, especially when based on predicted, nonsorbed, interstitial water CH concentrations (IWfree). Correlations between amphipod and polychaete tissue residues revealed that these species were responding similarly to a gradient of CH concentrations in sediment. While tissue residues and BAFloc (lipid/organic carbon normalized bioaccumulation factor) values for the trichlorobiphenyls were similar for both species, accumulation in the polychaete was three to 10 times higher for the more hydrophobic PCBs, which was attributed to differences in the route of exposure. A negative correlation between the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and total organic carbon (TOC) was found for both species, which was expected according to equilibrium partitioning theory. Because it was assumed that the amphipod was not feeding in these tests and the polychaete was ingesting sediment, comparison of their tissue residues and bioaccumulation factors was useful for highlighting the importance of sediment ingestion, especially for short-term, nonequilibrium exposures. These results may also help elucidate the limitations associated with assessing bioaccumulation and the resultant toxic response in standard 10-day toxicity tests with similar invertebrates.

Animals↗

Effects of Salinity and Temperature on the Bioavailability of Dispersed Petroleum Hydrocarbons to the Golden-Brown Algae, Isochrysis galbana

Comparative studies were done to determine the influence of a dispersant on the bioavailability of naphthalene from crude oil to the unicellular golden-brown algae, Isochrysis galbana, under changing temperature and salinity conditions. Conditions were selected to represent a range (two temperatures, 12 and 20 degreesC, and two salinities, 22 and 34 per thousand) encountered in Pacific waters, where extensive crude oil transport and refining occurs. Cells were exposed to laboratory preparations of either the water-accommodated fraction (WAF) of Prudhoe Bay crude oil (PBCO) or a dispersed oil (DO) mixture of PBCO and Corexit 9527(R) spiked with [U-14C]naphthalene. Uptake increased by as much as 50% in DO, 20 degreesC exposures run at 22 per thousand (0.24 µmol naphthalene/g algae in WAF, 0.37 µmol naphthalene/g algae in DO) compared with comparable exposures at 34 per thousand (0.23 µmol naphthalene/g algae in WAF, 0.37 µmol naphthalene/g algae in DO). A 24-h bioaccumulation factor (BAF) calculated in the absence of steady state indicated increasing bioaccumulation with decreasing temperature. No significant variation in relative metabolite composition occurred under the different experimental conditions. Results of these experiments showed that the use of dispersants enhanced the uptake of naphthalene by microalgae under a variety of temperature and salinity conditions, independent of aqueous concentration.

Journal Article↗

Identification of pulmonary surfactant that bears intestinal-type and tissue-nonspecific-type alkaline phosphatase in endotoxin-induced rat bronchoalveolar fluid.

The characteristics of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alkaline phosphatase (AP) isozymes on the various pulmonary surfactant subtypes were investigated. We used continuous sucrose-gradient centrifugation to separate surfactant into subtypes. The density of each surfactant subtype isolated from LPS-instilled rats was greater than that of the subtypes from the control rats; and the proportion of light surfactant was lower, thereby decreasing the ratio of light to heavy surfactant. The results of an inhibition study revealed the main AP isozyme in bronchoalveolar fluid (BAF) to be tissue-nonspecific AP (TNAP), but some of the activity was characteristic of intestinal-type AP (IAP). IAP, in addition to TNAP and surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A), was detected on heavy surfactant, and LPS induced both APs. To examine the expression of IAP in the lungs, we prepared primers to detect the cDNAs of two types of rat IAP mRNA, IAP-I and -II, and amplified their cDNAs. LPS instillation induced IAP-I mRNA, but not IAP-II mRNA or TNAP mRNA. Immunohistochemical localization of IAP and TNAP revealed reaction products for both in type II cells. The present study thus demonstrated that, in rats, type II cells produce both IAP and TNAP and that these surfactants bearing AP isozymes are secreted into the alveolar space following induction by intratracheal instillation of LPS.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Biomonitoring of industrial heavy metal pollution via enzymatic and metabolic responses in desert ants (Cataglyphis savignyi) and beetles (Tentyrum sp) as bioindicators.

The current work seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Cataglyphis saviginyi and Tentyrum sp as indicators of pollution in the city's main industrial regions by analyzing their enzymatic activity and primary metabolites. Soil samples were collected at each site under investigation to analyze soil characteristics and heavy metal content. C. saviginyi and Tentyrum sp were collected across four consecutive seasons (2023-2024) to investigate enzymatic (GPT, GOT, ALP, ACP, LDH) and metabolic (lipid, protein, carbohydrate) biomarkers. The physicochemical properties of the soil differed substantially between the industrial areas and the control site. Soil heavy metal buildup was highest at industrial sites (1 and 4) compared to the control site, with the order being Zn > Cr > Cd > Cu. Heavy metal pollution indices were determined. Increased industrial activity from metal industries, ceramics, and chemical painting companies defines this area, as seen by the high Cdeg, mCd, PI, and PLI values derived for industrial sites 1 and 4. While C. saviginyi and Tentyrum sp deconcentrated and released Cr, Cd, and Zn into the soil via the biological accumulation factor (BAF), Cu acted as a macro-concentrator. Compared with the control site, industrial environments were shown to increase levels of GPT, GOT, LDH, ACP, protein, and carbohydrates in C. saviginyi. However, lipid and ALP activity was suppressed. at industrial sites, Tentyrum sp carbohydrate content was higher than at control sites, but GPT, GOT, ALP, ACP, LDH, protein, and lipid activities were all suppressed. Consequently, enzymatic and metabolic biomarkers proved to be sensitive indicators for assessing industrial heavy metal pollution in desert ecosystems.

Animals↗

Trace metal concentrations in suspended particles, sediments and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) from Jiaozhou Bay of China.

Suspended particulate matter (SPM), sediments and clams were collected at three sites in Jiaozhou Bay to assess the magnitude of trace metal pollution in the area. Metal concentrations in SPM (Cu: 40.11-203; Zn: 118-447; Pb: 50.1-132; Cd: 0.55-4.39; Cr: 147.6-288; Mn: 762-1670 microg/g), sediments (Cu: 17.64-34.26; Zn: 80.79-110; Pb: 24.57-49.59; Cd: 0.099-0.324; Cr: 41.6-88.1; Mn: 343-520 microg/g) and bivalves (Cu: 6.41-19.76; Zn: 35.5-85.5; Pb: 0.31-1.01; Cd: 0.51-0.67; Mn: 27.45-67.6 microg/g) are comparable to those reported for other moderately polluted world environments. SPM showed a less clear pattern. Metal concentrations in sediments displayed a clear geographical trend with values increasing with proximity to major urban centers. The clams (on dry weight) showed a complex pattern due to the variability introduced by age-related factors. Cd showed an apparent reverse industrial trend with higher concentrations in clams collected at distant stations. Zn, Pb and Mn showed no clear geographical pattern, whereas Cu increased in the clams collected in the most industrialized area. In addition, the bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were calculated. The result indicated that the studied Ruditapes philippinarum in Jiaozhou Bay possessed different bioaccumulation capacities for Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn, and Cd, Zn had a relatively high assimilation of those metals from sediment particles. A significant relationship with clam age was observed for Zn (positive) and Cu (negative) suggesting different physiological requirements for both metals with age. Trace metal concentrations measured in the tissue of the investigated clam were in the range considered safe by the WHO for human use.

Age Factors↗

CRISPR-Enabled functional genomics in hPSCs-derived neural models for autism spectrum disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition in which hundreds of individually rare risk variants converge on a small number of shared biological pathways, including synaptic scaffolding, chromatin remodeling, excitation-inhibition balance, and cellular energy metabolism. Translating this genetic heterogeneity into mechanistic insight requires experimental systems capable of interrogating individual gene functions in human-relevant neural contexts at scale. CRISPR-enabled functional genomics in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural models, spanning neural progenitors, cortical and inhibitory neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and brain organoids, provides precisely this capability. By integrating pooled perturbation screens with multimodal readouts including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility profiling, proximity labeling proteomics, multi-electrode array electrophysiology, and metabolic flux analysis, these platforms enable systematic, causal mapping of ASD gene function at system resolution. Early applications have already revealed convergent mechanisms: BAF complex disruption expands the ventral progenitor pool and biases its fate toward oligodendrocyte and interneuron lineages; ADNP loss impairs microglial synaptic pruning through altered endocytic trafficking; and mTOR pathway dysregulation in PTEN- and TSC2-perturbed models links genetic risk directly to metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction. Computational frameworks including MIMOSCA and SCEPTRE enable causal network reconstruction and pseudotime inference from these datasets, moving the field from gene lists toward pathway-level models of ASD pathobiology. Translational applications leverage isogenic iPSC panels and variant-level base and prime editing to stratify ASD variants by functional impact, informing gene therapy design for haploinsufficient targets such as CHD8 and SCN2A via AAV or antisense oligonucleotide delivery. Remaining challenges, including model developmental immaturity, batch variability, and the difficulty of modeling polygenic risk, are addressed by a roadmap integrating spatial perturbomics, AI-driven causal inference, and population-scale standardized biobanks. This review synthesizes the current state of CRISPR-based functional genomics in human stem cell neural models as a coherent experimental framework for converting ASD genetic associations into mechanistic understanding and therapeutic opportunity.

Humans↗

IL-2-induced gene expression of protein-tyrosine phosphatase LC-PTP requires acidic and serine-rich regions within IL-2 receptor beta chain.

A protein-tyrosine phosphatase LC-PTP is preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells and is an early response gene in lymphokine stimulated cells. Here, we found the LC-PTP mRNA induction by IL-2 was markedly inhibited by several tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The induction required both the acidic and serine-rich regions of the IL-2 receptor beta chain (IL-2R beta) in mouse IL-3-dependent pro-B BAF-B03 transfectants. This is strikingly different from the induction of c-myc gene expression, which requires the serine-rich region alone. In addition, overexpression of activated-Lck or -Raf kinases resulted in augmented LC-PTP mRNA expression in myeloid cell line 32D transfectants. Considering the previous findings that the acidic region of the IL-2R beta is responsible for association with Lck and activation of Raf kinase, IL-2-induced expression of LC-PTP mRNA may be primarily transduced through a Lck-Raf mediated signaling pathway.

Animals↗

IL-2 and EGF receptors stimulate the hematopoietic cell cycle via different signaling pathways: demonstration of a novel role for c-myc.

Stimulation via cytokine receptors such as IL-2 and IL-3 receptors, but not by the EGF receptor (EGFR), induces cells of the BAF-B03 hematopoietic cell line to transit the cell cycle. We demonstrate that the IL-2 receptor beta chain (IL-2R beta) is linked to at least two intracellular signaling pathways. One pathway may involve a protein tyrosine kinase of the src family, which leads to the induction of the c-jun and c-fos genes, among others. A second pathway, involving an as yet unknown mechanism, leads to c-myc gene induction. Stimulation of the EGFR, expressed following transfection of an appropriate recombinant construct, can activate the former, but not the latter, pathway in this cell line and cause the cells to enter S phase but not progress further. This deficiency can be rescued by ectopic expression of the c-myc gene, indicating a novel role for this proto-oncogene in the S to G2/M transition of the cell cycle.

Animals↗

Three distinct IL-2 signaling pathways mediated by bcl-2, c-myc, and lck cooperate in hematopoietic cell proliferation.

Two interleukin-2 receptor-dependent signaling pathways have thus far been identified: the c-fos/c-jun induction pathway mediated by src family protein-tyrosine kinases and the c-myc induction pathway. Here, we provide evidence for the existence of a third, rapamycin-sensitive pathway, which results in the induction of another proto-oncogene, bcl-2. In the hematopoietic cell line BAF-B03, the expression of any two of lckF505 (an active form of p56lck), Bcl-2, or c-Myc is sufficient to promote transit of the cell cycle, regardless of the activation state of the third pathway. We also provide evidence that epidermal growth factor receptor signaling may act through the same pathway that involves p56lck. These studies demonstrate a novel approach to dissecting signaling pathways regulating cellular proliferation.

Animals↗

Biological life support for manned missions by ESA.

The anticipated evolution of life support technologies for ESA, considering both the complementary life support system requirements and the missions' characteristics, is presented. Based on these results, promising biological life support technologies for manned space missions have been selected by ESA either for their intrinsic ability and performance in effecting specific tasks for atmosphere-, water-, waste-management versus physico-chemical alternatives and/or for longer-term application to a more ecological concept (CES) focusing ultimately on food production. Actual status and plan for terrestrial and space testing of biological life support presented focusing on the "task specific" decontamination technology of the Biological Air Filter (BAF), and on food reprocessing technologies from biodegradable wastes with the MELISSA microbial ecosystem.

Air Conditioning↗

Biochemical characterization of bovine alpha-fetoprotein and comparison with human alpha-fetoprotein.

This study compares the molecular, charge and lectin microheterogeneity of bovine alpha-fetoprotein (bAFP) with human (h) AFP. Molecular weights of bAFP (81 kDa) and hAFP (69 kDa) were detected by Western immunoblotting. Marked crossreactivity was found between bAFP and hAFP by Western immunoblotting but no crossreactivity was noticed by radioimmunoassays. At least seven charge isoforms of bAFP and three isoforms of hAFP were consistently detected by chromatofocusing in a mixture of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and human cord blood (hCB), while only three isoforms of bAFP and hAFP were detected in a mixture of bovine (bAF) and human amniotic fluid (hAF). Using concanavalin A (Con A) chromatography, 50% of bAFP was Con A reactive and 50% non-reactive, while more than 98% of hAFP was Con A reactive in a mixture of FBS and hCB. However, in AFs, 72% of bAFP was Con A reactive, while 89% of hAFP was Con A reactive. These data indicate that marked differences exist in both the charge and lectin microheterogeneity of bovine and human AFP.

Animals↗

Protein tyrosine kinase Syk is associated with and activated by the IL-2 receptor: possible link with the c-myc induction pathway.

The IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) consists of three subunits, the IL-2R alpha, IL-2R beta, and IL-2R gamma chains. The IL-2-induced proliferative signals emanate from the cytoplasmic domains of IL-2R beta and IL-2R gamma, but the nature and function of the signaling molecules that transmit these signals are not fully understood. Here, we report that Syk protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) is physically associated with IL-2R in peripheral blood lymphocytes. cDNA expression studies further revealed that this association is critical for the IL-2-induced activation of Syk PTK, which occurs primarily via the serine-rich region of the IL-2R beta chain, which is essential for proliferative signal transmission. Furthermore, we provide evidence that in the hematopoietic cell line, BAF-B03, the activation of Syk PTK results in the induction of the c-myc gene, an event critical for the cell proliferation. Thus, Syk PTK may be a critical integral member of the signaling molecules engaged by the IL-2R.

Adult↗

Breach avoidance facilitator--managing the A&E 4-hour target.

This paper aims to explore the concept of the breach avoidance facilitator (BAF) within the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. This is a role that has been introduced utilising Senior Nursing staff on a supernumerary basis to predominantly provide a trouble-shooting role to manage the A&E 4-hour target. The paper will explore the initial practical difficulties that were encountered during the introduction of the role. The associated benefits of the role including monitoring of the 4-hour target, co-ordination of resources, increased communication with a variety of staff members, and the completion of a real time electronic hand-over form will be explored. The paper will also discuss how the role will evolve to provide support and clinical supervision for junior and ancillary staff.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Detection of landmines by using 14 MeV neutron tagged beams.

A large-area scanning system using 14 MeV tagged neutrons has been built. The associated (4)He particles emitted in the D+T reaction are detected in an array of Parallel Plate Avalanche Counters that defines a scanning plane having about 10 x 100 cm(2) area. Coincident gamma-rays are detected by 10 BaF(2) scintillators. The capability of the system to determine the presence and the position of samples and to perform an on-line background subtraction is demonstrated. Test with landmines are also reported. This technique allows a significant improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio searching for hidden threat materials. The use with portable sealed-tube generators is foreseen.

Blast Injuries↗

Chemical composition identification using fast neutrons.

Measurements of characteristic gamma ray spectra resulting from A(n, n'gamma)A reactions induced by 14 eV neutrons on different bulk samples (graphite, water, melamin) were performed. Of particular importance are results of experiments with objects buried in the soil. It has been shown that samples of graphite can be identified when buried under 10 m of soil. NaI(Tl) and BaF(2) scintilators were used as gamma ray detectors. Background radiation was reduced by the associated alpha particle technique.

Journal Article↗

Experimental results on bioaccumulation of metals and organic contaminants from marine sediments.

A test-system for the assessment of bioavailability and bioaccumulation of metals and organic contaminants in marine benthic organisms is described and results from studies where this system has been applied are assessed. Sediments tested were polluted harbour sediment (from Norway), and clean sediments spikes with metal containing weight materials for drilling muds. Contaminants that may bioaccumulate under relevant conditions are indicated. The test-system uses two species of ecological relevance (Nereis diversicolor and Hinia reticulata). Interspecies differences in bioaccumulation were found for several compounds, which show the importance of using species with different modes of living in such tests. Compared to other PAHs, pyrene was found to bioaccumulate to a high degree (BioAccumulation Ratio, BAR=213.5>sediment concentration ratio, SCR=97.4; bioaccumulation factor, organism dw. conc. to sediment dw. conc., BAF=1.02), which shows that extrapolating bioaccumulation results between different substances is difficult. When assessing bioavailability of specific compounds, it is most adequate to perform direct measurements on exposed organisms, such as the experiments described here. The high bioaccumulation of compounds such as pyrene and nickel may in some cases be attributed to manipulation of the sediments and (for pyrene) lack of subsequent aging, thereby overestimating bioavailability.

Animals↗

Composition and functional specificity of SWI2/SNF2 class chromatin remodeling complexes.

By regulating the structure of chromatin, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes (remodelers) perform critical functions in the maintenance, transmission and expression of the eukaryotic genome. Although all known chromatin-remodeling complexes contain an ATPase as a central motor subunit, a number of distinct classes have been recognized. Recent studies have emphasized a more extensive functional diversification among closely related chromatin remodeling complexes than previously anticipated. Here, we discuss recent insights in the functional differences between two evolutionary conserved subclasses of SWI/SNF-related chromatin remodeling factors. One subfamily comprises yeast SWI/SNF, fly BAP and mammalian BAF, whereas the other subfamily includes yeast RSC, fly PBAP and mammalian PBAF. We review the subunit composition, conserved protein modules and biological functions of each of these subclasses of SWI/SNF remodelers. In particular, we will focus on the roles of specific subunits in developmental gene control and human diseases. Recent findings suggest that functional diversification among SWI/SNF complexes allows the eukaryotic cell to fine-tune and integrate the execution of diverse biological programs involving the expression, maintenance and duplication of its genome.

Actins↗

The bortezomib-induced mitochondrial damage is mediated by accumulation of active protein kinase C-delta.

Bortezomib (PS-341) is an inhibitor of the S26 proteasome. Bortezomib induces mitochondrial damage but the exact mechanism remains unclear. We studied PKC-delta, a kinase that is regulated by proteasome degradation and translocates to mitochondria in apoptosis, and examined whether PKC-delta could be a potential mediator of bortezomib-induced mitochondrial damage. Co-incubation of bortezomib with a PKC-delta inhibitor, rottlerin, suppressed bortezomib-induced apoptosis in U937 cells. Western analysis of U937 cells treated with bortezomib revealed accumulation of full-length PKC-delta in the first 4 h. By 16 h an active catalytic fragment of PKC-delta accumulated in mitochondria. The cleavage of PKC-delta after bortezomib treatment was mediated by caspases, because a pan-caspase inhibitor BAF prevented the appearance of the active fragment of PKC-delta. These findings indicate that accumulation of the active PKC-delta fragment in mitochondria is responsible for bortezomib-induced mitochondrial damage.

Acetophenones↗